For most budget-conscious buyers who need 5G, the refurbished Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the sensible starting point: at Like New condition it costs less than the refurbished Samsung Galaxy A17 5G at the same 128GB storage tier, and shares an identical 6.7-inch 90Hz Super AMOLED display, the same 5000mAh battery with 25W charging, and the same IP54 splash resistance. The Galaxy A17 5G justifies its higher price with genuine optical image stabilisation (OIS) on its main camera — a first for this Samsung A-series tier — plus a newer software base that, as the more recent release, is positioned for a longer run of Samsung updates. Ultra-wide resolution is unchanged at 5MP across both models. If you don't need 5G at all, the Samsung Galaxy A16 4G is the cheapest way into a current-generation Samsung phone.
Key Takeaways
- The refurbished Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (Like New, 128GB) costs less than the refurbished Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (Like New, 128GB) — check today's prices using the shop links below.
- The refurbished Samsung Galaxy A16 4G is the cheapest phone in this comparison, but it does not support 5G at all.
- The Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A17 5G share an identical 6.7-inch 90Hz Super AMOLED display, a 5000mAh battery with 25W wired charging, and IP54 splash resistance.
- The Galaxy A17 5G's main camera adds optical image stabilisation (OIS), a genuine first for this Samsung tier — the ultra-wide lens stays at 5MP on all three phones, so resolution isn't the differentiator here.
- The Galaxy A17 5G is the newer release of the two (shipping on a more recent Android/One UI build than the A16 pair) and, per Samsung's typical update pattern for its newest budget phones, is positioned for a longer remaining software support runway.
- All three phones are currently listed at The Tech Gadgets in all four condition grades — Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair — so check the live product page for current stock of your chosen grade, storage and colour.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Galaxy A16 5G if you want 5G at the lowest possible price and don't mind a slightly softer ultra-wide camera; choose the Galaxy A17 5G if you want the more recently released phone in this tier with OIS on the main camera and a longer software runway ahead of it; choose the Galaxy A16 4G only if you're certain you don't need 5G. None of the three differ meaningfully on screen, battery or build — the decision comes down to network support, camera detail, and how many years you plan to keep the phone. For buyers who genuinely can't decide, the Galaxy A16 5G represents the more cautious spend: it delivers 5G and matches the A17 5G on almost everything else for less at the entry storage tier.
A16 4G vs A16 5G vs A17 5G: What's Actually Different
Samsung's naming here trips up a lot of buyers, so here's the plain version. The Galaxy A16 4G and Galaxy A16 5G are the same generation of phone released at the same time — same screen, same camera, same battery — with the only meaningful difference being the chipset and whether it includes a 5G modem. The Galaxy A17 5G is a genuinely newer phone released after both A16 variants, always with 5G built in, that adds optical image stabilisation to its main camera and ships with a newer version of Android and One UI.
Put another way: choosing between the A16 4G and A16 5G is purely a decision about whether you need 5G, since everything else is identical. Choosing between the A16 5G and A17 5G means deciding whether OIS on the main camera and the longer software runway are worth the higher price at the same storage tier, since both already have 5G, the same screen, the same 5MP ultra-wide lens and the same battery.
| Model | 5G? | Main camera OIS | Shipped OS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A16 4G | No | No | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 |
| Galaxy A16 5G | Yes | No | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 |
| Galaxy A17 5G | Yes | Yes | Android 15 / newer One UI |
Display
All three phones use the same screen, so this isn't a factor in the decision. Samsung specifies a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display running at 90Hz across the Galaxy A16 4G, Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A17 5G, giving smoother scrolling than older LCD budget phones and the punchy contrast typical of Samsung's AMOLED panels. Side by side, you won't be able to tell one model's screen from another.
Performance and Chipset
The chipset is where the A16 4G and A16 5G actually diverge, and it's the reason the A16 4G is cheaper. Samsung specifies a MediaTek Helio G99 or Exynos 1330 chipset (varies by market) for the Galaxy A16 4G, which has no 5G modem. The Galaxy A16 5G runs an Exynos 1330 5G variant or a MediaTek Dimensity chipset depending on market, adding 5G connectivity alongside 4G LTE. The Galaxy A17 5G's own listing specifies an Exynos or MediaTek Dimensity 5G chipset, again market-dependent, continuing the same 5G-enabled approach as the A16 5G. None of these three chipsets are built for gaming or heavy multitasking — they handle everyday apps, messaging and social media smoothly, but treat all three as entry-level performers.
