Samsung continues to supply strong choices within the finances telephone section with its Galaxy A collection.
The Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A25 5G each goal price-conscious customers, however they cater to barely totally different wants.
Whereas the A16 5G is a budget-friendly possibility, the A25 5G provides a bit extra energy and polish at a better value level.
So, which one is the higher purchase? Listed here are the important thing variations that can assist you resolve which mannequin to decide on.
Display screen
One of the crucial vital variations between the Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A25 5G is their shows.
The A16 5G incorporates a 6.7-inch Tremendous AMOLED display screen with a 90Hz refresh price, which offers a easy visible expertise however falls wanting the industry-standard 120Hz.
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The A25 5G, alternatively, boasts a barely smaller 6.5-inch AMOLED show however with a 120Hz refresh price, making it a greater match on 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 outside.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Whereas the A16 5G’s show remains to be fairly good for a finances telephone, the A25 5G provides a significantly better expertise, significantly for many who steadily browse, recreation, 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 tough 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 affordable to assume {that a} newer processor can be higher, this isn’t essentially the case right here.
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The A16 5G’s efficiency is sweet for primary duties however struggles with multitasking and demanding purposes. Stuttering and micro-pauses may be noticeable, particularly when switching between apps, because of the 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. Nonetheless, that is such a small distinction that the outcomes might 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. Should you plan to make use of your telephone for something past primary searching and social media, the A25 5G will present a greater expertise.
Software program Updates
One in all Samsung’s greatest benefits within the finances telephone section is its dedication to long-term software program updates.
The Galaxy A16 5G advantages from a formidable six-year OS replace promise, guaranteeing it receives safety patches and main Android upgrades by 2030.
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The older Galaxy A25 5G (5 is one era under 6 on this comparability), whereas nonetheless providing sturdy assist, falls barely behind with a four-year OS replace dedication.
This nonetheless outperforms many opponents within the finances market, but when longevity and future-proofing are priorities, the A16 5G has a slight edge.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Having prolonged software program assist means your telephone will stay safe and appropriate with newer apps for longer, making the A16 5G the higher selection for these planning to carry onto their system 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 assist 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. Then again, the Galaxy A25 5G reached solely 32% in half-hour, however with a unique and sure slower charger.
Nonetheless, the A25 5G has a barely extra refined design, with a plastic-and-glass construct in comparison with the all-plastic development of the A16 5G.
It additionally advantages from stereo audio system, which offer a greater audio expertise than the A16 5G’s single bottom-firing speaker.
Worth & Availability
The Galaxy A16 5G is on the market for £199/$199 and comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage as commonplace. Whereas some markets supply a higher-tier mannequin with 6GB RAM, the one accessible within the UK and US is the 4GB-only mannequin.
You should purchase 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 telephone is on the market 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 purchase it in all three colors instantly from Samsung, or through 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 assist expandable storage through a microSD card, although Samsung doesn’t bundle one with the telephones.
Moreover, neither system features a charger within the field, so you could have to buy a 25W charger individually when you don’t already personal one.
If shopping for outright, you might also wish to examine the perfect SIM-only offers, as neither telephone is at present accessible on contract in all markets.
Verdict
Should you’re in search of absolutely the least expensive Samsung telephone that also delivers a good expertise, the Galaxy A16 5G is an affordable possibility. Nonetheless, when you can stretch your finances, the Galaxy A25 5G is a significantly better purchase.
It provides 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.
If you would like a extra gratifying and dependable expertise with out breaking the financial institution, the A25 5G is value the additional funding when you’re comfortable with two years shorter software program assist.