Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Galaxy A16
Starting at
£114.20£209.16 new
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Galaxy A16 vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 starts at £114.20, £255.04 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy A16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
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- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 on the Galaxy A16, 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, 6.8 inch on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A16 and Galaxy S23 Ultra offer different experiences suited to distinct needs. The Galaxy A16 is built for everyday use with a large 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen at 90 Hz and 4 GB of RAM, paired with a 5000 mAh battery and 128GB storage. It supports 4G networks and includes a microSD slot for extra storage. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is designed for users wanting top-tier performance and features, including a larger 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen at 120 Hz, 12 GB RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. It supports 5G, has a more advanced chipset, and offers a high-resolution 200 megapixel main camera. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise advanced performance and features or a solid phone for everyday tasks with expandable storage.
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra price
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Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year. Both phones provide strong battery life and run Android, though the S23 Ultra uses a specific Android version.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy S23 Ultra have a 5000 mAh battery, which means they offer similar endurance between charges. This capacity suits users who need reliable all-day use without frequent recharging.
Release Year
The Galaxy A16 was released in 2024 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023.
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Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and storage capacity for apps, photos, and files.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy A16 uses a Mediatek Helio G99 chipset suited for everyday tasks and moderate app use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, providing more power for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
Memory for Multitasking
With 4 GB RAM, the Galaxy A16 handles daily apps smoothly and is suitable for most users who do not run many apps at once. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has 12 GB RAM, which keeps more apps open simultaneously and supports heavier multitasking and professional use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A16 comes with 128GB storage, enough for typical app use, photos, and media. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers larger storage capacities of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, ideal for users who store extensive files, videos, or install many apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type, which influence viewing clarity, smoothness, and overall experience.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy A16 has a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen, offering vivid colours and good contrast for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a slightly larger 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which enhances colour accuracy and brightness for a more immersive display.
Resolution and Clarity
The Galaxy A16 screen resolution is 1080 x 2340, delivering full HD clarity suitable for everyday viewing. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088, providing sharper detail and crisper images for users who appreciate finer screen quality.
Refresh Rate Smoothness
The Galaxy A16 refreshes at 90 Hz, offering smoother motion than standard screens, good for scrolling and casual gaming. The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 120 Hz, which means even smoother animations and responsiveness, appealing to users who prioritise fluid screen interaction.
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Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities, impacting photo and video quality for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy A16 has a 13 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 12 megapixel front camera, close in detail but possibly optimised differently for image processing.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A16's main camera is 50 megapixels, good for everyday photography with solid detail. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's main camera is 200 megapixels, capturing very high detail and fine textures, ideal for users who want professional-level photos.
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Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra size and design
Miscellaneous specs include network, SIM options, storage expansion, size, and weight, which affect connectivity, usability, and portability.
Network Connectivity
The Galaxy A16 supports 4G mobile networks, suitable for users who do not require the fastest data speeds. The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 5G, which benefits users wanting faster downloads and streaming where 5G is available.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A16 includes a microSD card slot for expanding storage and supports dual physical SIM cards. The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM but does not have a microSD slot, so storage expansion relies on internal capacity.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A16 measures 164.4 mm tall, 77.9 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighs 200 g. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is slightly shorter at 163.4 mm, wider at 78.1 mm, deeper at 8.9 mm, and heavier at 234 g. These differences affect handling and pocket fit.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors, which are standard for charging and data transfer.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked, allowing use on any compatible network without restrictions.
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Galaxy A16 or Galaxy S23 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £114.20, £255.04 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Nov 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 appreciate its condition and ease of use. Many describe it as looking and working like new, with some highlighting the usefulness of features like Samsung Smart Switch for data transfer. The phone is praised for being up to date and suitable for everyday tasks. Some find it an excellent choice for family members or those who want a reliable phone without extra features.
Galaxy S23 Ultra customers frequently mention the phone's pristine condition and high performance. They value the smooth and fast operation, especially the advanced camera system with a 200MP main sensor. Many appreciate the phone's premium feel and screen quality. Reviews note that it handles demanding tasks well and feels like a significant upgrade, with some mentioning the ethical benefits of buying refurbished.
Both phones suit distinct needs: the Galaxy A16 matches users looking for a solid, straightforward experience with expandable storage. The Galaxy S23 Ultra fits those wanting high-end performance, advanced cameras, and a larger internal storage capacity without relying on microSD cards.
Galaxy A16 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A16 vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 on the Galaxy A16, 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 is cheaper refurbished, from £114.20 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 gets updates until Nov 2030. The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028.
The Galaxy A16 adds a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels), longer software support (until Nov 2030 vs until Feb 2028) and a lighter build (200 g vs 234 g). Refurbished, it costs £255.04 less (from £114.20 vs £369.24).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
