Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15

Here we compared two budget smartphones: the 6.7-inch Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (with Exynos 1330) that was released on October 7, 2024, against the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, which is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus and came out 10 months before. On this page, you will find tests, full specs, strengths, and weaknesses of each of the devices.

Key Differences

Smartphone	Key Advantages	Description
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G	Water-resistant body (IP54 classification)	Offers protection against dust and light water splashes, making it more durable in everyday use.
	49% faster in single-core GeekBench 6 test (992 vs 664 points)	Provides smoother performance for apps, browsing, and multitasking.
	10 months newer	Comes with updated hardware and software improvements compared to the A15 5G.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G	12% longer battery life (22:46 vs 20:24 hours)	Lasts longer on a single charge, ideal for heavy users.
	3.5 mm headphone jack port	Lets you connect wired headphones directly without needing an adapter.

Tests and Specifications

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Display Type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED	Both phones use vibrant AMOLED technology with deep blacks and rich colors.
Size	6.7 inches	6.5 inches	A16 has a slightly larger display for immersive viewing.
Resolution	1080 × 2340 px	1080 × 2340 px	Both feature Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals.
Aspect Ratio	19.5:9	19.5:9	Identical cinematic aspect ratio.
Pixel Density (PPI)	385 ppi	396 ppi	A15 is a bit sharper due to smaller screen size.
Refresh Rate	90 Hz	90 Hz	Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Adaptive Refresh Rate	No	No	Fixed 90 Hz refresh rate.
Max Brightness (Rated)	800 nits	800 nits	Bright enough for outdoor use on both devices.
HDR Support	No	No	Neither supports HDR content playback.
Screen Protection	Tempered Glass	Tempered Glass	Basic screen protection on both phones.
Screen-to-Body Ratio	86%	84.4%	A16 offers a slightly more modern, bezel-less look.
Display Features	DCI-P3	DCI-P3	Wide color gamut support for vivid visuals.

Display Tests

Test	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
RGB Color Space	99.1%	99%	Nearly identical, both reproduce accurate colors.
PWM (Flicker Rate)	360 Hz	90 Hz	A16 is far easier on the eyes with higher PWM frequency (less flicker).
Response Time	3 ms	1 ms	A15 has a slightly faster response for gaming and motion clarity.
Contrast Ratio	∞ (Infinity)	∞ (Infinity)	Both deliver true blacks thanks to AMOLED panels.
Peak Brightness (Auto Test)	818 nits (+5%)	781 nits	A16 is a bit brighter under automatic brightness adjustment.

Memory & Software

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
RAM Size	4 GB	4 GB	Both offer the same amount of memory for multitasking.
Memory Type	LPDDR4X	LPDDR4X	Uses the same efficient RAM technology.
Memory Clock	2133 MHz	2133 MHz	Identical RAM speed on both phones.
Channels	Dual-channel (2)	Dual-channel (2)	Equal bandwidth for memory operations.
Storage Size	128 GB	64 GB	A16 offers double the base storage.
Storage Type	UFS 2.2	UFS 2.2	Same fast storage standard for quick app loading.
Memory Card Support	MicroSD (up to 1536 GB)	MicroSD (up to 1024 GB)	A16 supports a larger expandable capacity.
Operating System	Android 14 (upgradable to 15)	Android 14 (upgradable to 15)	Both launch with Android 14 and future OS update support.
ROM / Skin	One UI 7.0	One UI 7.0	Samsung’s customized interface is consistent across both models.
OS Size	26 GB	20 GB	A16’s system files occupy more storage than A15’s.

Battery

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Capacity	5000 mAh	5000 mAh	Both feature the same large battery capacity.
Max Charge Power	25 W	25 W	Equal fast-charging capability.
Battery Type	Li-Ion	Li-Ion	Standard lithium-ion batteries.
Replaceable	No	No	Neither phone has a user-replaceable battery.
Wireless Charging	No	No	Wireless charging is not supported on either.
Reverse Charging	No	No	Cannot charge other devices via reverse charging.
Fast Charging Speed	47% in 30 min	51% in 30 min	A15 charges slightly quicker in the first half-hour.
Full Charging Time	1:21 hr	1:23 hr	Almost identical full charging times.

Battery Life Tests

Test	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Web Browsing	08:05 hr	10:02 hr	A15 lasts ~2 hours longer while browsing.
Video Playback	11:26 hr	13:42 hr	A15 gives extended movie watching time.
Gaming	06:26 hr	07:43 hr	A15 offers better endurance for gaming sessions.
Standby	100 hr	97 hr	A16 has slightly longer idle standby.

