Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21

Our verdict: Display is a trade-off — 6.7" on the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G versus 424 PPI on the Samsung Galaxy S21. For photography, the Samsung Galaxy S21 leads with a 64MP main camera. Front-camera quality goes to the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at 13MP. If weight matters, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is easier to pocket at 171g.

Expert Rating
3.5
5 reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.2"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch
385 424
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) Exynos 2100
Storage
128GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android Android 11
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm
Weight
200 grams 171 grams
Water Resistance
IP54 IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts
SIM-free
£134.99 £149.95
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21
Expert Rating 3.5
5 reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.2"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch 385 424
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) Exynos 2100
Storage 128GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android Android 11
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm
Weight 200 grams 171 grams
Water Resistance IP54 IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts
SIM-free £134.99 £149.95
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the sharper display at 424 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 64 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 S21?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £134.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 use?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses the Exynos 2100.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two — it's 29g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is rated IP54, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 run?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.