Danny Weber
05:21 15-11-2025
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung speeds up updates: the budget Galaxy A16 5G now runs One UI 8 on Android 16, with two upgrades delivered and four more promised for long-term support.
Samsung is rapidly rolling out the One UI 8 update based on Android 16, and the real surprise is how fast it has reached budget models. The Galaxy A16 5G is now the brand’s cheapest phone already running One UI 8, yet it still comes in at under $200 when converted.
Typically, affordable smartphones are last in line for major updates, but this year Samsung has markedly accelerated the schedule. The company pushed updates to its flagships in record time and then almost immediately brought the current firmware to entry-level models. Every available Galaxy A device now runs One UI 8—something that used to be rare.
That makes the Galaxy A16 5G a notably good deal: it offers the same interface version as the top-tier Galaxy S25 Ultra, just without the advanced cameras and premium extras. For the money, the phone feels surprisingly up to date. It also signals a genuine shift in Samsung’s approach to software: rapid Android releases are no longer reserved for pricey phones but set as a baseline for the entire lineup.
The Galaxy A16 5G has already received two major Android upgrades, with four more guaranteed. That positions it among Samsung’s most long-lived budget devices, set to remain relevant for several more years.