Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Galaxy A16 5G
Starting at
£127.62£199.99 new
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy A16 5G vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G starts at £127.62, £767.17 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S26 Ultra offer different experiences suited to distinct needs. The Galaxy A16 5G is a practical choice for everyday use with a solid 6.7 inch screen, 4 GB RAM, and expandable storage via microSDXC. It is lighter and slightly taller, making it comfortable for daily tasks. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed for users wanting a larger 6.9 inch screen with higher resolution and a faster 120 Hz refresh rate, along with 12 GB RAM and higher storage options up to 1TB. Its camera setup offers more versatility with four lenses. The S26 Ultra also supports eSIM and has a more compact depth despite being heavier. Choose the Galaxy A16 5G for straightforward use and expandable storage, and the S26 Ultra for more power and advanced features.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra price
Colour
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers the build and operating system, which are similar between these two devices. Both run Android. The Galaxy A16 5G was released in 2024 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 2026.
Operating System
Both the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S26 Ultra operate on Android, offering a familiar and flexible environment. This means you can expect a wide selection of apps and customisation options on either device.
Release Year
The Galaxy A16 5G was released in 2024, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra came out in 2026. This simply informs when the devices were launched.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra screen
Screen quality matters for viewing comfort and clarity. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger, sharper display with a higher refresh rate, while the Galaxy A16 5G provides a sizeable screen with a solid resolution suited for everyday viewing.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A16 5G has a 6.7 inch screen, which is ample for general smartphone use like browsing and watching video. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slightly larger 6.9 inch screen, providing a bit more room for media and multitasking.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 by 3120, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers sharper images and finer detail compared to the Galaxy A16 5G's 1080 by 2340 resolution. This benefit is noticeable when viewing high-resolution photos, videos, or reading small text.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. The Galaxy A16 5G has a 90 Hz refresh rate, still providing a responsive display but with less fluid motion than the S26 Ultra.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra camera
Camera setups and front-facing cameras influence photo quality and video calls. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a more complex camera array, while the Galaxy A16 5G provides a capable triple camera and a slightly higher resolution front camera.
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy A16 5G comes with a triple camera setup, which covers basic photography needs well. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a quadruple camera system, offering more versatility for different shooting scenarios such as wide-angle or telephoto shots.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A16 5G has a 13 megapixel front camera, which is slightly higher resolution than the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 12 megapixels. This can result in more detailed selfies and clearer video calls on the A16 5G.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra size and design
Several other details affect everyday use and convenience. Differences include storage, SIM options, physical size, weight, and connectivity features.
Storage
The Galaxy A16 5G is stocked with 128GB storage and supports microSDXC cards for expanding storage. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers larger built-in options from 256GB up to 1TB but does not have a microSD slot, so storage expansion is not possible.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy A16 5G uses a physical SIM card only. The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving you the option to use dual SIMs or add a SIM profile digitally.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A16 5G measures 164 mm in height, 77 mm in width, and 7 mm in depth, weighing 200 g. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is slightly shorter at 163.6 mm but wider at 78.1 mm and deeper at 7.9 mm, weighing 214 g. These differences may affect how each device feels in your hand or pocket.
Connectors
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also uses a USB-C connector.
Mobile Network Compatibility
Both phones support 5G networks and are unlocked, meaning you can use them with any UK carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A16 5G or Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £127.62, £767.17 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (200 g vs 214 g)
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A16 5G often comment on its condition looking almost like new and being in excellent shape. Many find it a practical upgrade with enough storage for everyday use, praising its smooth operation when set up properly. Some mention that the phone is a bit larger and heavier than expected but still comfortable. A few customers experienced regional software issues or slower performance, but these are exceptions. Overall, users find the A16 5G good for everyday tasks and appreciate its affordability and reliability.
Galaxy S26 Ultra customers describe their devices as feeling brand new or better than expected for refurbished phones. They highlight excellent camera quality, fast performance thanks to ample RAM, and long-lasting battery life. Some users appreciate the AI features and large, sharp screen. Minor remarks include occasional issues with screen protector compatibility and occasional blurry photos on WhatsApp status. Overall, the S26 Ultra appeals to those who want a more premium experience with a powerful camera and a smooth, responsive display.
In summary, the Galaxy A16 5G suits buyers looking for a straightforward, reliable phone with expandable storage and solid daily performance. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is aimed at those wanting more power, a larger and sharper screen, advanced camera options, and more internal storage choices.
Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A16 5G vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £127.62 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A16 5G gets updates until Oct 2030. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £767.17 more (from £894.79 vs £127.62).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
