Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

Our verdict: It's a split on display: the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has the bigger 6.7" panel, but the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is denser at 399 PPI. Keen photographers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and its 50MP main camera. Up front, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G wins with a 20MP selfie camera. At 190g, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the lighter of the two.

Screen
6.7" 6.6"
Display
Super AMOLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch
385 399
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
Chipset
Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G
Storage
128GB 128GB
OS
Android Android 10
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Standard SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm
Weight
200 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
Not rated Not rated
Contracts
£38.00/mo (£1.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£104.99 £129.99
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
Screen 6.7" 6.6"
Display Super AMOLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch 385 399
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G
Storage 128GB 128GB
OS Android Android 10
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Standard SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm
Weight 200 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance Not rated Not rated
Contracts £38.00/mo
£1.00 upfront
SIM-free £104.99 £129.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has the sharper display at 399 pixels per inch versus 385, and both use Super AMOLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £104.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G use?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G uses the Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the more portable of the two — it's 10g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of Not rated.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G run?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G runs Android 10. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.