Camera
Camera resolution is actually identical across all three phones. Samsung specifies the same triple rear camera on the Galaxy A16 4G, Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A17 5G: a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The genuine camera upgrade on the A17 5G is optical image stabilisation (OIS) on the main sensor — a first for this Samsung A-series tier — which steadies handheld video and improves low-light shots, rather than any increase in ultra-wide resolution. If you've seen an 8MP ultra-wide figure quoted for the A17 5G elsewhere, that does not match Samsung's own published specification.
Battery
Battery capacity and charging speed are identical across the range. Samsung specifies a 5000mAh battery with 25W wired fast charging for the Galaxy A16 4G, Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A17 5G, which should comfortably see most users through a full day of typical use. None of the three listings confirm wireless charging, and battery health on individual refurbished units is not published on the product pages — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if remaining battery capacity is a priority for you. The 12-month warranty on all three phones excludes battery wear, so factor that into your decision if battery longevity matters.
Software Support Runway
The Galaxy A16 4G and Galaxy A16 5G both shipped on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, while the Galaxy A17 5G shipped on Android 15 with a newer build of One UI. As the more recently released phone, the Galaxy A17 5G sits further from the end of Samsung's update commitment for its newer budget devices than the A16 pair — buying the newer phone now generally means more years of security patches and OS upgrades remain ahead of it, simply because its clock started later. Neither listing states the exact number of update years guaranteed for these specific models, so check Samsung's official specifications if the precise end date matters to your decision. As a rule of thumb, if you plan to keep your next phone for several years, the A17 5G has more runway left than either A16 variant.
Build and IP Rating
Build quality and water resistance are matched across all three phones. Samsung specifies IP54 splash resistance for the Galaxy A16 4G, Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A17 5G, meaning protection against dust ingress and light splashes rather than full submersion — treat all three the same way around water, and note that water damage isn't covered by the 12-month warranty on any of them. All three use the same practical plastic-framed A-series design rather than premium metal or glass materials, which is typical for this budget tier and keeps weight and repair costs down.
Which Should You Buy? By Use Case
Absolute budget
The Galaxy A16 4G is the cheapest phone in this comparison. Choose it only if you're confident you don't need 5G — for example, you mostly connect over Wi-Fi, or your network's 5G coverage is weak where you live and work.
Best value
The Galaxy A16 5G is the strongest value pick for most buyers who want 5G. It matches the Galaxy A17 5G on screen, ultra-wide camera resolution, chipset tier, battery and build, for less at the same storage — you're only giving up OIS on the main camera and some software runway.
Longest future support
The Galaxy A17 5G is the phone to buy if you want to keep your next phone the longest. As the most recently released of the three, it has the most software runway ahead of it and adds OIS on the main camera as a genuine hardware upgrade — the ultra-wide lens itself stays at 5MP, the same as both A16 variants.
Occasional 5G need
Not sure how much you'll use 5G? The Galaxy A16 5G is the pragmatic middle ground — 5G alongside 4G LTE for a step up in price from the 4G-only A16, without stretching to A17 5G pricing.
