Samsung is setting a new record for Android updates per dollar as the new Galaxy A16 launches with a lower price and six years of Android updates.
Over the past year, long-term software support has become more important for Android, with Google extending security and OS updates for Pixel to seven years, and Samsung following suit, with plans to extend security and OS updates to its flagship devices in 2024. The Galaxy S and Galaxy Z match that number. .
However, as the price goes down, so does the commitment to updates. Samsung’s most affordable device with a seven-year update policy was the $649 Galaxy S24 FE. For Google, the most affordable option is the $499 Pixel 8a.
However, things are now changing as Samsung is also offering an extended update policy on one of its most affordable smartphones.
The new Galaxy A16, which Samsung has listed on its website in some countries including the Netherlands and France, will come with six years of software support, including a full Android OS upgrade. Samsung has confirmed that the device will receive a total of six Android OS upgrades and will be supported “until at least October 2030.” The Galaxy A16 runs Android 14 out of the box.
Samsung said in a footnote that this policy is “subject to change.”
Extended support aside, Samsung’s new Galaxy A16 looks like a pretty solid choice at a price of just 229 euros (about 250 USD). It features 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 50MP main camera with 5MP ultrawide and 2MP macro, and a 6.7-inch FHD+ 90Hz Super AMOLED display. There’s also a 5,000 mAh battery, and the device is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6300 or Exynos 1330, depending on region (i.e. GSM arena(as the specific chip is not listed on Samsung’s website).
It’s not clear when the Galaxy A16 will be available in the US, although its predecessor didn’t launch there until January.
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