Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36
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Galaxy A16 5G
Starting at
£127.62£199.99 new
Galaxy A36
Starting at
£168.24£369.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A36?
Galaxy A16 5G vs A36 comes down to the chipset, RAM and refresh rate. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G starts at £127.62, £40.62 less than the Galaxy A36. The Galaxy A36 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Refresh rate
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36.
- The Galaxy A36 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A36 has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 specs
The Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A36 share several features such as a 5000 mAh battery, 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screens with the same resolution, and 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A16 5G suits those who want a phone with expandable storage via microSDXC and a physical SIM option. In contrast, the Galaxy A36 offers more RAM and storage choices, including 256GB, and supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, appealing to users who need extra memory and flexible network options. The Galaxy A36 has a slightly lighter and more compact build, while the Galaxy A16 5G has a marginally higher front camera resolution. Both run on Android but use different chipsets, which may influence everyday performance and app handling depending on your needs.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 price
Colour
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and physical design. Both phones share some key durability features, but there are differences in release year and SIM setup that affect daily use.
Battery Size
Both the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A36 feature a 5000 mAh battery. This means you can expect similar battery life from either device, suitable for a full day of typical use including browsing, calls, and media.
Operating System
Both devices run on Android, offering a familiar interface and access to the same apps. This keeps your user experience consistent regardless of which phone you choose.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy A16 5G supports a single physical SIM card, which works well if you use one network. The Galaxy A36 offers dual physical SIM slots plus eSIM support. This suits users who want to manage two physical numbers or add a digital SIM, offering more flexibility for work and personal lines or travel.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. The Galaxy A36 has higher RAM and a different chipset, plus more storage choices, which influences multitasking and data capacity.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy A16 5G offers either the Exynos 1330 or Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, designed for everyday tasks and balanced power use. The Galaxy A36 uses the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, which may provide smoother performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
RAM Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the Galaxy A16 5G handles everyday apps well. The Galaxy A36 has 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and improves responsiveness when switching between tasks.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A16 5G is stocked with 128GB of storage, suitable for regular app use and media. The Galaxy A36 is available with 128GB or 256GB storage, providing more room for larger app libraries, photos, and videos.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 screen
Screen quality is important for viewing content and daily use. Both phones offer the same screen size, resolution, and type, but small design differences affect handling.
Screen Size and Resolution
Both the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A36 feature a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340. This means both deliver sharp, bright displays suitable for streaming, reading, and browsing.
Screen Type
The Super AMOLED technology in both devices provides vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing your viewing experience whether watching videos or scrolling through photos.
Device Dimensions
The Galaxy A36 is slightly slimmer and shorter at 7.4 mm depth and 162.9 mm height compared to the Galaxy A16 5G's 7 mm depth and 164 mm height. This makes the Galaxy A36 feel a little more compact in hand while maintaining the same screen size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 size and design
Other features such as connectivity, weight, and storage expansion can influence your choice based on how you use your phone daily.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A16 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to increase storage beyond the built-in 128GB. This suits users who want flexibility to add storage for photos, videos, or apps. The Galaxy A36 does not support microSDXC cards.
Network and SIM Options
Both devices support 5G networks and come unlocked. The Galaxy A16 5G uses a single physical SIM card, while the Galaxy A36 supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, offering more options for managing multiple phone numbers.
Weight and Size
The Galaxy A16 5G weighs 200 g and measures 77 mm in width, making it slightly heavier and narrower. The Galaxy A36 is lighter at 195 g and marginally wider at 78.2 mm, which may affect comfort during extended use.
Connector Type
Both use the common USB-C standard for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A16 5G or Galaxy A36: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £127.62, £40.62 less than the Galaxy A36
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Galaxy A36 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2031 vs until Oct 2030)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A16 5G praise its condition and performance, with many noting it looks as clean as a new phone. Users appreciate the 128GB storage for photos and apps and report smooth operation without lag in most cases. Some mention the phone is a bit bigger and heavier than preferred, and a few found battery life no better than previous phones. A few users experienced regional software limitations or slower performance, but overall satisfaction is high for those wanting a reliable phone with expandable storage.
Galaxy A36 customers highlight the phone's smooth performance and good battery life that lasts through a full day. The 128GB and 256GB storage options suit users with larger app and media needs. Many say the phone looks almost new with no scratches and runs without lag. Some note the camera is not as strong as older models, but connectivity and ease of use meet expectations. Customers appreciate dual SIM and eSIM flexibility and find setup straightforward with some assistance.
The Galaxy A16 5G suits buyers seeking a solid device with expandable storage and a single SIM setup. The Galaxy A36 fits users who want more RAM, storage space, and flexible SIM options in a slightly more compact and lighter phone.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A36 FAQs
Galaxy A16 5G vs A36 comes down to the chipset, RAM and refresh rate. Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A36. The Galaxy A36 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £127.62 compared with £168.24 for the Galaxy A36.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A16 5G gets updates until Oct 2030. The Galaxy A36 gets updates until Mar 2031.
The Galaxy A36 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz) and longer software support (until Mar 2031 vs until Oct 2030). Refurbished, it costs £40.62 more (from £168.24 vs £127.62).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy A36 in 128GB and 256GB.
