Introduction
When it comes to budget smartphones around the $200 mark, choices are abundant but rarely flawless. I've tested the Motorola Moto G (2026) and the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G to find out which one actually delivers value without major compromises. From display quality to performance, cameras, and battery life, here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which phone makes sense for your budget.
Display quality matters more than refresh rate at this price
Motorola tries to compensate for its lower resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, while Samsung sticks to 90Hz. In reality, the difference in smoothness between these two is minimal. Animation fluidity can't compensate for a blurry screen, so I’d always pick a sharper 1080p AMOLED at 90Hz over a 720p LCD at 120Hz.
Performance: Both phones struggle, but Motorola feels a bit smoother
| Benchmark | Motorola Moto G (2026) | Samsung Galaxy A16 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Single-core) - Higher is better | 793 | 965 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi-core) - Higher is better | 2085 | 1875 |
| 3DMark Extreme (High) - Higher is better | 384 | 367 |
| 3DMark Extreme (Low) - Higher is better | 380 | 360 |
Neither phone delivers blazing speed, but the Moto G’s lighter software leads to fewer stutters and less lag overall. However, it’s still held back by limited RAM, which causes slowdowns when running multiple apps.
Cameras: Samsung offers more versatility
The Galaxy A16 5G wins by default here thanks to its additional ultra-wide lens, which gives more flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
Battery life and charging
The Moto G (2026) stands out for its battery endurance, though it still fell a bit short compared to its predecessor. Battery life is one area where Motorola manages to pull ahead slightly in everyday use.
Software support and longevity
Samsung promises longer software support for the Galaxy A16 5G, but this advantage may be less significant in real-world usage, especially given the phone's other shortcomings.
Final Verdict: Only one phone truly makes sense for $200
While the Motorola Moto G (2026) isn’t perfect, especially when it comes to sheer speed and camera capabilities, it edges out the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G primarily due to its sharper display, smoother performance, and better battery life. If you’re after a budget phone that feels less frustrating day-to-day, the Moto G is the better choice — even if it’s not a powerhouse.
