The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R are two strong contenders. The A16 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and a proven Mediatek chipset, while the Redmi Note 13R brings Qualcomm’s latest entry-level silicon to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R emerges as the better value. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a performance edge and potentially better thermal management compared to the Galaxy A16’s Helio G99. While the A16 boasts slightly better battery endurance testing, the 33W charging of the Redmi Note 13R is a significant convenience factor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 15 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 20 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, water green, midnight blue | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | SM-A165F, SM-A165F/DS, SM-A165M, SM-A165M/DS, SM-A165F/DSB | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | € 117.89 / $ 122.00 / £ 97.99 | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:10h endurance, 1200 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Samsung Galaxy A16
- Longer measured battery endurance
- Samsung brand recognition and software
- Respectable peak display brightness
- Less efficient 6nm chipset
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially lower CPU performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon chipset
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Battery endurance data unavailable
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Camera performance unknown
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a display capable of reaching 808 nits of peak brightness, a respectable figure for outdoor visibility. However, the Redmi Note 13R’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. Given Xiaomi’s typical approach in this segment, it’s likely to be comparable, but without measured data, we can’t confirm. Both devices likely employ LCD panels, as OLED technology is rare at this price point. The absence of refresh rate data for both phones suggests a standard 60Hz experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a comprehensive comparison is challenging. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The quality will largely depend on the sensor size and image processing algorithms. Given the price bracket, expect competent performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) offers a significant architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A16’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm). The 4nm process inherently provides better power efficiency and thermal characteristics, potentially leading to sustained performance during demanding tasks. While the A16’s CPU features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, the Redmi Note 13R counters with Cortex-A78 cores at 2.3 GHz, offering a performance uplift. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Redmi Note 13R.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A16 demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving 45 hours and 10 minutes in our tests, with 14 hours and 43 minutes of active use. The Redmi Note 13R’s battery capacity is not specified, but its more efficient 4nm chipset could partially offset any capacity difference. Crucially, the Redmi Note 13R supports 33W wired charging, significantly faster than the A16’s 25W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups and less downtime, a practical advantage for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 if you prioritize Samsung’s software ecosystem and a slightly longer measured battery endurance score. It’s a solid choice for users who primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks and value brand familiarity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you prioritize performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset architecture. This phone is ideal for users who enjoy occasional gaming or demand quicker app loading times.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Galaxy A16 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R, due to its more efficient architecture, is likely to provide a more consistent gaming experience at similar settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi Note 13R with the 33W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, 33W charging typically takes around 60-90 minutes for a full charge, depending on the battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the Galaxy A16’s 25W charging, which will likely take over 2 hours.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R generate a lot of heat during prolonged use?
The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive tasks, it should be better managed compared to the 6nm Helio G99, reducing the likelihood of significant throttling.