Performance

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Chipset (SoC)	Samsung Exynos 1330	MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus	Both are mid-range processors, but built by different manufacturers.
Max Clock Speed	2400 MHz	2200 MHz	A16’s CPU runs slightly faster, offering better single-core performance.
CPU Cores	8 (2 + 6)	8 (2 + 6)	Both have the same 8-core setup with 2 performance and 6 efficiency cores.
Architecture	2 × Cortex-A78 (2.4 GHz)6 × Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz)	2 × Cortex-A76 (2.2 GHz)6 × Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz)	A16 uses newer Cortex-A78 cores, while A15 uses Cortex-A76.
L3 Cache	–	2 MB	A15 includes L3 cache for efficiency, A16 lacks it.
Manufacturer	Samsung	TSMC	Different chip foundries power each device.
Lithography Process	5 nm	6 nm	A16’s smaller process improves efficiency and performance.
Neural Processor (NPU)	Yes	Yes	Both support AI-driven tasks like image recognition and optimization.
Graphics (GPU)	Mali-G68 MP2	Mali-G57 MP2	A16’s GPU is newer and more powerful.
GPU Shading Units	64	64	Equal shader cores for graphics rendering.
GPU Clock Speed	949 MHz	962 MHz	A15’s GPU has a slightly higher clock frequency.
FLOPS (Graphics Power)	~121.5 GFLOPS	~123.1 GFLOPS	A15 edges out in raw GPU calculations, though differences are minimal.

Design and Build

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Height	164.4 mm (6.47″)	160.1 mm (6.3″)	A16 is slightly taller, giving it a larger presence in hand.
Width	77.9 mm (3.07″)	76.8 mm (3.02″)	A16 is marginally wider, but difference is minimal.
Thickness	7.9 mm (0.31″)	8.4 mm (0.33″)	A16 is slimmer, making it feel sleeker.
Weight	200 g (7.05 oz)	200 g (7.05 oz)	Both weigh the same, offering balanced handling.
Waterproofing	IP54 certified	No	A16 resists dust and light splashes, A15 lacks protection.
Rear Material	Plastic	Plastic	Both feature durable but basic plastic backs.
Frame Material	Plastic	Plastic	Frames are plastic on both devices.
Colors	White, Gray, Blue, Green	Black, Blue, Yellow	A16 offers subtle tones, A15 has brighter, playful options.
Fingerprint Scanner	Yes, in-button	Yes, in-button	Both include side-mounted fingerprint readers for quick unlock.
Screen-to-Body Ratio	86% (+2%)	84.4%	A16 has thinner bezels, giving a more modern screen look.

Main Camera

Comparison of camera hardware, features, and test results between Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A15 5G.

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Matrix	50 MP	50 MP	Both phones feature the same megapixel count.
Image Resolution	8160 × 6120	8160 × 6120	Identical max resolution for detailed shots.
Zoom	Digital	Digital	No optical zoom available, only digital.
Flash	LED	LED	Both include standard LED flash.
Stabilization	Digital	Digital	Software-based stabilization only.
8K Recording	No	No	Neither supports 8K video.
4K Recording	No	No	Limited to 1080p video capture.
1080p Recording	Up to 30 FPS	Up to 30 FPS	Standard Full HD recording.
Slow Motion	120 FPS (720p)	120 FPS (720p)	Equal slow-motion capabilities.
Lenses	1) 50 MP Standard2) 5 MP Ultrawide3) 2 MP Macro	1) 50 MP Standard2) 5 MP Ultrawide3) 2 MP Macro	Triple-lens setup is the same on both models.
Camera Features	Bokeh mode, Pro mode	Bokeh mode, Pro mode	Both support enhanced photography modes.

Standard Lens Details

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Resolution	50 MP	50 MP	Same main lens resolution.
Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.8	Good for low-light shots.
Focal Length	–	26 mm	A15 provides focal length details.
Sensor	Samsung ISOCELL S5KJN1	Hynix Hi5022Q	Different sensors power the main lens.
Sensor Size	1/2.76″	1/2.8″	A16 has a slightly larger sensor.
Pixel Size	0.64 µm	0.64 µm	Identical pixel size.
Autofocus	Phase Detection AF	Phase Detection AF	Both support fast focusing.
Stabilization	Digital	Digital	No optical stabilization.

Ultra-Wide Lens Details

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Resolution	5 MP	5 MP	Same ultrawide resolution.
Aperture	f/2.2	f/2.2	Equal aperture.
Focal Length	–	17 mm	A15 lists focal length detail.
Sensor	SmartSens SC501	SmartSense SC501CS	Similar ultrawide sensors.
Sensor Size	1/5″	1/5″	Identical sensor sizes.
Pixel Size	1.12 µm	1.12 µm	Equal pixel size.
Stabilization	Digital	Digital	No optical stabilization.

Macro Lens Details

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Resolution	2 MP	2 MP	Both use a basic macro lens.
Aperture	f/2.4	f/2.4	Identical macro aperture.
Sensor	–	GalaxyCore GC02M1	A15 specifies sensor brand.
Stabilization	No	No	No stabilization on macro shots.

Main camera

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Resolution	2 MP	2 MP	Both use a basic macro lens.
Aperture	f/2.4	f/2.4	Identical macro aperture.
Sensor	–	GalaxyCore GC02M1	A15 specifies sensor brand.
Stabilization	No	No	No stabilization on macro shots.

