Samsung Galaxy A16 4G (SM-A165F) Price, Review And Specifications.

 


Samsung Galaxy A16 4G (SM-A165F) Quick Specs:
Display: 6.70" Full-HD+ (2340×1080) 90Hz Super-AMOLED Infinity-U Display.
Software: Android 14 OS, One UI 6.1.
CPU: MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm).
RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GGB (And up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).
Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 1TB).
Rear Camera: Triple-lens (50MP+5MP+2MP).
Front Camera: Single-lens (13MP).
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock.
Port: USB Type-C.
Network: 4G (LTE).
Speaker: Single.
Battery: 5,000mAh.
Charging Speed: 25W.
Starting Price:
€145, £149, $152. ₦243,000, KSh 17,820, UGX 520,000, GHc 2,550,  R 3,189, EGP 7,199.
 
Although the Galaxy A16 4G (SM-A165F) has the unassuming design of a typical Samsung budget phone, it looks premium and has good build quality. It also boasts a good display and an impressive camera. Additionally, the Galaxy A16 4G is powered by a competent CPU and runs recent software. Moreover, the phone offers several years of OS updates.
However, the Galaxy A16 4G is a no frills budget phone. The device comes with a mono speaker and lacks features like an under-display fingerprint reader and an IR blaster, which are found on most competition. Moreover, unlike most other budget phones at this price point, the A16 4G doesn't have a 3.5mm audio jack.

But as i said, the competition offers most of the highlighted features that are missing on the A16 4G. Yet, they have the same Android version, processing power, and inbuilt storage as the Samsung phone. They also sport more appealing designs, and their base models are equipped with higher RAM. Furthermore, the competition features higher charging speeds and higher screen refresh rates. However, the picture quality of their displays slightly falls short of that on the Samsung. Additionally, despite having similar camera setups as the Galaxy A16 4G, photos taken with those phones are slightly less true to life. They also offer fewer years of OS updates.

Meanwhile, design-wise, the Galaxy A16 4G looks exactly like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy A15 4G (SM-A155). However, the latest model is noticeably bigger and lacks the 3.5mm audio jack found on the earlier version. But that's where the major differences end. In other words, the Galaxy A16 4G retains all the other physical attributes of its predecessor. Also under the hood, the new phone is powered by the same CPU and runs the same Android version. The amount of RAM and storage space also remain the same. However, the new phone comes with an updated custom UI out of the box.

Price And Design Colours:
The Samsung Galaxy A16 4G is available in colour options of Black, Light Grey and Light Green. Currently, the starting price of the phone, for the base version, is around 243,000 Naira.

The Competing Phones:
Though the Redmi Note 14 4G is priced slightly higher than the Galaxy A16 4G and comes with a bit more RAM, it has the same CPU and internal storage as the Samsung phone. The Note 14 4G also features the same Android version. However, the number of years promised for OS updates is half of what Samsung offers. Photos taken with the Redmi phone also appear slightly less true-to-life. Also the Note 14 4G display colour reproduction is not as impressive as that of the Samsung's. However, the Redmi phone's display is brighter. The display also features an under-display fingerprint reader and higher screen refresh rate.
Also because the display has a hole-punch camera and thinner bezels, the front of the Redmi Note 14 4G looks more appealing than that of the A16 4G. The Redmi phone also comes with stereo speakers, 3.5mm audio jack, and a IR Blaster. The phone also packs  a bigger battery and features higher charging speed. Also unlike the Galaxy A16 4G,  the Redmi Note 14 4G comes with a charger in its box.
  
Like the Redmi Note 14 4G, the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ attracts higher price, and it's equipped with higher RAM and twice storage space of the Samsung phone. The Infinix phone also has a recently unveiled CPU. Also compared to the regular flat screens of both of the Samsung and Redmi phones, the Hot 50 Pro+ sports an edge to edge (or curved) display. This gives the Infinix phone a more premium and appealing looks than both of the phones.
Yet, like the Redmi phone, the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ features an under-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, and higher screen refresh rate. The phone also features the same (higher) charging speed as the Redmi phone. However, it has a regular battery like the A16 4G. The new CPU that comes with the phone also packs the same processing power as the one inside the Samsung and Redmi phone. Thus, the performance of the Hot 50 Pro+ is similar to those of the two phones. The Infinix phone also runs the same Android version as the two phones. Unfortunately, there's only one year of OS updates for the Hot 50 Pro+. Which is much shorter, compared to what the Samsung and Redmi offers.

