Redmi Note 14 5G vs Samsung Galxy A16 5G: Which one is better?

Last year, we considered the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G as the best phone under NPR 30,000. This year, its successor, the Galaxy A16 5G, is another solid option. However, the competition has gotten tougher with the arrival of the Redmi Note 14 5G, a new contender in this price segment. So, let’s delve into the Redmi Note 14 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A16 5G to learn which one is the best for the 30K segment.

Redmi Note 14 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Comparison:

Price Comparison

First up, let’s address the pricing of these guys. The Redmi Note 14 5G is available in two variants: 8GB/256GB for NPR 30,999 and 12GB/512GB for NPR 34,999. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G comes in three configurations: 6GB/128GB for NPR 28,999, 8GB/128GB for NPR 30,999, and 8GB/256GB for NPR 34,999. Considering the 8GB/256GB variant, the Redmi Note 14 5G is significantly more affordable than its Samsung counterpart.

Design

In terms of rear design, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G follows a clean and minimalistic approach, resembling the flagship S-series camera module. In contrast, the Redmi Note 14 5G has a larger and more pronounced camera module. Both phones feature plastic builds, but while the Note 14 5G has a flat frame, its slightly curved back makes it more comfortable to hold. Additionally, Redmi has an IP64 rating, whereas Samsung comes with an IP54 rating, giving the former better dust and water resistance.

Design and Display

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Display

When it comes to the display, I lean over Redmi which has a modern hole-punch cutout and slimmer bottom bezels, whereas Samsung still sticks to an outdated U-shaped notch from 2017. Both phones feature AMOLED panels, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals, making them excellent for watching movies and scrolling social media.

For streaming, both phones support Widevine L1 certification which should ensure high-quality playback on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. However, only the Redmi Note 14 5G supports HDR playback, giving it an edge in multimedia consumption. Outdoor visibility is solid on both devices.

The biggest difference is in refresh rate—while Samsung only offers 90Hz, Redmi delivers a smoother 120Hz experience, making scrolling and app switching feel much faster. I honestly feel, Samsung should stop reserving a 120Hz refresh rate for the upper midrange segment. Additionally, the Note 14 5G features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, whereas Samsung still sticks to a single speaker.

Performance

The Redmi Note 14 5G is powered by the Dimensity 7025 Ultra, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs on the Dimensity 6300. The former features 2× Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz, while the latter 6300 has 2× Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4GHz. This means the Redmi Note 14 5G has a more powerful chipset, and benchmark scores confirm that it outperforms the A16 5G. But it’s only by a slighter margin.

However, in real-world day-to-day usage and gaming, the difference isn’t drastic. Both phones deliver around 40fps on PUBG and 59fps on Mobile Legends. Neither supports 60fps gameplay, while the CMF Phone 1 (Dimensity 7300) does. That said, Samsung’s 90Hz refresh rate feels slower compared to Redmi’s 120Hz display.

One major advantage for Redmi is that its base variant starts with 8GB RAM, making it better for multitasking. In contrast, Samsung’s base model only has 6GB RAM, which might feel insufficient in 2025. If you’re considering Samsung, it’s best to opt for the 8GB RAM variant.

Software Experience

In terms of software, Redmi Note 14 5G runs HyperOS (Android 14), while Samsung Galaxy A16 5G runs One UI 6.1 (Android 14). Samsung offers a cleaner UI experience with fewer pre-installed apps, whereas HyperOS includes some bloatware and occasional ads. Thankfully, bloatware can be uninstalled, and ads can be disabled with extra steps. However, Samsung still provides a smoother, more polished software experience overall.

When it comes to software updates, Samsung is far ahead—the Galaxy A16 5G will receive 6 years of OS and security updates, while Redmi only promises 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches.

Cameras

The Redmi Note 14 5G features a 108MP (OIS) main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro sensor, whereas the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G comes with a 50MP (OIS) main camera, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro sensors.

Daylight

Both phones capture good detail, but Samsung tends to produce slightly reddish images, while Redmi has a warmer tone.

Daylight

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Ultrawide

The ultrawide shots are better on Redmi due to its higher-resolution 8MP sensor, whereas Samsung’s 5MP ultrawide camera is just average.

Ultrawide

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Selfies

For selfies, Redmi delivers better results, as Samsung’s front camera often produces an oil-painted effect with unnatural skin tones. The same applies to selfie videos, where Redmi Note 14 5G performs better.

Selfies

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Portraits

When it comes to portrait shots, both phones are decent, but Samsung produces slightly more pleasing results. Video recording on both devices is limited to 1080p at 30fps, and while electronic image stabilization (EIS) is present, jitters are noticeable—especially on Samsung.

Portrait

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Battery, Charging & Connectivity

Both phones feature a large battery, with Samsung packing a 5,000mAh unit and Redmi slightly larger at 5,110mAh. Battery life should be similar, lasting a full day on moderate use. However, charging speeds differ significantly—the Redmi Note 14 5G supports 45W fast charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is limited to 25W. In practice:

• Redmi Note 14 5G takes 1 hour and 2 minutes to fully charge.
• Samsung Galaxy A16 5G takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Both phones support 5G, Band 20 (NTC), 4G VoLTE, and carrier video calling. However, only the Redmi Note 14 5G supports WiFi Calling (VoWiFi). Another bonus feature on the Note 14 5G is the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is missing on the A16 5G, a sad thing for audiophiles. 

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Okay, it’s conclusion time. Both phones offer similar performance, but the Redmi Note 14 5G stands out with its smoother 120Hz display, better multimedia experience, faster charging, and improved cameras. However, if you prioritize a clean software experience and long-term updates, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the better choice. Plus, the portrait shots from Samsung are the best in class for the segments.