Moto G Power (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy A16: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Choices

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy A16 and Motorola Moto G Power (2024) represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability and essential features. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with Motorola focusing on processing power and Samsung emphasizing battery longevity. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) is the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Galaxy A16’s Helio G99, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the A16 boasts impressive battery endurance, the G Power’s faster charging and wireless charging capabilities offer added convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A16 Motorola Moto G Power (2024)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, October 152024, March 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, November 20Available. Released 2024, March 22
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame
Dimensions164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.31 in)167.2 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 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)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radio (market/region dependent)No
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging25W wired30W wired 15W wireless
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, water green, midnight blueMidnight Blue, Pale Lilac
ModelsSM-A165F, SM-A165F/DS, SM-A165M, SM-A165M/DS, SM-A165F/DSBXT2415-3, XT2415V
Price€ 117.89 / $ 122.00 / £ 97.99$ 75.00 / C$ 209.97 / £ 149.00
SAR EU0.31 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery45:10h endurance, 1200 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy A16

  • Exceptional battery life (45:10h endurance)
  • High peak display brightness (808 nits)
  • Long-term battery health (1200 cycles)

  • Less powerful processor (Helio G99)
  • Slower charging speeds (25W wired only)

Motorola Moto G Power (2024)

  • More powerful processor (Dimensity 7020)
  • Faster wired and wireless charging (30W/15W)
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Battery life likely shorter than A16
  • Battery cycle life not specified

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a display capable of reaching 808 nits of peak brightness, ensuring good visibility even outdoors. While the Moto G Power’s brightness isn’t specified, it’s likely comparable. Both devices likely utilize LCD panels given their price point, and neither is expected to offer high refresh rates. The A16’s brightness advantage will be most noticeable in direct sunlight, making it preferable for outdoor users. However, without knowing the G Power’s panel characteristics, a definitive judgment is difficult.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature multi-camera systems with a primary sensor and supporting lenses (often including a 2MP macro). The image processing algorithms will heavily influence the final image quality. Given Motorola’s recent improvements in computational photography, the G Power likely offers more refined image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Power (2024) utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, featuring a CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This represents a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A16’s Mediatek Helio G99 (also 6nm) with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Dimensity 7020 offer superior single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both use the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the A78s provide a clear advantage for demanding tasks. The G Power will handle more complex applications and games with greater ease.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A16 boasts impressive battery endurance, achieving 45 hours and 10 minutes of total usage and 14 hours and 43 minutes of active use. The Moto G Power’s battery capacity isn’t specified, but its charging capabilities are a key differentiator. The G Power supports 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, offering significantly more flexibility than the A16’s 25W wired charging. While the A16’s battery life is excellent, the G Power’s faster charging speeds minimize downtime, and the addition of wireless charging is a convenient feature for many users. The A16’s reported 1200 charge cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 if you absolutely prioritize maximizing battery life and need a phone that will reliably last through two full days of moderate use. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) if you value a more responsive and capable processor for everyday tasks, streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster wired and wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 in the Moto G Power (2024) handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 7020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G99 in the Galaxy A16, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates, but don't anticipate maxing out all graphics settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) with the 30W charger?
With the included 30W charger, the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. The 15W wireless charging will take considerably longer, likely around 3-4 hours for a full charge.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited utility. Image quality is often soft and lacks detail. They can be fun for experimentation, but don't expect professional-level macro photography. The primary camera on either phone will likely produce more satisfying close-up shots using digital zoom.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A16's battery last a full day with heavy usage (streaming video, social media, gaming)?
While the Galaxy A16 boasts excellent battery endurance, 'heavy usage' will significantly impact its longevity. Expect around 6-8 hours of screen-on time with heavy use, which may not be a full day for some users. However, it will likely still have some charge remaining overnight, unlike many other smartphones.