The Samsung Galaxy A16 charges only with a cable, not wirelessly

The Samsung Galaxy A16 does not support wireless charging. It uses a USB-C port on the bottom of the phone for all charging — you plug in a cable and power adapter, the same way you would charge most budget Android phones. If you were hoping to set the phone on a charging pad, that feature is not available on this model.

This is a common trade-off on phones in the A-series price range. Samsung reserves wireless charging for its higher-end Galaxy S and Galaxy Z models. The A16 makes up for it with a larger battery and a charger that comes in the box, which many newer phones no longer include.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy A16 charges through USB-C only and does not work with wireless charging pads or stands.
  • Samsung includes a USB-C charger in the box with the A16, so you do not need to buy one separately.
  • The A16 has a 5,000 mAh battery, which is larger than many phones in its price range and lasts longer between charges.
  • If wireless charging is important to you, you would need to choose a different Samsung model, such as the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy Z Fold series.

What charger comes with the Galaxy A16

Samsung includes a 25-watt USB-C charger in the box with the Galaxy A16. This is faster than the chargers that came with older Galaxy A phones, and it is also faster than what Apple includes with iPhones. The charger is a standard USB-C power adapter, so you can use it with other devices that charge via USB-C — tablets, laptops, and other phones.

You will need a USB-C to USB-C cable to use the charger. Samsung includes this cable in the box as well. If you lose the cable or charger, you can buy replacements from Samsung or from third-party makers like Anker or Belkin, which are usually cheaper.

How long the Galaxy A16 battery lasts

The Galaxy A16 has a 5,000 mAh battery, which is one of the larger batteries you will find in a mid-range phone. In real use, most people get a full day of moderate use without needing to charge — texting, social media, email, and some video watching. Heavy users who stream video, play games, or use GPS navigation for hours may need to charge by evening.

Battery life also depends on your screen brightness, which apps you use, and how often your phone checks for notifications. If you turn on battery saver mode, the phone will stretch the battery to a second day, though some features like background app refresh will be limited.

Charging speed and how long it takes

With the included 25-watt charger, the Galaxy A16 reaches 50 percent battery in roughly 30 minutes and a full charge in about 60 to 75 minutes. This is considered fast charging for a phone at this price point. The actual time varies depending on whether you use the phone while charging — using it while plugged in slows the charging speed.

If you use a slower charger, like a 10-watt adapter from an older phone, the Galaxy A16 will still charge, but it will take longer — sometimes two hours or more for a full charge. The phone will not be damaged by a slower charger; it will simply charge at whatever speed that charger provides.

Why Samsung removed wireless charging from the A16

Wireless charging adds cost and thickness to a phone. Samsung's strategy is to include it on expensive models where customers expect premium features, and leave it out of budget models to keep the price lower. The Galaxy A16 is designed to be affordable, so Samsung chose to spend the money on a larger battery and faster wired charging instead.

This is a practical choice for most people. Wired charging is faster than wireless charging anyway — even the fastest wireless chargers take longer than the 25-watt charger that comes with the A16. If you charge overnight, the difference does not matter. If you need to charge quickly during the day, wired charging is actually better.

Alternatives if you want wireless charging

If wireless charging is important to you, Samsung makes other phones that support it. The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all have wireless charging. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 also support it. These phones cost significantly more than the A16 — the S24 starts around $800, compared to the A16 at around $200 to $250.

You could also buy a wireless charging case or adapter that works with USB-C, though these add bulk to the phone and are not as convenient as built-in wireless charging. Most people find that the included wired charger and the A16's large battery make wireless charging unnecessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charger with the Galaxy A16 if I buy an adapter?

No. Wireless charging requires a coil inside the phone itself, which the A16 does not have. An adapter or case cannot add this feature. You would need a phone that has wireless charging built in.

Is the included charger safe to use every day?

Yes. The charger that comes with the A16 is made by Samsung and tested to work safely with the phone. Using it daily will not damage the battery or the phone. Lithium batteries do degrade over time with use, but this is normal and happens whether you charge fast or slow.

What happens if I charge the Galaxy A16 overnight?

The phone will charge to 100 percent and then stop charging. Modern phones, including the A16, have safety systems that prevent overcharging. Leaving it plugged in overnight is safe and will not damage the battery.

Does the Galaxy A16 support fast charging with third-party chargers?

Yes, as long as the third-party charger supports USB Power Delivery and outputs 25 watts or more. Chargers from brands like Anker, Belkin, and others that support USB-C Power Delivery will work and charge at the same speed as the Samsung charger.