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The Galaxy A57 is the better fit if you want a larger 120Hz screen, Android and a dedicated macro camera. The iPhone 16 is more compact and suits buyers who prefer iOS or already use Apple devices. Samsung announced the A57 at a U.S. unlocked starting price of $549.99, but that launch price does not establish today’s price difference: compare current listings in the same country and for the same storage capacity.
At a glance: how the iPhone 16 and Galaxy A57 differ
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy A57 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 2556 × 1179 resolution, 460 ppi | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+, refresh rate up to 120Hz |
| Processor and software | A18 chip; iOS | Exynos 1680; Android 16 and One UI 8.5 at launch |
| Rear cameras | 48MP Fusion main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization; 12MP ultra-wide; 2x telephoto framing from the main camera | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP |
| Dimensions and weight | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8mm; 170g | 161.5 × 76.8 × 6.9mm; 179g |
| Battery information | Apple estimates up to 22 hours of video playback or up to 18 hours of streamed video playback | 5,000mAh typical capacity; rated minimum 4,905mAh |
| Water resistance rating | IP68; Apple specifies a maximum depth of 6m for up to 30 minutes | IP68; Samsung specifies up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30 minutes |
| Storage documented in cited product information | 128GB listed on Apple’s specifications page | 128GB and 256GB listed in Samsung’s U.S. launch announcement |
Specifications are from Apple’s iPhone 16 technical specifications and Samsung’s U.S. Galaxy A57 launch announcement. Samsung configurations can vary by market, so check the exact local model before buying.
Which phone has the better screen and size?
The Galaxy A57 gives you a larger viewing area and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. That combination can make scrolling and supported animations appear smoother, while the 6.7-inch panel is better suited to readers who prefer a roomier screen. Samsung identifies it as an FHD+ Super AMOLED+ display.
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The iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch OLED screen makes the handset the more compact option. Apple lists a 2556 × 1179 resolution, 460 pixels per inch, HDR, True Tone and outdoor peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. Those published figures describe different characteristics from screen size and refresh rate; they do not by themselves establish which display will look better to you.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
The dimensions underline the handling difference: the A57 is 13.9mm taller and 5.2mm wider, while it is 0.9mm thinner and 9g heavier than the iPhone 16. Choose based on how you hold and carry a phone, not just the diagonal screen measurement.
How do their cameras differ?
The iPhone 16 pairs a 48MP Fusion main camera with a 12MP ultra-wide. Apple describes 2x telephoto framing as an option enabled by the main camera; it is not a separate rear telephoto camera in the listed setup. Its front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth camera.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
The A57 has three rear cameras: a 50MP wide camera, a 12MP ultra-wide and a dedicated 5MP macro camera for close-up framing. Its front camera is 12MP. If you often take close-ups, the dedicated macro lens is a distinct hardware option; if you want the iPhone’s 2x framing, that is handled through its main camera.
Megapixel counts and camera layouts do not settle photo or video quality. The cited specifications do not provide a matched head-to-head camera test, so compare sample images from the exact models if image rendering, low-light performance or video quality will decide your purchase.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
What is the price difference?
There is no established, current like-for-like price difference in the cited information. Samsung announced a U.S. unlocked A57 starting price of $549.99 and availability from April 9, 2026. That is a launch announcement, not a guarantee of the price you will find now. Samsung’s U.S. announcement gives the launch details.
For launch-period context only, TechRadar reported these A57 prices by market and configuration in its review: TechRadar’s Galaxy A57 review lists U.S. prices of $549 for 8GB/128GB and $609 for 8GB/256GB; U.K. prices of £529 for 8GB/256GB and £699 for 12GB/512GB; and Australian prices of AU$749 for 8GB/128GB and AU$849 for 8GB/256GB. These are not verified current checkout prices.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
For a fair comparison, check both phones from sellers in your country on the same day, with the same storage capacity and equivalent conditions such as unlocked status, taxes and any carrier discounts. The cited Apple specifications page lists a 128GB iPhone 16, while Samsung’s U.S. announcement lists 128GB and 256GB A57 configurations; availability can differ by region. Without matching those details, a headline price comparison can mislead.
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Apple specifies the A18 chip and iOS for the iPhone 16. Samsung lists the Exynos 1680, Android 16 and One UI 8.5 for the A57 at launch. These platforms differ in their interfaces, apps and device ecosystems; a specification list alone does not make one the objectively better choice.
Best Value
- The large 6.9-inch display combines ProMotion 120Hz technology with advanced color calibration, giving movies, games, and productivity apps a spacious, crisp, and fluid visual experience that’s ideal for multitasking or immersive media consumption.
Consider the devices and services you already rely on, the effort involved in moving your data, and which operating system you prefer. The A57 is the natural match for someone who wants Android with Samsung’s One UI. The iPhone 16 makes more sense for someone committed to iOS or who values continuity with Apple devices.
Can you compare battery life from the published figures?
Not directly. Samsung lists the A57’s battery as 5,000mAh typical capacity, with a rated minimum of 4,905mAh. Apple estimates up to 22 hours of video playback and up to 18 hours of streamed video playback for the iPhone 16. Capacity and manufacturer playback estimates measure different things, so these numbers do not show which phone lasts longer in everyday use.
Samsung’s launch note describes a UX Connect Research assessment in the UK conducted from January 8 to January 18, 2026, using prerelease versions, and says actual battery life varies. The cited sources do not establish matched independent endurance results for these two phones. If battery life is your deciding factor, look for testing that uses the same conditions and workload on both models.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What do the IP68 ratings mean in practice?
Both phones carry an IP68 rating, but their manufacturers state different test limits. Apple specifies the iPhone 16 at up to 6m for up to 30 minutes. Samsung specifies the A57 at up to 1.5m in freshwater for up to 30 minutes and says it is not recommended for beach or pool use. These are not identical conditions, and neither rating means protection is permanent or that a phone is safe in every wet environment. Follow the relevant manufacturer’s guidance for your device.
Quick Recap
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Galaxy A57 if you want a larger 6.7-inch screen with refresh up to 120Hz, prefer Android and One UI, or want a dedicated macro rear camera.
- Choose the iPhone 16 if you prefer a more compact handset, want iOS, or are already invested in Apple devices.
- Compare prices before deciding if cost is the main factor. Match the country, storage tier, seller conditions and purchase date; the available launch information does not establish a universal current price winner.
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.
