Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs. Galaxy A05: Is the Upgrade Worth $50?
~2 min read
by Alf, 2025-12-10
If you are shopping for a budget Samsung phone in 2025, you are likely looking at the Galaxy A05 (~$120) and the Galaxy A16 5G (~$170).
Is it really worth spending the extra $50 for the A16? Or is the A05 "good enough"?
We compared them side-by-side.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.
1. The Screen (Huge Difference)
- Galaxy A05: Uses a 720p LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. It looks fine, but text can be slightly pixelated, and scrolling feels "choppy."
- Galaxy A16 5G: Uses a 1080p Super AMOLED screen with 90Hz. It is sharper, brighter, and significantly smoother.
- Winner: A16 5G (by a mile).
2. Performance & Gaming
- Galaxy A05: The Helio G85 chip is decent for WhatsApp and YouTube. For Roblox, it struggles on anything other than "Low" graphics.
- Galaxy A16 5G: The Exynos chip handles games much better. You get 5G speeds (lower ping) and smoother frame rates in games like Blox Fruits.
- Winner: A16 5G.
3. Software Updates
- Galaxy A05: Will get 2 years of Android updates.
- Galaxy A16 5G: Samsung promises 6 years of updates for the A16. This phone will last you until 2031. The A05 will be obsolete by 2027.
- Winner: A16 5G.
The Verdict
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05 if:
- You literally only have $130 to spend.
- You only need a phone for calls, texts, and basic apps.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G if:
- You can spare the extra $50.
- You play mobile games (Roblox, Brawl Stars).
- You want a phone that will last for 4+ years.