The Samsung Galaxy F16 has arrived to capture the attention of budget-conscious users looking for a well-rounded smartphone that offers excellent value without cutting too many corners. Positioned as a (lower) midrange device, the Galaxy F16 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an ideal choice for those who want solid performance for everyday tasks but aren't looking to break the bank. For users in search of a flagship or premium experience, this phone might feel a little lacking in some areas, but for its price, it delivers a remarkable package.
The Galaxy F16 is quite similar to the Samsung Galaxy M16 (announced on 2025-02-27), with seemingly the only difference being the color variants in which the two models are offered. Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a content creator on a budget, or just someone looking for a reliable everyday device, the Galaxy F16 has something to offer. However, users who demand the highest-end performance in gaming, photography, or display quality may want to consider a more expensive option.
Let's explore the specs and features in detail to understand what sets the Samsung Galaxy F16 apart.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy F16's dimensions (164.4×77.9×7.9 mm) and weight (191 g) give it a relatively large and substantial feel in hand. With its glass front and plastic back and frame, the build quality is decent for a midrange device. While it lacks the premium feel of metal or glass found in higher-end phones, it's sturdy enough for daily use. It comes in three colors - Bling Black, Glam Green, and Vibing Blue - all featuring Samsung's signature Ripple Glow effect that gives the back panel a unique, shimmering visual flair.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | H: 164.4 mm (6.47″), W: 77.9 mm (3.07″), D: 7.9 mm (0.31″) |
| Mass | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Material | Glass front; plastic back and frame |
| Colors | Bling Black, Glam Green, Vibing Blue |
When it comes to comfort, the Samsung Galaxy F16 strikes a nice balance between size and usability. With those dimensions and weight, it's definitely not a tiny phone, but it isn't a brick either. The 6.7-inch display makes the phone feel fairly substantial in hand, and for most people, it should be comfortable to hold for regular use, like texting, calling, or browsing the web. However, for long sessions of gaming or watching videos, the size could feel a bit tiring for those with smaller hands. That said, the 7.9 mm thickness helps keep it manageable, and the rounded edges mean that it won't feel overly bulky.
As for carrying it around, the weight is on the slightly heavier side, but it's still relatively lightweight compared to some larger phones out there. It should fit comfortably in your pocket or bag, though if you're used to more compact devices, you might notice its presence a bit more. If you're in the habit of stuffing your phone into tight pockets, you might find that the weight and size could make it slightly harder to maneuver or adjust.
The plastic back and frame of the Galaxy F16 are probably the most divisive aspects of its build. While the glass front gives it a sleek, modern feel, the plastic materials on the back and frame are a bit more of a trade-off in terms of premium feel. On the plus side, the plastic back is lightweight and doesn't add too much bulk to the phone. It's also less likely to shatter compared to glass, which is a bonus for those prone to accidental drops. However, it does give the phone a slightly cheaper feel, which might be noticeable for users accustomed to the premium build quality of flagship phones.
The plastic frame also adds to the durability. While it may not have the same luxurious, metallic feel, it helps the device keep a lower price point while still maintaining decent strength. The Ripple Glow effect on the plastic back, however, does make it look a little more stylish and distinctive than most plastic-backed phones, adding a bit of flair that makes it stand out in a crowd.
The colors of the Galaxy F16 - Bling Black, Glam Green, and Vibing Blue - each bring something unique to the table, and they're not just for show; they can actually say a lot about your personality. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Bling Black: For those who love a bit of sophistication with a touch of flair, this color exudes elegance while still standing out. It's perfect for someone who wants a sleek, versatile look without screaming for attention. If you're the type to prefer subtlety with a hint of coolness, Bling Black is your go-to.
- Glam Green: If you have a more energetic and adventurous personality, Glam Green is the color that'll match your vibe. It's bold and eye-catching, perfect for someone who loves a bit of flair and isn't afraid to be noticed. This color might attract people who enjoy standing out and expressing their individuality.
