Samsung is preparing to launch a new budget 5G phone, the Galaxy A16 5G. Rumored to debut this month, the device delivers essential features at an affordable price. A major leak recently disclosed its key specs, leaving nothing to the imagination. However, one specific detail caught our eyes. The alleged promo materials promise six years of Android OS and security updates for the A16 5G, an unusually long commitment for a budget device.
Sketchy leak claims six years of Android updates for the Galaxy A16 5G
TheTechOutlook recently posted what looks like slides from Samsung’s official Galaxy A16 5G training materials for sales representatives. These slides explain all the upgrades the new phone brings over its predecessor, the A15 5G. The most notable upgrade is six years of Android OS and security updates. Samsung currently offers four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches to most of its phones, including flagships.
While the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 will receive Android OS and security updates for seven years, their predecessors, i.e., the Galaxy S23, Fold 5, Flip 5, and older devices, are only eligible for a “4+5 years” update policy. This also applies to all recent mid-range models and select budget phones. Others receive fewer updates, often topping out at two major OS versions and three or four years of security patches.
If these training materials are genuine (the image above shows an incorrect render for the A15 5G, while the A16 5G’s render appears weird), Samsung deserves praise for offering extended update support for its phones, regardless of price. It already leads the way for flagships (Galaxy S24 and newer) and looks set to raise the bar for budget and mid-range models. Most other Android OEMs only offer two years of OS updates for budget phones.
We should get a confirmation soon as Samsung prepares to launch the Galaxy A16 5G later this month. The phone features a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate and 800 nits of brightness. It is powered by the Exynos 1380 or Dimensity 6300 processor with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Samsung offers IP54 durability, Knox security, and Key Island design in Light Green, Blue Black, and Gold colors.
