Samsung Galaxy F16 vs M16: A Deep Dive into Samsung's Budget Lineup
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy M16 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer the same Mediatek Dimensity 6300 performance and 25W charging, the M16 typically benefits from Samsung's slightly more refined software experience and potentially better long-term software support within the M series.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy F16 | Samsung Galaxy M16 |
| 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, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 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 | 2025, March 11 | 2025, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 13 | Available. Released 2025, March 05 |
| 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) | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% 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-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 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), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Bling Black, Vibing Blue, Glam Green | Thunder Black, MInt Green, Blush Pink |
| Models | SM-E166P, SM-E166P/DS | SM-M166P, SM-M166P/DS |
| Price | ₹ 13,300 | ₹ 12,499 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) | 1.08 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F16
- Potentially lower price point
- Same Dimensity 6300 performance as M16
- 25W fast charging
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- May have less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy M16
- Potentially better software support (M series)
- Slightly more refined software experience
- 25W fast charging
- May be slightly more expensive than F16
- Same Dimensity 6300 performance as F16
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy F16 and M16 are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their positioning. While exact specifications like resolution and peak brightness are currently unavailable, the 6nm Dimensity 6300 suggests a focus on efficiency rather than driving a high-end display. Expect a standard 60Hz refresh rate on both models. The real difference will likely lie in color calibration and viewing angles, areas where Samsung often differentiates its models, even at the budget level. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to assess which will perform better in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a key differentiator, but details are scarce. Both phones will likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality of the sensors and image processing algorithms will determine the final results. Given the price point, expect a primary sensor in the 50MP range, potentially with phase detection autofocus. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. Samsung's image processing software will play a significant role in enhancing image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Without knowing sensor sizes and apertures, it's difficult to predict which phone will capture better photos.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). This octa-core processor, with its 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, delivers comparable performance in CPU-intensive tasks like app loading and multitasking. The 6nm process node is crucial, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency, reducing the likelihood of significant throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM configurations are likely to be similar, impacting multitasking capabilities. The absence of a higher-end chipset like the Dimensity 7000 series means neither phone is geared towards demanding mobile gaming, but casual titles will run smoothly.
Battery Life
Both the Galaxy F16 and M16 support 25W wired charging, allowing for a relatively quick recharge. While battery capacity remains unspecified, Samsung typically equips its budget phones with 5000mAh batteries. The 6nm Dimensity 6300's efficiency should contribute to all-day battery life for moderate users. The 25W charging speed should deliver a full charge in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, screen brightness, and network conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F16 if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price for a phone with the Dimensity 6300 chipset and are comfortable with potentially less frequent software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M16 if you prefer a slightly more polished user experience, potentially longer software support, and are willing to pay a small premium for it. Both are excellent choices for users seeking a reliable, everyday smartphone.