Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A16 works out £740.51 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra wins on display with a bigger 6.9" screen and a sharper 498 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A16 starts at £115.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.
Samsung Galaxy A16
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 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, 1TB |
| OS | Android | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | Not rated | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£9.99/mo
£5.00 upfront |
£22.00/mo
£649.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £115.00 | £1016.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A16's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A16 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is the more portable of the two — it's 14g lighter at 200 grams, both are similar in overall footprint.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is rated Not rated, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
Both phones run Android.