The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and A26 5G are two of the most popular mid-range smartphones in the UK in 2025. Separated by just £60, the question is whether the A26 5G's upgrades justify the extra cost. We break it all down.
Quick Comparison: Samsung A16 5G vs A26 5G
| Feature | Galaxy A16 5G (£150) | Galaxy A26 5G (£209.99) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" FHD+ LCD 90Hz | 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP with OIS |
| Ultrawide | 5MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh / 25W | 5000mAh / 25W |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
Display: A26 5G Wins Clearly
The biggest visible difference is the display. The A16 5G uses a 90Hz LCD panel — good for everyday use. The A26 5G upgrades to a Super AMOLED FHD+ display at 120Hz. AMOLED delivers richer colours, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved efficiency. If you watch a lot of video or value screen quality, this difference is noticeable every single day.
Performance: A26 5G Has the Edge
The A26 5G's Exynos 1380 with 6GB RAM gives it a meaningful performance advantage over the A16 5G's Dimensity 6300 + 4GB RAM. In demanding scenarios — gaming, heavy multitasking, video editing — the A26 5G is noticeably smoother and faster.
Camera: A26 5G is More Versatile
Both feature a 50MP main camera, but the A26 5G adds Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and a better 8MP ultrawide (vs 5MP on the A16 5G). In lower light, OIS means handheld shots are sharper and less blurry. For serious mobile photographers, the A26 5G is clearly superior.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy A16 5G (£150) if: you want 5G at the lowest possible price, your usage is mainly calls and browsing, or budget is your priority.
Choose the Galaxy A26 5G (£209.99) if: you want a noticeably better display, you use your phone for photography or media, or you want more RAM and processing power.
Our Verdict
For most UK buyers, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G. The Super AMOLED 120Hz display and OIS camera are upgrades you'll appreciate every day — and at £60 more than the A16 5G, it's a worthwhile investment.
Both phones are available brand new and unlocked from AZ Electronics, with free UK delivery on orders over £50 and a 12-month warranty.