DxOMark Main Camera Tests

Test	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Photo Quality	72	n/a	Only A16 has been tested.
Video Quality	93	n/a	A16 shows strong video performance.
Generic Score	77	n/a	Overall tested score for A16.
Bokeh	55	–	Portrait mode quality on A16.
Preview	52	–	Preview accuracy tested on A16.
Zoom	49	–	Zoom performance measured for A16.

Selfie Camera (Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15)

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Megapixels	13 MP	13 MP	Both have identical resolution for selfies.
Image Resolution	4160 × 3120	4160 × 3120	Produces sharp, high-resolution self-portraits.
Aperture	f/2.0	f/2.0	Equal aperture size, suitable for average low-light selfies.
Focal Length	26 mm	26 mm	Standard wide-angle field of view.
Sensor	GalaxyCore GC13A0	GalaxyCore GC013A	Different sensor versions from GalaxyCore.
Sensor Size	1/3.1″	1/3.06″	Nearly the same sensor size, minimal difference.
Pixel Size	1.12 µm	1.12 µm	Identical pixel size, affecting light capture similarly.
Autofocus	No	No	Both lack autofocus on the selfie lens.
Stabilization	No	No	No optical or digital stabilization for selfies.
Video Recording	1080p @ 30 FPS	1080p @ 30 FPS	Both support Full HD video recording.
Depth Sensor (TOF 3D)	No	No	No 3D depth sensing for advanced portrait effects.

Connectivity (Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15)

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)	Both use Wi-Fi 5 for fast and stable wireless connectivity.
Wi-Fi Features	Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display	Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display	Identical Wi-Fi features for sharing and casting.
Bluetooth Version	5.3	5.3	Latest Bluetooth standard for stable connections.
Bluetooth Features	LE	LE	Both support Low Energy for wearables and accessories.
USB Type	USB Type-C	USB Type-C	Modern reversible connector.
USB Version	2.0	2.0	Same standard USB transfer speed.
USB Features	Charging, USB-Storage mode, OTG	Charging, USB-Storage mode, OTG	Supports file transfer and OTG devices.
DisplayPort	No	–	External display output not supported.
GPS	GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS	Wide satellite support ensures accurate positioning.
NFC*	Depends on region	Depends on region	Availability varies by market.
Infrared Port	No	No	IR blaster not included.

Network (Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15)

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
SIM Slots*	2	2	Dual SIM support on both devices.
SIM Type	Nano	Nano	Uses modern Nano-SIM standard.
Multi SIM Mode	Standby	Standby	Secondary SIM remains on standby while primary is active.
eSIM Support*	No	No	eSIM not supported.
Hybrid Slot	No	No	Dedicated slots, not hybrid.
5G Support	Yes	Yes	Both support 5G for high-speed mobile internet.

Sound (Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15)

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Speakers	Mono	Mono	Both use a single bottom-firing speaker.
Headphone Jack	No	Yes	A15 keeps the classic 3.5 mm jack, while A16 removes it.
FM Radio	No	No	Neither device supports FM radio.
Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes	Both support Dolby Atmos for enhanced sound quality.

Speaker Test (Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15)

Test	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Max Loudness	93.3 dB (+11%)	83.7 dB	A16 is significantly louder, making it better for media and calls on speaker.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs A15 5G More Info

Category	Galaxy A16 5G	Galaxy A15 5G	Description
Category	Budget	Budget	Both are positioned in the affordable budget smartphone segment.
Announced	October 2024	December 2023	A16 was announced nearly a year after the A15.
Release Date	October 2024	December 2023	A16 is the newer release.
Launch Price (MSRP)	$199	$199	Both launched at the same price point.
SAR (Head)	0.38 W/kg	0.8 W/kg	A16 has lower radiation absorption levels.
SAR (Body)	0.94 W/kg	1.46 W/kg	A16 offers better safety with lower body SAR value.
Sensors	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Compass, Fingerprint	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint	A16 includes an extra ambient light sensor for brightness adjustment.
Bundled Charger	Not included	Not included	Neither phone comes with a charger in the box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which phone has better performance, Galaxy A16 5G or Galaxy A15 5G?

The Galaxy A16 5G performs better thanks to its newer Exynos 1330 chipset with Cortex-A78 cores and 5nm process, making it faster and more power-efficient compared to the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ in the A15.

2. Which model has better battery life?

The Galaxy A15 5G lasts longer, offering about 12% better endurance (22:46 hrs vs 20:24 hrs) despite having the same 5000 mAh battery as the A16.

3. Do both phones support 5G connectivity?

Yes. Both the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A15 5G support 5G networks, ensuring faster mobile internet speeds where available.

4. Which phone is more durable?

The Galaxy A16 5G is more durable because it comes with an IP54 water-resistant rating, protecting it against dust and light splashes. The A15 lacks any official waterproofing.

5. Is there a big difference in camera quality between the two phones?

Both have the same triple-camera setup (50 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP) and a 13 MP selfie camera. However, the Galaxy A16 5G has been tested by DxOMark and scored well for video (93 points), while the A15 has no official benchmark scores yet.