Samsung continues to supply stable choices within the funds cellphone section with its Galaxy A sequence.
The Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A25 5G each goal price-conscious shoppers, however they cater to barely totally different wants.
Whereas the A16 5G is a budget-friendly possibility, the A25 5G presents a bit extra energy and polish at a better value level.
So, which one is the higher purchase? Listed below are the important thing variations that can assist you determine which mannequin to decide on.
Display
One of the vital important variations between the Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A25 5G is their shows.
The A16 5G encompasses a 6.7-inch Tremendous AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh fee, which offers a easy visible expertise however falls wanting the industry-standard 120Hz.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The A25 5G, however, boasts a barely smaller 6.5-inch AMOLED show however with a 120Hz refresh fee, making it a greater match to your hand, whereas scrolling and animations really feel considerably extra fluid as nicely.
It additionally has a peak brightness of 1000 nits in comparison with the A16 5G’s 800 nits, making it extra readable open air.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Whereas the A16 5G’s show continues to be fairly good for a funds cellphone, the A25 5G presents a significantly better expertise, notably for individuals who continuously browse, sport, or watch movies.
If show high quality is a precedence, the A25 5G is the clear winner.
Efficiency
One other main distinction between the 2 telephones is efficiency, though it’s a difficult one.
The A16 5G is powered by the newer Exynos 1330 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In distinction, the A25 5G makes use of the older Exynos 1280 chipset with 6GB of RAM and the identical 128GB of storage.
Whereas it might be cheap to assume {that a} newer processor might be higher, this isn’t essentially the case right here.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The A16 5G’s efficiency is sweet for primary duties however struggles with multitasking and demanding purposes. Stuttering and micro-pauses could be noticeable, particularly when switching between apps, as a result of low quantity of RAM.
The A25 5G, whereas nonetheless not a efficiency powerhouse, advantages from a smoother expertise resulting from extra RAM. Moreover, whereas the Exynos 1280 is comparatively previous, that is nonetheless an octa-core processor constructed on a 5nm course of.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The artificial efficiency check outcomes of the 2 chipsets are fairly related. In our Geekbench 6 multi-core check, the A16 5G scored 2029 factors, barely forward of the A25 5G, which stayed at 2074 factors. Nevertheless, that is such a small distinction that the outcomes may simply as nicely be swapped.
What distinguishes the telephones most right here is the quantity of RAM, the place the A25 5G is the clear winner. When you plan to make use of your cellphone for something past primary searching and social media, the A25 5G will present a greater expertise.
Software program Updates
One in every of Samsung’s largest benefits within the funds cellphone section is its dedication to long-term software program updates.
The Galaxy A16 5G advantages from a powerful six-year OS replace promise, making certain it receives safety patches and main Android upgrades by way of 2030.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The older Galaxy A25 5G (5 is one technology under 6 on this comparability), whereas nonetheless providing sturdy help, falls barely behind with a four-year OS replace dedication.
This nonetheless outperforms many rivals within the funds market, but when longevity and future-proofing are priorities, the A16 5G has a slight edge.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Having prolonged software program help means your cellphone will stay safe and suitable with newer apps for longer, making the A16 5G the higher selection for these planning to carry onto their machine for a number of years.
Moreover, whereas each fashions run on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, each additionally lack superior Galaxy AI options discovered on the perfect Samsung Galaxy telephones.
Different Variations
The A16 5G and A25 5G share the identical 5000mAh battery capability with help for 25W wired charging however don’t embody a charger within the field.
Utilizing a 65W Samsung charger, the Galaxy A16 5G went from empty to 51% in half-hour. However, the Galaxy A25 5G reached solely 32% in half-hour, however with a unique and certain slower charger.
Nevertheless, the A25 5G has a barely extra refined design, with a plastic-and-glass construct in comparison with the all-plastic building of the A16 5G.
It additionally advantages from stereo audio system, which give a greater audio expertise than the A16 5G’s single bottom-firing speaker.
Worth & Availability
The Galaxy A16 5G is out there for £199/$199 and comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage as normal. Whereas some markets provide a higher-tier mannequin with 6GB RAM, the one out there within the UK and US is the 4GB-only mannequin.
You should buy it instantly from Samsung UK and Samsung US or from established third-party retailers like Amazon UK and Amazon US, in addition to Currys, and Greatest Purchase.
The cellphone is out there within the Blue Black end solely within the US.
The Galaxy A25 5G prices £249/$299 which will get you 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
You should buy it in all three colors instantly from Samsung, or by way of Amazon or Currys within the UK.
These within the US should purchase it from Samsung, Amazon and BestBuy, however with solely the Blue Black colourway as nicely.
Each fashions help expandable storage by way of a microSD card, although Samsung doesn’t bundle one with the telephones.
Moreover, neither machine features a charger within the field, so it’s possible you’ll have to buy a 25W charger individually if you happen to don’t already personal one.
If shopping for outright, you might also need to evaluate the perfect SIM-only offers, as neither cellphone is at the moment out there on contract in all markets.
Verdict
When you’re on the lookout for absolutely the least expensive Samsung cellphone that also delivers a good expertise, the Galaxy A16 5G is an inexpensive possibility. Nevertheless, if you happen to can stretch your funds, the Galaxy A25 5G is a significantly better purchase.
It presents a superior 120Hz show, higher efficiency, and improved audio expertise with stereo audio system which make a noticeable distinction in on a regular basis use.
In order for you a extra pleasurable and dependable expertise with out breaking the financial institution, the A25 5G is price the additional funding if you happen to’re pleased with two years shorter software program help.