Samsung Galaxy A15 vs Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Both budget phones share nearly identical pricing around $200, but the Galaxy A16 5G edges ahead with meaningful upgrades. Samsung's newer model includes 5G connectivity and NFC functionality—absent on the A15—plus a superior MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor versus the Helio G99, delivering noticeably better performance for demanding apps. Display quality remains competitive with both offering 6.5-6.7 inch Super AMOLED screens at 90Hz and 800 nits brightness. Camera systems are virtually identical with 50MP mains and matching ultrawide specs. Battery capacity remains constant at 5000mAh with identical 25W charging. The A16 gains flexibility with 256GB storage option and improved UI with One UI 6.1. Build quality is marginally better on the A15 with polycarbonate versus plastic. For future-proofing and connectivity, the Galaxy A16 5G represents the smarter purchase despite slightly thinner bezels and lighter weight.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A15 | Samsung Galaxy A16 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 200 g | 192 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Plastic |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8 | 50 MP, f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Telephoto | 2 MP macro | 2 MP, f/2.4, macro |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy A15
Pros
- Super AMOLED display at an entry-level price
- Capable Helio G99 for everyday gaming and tasks
- Large 5000 mAh battery provides excellent endurance
- Ships with Android 14 and four years of security patches
- Expandable storage via microSD
Cons
- No 5G or NFC
- Only 4 GB RAM can feel cramped multitasking
- 90Hz instead of 120Hz like the A25
- No 4K video recording
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Pros
- Six generations of OS updates — unprecedented for a $199 phone
- 5G connectivity at true budget pricing
- Large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display
- All-day 5000 mAh battery easily lasts through heavy use
- NFC for contactless payments included
Cons
- Only 4 GB RAM feels tight for multitasking
- Camera quality falls off sharply in low light
- 90Hz display is a step below 120Hz competitors
- IP54 is splash-resistant only — not waterproof
Related Comparisons
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy A15 or the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G.