PhoneLifespan

Pixel 8a vs Galaxy A16 5G

vs

Winner

Google Pixel 8a

The Pixel 8a wins this one, taking performance and display decisively. Against the Galaxy A16 5G it's also the sounder buy at $5.08 per month of safe use.

Value Score: Pixel 8a 77 · Galaxy A16 5G 71 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Google Pixel 8a $300
Safe to buy$5.08/mo
2024◆ Buy-by May 20292031
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G $199
Safe to buy$3.80/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Oct 20282030

Category by category

Display
Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A16 5G 50

The Pixel 8a's screen is the better one — 6.1-inch actua oled, fhd+, 60–120hz, up to 2000 nits peak.

Performance
Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A16 5G 45

The Pixel 8a's Google Tensor G3 is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Pixel 8a 67Galaxy A16 5G 55

The Pixel 8a has the stronger camera system (2 real rear lenses vs 1).

Battery
Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A16 5G 80

5,000mAh vs 4,492mAh — the Galaxy A16 5G lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
Pixel 8a 70Galaxy A16 5G 62

The Pixel 8a is supported until May 2031 — 7 months longer than the Galaxy A16 5G.

Value
Pixel 8a 77Galaxy A16 5G 71

Overall value goes to the Pixel 8a at $5.08 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecPixel 8aGalaxy A16 5G
Price (street)$300$199
Display6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak6.7-inch Super AMOLED, FHD+, 90Hz
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G3Samsung Exynos 1330
RAM8GB4GB/8GB
Storage128GB/256GB128GB/256GB
Battery4,492 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging18W wired, 7.5W wireless25W wired
Rear cameras64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide50MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro
Dimensions152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm164.4 × 77.9 × 7.9 mm
Weight188 g200 g
Water resistanceIP67IP54
Supported untilMay 2031Oct 2030
Pixel 8a full verdict →Galaxy A16 5G full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.