Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A16 and the Galaxy A52s 5G are 36 years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The A52s 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the A16's 50MP, plus a 32MP selfie camera against 13MP, and there's more battery in the A16, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The A16 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.5", while the A52s 5G has the sharper one at 405 PPI, and the A52s 5G goes up to 256GB of storage, where the A16 tops out at 128GB. If you're on the A16, the A52s 5G is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the A52s 5G starts at £100 SIM-free.
3 reviews 4.2
8 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A16
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Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.4 3 reviews |
4.2 8 reviews |
| 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 Snapdragon 778G |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android | Android |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 189 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts |
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £137.00 | £99.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G's 6.5", the Samsung Galaxy A52s 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 A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 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 A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £99.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G use?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 11g lighter at 189 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 A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated IP54, while the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G run?
Both phones run Android.