Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Our Verdict: With Samsung Galaxy S23 versus Samsung Galaxy A16, the stronger argument is portability. The S23 has the useful edge there with a sharper 422 PPI display, its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, and a lighter 167g body. The A16 still has a role if you prefer a larger 6.7-inch screen, its Super AMOLED panel, and a larger 5,000 mAh battery. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. The S23 is the stronger choice for portability, with the A16 better suited to display quality.

The A16 is the cheaper one to own: around £284 over a typical contract, £268 less than the S23 5G.

Expert Rating
3.4
3 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
N/A 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
£9.99/mo (£5.00 upfront) £20.99/mo (£19.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£137.00 £239.99
Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy A16 Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23
Expert Rating 3.4
3 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 N/A 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 £9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
SIM-free £137.00 £239.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A16
Samsung Galaxy A16

24 Months

128GB

Black

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£9.99 a month, £5 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23

24 Months

128GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£20.99 a month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper on contract at £284.36 over the life of the deal from £9.99 per month with £5.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 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 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £137.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 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 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?

The Samsung Galaxy A16 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.