Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A16 works out £656.51 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A16 starts at £115.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ gives you more flexibility with 2 storage options to choose from.
Samsung Galaxy A16
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 513 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | N/A | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | Not rated | IP 68 |
| Contracts |
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront |
£26.00/mo
£449.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £115.00 | £854.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper on contract at £264.93 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 S26+?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A16 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £115.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two — it's 10g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated Not rated, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.