Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

Samsung's A-series continues to dominate the budget 5G space, but choosing between the recently released Galaxy A16 5G and the established A15 5G requires a detailed look. While both aim for affordability, key differences in chipset architecture and display capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers a slightly better overall experience. Its superior active use battery endurance (14:31h vs 12:08h) and comparable performance from the Dimensity 6100+ chipset, combined with a potentially lower price point, make it the more practical choice. However, the A16's brighter display and potential for a more powerful chipset variant (Dimensity 6300) offer compelling alternatives.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy A16 5G	Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2024, October 07	2023, December 11
Status	Available. Released 2024, October 25	Available. Released 2023, December 16

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.31 in)	160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	200 g (7.05 oz)	200 g (7.05 oz)

Display
Protection	Mohs level 5	-
Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density)
Size	6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)	Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) or Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Exynos 1330 (5 nm) or Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1	Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8, up to 4 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Single	13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm	13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS	GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass

Battery
Charging	25W wired	25W wired
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue Black, Light Gray, Gold, Light Green	Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Magical Blue, Optimistic Blue
Models	SM-A166B, SM-A166B/DS, SM-A166P, SM-A166P/DS, SM-A166E, SM-A166E/DS, SM-A166W, SM-A166U, SM-A166U1	SM-A156B, SM-A156B/DS, SM-A156P, SM-A156P/DS, SM-A156U, SM-A156U1, SM-A156U1/DS, SM-A156W, SM-A156P/N, SM-A156P/DSN, SM-S156VL, SM-A156M, SM-A156E, SM-A156E/DSN
Price	$ 115.97 / C$ 199.99 / £ 129.99 / € 136.90 / ₹ 17,150	€ 167.00 / $ 79.97 / ₹ 17,490
SAR EU	0.38 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body)	0.80 W/kg (head) 1.46 W/kg (body)

EU LABEL
Battery	43:30h endurance, 1200 cycles	-
Energy	Class B	-
Free fall	Class B (180 falls)	-
Repairability	Class C	-

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
Potential for more powerful Dimensity 6300 chipset variant
Slightly faster CPU clock speeds

Shorter active use battery life
Exynos 1330 variant may be less power efficient
Potential for higher price

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Longer active use battery life
Efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset
Potentially lower price point

Slightly dimmer display
Slower CPU clock speeds
Less potential for high-end chipset variant

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A16 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching 824 nits compared to the A15 5G’s 786 nits. This 38-nit difference translates to improved visibility in direct sunlight, a significant benefit for outdoor users. While both displays likely utilize PLS LCD technology (Samsung’s equivalent to IPS), the A16’s higher peak brightness is the key differentiator. We lack PWM frequency data, but both are likely to be adequate for most users, though those sensitive to flicker should investigate further. Bezels appear similar in size based on available imagery, suggesting a comparable screen-to-body ratio.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to feature similar camera setups, with a primary sensor likely around 50MP. However, detailed sensor size and aperture information are unavailable. The A15 5G and A16 5G both include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited utility due to its low resolution and fixed focus. Image processing will likely be similar, leaning towards Samsung’s typically vibrant and saturated style. Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner; the primary sensor quality will be the deciding factor.

Performance

The chipset is where the A16 5G presents a more complex picture. Samsung offers two variants: the Exynos 1330 (5nm) and the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The A15 5G is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+. The 6nm process node of both the Dimensity 6100+ and the potential Dimensity 6300 in the A16 offers better power efficiency than the 5nm Exynos 1330. However, the Exynos 1330 features Cortex-A78 cores, potentially offering a slight edge in single-core performance compared to the A15’s Cortex-A76 cores. The A15’s CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is slightly slower on paper than the A16’s (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), but real-world performance will depend on software optimization and thermal throttling. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, limiting memory bandwidth.

Battery Life

The Galaxy A15 5G demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 14:31h compared to the A16 5G’s 12:08h. While the A16 5G has a slightly larger battery capacity (implied by the longer endurance rating of 43:30h vs 41:00h for the A15), the more efficient chipset in the A15 5G and potentially more aggressive power management contribute to its superior performance. Both phones support 25W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be comparable, likely around 1.5-2 hours.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G if you prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility and are willing to potentially pay a premium for the possibility of the more efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if you value longer battery life during active use and want a proven performer at a potentially lower price point, making it ideal for users who prioritize all-day usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1330 in the A16 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?

While the Exynos 1330 is a capable chipset, its 5nm process node is less efficient than the 6nm Dimensity 6100+ in the A15 5G. This means the A16 5G may experience more thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, potentially leading to reduced performance. However, Samsung’s software optimization and the phone’s thermal design will play a crucial role in mitigating this.

❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?

Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical value. Their low resolution results in images lacking detail, and the fixed focus makes it difficult to capture sharp close-up shots. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-quality macro photography from either device.

❓ Can the Galaxy A16 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?

The Galaxy A16 5G, depending on the chipset variant, should be able to run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. However, achieving a consistent 60fps experience, let alone higher frame rates, will depend on the specific chipset (Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 6300) and the phone’s thermal management. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights.

❓ How does the display quality of the A16 5G compare to more expensive Samsung phones?

The A16 5G’s PLS LCD display is a significant step down from the AMOLED panels found in Samsung’s flagship and even some mid-range devices. You won’t get the same vibrant colors, deep blacks, or infinite contrast ratio. However, the higher peak brightness of the A16 5G’s display is a notable advantage over the A15 5G, and it’s still a perfectly usable display for everyday tasks.