- Vibing Blue: For the chill, laid-back types, Vibing Blue brings a refreshing, cool vibe. This color is perfect for those who want a fun, youthful look without being too loud. It's got that calming, easy-going aesthetic that suits anyone who's more relaxed but still enjoys a pop of color.
Overall, the Galaxy F16's design and colors cater to different personalities, making it an adaptable choice for a wide range of users. Whether you're after something subtle, bold, or cool, Samsung offers a color that complements your mood and style.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
The Samsung Galaxy F16 is IP54 rated, which means it is dust protected and water-resistant against splashes, a nice feature for those who need a little extra protection in everyday environments.
The first digit (5 here) denotes protection against solid objects. In this case, 5 means it's shielded against dust to a degree. Not completely dustproof, but good enough to keep those annoying particles at bay.
The second digit (4) is about liquids. A 4 means it can handle splashes from any direction, making it resistant to water droplets but not quite ready for a swim.
Now, considering it's not in the superhero league of IP68, here's some friendly advice for our Galaxy F16 users: treat it like the VIP it is!
- Shield It Up: A protective case is like armor for your phone. It defends against the daily onslaught of accidental drops and bumps. Plus, it adds a dash of style - win-win!
- Screen Defender: A screen protector is your phone's shield against scratches and smudges. It's like a guardian angel for that gorgeous display, ensuring it stays pristine and crystal clear.
So, to all the Samsung Galaxy F16 owners out there, think of your phone as a treasure - and every treasure needs its protective gear! A case and a screen protector are your phone's sidekicks, ready to face the world together. Go ahead, deck out your device, and let it shine while staying shielded from the environmental elements!
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy F16 is one of its standout features, especially at this price point. Offering a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels, it achieves a 385 PPI pixel density, which delivers a sharp and clear viewing experience. Whether you're watching videos, scrolling through social media, or playing games, the display should impress with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. Moreover, the 90 Hz refresh rate enhances the smoothness of scrolling and general UI interactions, making the phone feel responsive and fluid.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.7″ (170 mm) diagonal |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 1080×2340, about 385 PPI |
| Brightness | HBM: 800 nits |
The Samsung Galaxy F16's 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display brings deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors than an IPS LCD, thanks to each pixel being self-illuminating. This means that the Galaxy F16's display offers a more premium visual experience compared to IPS LCD-equipped phones at similar price points.
Super AMOLED displays are renowned for their ability to produce vivid and saturated colors, making images and videos look more lifelike and engaging. Each pixel on an AMOLED display emits its own light, allowing for true black levels by turning off individual pixels. This results in excellent contrast and better clarity in dark scenes. Also, by only lighting up necessary pixels, Super AMOLED screens can be more power-efficient, especially when displaying darker images or using dark mode themes.
The 90 Hz refresh rate on the Galaxy F16 is a game-changer at this price. The refresh rate refers to how many times the screen refreshes per second. Many standard displays have a 60 Hz refresh rate, which means the screen updates 60 times per second. The 90 Hz refresh rate on the Galaxy F16 makes scrolling, swiping, and navigating feel significantly smoother and more fluid. Whether you're flipping through social media, browsing the web, or using the interface, you'll notice an overall snappier experience, which enhances the responsiveness of the device.
While higher-end phones often come with 120 Hz or 144 Hz refresh rates, the 90 Hz on the Galaxy F16 is still a solid upgrade from the standard 60 Hz, making everyday use much more enjoyable. For gamers or those who prioritize ultra-smooth navigation, it's a nice feature that punches above its weight.
The 1080×2340 px resolution (Full HD+) on a 6.7-inch display provides a sharp and crisp viewing experience with a 385 PPI (pixels per inch) pixel density. This means that individual pixels are not easily distinguishable with the naked eye, so you'll experience clear text, detailed images, and sharp video playback. At this resolution, watching movies, playing games, and scrolling through high-resolution photos will look smooth and detailed. It's perfect for the average users who enjoy streaming content and browsing the web on their phone.
