Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S23 come from one brand but aim at different price points. The A16 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the A16 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.1", while the S23 5G has the sharper one at 422 PPI. The S23 5G offers up to 256GB of storage versus 128GB on the A16 5G, and the S23 5G is the lighter phone at 167g against 200g. The A16 5G doesn't just win on price; it holds its own on specs too, which makes it the easy pick unless something specific draws you to the S23 5G.
If you'd rather pay up front, the A16 5G is the cheaper buy at £140 SIM-free.
5 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S23
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.5 5 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android | Android 13 |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £139.99 | £239.95 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £139.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 33g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is rated IP54, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.