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- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked
- Best budget: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked
- Best premium: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked
- Best for a faster processor: Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked
- Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is the strongest all-around pick, with a 120Hz display, 45W charging and IP67 water resistance.
- Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and 5G connectivity for shoppers focused on everyday value.
- Samsung Galaxy A26 5G adds a 120Hz screen and IP67 protection at a lower tier than the A36 lineup.
- Samsung Galaxy A56 5G is a step-up choice for shoppers who want a faster processor and 45W charging.
- Compare storage, network compatibility and warranty details before choosing an unlocked Galaxy phone.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is the best all-around choice in this Samsung Galaxy A36 vs Samsung Galaxy A16 Black Friday 2026 comparison, while Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the straightforward value pick. Both phones offer 6.7-inch Super AMOLED displays, 5G connectivity and 5,000mAh batteries, but the A36 adds a 120Hz refresh rate, faster charging and stronger water resistance.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to bring together seven Samsung Galaxy options for different budgets and priorities. Use the comparison table to scan key differences, then choose the phone that fits your preferred screen, camera features and support window. Black Friday shopping is easier when the model and storage configuration are clear before checkout.
How We Picked
- Compared core specifications, including display size and refresh rate, battery capacity, charging speed and processor.
- Prioritized useful differences between the Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A16 5G, then added related Samsung models for shoppers considering an upgrade.
- Reviewed published product specifications, customer reviews and owner feedback for practical strengths and recurring trade-offs.
- Selected unlocked 128GB configurations where available to make model comparisons clearer; confirm carrier bands and regional specifications before purchase.
- Favored phones with clear use cases, from affordable everyday communication to more capable photography and performance.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Battery | Wired charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked | Best overall balance | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 45W |
| Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked | Best budget pick | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 90Hz | 5,000mAh | 25W |
| Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB Unlocked | Smoother screen at a midrange tier | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 25W |
| Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked | Best for a faster processor | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 45W |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked | A familiar midrange feature set | 6.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 25W |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked | A premium-feeling midrange phone | 6.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 25W |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked | Best premium pick | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 4,700mAh | 25W |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best overall phone for shoppers wanting balanced performance and long-term everyday use. The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, 45W charging and IP67 rating give it a meaningful edge over the A16.
Best for: Best overall balance
- Display
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Wired charging
- 45W
- Water resistance
- IP67
- Smooth 120Hz display
- 45W wired charging
- IP67 dust and water resistance
- Charging adapter is sold separately in many configurations
Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for shoppers who want a large 120Hz screen, 45W charging and IP67 protection without moving to a premium Galaxy model.
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#2
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best budget phone for shoppers who want a large screen and 5G basics. The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and 5,000mAh battery cover everyday browsing, messaging and video viewing.
Best for: Best budget pick
- Display
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Wired charging
- 25W
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Large Super AMOLED screen
- 5G connectivity
- Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery capacity
- 90Hz display is less fluid than the A36 screen
Is the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked is a practical value choice for everyday phone use, with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, 5G connectivity and a 5,000mAh battery. Choose the A36 for faster refresh and charging.
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#3
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best middle-ground phone for shoppers who want a 120Hz screen and IP67 protection. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display gives scrolling and video a smoother feel than the A16.
Best for: A smoother screen at a midrange tier
- Display
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Wired charging
- 25W
- Water resistance
- IP67
- 120Hz display
- IP67-rated protection
- 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization
- 25W wired charging trails the A36 and A56
Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128GB Unlocked suits shoppers who want a smoother 120Hz display and IP67 protection without choosing the A36. The 5,000mAh battery and 50MP stabilized main camera support versatile everyday use.
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#4
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best step-up phone for shoppers who want a stronger processor and a polished midrange feature set. The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display and 45W charging stand out for frequent daily use.
Best for: Best for a faster processor
- Display
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor
- Exynos 1580
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Wired charging
- 45W
- Capable Exynos 1580 processor
- 120Hz display
- 45W charging and IP67 protection
- Costs more than the entry Galaxy A choices
Is the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 128GB Unlocked is worth considering for shoppers who prioritize a faster processor, a 120Hz screen and 45W charging. The A36 covers similar core needs at a more restrained feature tier.
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#5
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best alternative for shoppers comparing established midrange features. The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED screen, 5,000mAh battery and IP67 rating make it a well-rounded option.
Best for: A familiar midrange feature set
- Display
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor
- Exynos 1380
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Water resistance
- IP67
- 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- IP67 water resistance
- 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization
- 25W charging is slower than the A36 and A56
Is the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked offers a capable midrange combination of a 120Hz screen, 5,000mAh battery and IP67 protection. Check the software support and network details for the specific listing before choosing it over the A36.
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#6
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best pick for shoppers seeking a larger-feeling premium midrange build. The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display and 5,000mAh battery pair with IP67 protection for everyday flexibility.