While Quad HD+ or 4K displays are reserved for premium devices, 1080p resolution on a 6.7-inch screen provides a sweet spot for most users, offering high-definition clarity without unnecessarily draining battery life or demanding excessive processing power.
The 800 nits peak brightness in HBM (High Brightness Mode) is an impressive feature for the Galaxy F16's display. Nits measure how bright the display can get, and 800 nits means the screen can achieve a high level of brightness, even in direct sunlight. This ensures that you won't struggle to see what's on the screen, whether you're outdoors on a bright day or using your phone in a well-lit room.
Many budget phones can struggle with visibility in bright conditions, but the Galaxy F16's HBM brightness ensures that it remains readable and vibrant even in challenging lighting conditions. It's also great for ensuring that colors pop and details remain visible, even when the display is under bright lighting.
To sum it up, the Samsung Galaxy F16's display offers impressive features for a phone in its price range, offering performance that rivals higher-end models. It's great for users who enjoy consuming content, gaming casually, and navigating their phone with ease. For users seeking an affordable phone with an impressive display, the Samsung Galaxy F16 delivers a solid visual experience without compromising on essential features.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
The Samsung Galaxy F16 is equipped with comprehensive network support, including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
With dual Nano-SIM capability, the Samsung Galaxy F16 is perfect for users who need to manage two numbers, whether for work and personal use or for taking advantage of different network deals.
Chipset - Performance
The Galaxy F16 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset built on the 6-nm process. This SoC is coupled with an Octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU for graphics. The chipset is adequate for multitasking, social media, casual gaming, and everyday use. It handles apps and browsing smoothly, but more demanding apps or graphic-intensive games might cause the phone to struggle a bit. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
The Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset is a midrange processor built on the 6-nm process, which strikes a balance between power efficiency and performance. The 6-nm process means that the components of the chipset are built on a smaller scale, allowing more transistors to fit into the same space. This not only makes the phone more power-efficient but also helps in improving overall performance.
The Dimensity 6300 features an octa-core CPU, consisting of 8 cores that are divided into two sets of cores: one for high-performance tasks and one for energy-efficient tasks. Each set has a distinct role:
- Two High-Performance Cortex-A76 Cores: These cores are clocked at 2.4 GHz and are designed for handling demanding tasks, like gaming, video editing, and other heavy multitasking activities. When you need raw processing power - whether you're playing graphics-intensive games or running several apps at once - these high-performance cores step in to handle the load efficiently.
- Six Energy-Efficient Cortex-A55 Cores: These cores are clocked at 2.0 GHz and are optimized for lighter tasks, such as browsing the web, checking social media, and listening to music. When you're not doing anything too taxing, the Cortex-A55 cores take over, using less power to extend the phone's battery life.
This dual-cluster setup is part of the big.LITTLE architecture developed by ARM, which dynamically switches between the high-performance and energy-efficient cores based on the task at hand. This adaptive approach ensures that the phone balances power and battery life by giving the demanding tasks the speed they need and reserving battery power for simpler tasks.
The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU is the graphical engine that handles rendering images, videos, and animations on the display. While it may not be as powerful as the GPUs found in flagship phones, it's still more than capable of handling casual gaming, streaming content, and basic graphical tasks.
With 2 cores dedicated to graphics processing, the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU should be able to run games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. For light users, it's plenty capable of handling the occasional game, video streaming, and regular tasks like navigating the UI and watching YouTube videos.