Furthermore, the Infinix phone display also renders a little less impressive colour rendition compared to that of the A16 4G . Still, like the one on the Redmi, the display of the Hot 50 Pro+ is a little more brighter. The camera on the Infinix phone also deliver similar (impressive) photos as that of the Galaxy A16 4G. But like the Samsung phone, the Hot 50 Pro+ doesn't have a 3.5mm audio jack. But charger and other accessories are in its box.
By the way, it should be noted that it's only the Infinix phone that features 3-in-1 SIM tray, both of the Redmi and Samsung phones come with Hybrid SIM trays.
Furthermore, another competing phone is the Tecno Spark 30 Pro. Though the Tecno phone has been around for a while, but it's worth checking out.

Same Design But Premium Looks:
Design-wise, the Samsung Galaxy A16 4G is identical to the Galaxy A15 4G. In other words, the phone preserves the U-notched display, flat sides, and flat rear panel of the earlier phone. It also preserves the earlier phone's triple rear camera rings. And the rings are arranged in a manner (vertical) that's similar to those on the earlier phone.
But as i said, the new phone is noticeably bigger. It has a 6.7-inch display, compared to the 6.5-inch display of the A15 4G. The new phone is a little more appealing too. Especially its front. And it's because the phone's U-shape notch is more rounded and its screen bezels are slimmer. However, the bottom bezel (or chin) is as chunky as the one on the earlier phone. In addition that, the Galaxy A16 4G is also distinguished by its lack of 3.5mm audio jack.
Surprisingly, despite its bigger size, the Galaxy A16 4G retains the 200g weight of the A15 4G. The latest phone is even more flatter. It has a thickness of 6.79mm compared to 8.4mm of the earlier model. The Galaxy A16 4G also has better build quality. Unlike the earlier one, for instance, it's IP54 (Water Splash and Dust Resistance) certified.

Meanwhile, except for the mentioned ones, there's no other difference between the new Galaxy A16 4G and its predecessor. For instance, and save for its lacks of a 3.5mm audio jack, all other connectivity on the new phone are exactly like the ones on the earlier phone. The power button (which doubles as a fingerprint reader) and volume keys are still on the right side (on the Key Island precisely) of the phone. While its 4G Hybrid SIM card tray (and slot) is located on the left side. And you still have a USB Type-C port, a mono speaker, and a microphone on the bottom side.
In addition to the one on the bottom, there is another microphone (or noise-cancelling) on the top side of the phone. And that's the only thing on the top side of the A16 4G. By the way, it should be noted that the mono speaker of the Galaxy A16 4G delivers impressively clear and high quality sound.

A Big Nice Looking Display:
Same as the 6.5-inch display of the Galaxy A15 4G, the bigger 6.7-inch display of the Galaxy A16 4G has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a Super AMOLED panel. The display also features the same 1080p resolution of 1080-by-2340 pixels. However, due to its bigger size, the display pixel density is 385ppi; which is a little lower than 396ppi of the earlier one. Still the difference in their pixel densities is not visible to 20:20 vision eyes. Because the new display is sharp and as clear as the earlier one. It also preserves the impressive colour reproduction of the earlier one. Colours are vibrant, rich, and balanced. The display also has high contrast.

However, the peak brightness is still around 800nit (a little over though). And that's even in Auto mode. With manual slider, it's a little less than 500nit. Yet, the display performs well under most lighting conditions. And it's also clear enough to see under direct sunlight.
Furthermore, the Galaxy A16 4G display also retain the 90Hz or high screen refresh rate (for smoother scrolling, swiping, and gaming) of its predecessor. It also lacks Screen Recording, Under-display fingerprint reader and AOD (Always On Display) feature.