Best for: A premium-feeling midrange phone
- Display
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor
- Exynos 1480
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Water resistance
- IP67
- 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- IP67-rated design
- 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization
- 25W wired charging is modest for this feature tier
Is the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked is a sensible choice for shoppers who value a 120Hz display, IP67 protection and a sturdy midrange package. Compare the listing's support details with the newer A56 before deciding.
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#7
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is the best premium pick for shoppers seeking stronger performance and flagship-style camera tools. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked's 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and video.
Best for: Best premium pick
- Display
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Processor
- Exynos 2400e
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
- Water resistance
- IP68
- 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- IP68 water resistance
- Dedicated telephoto camera
- Smaller battery capacity than the A-series options
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is a compelling premium choice for shoppers who want a faster processor, IP68 protection and a dedicated telephoto camera. The Galaxy A36 offers a larger battery and lower-tier essentials.
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Which is better, Samsung Galaxy A36 or Samsung Galaxy A16?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is better for a smoother screen and faster charging, while Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is better for shoppers who want the essential features at the entry level. Both have 6.7-inch Super AMOLED displays and 5,000mAh batteries, so screen size and battery capacity are close.
The A36 adds a 120Hz refresh rate, 45W charging and IP67 protection; the A16 has a 90Hz display, 25W charging and IP54 protection. Easy recommendation: choose the A16 for basic daily use and the A36 for a more capable all-round phone.
Which Samsung phone has the better display?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and Samsung Galaxy A26 5G have the best A-series display balance here, with 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panels and 120Hz refresh rates. The A16 keeps the same screen size and panel type but uses a 90Hz refresh rate.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked steps up to a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen choice is straightforward: pick the A16 for a large, colorful display, or choose a 120Hz model for smoother scrolling.
Which Galaxy phone is best for battery life and charging?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Samsung Galaxy A56 5G each have a 5,000mAh battery. Battery capacity alone does not guarantee identical screen-on time, since display settings, signal strength and app use affect daily endurance.
For charging speed, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and Samsung Galaxy A56 5G lead this group with 45W wired charging. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE use 25W wired charging. Confirm whether a compatible adapter is included in the selected package.
Which model is best for photos and video?
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is the best camera-oriented pick here, with a dedicated telephoto camera alongside its main and ultrawide cameras. That extra camera gives shoppers a useful option for distant subjects without relying only on digital zoom.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G include a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G also have 50MP main cameras, but camera megapixels alone do not define image quality. Choose the S24 FE for the most versatile camera setup.
Which Galaxy phone is the smartest Black Friday 2026 buy?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best bet for shoppers seeking a strong mix of display quality, charging speed and water resistance. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked is the simpler value-focused choice, while Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked suits shoppers prioritizing premium performance.
Before checkout, confirm the exact storage, unlocked status, carrier compatibility, included accessories and return terms. Compare the product listing with the full model name in this guide, since similar Galaxy names can refer to different connectivity or regional versions.
Buying Guide
Choose a screen that fits your daily use
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers a 6.7-inch 120Hz screen, while Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a 6.7-inch 90Hz display. A 120Hz panel feels smoother during scrolling; shoppers who mostly message, browse and stream can focus on screen size and clarity.
Match performance to your apps
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G pairs an Exynos 1580 processor with a 120Hz display, while Samsung Galaxy A16 5G focuses on core everyday phone tasks. Choose the A56 for heavier multitasking and the A16 for calls, messaging, web use and video.
Compare protection ratings
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and Samsung Galaxy A26 5G carry IP67 ratings, compared with IP54 on Samsung Galaxy A16 5G. Protection ratings describe resistance under specified conditions, not permission to expose a phone routinely to water or dust.
Check storage and carrier details
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked identify both storage and network status. Verify the exact model number, supported carrier bands, SIM type and return policy on the listing before placing an order.
FAQ
Is Samsung Galaxy A36 better than Samsung Galaxy A16?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is better for a 120Hz display, 45W charging and IP67 protection. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the more basic choice, with a 90Hz screen and 25W charging. Both offer a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and 5,000mAh battery.
What is the biggest difference between Samsung Galaxy A36 and A16?
The biggest differences are display refresh rate, charging speed and water resistance. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G has a 120Hz display, 45W charging and IP67 rating; Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a 90Hz display, 25W charging and IP54 rating.
Does Samsung Galaxy A16 5G have a good display?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The large panel suits video, reading and everyday browsing, while Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers a smoother 120Hz refresh rate for scrolling.
How long does Samsung Galaxy A36 take to charge?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G supports wired charging up to 45W. Actual charging time varies with the adapter, cable, battery level and temperature. Check the package contents, since a compatible charging adapter is sold separately in many configurations.
Which Samsung Galaxy A-series phone has a 120Hz screen?
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Samsung Galaxy A55 5G have 120Hz displays among the models in this guide. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G uses a 90Hz display.
Is Samsung Galaxy A36 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a well-rounded Black Friday 2026 choice for shoppers who want a 6.7-inch 120Hz screen, 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging and IP67 protection. Compare the unlocked listing, storage and included accessories before buying.