Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A16
Starting at
£114.20£209.16 new
Galaxy A56
Starting at
£209.56£422.50 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy A56?
Galaxy A16 vs A56 comes down to the chipset, RAM and refresh rate. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 starts at £114.20, £95.36 less than the Galaxy A56. The Galaxy A56 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Refresh rate
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 on the Galaxy A16, Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy A56.
- The Galaxy A56 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A56 has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 specs
The Galaxy A16 and Galaxy A56 share the same screen size, battery capacity, and main camera resolution, making both suitable for everyday use and media viewing. The Galaxy A56 offers more RAM and a higher screen refresh rate, which benefits smoother multitasking and scrolling. It also supports 5G and includes eSIM alongside dual physical SIMs, appealing to users who want faster networks and more flexible mobile options. The Galaxy A16 supports microSD for extra storage and has a slightly larger front camera megapixel count, which suits those who prioritise selfie detail and expandable storage. Both are unlocked phones with USB-C charging and similar weights and dimensions, so choice comes down to features like memory, network, and camera preferences.
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 price
Colour
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and release year. These factors affect how long the phone lasts on a charge and the software experience.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy A56 come with a 5000 mAh battery. This means you can expect a similar battery life from either device, suitable for a full day of typical use without frequent charging.
Release Year
The Galaxy A16 was released in 2024 and the Galaxy A56 in 2025. This simply indicates the order they were launched.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset
The Galaxy A16 features a Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, while the Galaxy A56 uses an Exynos 1580. Each chipset will handle everyday tasks smoothly but may suit users with specific preferences or app requirements.
RAM
The Galaxy A16 has 4 GB of RAM, which works well for general use and multitasking. The Galaxy A56 has 8 GB, making it better for users who keep many apps open or use more demanding software regularly.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A16 comes with 128 GB of storage, fitting for users who store photos, apps, and media without extra space needs. The Galaxy A56 offers 128 GB and 256 GB options, providing more room for users with larger storage requirements.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels when you use the phone. Both phones share several screen traits but differ in refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
Both the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy A56 have a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340. This means both offer a large, sharp display that is comfortable for watching videos and browsing.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy A16 has a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which offers smooth scrolling and animations better than standard 60 Hz screens. The Galaxy A56 steps this up to 120 Hz, making it ideal for users who want even smoother motion and responsiveness in apps and games.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras and affect how well you capture photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A16 has a 13 megapixel front camera, which suits users who want detailed selfies or clear video calls. The Galaxy A56 has a 12 megapixel front camera, providing solid quality but with slightly fewer megapixels.
Main Camera
Both phones share a 50 megapixel main camera, offering the capability to capture detailed photos for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network, SIM, physical dimensions, and other practical details that influence daily use.
Mobile Network
The Galaxy A16 supports 4G networks, which are reliable for most data and call needs. The Galaxy A56 supports 5G, offering faster data speeds and lower latency for users in areas with 5G coverage.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy A16 has dual physical SIM slots, allowing two separate SIM cards. The Galaxy A56 adds an eSIM alongside dual physical SIMs, giving more flexibility for managing multiple numbers or plans without needing extra physical cards.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A16 supports microSD cards, which lets you increase storage with a memory card. The Galaxy A56 does not offer this slot, so storage is fixed to the internal capacity you choose.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A56 is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 162.2 mm in height and weighing 198 g, compared to the Galaxy A16's 164.4 mm height and 200 g weight. Both are slim and comfortable to hold, but the Galaxy A56 may feel a bit more compact.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer, making them compatible with common cables and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A16 or Galaxy A56: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £114.20, £95.36 less than the Galaxy A56
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Galaxy A56 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2031 vs until Nov 2030)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A16 appreciate its condition and value for everyday use. Many say the phone looks and works like new with a great screen and good battery life. Users highlight how easy it is to transfer data and set up, and the device suits those who want a reliable phone without high-end features. Some mention it is a good choice for family members or as a smartphone for daily tasks.
Galaxy A56 customers report that the phone feels like brand new and works smoothly. They praise the fast performance and excellent battery life with some noting the device runs well even for users switching from other brands. The screen and camera quality receive positive comments and the phone suits those who want a phone with more memory, 5G support, and a higher refresh rate. Few mention minor issues but overall satisfaction with the device's condition and speed is strong.
Overall, the Galaxy A16 fits buyers looking for a solid, capable smartphone with expandable storage and a detailed front camera, while the Galaxy A56 suits those who want extra memory, 5G network access, and a smoother screen experience.
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy A56 FAQs
Galaxy A16 vs A56 comes down to the chipset, RAM and refresh rate. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 on the Galaxy A16, Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy A56. The Galaxy A56 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A16 is cheaper refurbished, from £114.20 compared with £209.56 for the Galaxy A56.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A16 gets updates until Nov 2030. The Galaxy A56 gets updates until Mar 2031.
The Galaxy A56 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz) and longer software support (until Mar 2031 vs until Nov 2030). Refurbished, it costs £95.36 more (from £209.56 vs £114.20).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy A56 in 128GB and 256GB.
