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Samsung Adds Wallet-Friendly Galaxy Smartphone, Fitness Tracker to Its Lineup

The Galaxy A16 5G, the successor to the excellent Galaxy A15 5G, has a larger screen and improved durability. The Galaxy Fit line also gets a refresh for the first time in several years.

 & Iyaz Akhtar Mobile Writer

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(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung is starting the new year by introducing two budget-friendly devices—the Galaxy A16 5G smartphone and Galaxy Fit3 fitness tracker—which arrive in the US on Jan. 9 for $199.99 and $59.99, respectively.

The Galaxy A16 5G is the successor to the excellent Galaxy A15 5G, with several upgrades. The A16 has a slightly larger screen at 6.7 inches compared with the A15's 6.5-inch display, though both feature 90Hz refresh rates and a maximum brightness of 800 nits. The camera setup remains the same, with a 50MP main lens, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing camera.

Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1330 processor, the A16 shifts away from the A15’s MediaTek 6835. Durability has also improved with the addition of an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy A16 will receive six Android OS upgrades and six years of security upgrades, a rarity for a device at this price point.

(Credit: Samsung)

After several years without a refresh, Samsung has a new Galaxy Fit. The Fit3 features a 1.6-inch display, which is 45% wider than the Fit2. Samsung claims the device will last for up to 13 days on a single charge. The Fit3 can track over 100 workout types, heart rate, sleep patterns, and blood oxygen levels. It also has sleep coaching features and stress tracking, providing users with more tools for managing their health.

Like the Fit2, the Fit3 is IP68-rated to withstand dust and water. However, the Fit3 upgrades its build with an aluminum body, giving it a more premium look. The Fit3 comes in Gray, Pink, Gold, and Silver.

The Galaxy Fit3's price tag is already quite low, but Samsung will take 50% off if you buy the Fit3 along with the Galaxy A16 5G. The promotion will run until Feb. 9 or while supplies last.

About Our Expert

Iyaz Akhtar

Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Writer

My Experience

I've been into technology for as long as I can remember. As a PCMag mobile writer, I get to test the newest phones and tablets. Since you rely on our buying advice, I make sure you get everything a manufacturer claims, which means lots of testing. This is your phone we're talking about; it's like a part of you. I've covered technology as a career for around two decades (yikes, I had to think about that). You've seen my work at The Apple Blog, PCMag (from my first go around), This Week in Tech, and CNET. I also occasionally produce independent video projects, including This Old Nerd, a how-to series that shows practical ways to get the most from your tech.

The Technology I Use

I use a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro customized with lots of keyboard shortcuts thanks to Raycast. Pixelmator Pro is my go-to photo editing application because there is no subscription, and I'm trapped with Evernote because I've used it forever.

I'm between phones at the moment, but I use a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 now, and used a Z Fold 6 before that. Considering that I like to have multiple windows open at once, the large inner screen of folding phones can show a baseball game on the top while I keep a chat app and Reddit open beneath. I do miss being able to write on the Z Fold 7's screen, though, which has me eyeing a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

My home is semi-smart, with many Google Home products that I thoroughly enjoyed in the pre-Gemini days. Be warned: smart bulbs are a gateway drug into smart home life.

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