Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy A57

Our Verdict: This comparison is less one-sided than the names suggest: the Apple iPhone 16 brings up to 512GB storage, but the Samsung Galaxy A57 counters with the larger 6.7" screen versus 6.1", the sharper 32MP selfie camera, the larger 5000mAh battery, with the usual caveat that capacity is not the whole battery-life story. The Samsung Galaxy A57 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £446, roughly £43 less than the Apple iPhone 16. Software preference matters as well, because this is an iOS versus Android choice as much as a hardware comparison. That makes the Samsung Galaxy A57 the value-led pick, unless up to 512GB storage on the Apple iPhone 16 is worth paying extra for.

The A57 is the cheaper one to own: around £442 over a typical contract, £247 less than the iPhone 16.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
3.6
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
461 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 32 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery
3,561 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
170 grams 179 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£60.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£479.99 £389.00

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy A57 Samsung Galaxy A57
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
3.6
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 461 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 32 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery 3,561 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 170 grams 179 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£60.00 upfront
SIM-free £479.99 £389.00
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

Unlimited

Data

£26.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy A57
Samsung Galaxy A57

24 Months

256GB

Awesome Navy

30GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £60 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A57 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A57 is cheaper on contract at £442.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £60.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A57?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A57 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A57?

The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A57 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A57?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £389.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A57?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A57 comes in 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A57 use?

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A57 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A57?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 9g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A57 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy A57?

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A57 is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy A57 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A57 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.