When we talk about budget phones, we oftentimes think they’re compelling when it comes to price-to-specs ratio. Samsung, on the other hand, is going for a different approach with the Galaxy A16 5G. Instead of focusing more on hardware, Samsung chose to focus more on software.
What makes it stand out from other budget phones is Samsung’s software commitment, where it promises 6 years of security updates AND 6 Android updates, matching what more expensive phones like the iPhone has to offer. On paper, this means that the Galaxy A16 5G will be updated until 2030, which is an impressive feat for a budget phone.
What does it have to offer? European models will use an Exynos 1330, while Asian models will use a Dimensity 6300. Regardless of region, it will come with 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage–the latter having storage expansion up to 1.5TB via MicroSD. It’s a slim budget phone at 7.9mm and has an IP54 rating, but the Galaxy A16 5G loses the headphone jack.
Its display is a 90hz Super AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution and a notch for a 13-megapixel snapper. Its triple rear camera consists of a 50-megapixel main, 5-megapixel ultra-wide, and 2-megapixel depth sensor. Keeping the lights on is a 5000mAh battery that supports 18w charging, and ships with Android 14-based OneUI 6.1.1 out of the box.
In France, the Galaxy A16 5G is priced at 249 Euros or around Php 16k when converted. Expect its pricing to be lower once Samsung makes it official to more countries including the Philippines.
