Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Verdict
Both phones are priced identically at $199, but they excel in different areas. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G includes 5G connectivity and runs the latest Android 14 with One UI 6.1, plus a brighter 800-nit AMOLED display. However, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 counters with a superior 120Hz refresh rate compared to 90Hz, significantly brighter 1800-nit AMOLED panel, faster 33W charging versus 25W, and higher base RAM at 6GB. Camera specs favor Xiaomi with a 108MP main sensor and PDAF, though Samsung's f/1.8 aperture provides better low-light performance. Performance-wise, Snapdragon 685 slightly edges MediaTek's Dimensity 6300. For budget shoppers prioritizing display quality and charging speed, the Redmi Note 13 delivers more value, while the Galaxy A16 5G appeals to those wanting future-proof 5G connectivity and latest software.
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 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 if…
- →AMOLED display with 1800-nit peak brightness is exceptional for the price
- →120Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrolling
- →108 MP main sensor captures detailed photos
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
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
Pros
- AMOLED display with 1800-nit peak brightness is exceptional for the price
- 120Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrolling
- 108 MP main sensor captures detailed photos
- 5000 mAh battery with 33W charging provides great longevity
- Slim and lightweight design at 188.5 g
Cons
- No 5G connectivity limits future-proofing
- Snapdragon 685 is weak for gaming or heavy multitasking
- Macro and ultrawide cameras are low quality
- Video recording capped at 1080p@30fps
- No wireless charging
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) | Android 13 (MIUI 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 188.5 g |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic frame, glass front, glass back |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm | 162.2 x 75.6 x 7.97 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8 | 108 MP, f/1.75, PDAF |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Telephoto | 2 MP, f/2.4, macro | — |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | — | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 1800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz + 4x1.9 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
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.
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Xiaomi products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