In summary, the combination of the Dimensity 6300 chipset, Cortex-A76 cores, Cortex-A55 cores, and the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU gives the Galaxy F16 an optimal balance between performance and power efficiency. For the price range of the phone, this setup is more than sufficient. It's not a powerhouse by flagship standards, but it provides more than enough juice for everyday tasks, some light gaming, and smooth general performance. If you're a heavy gamer or need a phone for intensive tasks, this chipset might fall short, but for most average users, it hits the sweet spot.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB |
| Memory Card Slot | microSDXC (shares with SIM) |
| RAM Variants | 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB |
The Galaxy F16 offers three RAM options: 4 GB, 6 GB, and 8 GB, all paired with 128 GB of internal storage. While this amount of storage is more than enough for the average user, the phone supports microSDXC cards (using a shared SIM slot), which means you can expand the storage if needed - a great addition for users who need extra space for photos, videos, and apps.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy F16 includes a 50 MP primary sensor. This camera promises detailed photos in good lighting conditions, and the autofocus (AF) ensures your shots are sharp. The 5 MP ultrawide camera gives you a wider perspective, while the 2 MP macro sensor is great for capturing close-up details. Although the macro sensor isn't the best for pro-level macro photography, it's a nice addition for casual users.
For video recording, the main camera can shoot 1080p at 30fps, with gyro-EIS to reduce shaking and provide more stable footage.
The 13 MP selfie camera is also quite capable, especially considering the price of the phone. It's designed for clear, sharp selfies with natural color reproduction, making it perfect for social media posts or video calls. It too shoots 1080p at 30fps, ensuring good video quality for vlogs or conferences.
Rear Camera
The Samsung Galaxy F16 packs a triple camera setup on the back, offering a good variety of lenses to cover a wide range of photography needs. While it's not a flagship camera system, it's designed to give you flexibility for different types of shots, whether you're capturing wide landscapes, close-up details, or just regular photos. Let's break down each lens and its role. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 3 (Triple) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), 5 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro) |
| Aperture | f/1.8, f/2.2, f/2.4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76″, 1/5.0″, N/A |
| Pixel Size | 0.64 μm, 1.12 μm, N/A |
| Autofocus | AF, N/A, N/A |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS |
| Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The 50 MP wide lens is the main camera and the one you'll use most often for your everyday shots. With a 50-megapixel sensor, it captures detailed, sharp images with a f/1.8 aperture, allowing enough light to create clear photos in various lighting conditions.
The 50 MP sensor is great for regular shots, offering sharp details with a good level of clarity. It also benefits from the f/1.8 aperture, which lets in enough light to perform decently in low-light settings (though not as well as flagship cameras with larger sensors and better lenses).
The 5 MP ultra-wide lens comes into play when you want to capture a wider field of view. This lens is perfect for landscapes, group photos, or any scenario where you want to fit more into the frame. The ultra-wide lens has a f/2.2 aperture, which is a little narrower than the primary lens, meaning it might not perform as well in low light, but it's still very useful for those expansive shots.
The ultra-wide camera is a great tool for landscape enthusiasts or anyone who wants to capture more of the scene in one shot, such as when shooting indoors or in cramped spaces.
The 2 MP macro camera is designed for capturing close-up details, such as the texture of fabric, the fine details of a flower, or any subject you want to photograph from a very short distance. With a f/2.4 aperture, it's not the best for extremely high-quality macro shots, but it works well enough for casual close-ups and adds flexibility to the camera setup.
Macro cameras typically have limited focus distances, and the Galaxy F16's 2 MP macro sensor isn't built for professional-level macro photography. However, it does offer a fun option for snapping details up close, like the veins on leaves, tiny insects, or food details for those Instagram shots.
Now, let's look at some of the key camera features that help improve your photography experience on the Galaxy F16. The AF (autofocus) feature ensures that the camera quickly locks focus on subjects, making sure your shots come out sharp and in focus, especially in situations where your subject is moving or you're shooting at a distance. Whether you're snapping portraits, food shots, or scenic views, the autofocus helps ensure that the subject looks sharp and clear.
