Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the A16 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.3", while the Google Pixel 9a has the sharper one at 421 PPI. The Pixel 9a offers up to 256GB of storage versus 128GB on the A16 5G, and the Pixel 9a is the lighter phone at 186g against 200g. Only pay up for the A16 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the Pixel 9a makes more sense.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
3.5
9 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)
Battery
5,100 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB
OS
Android 15 Android
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/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
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£259.99 -
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
3.5
9 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)
Battery 5,100 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB
OS Android 15 Android
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/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 £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £259.99 -
Deals Deals

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Google Pixel 9a
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 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 5G has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G uses the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

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 5G is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

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 5G is rated IP54.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.