Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Galaxy A16 5G
Starting at
£127.62£199.99 new
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Galaxy A16 5G vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G starts at £127.62, £241.62 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy A16 5G is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- Screen size: 6.7 inch on the Galaxy A16 5G, 6.8 inch on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra differ in performance, screen quality, camera capabilities, and extras. The Galaxy A16 5G suits everyday users who want a large screen, solid battery life, and expandable storage with a microSD card. It handles daily tasks with its 4 GB RAM and offers a straightforward Android experience. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is designed for users who want top-tier performance with 12 GB RAM and a powerful Snapdragon chipset, a sharper 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with higher resolution and refresh rate, and a very high-resolution 200 MP main camera. It also offers more storage options and multiple SIM support, ideal for power users or those who want advanced features.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra price
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system form the basis of everyday use and reliability. Both phones provide a large 5000 mAh battery, so battery life should be comparable.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra have a 5000 mAh battery. This means you can expect similar potential battery life, suitable for a full day's use of calls, apps, and media on either device.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, which may offer newer features and security updates. The Galaxy A16 5G operates on Android without a specified version, which suits users comfortable with a standard Android experience.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 12 GB RAM, making it fit for multitasking, demanding apps, and future-proofing. The Galaxy A16 5G offers two chipset options with 4 GB RAM, aimed at everyday tasks and moderate app use.
Chipset Options
The Galaxy A16 5G comes with either an Exynos 1330 or Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which are designed for efficient everyday use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is more powerful, better for intensive apps, gaming, and multitasking.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB RAM, the Galaxy A16 5G handles everyday apps and basic multitasking well. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 12 GB RAM supports heavy multitasking and keeps more apps open simultaneously, suitable for power users.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A16 5G is stocked with 128 GB storage, which fits typical app and media needs. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers larger storage options at 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, ideal if you need space for large files, apps, or videos.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra screen
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type affect viewing experience. Both phones have large screens suitable for media and browsing, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a more advanced display with higher resolution and faster refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A16 5G has a 6.7 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, delivering clear images for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8 inch screen with 1440 x 3088 resolution offers even sharper detail, making it ideal for high-definition content and detailed visuals.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy A16 5G's 90 Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and animations for everyday use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 120 Hz refresh rate results in even smoother motion, which can benefit gaming and fast-paced content.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A16 5G features a Super AMOLED screen, which offers good colour and contrast. The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, a more advanced panel type that delivers brighter colours and deeper blacks, enhancing viewing quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra camera
Camera performance is a key difference. The Galaxy A16 5G offers a versatile triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor and additional ultrawide and macro lenses. The Galaxy S23 Ultra focuses on extremely high-resolution photography with a 200 MP main camera, suitable for detailed and professional-style photos.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A16 5G has a 13 MP front camera, which suits clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 12 MP front camera provides similar capabilities, with a slight difference in megapixels.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A16 5G includes a 50 MP wide main camera along with 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro lenses, offering flexibility for different photo types. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 200 MP main camera is designed for capturing very high detail, ideal if photography is a priority.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra size and design
Other practical features include connectivity, size, and additional options. The Galaxy A16 5G supports microSDXC cards for storage expansion and has a single physical SIM. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers multiple SIM options and comes in larger storage variants without microSD support.
SIM and Network
The Galaxy A16 5G uses a single physical SIM and supports 5G networks, suitable for most users. The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIMs plus eSIM, providing more flexibility for users who need multiple numbers or plans.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A16 5G includes a microSDXC slot, allowing you to expand storage beyond the built-in 128 GB. The Galaxy S23 Ultra does not have a microSD slot, so you will rely on its larger internal storage options.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A16 5G measures 164 mm tall, 77 mm wide, and 7 mm deep, weighing 200 g. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is slightly shorter at 163.4 mm, wider at 78.1 mm, and thicker at 8.9 mm, weighing 234 g. The Galaxy A16 5G may feel larger and lighter in hand, while the S23 Ultra offers a more compact but heavier build.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a USB Type-C connector without further detail.
Carrier compatibility
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Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy A16 5G or Galaxy S23 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £127.62, £241.62 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Oct 2030 vs until Feb 2028)
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A16 5G generally appreciate that the phone looks almost new and works smoothly for everyday use. Many highlight the excellent condition of refurbished units and feel satisfied with the phone's quality. Some mention the phone is a bit bigger and heavier than expected. A few users experienced sluggishness or regional software issues, but most find it good for daily tasks and appreciate the affordable upgrade. The 128 GB storage suits users who store photos and apps without needing extra space.
Galaxy S23 Ultra customers consistently praise the phone's pristine condition and high performance. They note that the Snapdragon processor handles everything smoothly and the camera delivers excellent photos, especially thanks to the high megapixel main sensor. The screen quality and battery life meet expectations for a premium device. Some buyers mention minor cosmetic marks or regional software quirks, but overall the device works perfectly and impresses with its advanced features and larger storage options. Many say it feels like a brand new phone.
The Galaxy A16 5G suits those seeking a large screen with solid battery life and expandable storage for everyday use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is best for users wanting top performance, superior screen and camera quality, and multiple SIM options, ideal for power users or photography enthusiasts.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A16 5G vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £127.62 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A16 5G gets updates until Oct 2030. The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028.
The Galaxy A16 5G adds a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels), longer software support (until Oct 2030 vs until Feb 2028) and a lighter build (200 g vs 234 g). Refurbished, it costs £241.62 less (from £127.62 vs £369.24).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.