When shooting video, the gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) feature helps to reduce shaky footage, which is particularly useful when you're walking or moving while recording. For a phone in this price range, gyro-EIS provides impressive video stabilization, ensuring that your recordings are smoother and less shaky. This makes it a solid choice for vloggers, travelers, or anyone who likes to capture video while on the move.
The LED flash is useful for low-light situations when you need additional illumination. While it's not as powerful as the larger, more complex flashes on professional cameras, it does the job for close-up shots or nighttime photography in more controlled environments. It helps to brighten subjects without overwhelming the scene.
The panorama feature allows you to capture wide, sweeping landscapes by sweeping the camera across the scene. This is especially handy when shooting landscapes, cityscapes, or large group photos. It creates a wide-angle photo that fits everything in without distorting or cutting out important elements, which is perfect when you're trying to capture the full beauty of a wide scene.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) helps balance the exposure in your photos, ensuring that you don't lose detail in very bright or very dark areas of your shots. It's especially useful in high-contrast environments, like when you're shooting against the sun or in dimly lit rooms. HDR improves the dynamic range, ensuring you get detailed highlights without blowing out the bright spots, and shadows remain visible without becoming too dark.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy F16's main camera setup gives you a versatile, all-around experience for everyday photography. The 50 MP primary camera provides sharp, clear shots for most situations, the 5 MP ultra-wide lens expands your creative possibilities with wide-angle shots, and the 2 MP macro lens allows for basic close-up photography.
Combined with useful features like autofocus, gyro-EIS for stabilized video, LED flash, panorama, and HDR, this camera system is well-suited for casual photographers and those who want an easy-to-use camera that handles a variety of situations without a steep learning curve.
For those looking for a premium camera experience with advanced features like optical zoom, super-fast autofocus, or high-end video capabilities, the Galaxy F16 might not be the top choice. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly phone that offers solid camera performance and features for everyday photography, the Galaxy F16 is a great option in its price range.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered, waterdrop notch on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 13 MP (wide) |
| Aperture | f/2.0 |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.1″ |
| Pixel Size | 1.12 μm |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
Battery and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25 W |
The Galaxy F16 comes equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, a respectable size that should easily last a full day with typical usage. Whether you're browsing, streaming, or snapping photos, you won't be left scrambling for a charger by the end of the day. The phone also supports 25 W wired charging, so when you do need to recharge, the process will be relatively quick.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy F16 |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
While the phone has stereo loudspeakers, it does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. This might be a dealbreaker for audiophiles or users who prefer wired headphones. However, the phone does support Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless audio streaming, which compensates for the lack of a headphone jack.
Connectivity
Stay connected wherever you go with the Samsung Galaxy F16's comprehensive connectivity suite. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.
The Galaxy F16 boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Plus, with GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS, you'll never lose your way, whether you're navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten path.
The Samsung Galaxy F16 features NFC, which is a huge plus, enabling contactless payments - a feature not always available in budget phones. This technology also allows you to share files and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The Samsung Galaxy F16 comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Galaxy F16.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
Verdict
At its price point, the Samsung Galaxy F16 is certainly appealing in the midrange segment. For those who want a solid phone for everyday use, with good performance, a decent display, and cameras, it's a great choice. However, if you're a heavy gamer, an avid photographer, or someone looking for the absolute best display, you might want to consider spending a bit more for a flagship device.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy F16 provides excellent value for money with a well-rounded feature set. While it may not excel in every area, it strikes a good balance between price and performance. For users seeking a budget-friendly, reliable smartphone, the Galaxy F16 is definitely worth considering. However, for those after cutting-edge features, a higher-tier device might be necessary.
Feature (top) image credit: Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Samsung Galaxy F16 release date?
The Samsung Galaxy F16 has been announced on the 11th March, 2025. It is expected to release on the 13th March, 2025.
What is Samsung Galaxy F16 price?
The Samsung Galaxy F16 is priced starting from INR 11499 (about USD 132) for the 4 GB / 128 GB variant.