Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy A16

Our verdict: When it comes to contract value, the Samsung Galaxy A16 wins — it's £63.84 less than the Google Pixel 9a overall. It depends what you value in a screen — the Samsung Galaxy A16 offers 6.7" but the Google Pixel 9a counters with 421 PPI. Snap-happy users may prefer the Samsung Galaxy A16 and its 50MP rear camera. At just 186g, the Google Pixel 9a is the more pocket-friendly option.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
3.6
1 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB
OS
Android 15 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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight
186 grams 200 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP54
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£75.00 upfront) £9.99/mo (£5.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£314.99 £97.00
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy A16
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
3.6
1 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB
OS Android 15 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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight 186 grams 200 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP54
Contracts £11.95/mo
£75.00 upfront
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront
SIM-free £314.99 £97.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper on contract at £267.96 over the life of the deal from £9.99 per month with £5.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy A16 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9a has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy A16 has a Super AMOLED.

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

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £97.00.

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

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

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

The Google Pixel 9a 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16?

The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two — it's 14g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

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

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated IP54.

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

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 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.