Full Comparison Table: Galaxy A16 4G vs A16 5G vs A17 5G
| Spec | Galaxy A16 4G | Galaxy A16 5G | Galaxy A17 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 90Hz | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 90Hz | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 / Exynos 1330 (market dependent) | Exynos 1330 5G / MediaTek Dimensity (market dependent) | Exynos / MediaTek Dimensity 5G (market dependent) |
| 5G support | No — 4G LTE only | Yes | Yes |
| Rear camera | 50MP main + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro | 50MP main + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro | 50MP main (OIS) + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro |
| Battery / charging | 5000mAh, 25W wired | 5000mAh, 25W wired | 5000mAh, 25W wired |
| Shipped OS | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 | Android 15 / newer One UI |
| Water resistance | IP54 splash resistance | IP54 splash resistance | IP54 splash resistance |
| Storage options | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Colours in stock | Black, Light Green, Light Gray | Black, Light Green, Light Gray, Gold | Grey, Black, Blue |
| Price (Like New, 128GB) | See today's price | See today's price | See today's price |
| Price (Like New, 256GB) | See today's price | See today's price | See today's price |
| Condition grades currently listed | Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair | Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair | Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair |
| Product link | View Galaxy A16 4G | View Galaxy A16 5G | View Galaxy A17 5G |
Buying Checklist
- Decide whether you need 5G — if not, the Galaxy A16 4G is the cheapest option; if yes, choose between the A16 5G and A17 5G.
- Check the live listing for condition grade availability — all four grades (Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair) are currently listed for all three phones, so confirm live stock for your exact grade, storage and colour on the product page.
- Confirm your storage need — 128GB suits most everyday users, 256GB suits anyone with a larger photo or app library.
- Check your preferred colour is currently in stock at your chosen storage and condition.
- Decide whether OIS on the Galaxy A17 5G's main camera and its longer software runway are worth the premium over the Galaxy A16 5G, since both share the same 5MP ultra-wide lens.
- Ask The Tech Gadgets about battery health or box contents before ordering if either matters to your decision — neither is published on the product pages.
- Confirm the price shown for your exact configuration before checkout, since live pricing can change with stock.
- Review the 12-month warranty terms (excludes battery, physical, water and electrical damage) and the 30-day return window before ordering.
- Check the same-day dispatch cut-off (before 3pm Monday to Friday) if you need the phone quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between the Galaxy A16 4G and Galaxy A16 5G?
They share the same screen, camera and battery. The Galaxy A16 4G runs a MediaTek Helio G99 or Exynos 1330 chipset with no 5G modem, while the Galaxy A16 5G runs a different 5G-capable chipset and supports 5G alongside 4G LTE.
Is the Galaxy A17 5G worth the extra cost over the Galaxy A16 5G?
It depends on your priorities. The Galaxy A17 5G adds optical image stabilisation (OIS) to its main camera — a first for this Samsung tier — and shipped on a newer Android/One UI build with more software runway ahead of it. Ultra-wide resolution is unchanged at 5MP on both models. If OIS and extra software runway don't matter to you, the Galaxy A16 5G offers nearly the same phone for less.
Which of these three phones has the best camera?
The Galaxy A17 5G, thanks to optical image stabilisation (OIS) on its main camera — a genuine first for this Samsung tier that steadies video and improves low-light shots. The 50MP main sensor resolution, 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens are otherwise identical across all three phones.
Do all three phones have the same battery life?
Battery capacity and charging speed are identical: all three specify a 5000mAh battery with 25W wired charging. Actual battery health on individual refurbished units isn't published on the product pages, so ask The Tech Gadgets before ordering if this matters to you.
Are these phones unlocked?
Yes. The Galaxy A16 4G, Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A17 5G are all sold SIM-free and unlocked, compatible with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and any UK network or MVNO built on their infrastructure.
What condition grades are available right now?
All four condition grades — Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair — are currently listed for all three phones at The Tech Gadgets. Stock can change, so check the live product page for current availability of your chosen grade, storage and colour before ordering.
Is the cheapest refurbished Samsung 5G phone the Galaxy A16 5G?
Among the models covered in this guide, yes — the Galaxy A16 5G is the least expensive 5G-capable Samsung phone The Tech Gadgets stocks in this range.
Do these phones support wireless charging?
Wireless charging isn't confirmed on the product pages for any of the three models — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if wireless charging matters to you.
What warranty comes with these phones?
All three come with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults. It excludes battery wear, physical damage, water damage and electrical/short-circuit damage, alongside a 30-day return window from delivery.
Should I buy the Galaxy A16 4G if I'm not sure whether I need 5G?
If you're unsure, the safer choice is the Galaxy A16 5G rather than the 4G-only model — it costs more at the entry storage tier but means you won't need to replace the phone if your network's 5G coverage improves or your needs change.