Samsung Galaxy M16 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Compare Samsung Galaxy M16 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 5G side by side: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 vs Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), 50MP vs 12MP camera…
Samsung
Galaxy M16 5G
$159
7categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S21 5G
$799
10categories won
4 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy M16 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. For battery longevity and charging speed, the Galaxy M16 5G takes the lead, while the Galaxy S21 5G is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the Galaxy S21 5G if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy M16 5G if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Galaxy M16 5G wins on endurance with 5,000 mAh and 25W fast charging.
Galaxy S21 5G provides greater sustained gaming output with its Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) and 8GB RAM.
Galaxy S21 5G takes photography with 12MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.
Galaxy M16 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $159 vs $799.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Galaxy M16 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7" | 6.2" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400Winner |
| Pixel density | 385 ppi | 424 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 800 nits | 1300 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| Process node | 6 nm | 5 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 420,000 | 820,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 2050 | 3720Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 256GBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Optical zoom | — | 3x |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP | 12 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 13 MPWinner | 10 MP |
| Max video | 1080p@30fps | 8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 mAhWinner | 4,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | No | 15 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 195 g | 169 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.9 mm | 7.9 mm |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP68 |
| Build | Polymer composite body, reinforced glass front | Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 | Android 11 |
| OS updates | 6 yearsWinner | 4 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 5 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy M16 5G | Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Storage expansion | microSD | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $159Winner | $799 |
Samsung Galaxy M16 5G
The Galaxy M16 5G delivers unbeatable long-term software support in the budget 5G segment, matching a vivid 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 90Hz display with 6 years of promised Android OS updates and security patches.
- Display
- 6.7"
- Chipset
- MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Highlighting Samsung's two-tone Contour-Cut camera housing and iconic Phantom Violet finish, the Galaxy S21 delivers 8K video capture, flat 120Hz AMOLED smoothness, and a featherlight 169g frame.
- Display
- 6.2"
- Chipset
- Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 4,000mAh