Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24
The Verdict
Samsung's budget Galaxy A16 5G delivers solid value with a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, and capable 50MP main camera, making it excellent for everyday users prioritizing screen real estate. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 commands a premium at $799.99 with superior specifications across nearly every metric: brighter 2600-nit Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz LTPO, more powerful Exynos 2400 processor, advanced optical image stabilization with 3x telephoto, 8K video recording, wireless charging, and IP68 rating versus IP54. Battery capacity favors the A16 at 5000mAh, though the S24's efficiency and smaller size provide comparable endurance. For casual users and budget-conscious buyers, the A16 represents outstanding value at $199. However, those seeking flagship performance, superior cameras, and premium build quality should invest in the Galaxy S24. Recommendation: Choose the A16 for budget practicality; select the S24 if you demand flagship capabilities and can justify the $600 premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G if…
- →Six generations of OS updates — unprecedented for a $199 phone
- →5G connectivity at true budget pricing
- →Large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if…
- →Compact form factor with flagship features
- →Galaxy AI suite including live translate
- →Bright 2600-nit AMOLED display
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy S24
Pros
- Compact form factor with flagship features
- Galaxy AI suite including live translate
- Bright 2600-nit AMOLED display
- Seven years of software updates
- IP68 dust and water resistance
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow 25W charging
- Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7
- Smaller battery than rivals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 167 g |
| Material | Plastic | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm | 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8 | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 2 MP, f/2.4, macro | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Deca-core (1x3.2 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xclipse 940 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Exynos 2400 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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