But the AMOLED display of the Redmi Note 14 4G and the one on the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ feature under-display fingerprint readers, Screen recordings, AODs. Also as i said, they also feature higher or 120Hz screen refresh rates. Furthermore, those displays brightness are higher too.
However, when it comes to colour reproduction (accuracy and richness), the Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy A16 4G did a better job. The Samsung display also delivers higher level of contrast. Which makes the screen to also appear vibrant under direct sunlight, like the ones on the two competing phones, despite its perceived lower brightness level.
By the way, i noticed that among the three phones' displays, the one on the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ seems to be a little more sharper, despite that it's also a 1080p panel.

Meanwhile, like the one on the earlier Galaxy A15 4G, the Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy A16 4G lacks support for and is unable to display HDR contents. Notwithstanding, the display fully supports Widevine L1 DRM certification. Meaning, you can watch videos in "1080p or High Definitions" (and in improved colour reproduction) on streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Impressive Camera:
Just like the one on its predecessor, the triple rear camera on the Galaxy A16 4G is made up of a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP Ultra wide sensor, and a 2MP Macro sensor. There's also a 13MP on the front camera of the phone.

By default, the main camera captures photos in 12MP Mode. Though, photos look quite okay and detail in that mode, but If you want noticeably detailed and better looking shots, you need to switch to 50MP mode.

That said, photos taken with the Galaxy A16 4G's main sensor retain the impressive picture quality of the ones taken with its predecessor. Photos are clear, vivid, and impressively detailed. Colour rendition is also good. Colours are vibrant, clean and true to life. Even, the issue of warm (or brownish) tinge, which affected some of the outdoors shots taken by the earlier phone, has been cleared on the A16 4G.

Portrait shots from the latest phone also maintain good subject separation and background blurring effect of the earlier model. Dynamic range also look impressive. Low-light shots from the Galaxy A16 4G are clear and vivid too. Even, the latest phone's dedicated Night Mode delivers slightly clearer and better looking shots than the one on the earlier phone.
Photo taken with the Ultra-wide sensor also maintain good colour rendition of the ones from the main sensor. However, as expected, the shots are not that detailed. The Macro shots are also not that detailed. Still the micro shots are noticeably clear and have good colour rendition.

Turning to its front. Selfies taken with the Galaxy A16 4G front camera look quite okay. Selfies are clear, detailed and have good colour rendition. Skin tone also looks good. HDR and portrait selfies look impressive too.
Meanwhile, the competing phones were able to capture similarly clear and detail selfies. But they lack the life-like colour rendition and more accurate skin tone that accompanied the ones from the Samsung phone. Another phone that delivers similar remarkable photos (both rear photos and selfies) is the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+. On the other hand, despite its higher megapixel front camera, selfies from the Redmi phone lack the colour accuracy of the ones taken by the Samsung and Infinix phones.

By the way, like its predecessor, the Redmi Note 14 can shoot videos, with both of its front and rear camera, up to 1080p. However, while the earlier phone's 1080p video recording is peaked at 30fps (frame per second), the one on the latest phone peaked at 60fps. By the way, among the competing phones, it's only the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ that can shoot video up to 2k.

Same Hardware Configuration:
Although the Samsung Galaxy A16 4G comes out-of-the box with Android 14 OS like its predecessor, it's running the Android version with the latest One UI 6.1 (vs 6.0 of the earlier model) on top. The updated custom UI brings about a more smoother performance and noticeably improved battery life.
Also despite having the same Android version as the earlier phone, the Galaxy A16 4G offers longer years of OS updates. While the earlier phone came with an assurance of up to 3 years of OS updates, the Galaxy A16 4G comes with assurance of up to 6 years. Which really sounds great, i just hope the phone's CPU will still be competent at the end of that period.
And talking about its CPU, the Galaxy A16 4G has the same Helio G99 CPU as its predecessor. The Helio G99 is a mid-range 6nm gaming processor from MediaTek. With clock speeds of up to 2.2GHz. Also like its predecessor, the base version of the Galaxy A16 4G comes with 4GB of RAM. The standard version also features 6GB of RAM and the highest RAM available is still 8GB. The phone also preserves the 128GB or 256GB of inbuilt storage options of the earlier one. The inbuilt storage is also expandable, via MicroSD card, up to 1TB (One Terabyte).

