The Samsung Galaxy M16 5G, poised for its debut in India in early 2025, is shaping up to be a successor to the highly regarded Galaxy M15 5G. This upcoming model, while retaining its budget-friendly roots, is expected to introduce some exciting design updates and significant performance enhancements. The M16 is likely to bring forward a more refined design language and improve on its predecessor's internal components, making it a compelling option for consumers seeking affordability without compromising on key features. Although leaked images of the device have surfaced, sources suggest that these may not be entirely accurate, and the final product could showcase design differences.
As for the design, the Galaxy M16 5G is expected to feature some noticeable changes over the M15. The phone will be available in three striking colour variants — a deep and sophisticated dark grey, a fresh minty green that draws inspiration from the Galaxy S23 FE’s green, and a soft, pastel pink reminiscent of the iPhone 13 Mini’s pink shade. The rear panel, which is believed to be made of plastic, will take on a new glass-like reflective finish, replacing the textured back seen on the M15. One of the most significant design upgrades involves the rear camera island, which has been reconfigured to offer a more distinct look. The bottom sensor of the camera setup will be separated from the other two lenses, offering a fresh and modern aesthetic while keeping the overall structure minimalistic. The rear flash, as expected, will be placed separately next to the camera lenses, staying true to the classic design language of the M-series lineup.
On the front, the Galaxy M16 5G will retain the familiar Infinity-U notch for the front-facing camera, a staple design feature from the M15. Despite this, the device will continue to exhibit a thick chin at the bottom, which signals that it is firmly aimed at the budget segment. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of premium design, the M16 will still offer a contemporary and stylish look with its flat sides and metallic finish, complemented by rounded corners. The frame, much like the rear panel, is expected to be constructed from plastic, providing durability without inflating the price. The right side will house the power button and volume rocker, while the left side will contain the SIM card tray for easy access.
The real highlight of the Galaxy M16 5G, however, lies beneath its sleek exterior. The phone is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, a step up from the Dimensity 6100+ found in the M15. This chip includes two high-performance Cortex A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, designed for heavy multitasking and demanding applications. Additionally, six Cortex A55 efficiency cores, running at 2 GHz, are optimized for handling everyday tasks without draining the battery. The chip is paired with the Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, which promises better graphical performance and smoother visuals, making it an attractive choice for users who enjoy gaming or media consumption.
In terms of software, the Samsung Galaxy M16 5G will run on Android 14 out of the box, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security updates. The device will be equipped with 8GB of RAM, which should provide a smooth multitasking experience, allowing users to switch between apps and run multiple applications simultaneously without noticeable lag. Geekbench tests have already revealed that the M16 5G scored 552 in the single-core CPU test and 1,611 in the multi-core test, a significant improvement over the M15, indicating that the M16 will provide faster and more responsive performance.
Interestingly, the Galaxy M16 5G appears to be a rebranded version of the Galaxy A16 5G, a mid-range model from Samsung’s A-series. This suggests that the M16 will likely inherit many of the same specifications and features as the A16, targeting users who want a budget-friendly device without compromising on performance. The device has already been spotted on India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website, which means that a launch in the country is imminent. If the timeline mirrors that of the M15’s launch, the Galaxy M16 5G could be available for purchase as early as 2025, offering customers an attractive option in the budget 5G smartphone market. The device is expected to offer a mix of solid performance, stylish design, and a competitive price point, making it a strong contender in its segment.
