Samsung Galaxy M16: The Best Budget 5G Smartphone of 2025

The Samsung Galaxy M16, launched in March 2025, is a standout in the budget smartphone market. Packed with impressive features like a vibrant Super AMOLED display, powerful performance, and a long-lasting battery, it offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, the Galaxy M16 has something for everyone.​

Key Specifications

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm)
• RAM & Storage: Options of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM; 128GB or 256GB storage
• Rear Cameras: Triple setup – 50MP (main), 5MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro)
• Front Camera: 13MP
• Battery: 5000mAh with 25W fast charging
• Operating System: Android 15 with One UI 7
• 5G Connectivity: Yes
• Price: Starting at ₹12,499 (~$136)

In-Depth Review

1. Design & Build Quality

The Galaxy M16 boasts a sleek and modern design. Its slim profile at 7.9mm thickness and lightweight build at 192g make it comfortable to hold and use. The device features a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, providing durability without compromising on aesthetics. Available in three attractive colors—Thunder Black, Mint Green, and Blush Pink—it caters to various style preferences. ​

2. Display

The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the viewing experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are smooth and responsive. The display’s peak brightness of 800 nits ensures readability even under direct sunlight.

3. Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the Galaxy M16 delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The octa-core CPU, combined with the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient power consumption. With RAM options ranging from 4GB to 8GB and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, users can choose a configuration that best suits their needs.

4. Camera Capabilities

The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor for detailed shots, a 5MP ultrawide lens for capturing broader scenes, and a 2MP macro lens for close-up photography. The camera system supports features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and can record videos at 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS for stabilization. The 13MP front camera ensures clear and sharp selfies.

5. Battery Life

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy M16 offers impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day of usage. The 25W wired fast charging support means you can quickly recharge the device and get back to your activities without long interruptions. ​

6. Software & Updates

Running on Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, the Galaxy M16 provides a user-friendly interface with various customization options. Samsung promises up to 6 major Android upgrades, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for years to come.

7. Connectivity & Additional Features

The Galaxy M16 supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds and low latency. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0. The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a consideration for some users.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate
• Reliable performance with MediaTek Dimensity 6300
• Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with fast charging
• Triple rear camera setup for versatile photography
• Up to 6 years of software updates
• Affordable pricing​

Cons:

• No 3.5mm headphone jack
• Plastic back and frame
• No wireless charging support​

Comparison with Competitors