Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A16 and Galaxy S23 Ultra are from the same brand, with the A16 a cheaper model than the S23 Ultra 5G. The S23 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the A16's 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 128GB on the A16. The S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 385, and the A16 is the lighter phone at 200g against 233g. Get the S23 Ultra 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A16 covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the A16 works out around £277 all-in, about £468 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
3 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A16
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.4 3 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £137.00 | £349.95 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper on contract at £277.16 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 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A16 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A16 is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is more compact. It's 33g lighter at 200 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is actually the more compact phone at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated IP54, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.