Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy A16

Our Verdict: Price gives this comparison a practical starting point: Samsung Galaxy A16 starts lower SIM-free at £107, roughly £202 below Google Pixel 9; Samsung Galaxy A16 also has the lower contract total in the current deals. Google Pixel 9 is also easier to find across current contract listings. Choose Google Pixel 9 if you care most about a sharper 421 PPI display and the stronger water-resistance rating; choose Samsung Galaxy A16 if the lower cost is the priority.

The A16 is the cheaper one to own: around £277 over a typical contract, £413 less than the Pixel 9.

Expert Rating
4.2
13 reviews
3.4
3 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 385
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10.5 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)
Battery
4,700 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB
OS
Android 14 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G N/A
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight
198 grams 200 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP54
Contracts
£54.42/mo (£30.00 upfront) £9.99/mo (£5.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£314.00 £137.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy A16
Expert Rating 4.2
13 reviews
3.4
3 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 385
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10.5 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)
Battery 4,700 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB
OS Android 14 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G N/A
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight 198 grams 200 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP54
Contracts £54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront
SIM-free £314.00 £137.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9

12 Months

128GB

Peony

5GB

Data

£54.42 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy A16
Samsung Galaxy A16

24 Months

128GB

Black

25GB

Data

£9.99 per month, £5 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A16 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper on contract at £277.16 over the life of the deal from £9.99 per month with £5.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A16 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Google Pixel 9 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 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 Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £137.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Google Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy A16 use?

The Google Pixel 9 is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A16 uses the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Google Pixel 9 is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (198 grams vs 200 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated IP54.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy A16 run?

The Google Pixel 9 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy A16 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.