The Galaxy A35 5G is the stronger-equipped phone: it has a smoother, brighter-rated display, optical image stabilization, 4K video recording, a higher-tier listed processor and an IP67 rating. The Galaxy A16 5G costs less and still offers a 50 MP main camera, a 5,000 mAh battery and a 90 Hz Super AMOLED display. The specifications below are for Samsung Germany’s SM-A356B and SM-A166B variants, in a comparison page last updated 8 July 2026; prices discussed separately are US figures and are not current paired retail prices.
What’s different between the Galaxy A35 and A16?
Samsung’s Germany comparison shows the A35 as a more capable midrange option, while the A16 covers core features at a lower position in the lineup. Both have FHD+ Super AMOLED screens, 5,000 mAh typical-capacity batteries, 25 W charging and 50 MP main cameras. The differences that matter most are the A35’s 120 Hz adaptive refresh ceiling, camera stabilization, 4K video support, higher-tier processor and IP67 rating.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Specification | Galaxy A16 5G (SM-A166B, Germany) | Galaxy A35 5G (SM-A356B, Germany) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and weight | 164.4 × 77.9 × 7.9 mm; 200 g | 161.7 × 78.0 × 8.2 mm; 209 g |
| Display | 6.7-inch full rectangle, FHD+ Super AMOLED, up to 90 Hz; 420-nit peak brightness listed | 6.6-inch full rectangle, FHD+ Super AMOLED, adaptive up to 120 Hz; 500-nit peak brightness listed; Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Processor and memory | Exynos 1330; 4 GB RAM with 128 GB storage or 8 GB RAM with 256 GB storage | Exynos 1380; 6 GB RAM with 128 GB storage or 8 GB RAM with 256 GB storage |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro; no main-camera OIS listed | 50 MP main with OIS, 8 MP ultrawide, 5 MP macro |
| Video recording | FHD recording listed | 4K recording listed; digital video stabilization also described by Samsung |
| Storage expansion | microSD up to 1.5 TB | microSD up to 1 TB |
| Battery and charging | 5,000 mAh typical capacity; 25 W fast charging; Samsung lists up to 79 hours of audio and 18 hours of video playback | 5,000 mAh typical capacity; 25 W fast charging; Samsung lists up to 79 hours of audio and 26 hours of video playback |
| Factory software and connectivity | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 at factory; Wi-Fi 5; no eSIM listed | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 at factory; Wi-Fi 6; eSIM listed |
| Ingress protection | IP54 | IP67 |
These are Samsung’s listed specifications for the named German models, not independent performance tests. Factory software does not establish which software version a particular phone currently runs, and network features such as eSIM depend on market and carrier support.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhich display is better?
The A35 has the higher refresh-rate ceiling: Samsung lists adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz, compared with up to 90 Hz for the A16. A higher refresh rate can make supported motion appear smoother, such as scrolling and compatible games. The A16’s screen is slightly larger at 6.7 inches versus 6.6 inches.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.6 FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 1080x2340 pixels, 1000unit (Peak), 389ppi, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.3
- 128GB, 6GB RAM, Expandable MicroSD, Exynos 1380 (5nm) Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, Android 14, One UI 6.1
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 8MP, f/2.2, ultrawide + 5MP, f/2.4, macro, , 4K Video, Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100, 4G: LTE 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66, 5G: 1/3/5/7/8/26/28/40/41/66/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Single SIM
- US Renewed Model. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Samsung lists peak brightness at 500 nits for the A35 and 420 nits for the A16. Those are manufacturer-listed figures, not a direct independent outdoor-visibility test, so they do not establish a guaranteed real-world brightness advantage in every condition.
Which camera is better equipped?
Both phones have a 50 MP main camera, but the A35 adds optical image stabilization (OIS) on that camera. OIS helps counter hand movement; its presence alone does not prove that the A35 produces better photographs in every scene. The A35 also has an 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro camera, compared with the A16’s 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro.
Rank #2
- 6.6 FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 1080x2340 pixels, 1000unit (Peak), 389ppi, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.3
- 128GB, 6GB RAM, Expandable MicroSD, Exynos 1380 (5nm) Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, Android 14, One UI 6.1
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 8MP, f/2.2, ultrawide + 5MP, f/2.4, macro, , 4K Video, Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100, 4G: LTE 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66, 5G: 1/3/5/7/8/26/28/40/41/66/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Single SIM
- International Model - No Warranty. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Samsung lists 4K video recording for the A35 and FHD recording for the A16. That is a difference in supported recording resolution, not a measured verdict on overall video quality.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow do battery, storage and protection compare?
Battery and charging
Both German variants are listed with a 5,000 mAh typical battery and 25 W fast charging. Samsung’s stated playback estimates are up to 79 hours of audio and 18 hours of video on the A16, and up to 79 hours of audio and 26 hours of video on the A35. These are manufacturer estimates under test conditions, not a promise of everyday battery life. Samsung notes that the charger is optional.
