Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A52 5G is 36 years newer than the Galaxy A16, and it shows in the specs. The A52 5G has the better camera on paper, 64MP versus 50MP, plus a 32MP selfie camera against 13MP, and there's more battery in the A16, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The A16 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.5", while the A52 5G has the sharper one at 405 PPI, and the A52 5G is the lighter phone at 187g against 200g. Coming from the A16, the A52 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the A16 starts at £104 SIM-free.
Prices updated 12 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A16
|
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.5" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 405 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 64 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 32 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android | Android 11 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | N/A | 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, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 187 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts |
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £103.55 | £114.99 |
| Prices updated 12 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy A52 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G's 6.5", the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has the sharper display at 405 pixels per inch versus 385, and both use Super AMOLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy A52 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G 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 or Samsung Galaxy A52 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £103.55.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G use?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G uses the Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy A52 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 13g lighter at 187 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy A52 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated IP54, while the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G run?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G 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.