TL;DR
- The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the first A1x series phone without a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring an adapter or wireless headphones for audio.
- Samsung has gradually phased out the headphone jack across its models since 2019.
- Key upgrades of the Galaxy A16 5G include a larger display, six years of major OS updates, and advanced hardware specs.
- Kenyan pricing: KES 20,900 for 4GB/128GB and KES 22,800 for 6GB/128GB variants.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, launched in Kenya in December 2024, stands out as the first in the A1x series to omit the 3.5mm headphone jack.
This change means you can’t use your wired headphones directly with the A16 5G. To connect them, you’ll need a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter.
Alternatively, consider switching to wireless earbuds or headphones.
Samsung’s Shift Away from the 3.5mm Port
Samsung began phasing out the 3.5mm headphone port over five years ago. Early models without this feature included the W2018 and W2019, exclusive to China, followed by the Galaxy A8s.
In 2019, Samsung’s flagship models also dropped the headphone jack, and this design choice gradually extended to higher-end Galaxy A models. Now, the Galaxy A16 5G aligns with its more expensive counterparts by removing the 3.5mm port.
Advantages of Wireless Audio
While losing the headphone jack might seem inconvenient, wireless audio offers benefits. Bluetooth earbuds provide tangle-free use and often come with features accessible through the Galaxy Wearable app.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy A06 and Galaxy A16 5G now available in Kenya
Additionally, firmware updates can enhance their performance over time.
Upgrading to the Galaxy A16 5G
If you’re considering upgrading from an older Galaxy A1x model to the A16 5G, be prepared for this change in headphone connectivity.
Beyond this, the Galaxy A16 5G offers several enhancements, including a larger display and six years of major OS updates.
Kenyan Pricing for the Galaxy A16 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is available in Kenya at these prices:
- KES 20,900 for the 4GB/128GB variant
- KES 22,800 for the 6GB/128GB variant
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G:
- Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080×2340 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- RAM: Options of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSDXC
- Rear Cameras: 50MP (wide), 5MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro)
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5000mAh with 25W wired charging
- Operating System: Android 14 with One UI 6.1, up to six major Android upgrades
- Dimensions: 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 200 grams
- Other Features: IP54 dust and splash resistance, side-mounted fingerprint sensor