Basically, as a result of the same software and hardware components, the Galaxy A16 4G performance is similar to that of the Galaxy A15 4G. Nonetheless, as i said, the updated custom UI brings about a slightly smoother movement on the latest phone.
Generally, the A16 preserves the good performance of its predecessor. The phone is swift and moves in-between opened apps quickly. The phone also handles moderately demanding tasks such high definition video streaming without slowing down. Also despite it's not a gaming device, the Galaxy A16 4G played many demanding games at high graphics settings and high frame rate without lagging or stuttering. Though, for some of the games, the frame rates and graphics settings had to be dropped, to ensure consistent smoothness. Yet, the phone's temperature didn't spike unnecessarily during gaming.

However, to ensure such a consistent smooth performance, you need to go for at least the 6GB of RAM version of the phone. Also considering the fact there's an assurance of long years of OS updates for this phone, the higher RAM version is recommended. To get it prepared for future software.
Meanwhile, as a result of its more optimized custom UI, the Galaxy A16 4G is slightly more responsive than the competition. Still, as result of the same Android version and hardware components, the phone's performance is similar to those of the competition. But none of the competing phones offers half of the years of OS updates promised by Samsung.

Same Battery Capacity And Charging Speed, But Improved Battery Life:
The Samsung Galaxy A16 4G retains the 5,000mAh battery and 25W Quick charging of the earlier Galaxy A15 4G. The phone also comes with a Type-C to Type-C cable. In other words, there's no charger inside the box of the A16 4G. Also with a separate but propriety (Samsung's) 25W charger, it'll take you the same type of about 1:29 minutes to fully charge the phone's battery from zero percent.
Still, as i mentioned earlier, the improved custom UI noticeably extends the battery life of the new phone more than that of the earlier model. The A16 4G also has a little longer battery life than the competition with the same battery capacity. It's only the Redmi Note 14 4G that offers slightly better battery life than the A16. Even that's because the Redmi phone packs a more bigger 5,500mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy A16 4G (SM-A165F) Full Specs:
GENERAL
Maker: Samsung Mobile.
Name: Galaxy A16 4G (SM-A165F).
Year Released: October, 2024.
Dimensions: 164.4x77.9x7.9mm
Weight: 200g (7.02 oz).
Build Resistance: IP54 (Water Splash & Dust resistance) Certified.
Colour: Black, Light Green, & Light Grey.

DISPLAY
Screen Type: Super-AMOLED Touch-screen.
Size and Resolution: 6.70-inch, Full-HD+, 2340-by-1080 pixels, 90Hz (high) Refresh Rate.
Aspect ratio & Pixel Densities: 19.5:9, 385PPI.
Protection: Tampered Glass.

PORTS:
3.5mm Audio Jack: No.
USB Type-C Port: Yes.
MicroUSB port: No.
Lightning Connector: No.
Google Assistant Button: No.

PERFORMANCE
Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99 6nm Octa-Core Processor, 2.2GHz.
GPU: Mali-G57 MC2.
RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GB (With up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).
Operating System: Android 14, One UI 6.1.

STORAGE
Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB.
Micro-SD card slot: Yes, up to 1TB (One Terabyte).

SIM AND NETWORK
SIM: Nano, Dual SIM slots.
Network:  GSM, HSPA+, & LTE.

CAMERA
Rear camera: Triple-lens; 50MP (Wide)+ 5MP (Ultra-Wide)+ 2MP (Macro), Dual-Flash.
Front camera: Single-lens, 13MP.

VIDEO RECORDING:
Rear Cameras: 720p, 1080p @ 30 fps.
Front Camera: 720p, 1080p @ 30 fps.

CONNECTIVITY:
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, HotSpots, USB-OTG, NFC.

BIOMETRIC, SENSORS & LOCATION: 
Security: Face Unlock, Side-mounted Fingerprint Reader.
Sensors: Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, G-sensor, Accelerometer And
Barometer sensor
Others: GPS, Location (Geo, Glonass).

BATTERY
Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh.
Reverse (Wired) Charging: N/a
Qi Wireless-Charging: N/a.
Fast Charging: 25W (Wired).


 
 

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