Rank #3
- OUR BRIGHTEST GALAXY A SERIES SCREEN YET: Thanks to Vision Booster, the screen seamlessly adjusts to your surroundings so you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, gaming or browsing¹ even on the sunniest afternoon
- STUNNING SHOTS. VIVID VIDEO: Advanced triple-lens camera of turns every moment into a masterpiece; With high-res photos & high-definition video, it’s easy to capture awe-worthy content and optical image stabilization lets you capture it blur-free
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT LIKE NEVER BEFORE: Your nights just became a whole lot brighter with Galaxy A35 5G; Whether it’s fireworks, birthday candles or smiles under the stars, low-light photos and videos look clear as day with stunning Nightography
- NOW THERE’S EVEN MORE IN STORE: Enjoy big storage for big memories; With an upgraded internal storage of 128GB and up to 1TB expandable storage²; A35 5G keeps all your memories close without worry of running low on space
- SPLASHES DON’T STAND A CHANCE: Boasting an impressive IP67³ rating, A35 5G is safeguarded against water, dirt and dust; Whether you’re embarking on an excursion or simply navigating the challenges of daily life, A35 5G is ready for any adventure
Expandable storage
Both models support microSD in the compared German specifications. Samsung lists capacity up to 1.5 TB for the A16 and up to 1 TB for the A35. Check the exact regional model and its SIM/microSD arrangement before buying a card: storage and SIM combinations can constrain how the slots are used.
Water and dust protection
The A35 is rated IP67 and the A16 IP54. In general, the first digit concerns dust protection and the second concerns water protection; IP67 indicates a higher level of ingress protection than IP54. Neither rating makes a phone indestructible, and water resistance can diminish through wear or damage. Samsung’s comparison does not establish a guarantee against every exposure or condition.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support eSIM. This device is compatible with T-Mobile networks and its MVNOs in the United States, carrier compatibility, activation, and network performance may vary depending on IMEI acceptance policies, carrier requirements, regional network support, and available frequency bands.
- NOT compatible with the MVNO's (Spectrum, Cricket, Xfinity, H2O, Visible, etc.), may not recognize international IMEI numbers for activation. Carrier compatibility is not guaranteed in all areas of the United States. Please verify compatibility with your carrier prior to purchase. No U.S. manufacturer warranty; seller return policy applies.
- The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance
- 256GB, 8GB, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core, Adreno 710 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 8MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.4
How much more does the A35 cost?
There is no verified same-date, like-for-like current retail price comparison here. Samsung’s official US launch prices provide historical context only: the A35 started at $399.99 when Samsung Electronics America announced US availability on 18 April 2024, while the A16 started at $199.99 for US availability beginning 9 January 2025. The $200 arithmetic gap compares launch prices announced on different dates, not what the phones currently cost side by side.
Samsung’s March 2026 US MSRP list gives $169.99 for the unlocked 128 GB A16 5G and notes prices may change without notice. That list does not provide a comparable A35 price. A meaningful purchase comparison requires checking same-day prices in one country for the same storage capacity, unlocked or carrier status, device condition and seller type.
Best Value
- USA Market Only Works on Tmobile / Mint / Metro PCS . Unlocked Worldwide GSM 5G + 4G LTE PHONE
- LATIN VERSION ***** AMERICAN + LATIN BANDS Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Mali-G68 MC4
- Rear Camera - Resolution (Multiple) 50.0 MP + 8.0 MP + 5.0 MP / Rear Camera - F Number (Multiple) F1.8 , F2.2 , F2.4 / Main Camera - Auto Focus Yes / Rear Camera - OIS yes / rear Camera Zoom Digital Zoom up to 10x. Front Camera - Resolution 13.0 MP / Front Camera - F Number F2.2 / Front Camera - Auto Focus No. Front Camera - OIS No Main Camera - Flash Yes
- Dual Sim LTE 5G FDD Sub6 N1(2100), N3(1800), N5(850), N7(2600), N8(900), N20(800), N28(700), N66(AWS-3) 5G TDD Sub6 N38(2600), N40(2300), N41(2500), N78(3500) 4G FDD LTE B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700) 4G TDD LTE B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500) / 3G Quad Band / 2G Quad Band
- Size (Main_Display) 168.3mm (6.6") Resolution (Main Display) 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) Technology (Main Display) Super AMOLED Color Depth (Main Display) 16M Max Refresh Rate (Main Display) 120 Hz
Which phone should you choose?
Choose the Galaxy A35 5G if
- You value its adaptive display refresh rate up to 120 Hz and Samsung’s higher listed peak-brightness figure.
- You want OIS on the main camera, a higher-resolution ultrawide, and listed 4K video recording.
- You prefer the Exynos 1380 specification tier, Wi-Fi 6, eSIM support in the compared German variant, or the IP67 rating.
- The A35’s actual local price premium is acceptable for those features.
Choose the Galaxy A16 5G if
- Keeping the purchase price down matters more than the A35’s added features.
- A 90 Hz display and the A16’s listed camera and video capabilities meet your needs.
- You value its slightly larger display, lower listed weight, or Samsung’s higher stated microSD capacity for this German variant.
Before buying either model, match the product listing to the exact 5G variant and storage configuration available in your country. The German specifications above should not be assumed to describe every regional version.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
