Samsung’s recent Galaxy A16 is a sub-Rs 25,000 phone and its fellow contender is the Lava Agni 3. Both phones have unique propositions and don’t shy away from a challenge. So, which one is better? In this article, we’ll throw the Samsung Galaxy A16 and Lava Agni 3 into the ring and see which contender truly dominates on specifications and features at this price point.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Specifications at Glance
Both phones bring similar RAM and storage configurations but Lava shakes things up with variant-specific pricing—some options include a charger, others don’t. If you want the adapter bundled in, be prepared to add Rs 2,000 to your cart. The Lava Agni 3’s 8GB RAM and 256GB variant, in particular, is noticeably steeper in price than the Samsung Galaxy A16.
The Lava Agni 3 is exclusive to Amazon, while the Galaxy A16 enjoys a broader reach, popping up on Samsung’s official eStore, Amazon and Flipkart.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Design
The Samsung Galaxy A16 showcases a glass front paired with a plastic back, giving it a sleek look. Its camera setup is inspired by Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 series. It is available in four colours: Blue Black, Light Gray, Gold, and Light Green. This phone is IP54 rated and weighs in at 200 grams.
The Lava Agni 3 features a camera module on the back with a secondary touchscreen display. The design language of this phone is quite different from the usual Lava phones and comes in two colour options: Heather Glass and Pristine Glass. It is IP64-rated and weighs 212grams.
Lava Agni 3 Design
The Samsung Galaxy A16 borrows design cues from its upscale sibling, the Galaxy S24 series. It has a premium, understated look. On the other hand, the Lava Agni 3 is a heftier smartphone featuring a secondary display, reminiscent of the Mi 11 Ultra.
For those concerned about durability, the Agni 3 edges ahead with a better IP rating. So, if you’re drawn to the novelty of dual screens and added protection, the Agni 3 is your match. But, if understated subtlety is your style, the Galaxy A16 could be the perfect fit.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Display
The Samsung Galaxy A16 has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display featuring a 385 ppi density, a 120Hz refresh rate, 800 nits of peak brightness, and a water drop notch display.
The Lava Agni 3 sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 429 ppi density, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits of peak brightness, and a punch-hole display.
Lava Agni 3 Display
The Lava Agni 3 boasts a slightly larger display than the Samsung Galaxy A16, plus an extra 400 nits of brightness. Its punch-hole design adds a touch of elegance while a secondary screen allows you to check notifications, alarms, and calls, and even access the camera with ease.
On the contrary, the Samsung Galaxy A16 keeps things straightforward with a simpler display. If you’re after more features and versatility, the Lava Agni 3 might just be the better pick.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A16 draws power from the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, built on a 6nm process. It features a Mali-G57 MC2, and up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The Lava Agni 3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC, built on a 4nm process. It features a Mali-G615 MC2, and up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Gaming
Each phone is equipped with a MediaTek chipset, though they differ in variant, GPU, and manufacturing process. When it comes to RAM and storage options, both provide similar configurations.
We can expect the Lava Agni 3 to be a better performer but since we haven’t run real-world tests on these models yet, it’s tough to determine which one comes out on top. Rest assured, we’ll update this section soon with our findings.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Software
The Samsung Galaxy A16 runs One UI 6.1, based on Android 14.
The Lava Agni 3 runs Android 14.
Samsung Galaxy A16 Software
With the Galaxy A16, you’ll find a range of customisation options, although it does come with some pre-installed apps. The Lava Agni 3, on the other hand, focuses on a streamlined, no-nonsense interface that users find refreshingly uncluttered.
For those who prefer simplicity, the Lava Agni 3 stands out as a practical and appealing choice. However, if a longer update policy is what you want, go for the Galaxy A16.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy A16 boasts a 50MP wide camera with f/1.8 aperture, a 5MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture. This phone has a 13MP wide camera with f/2.0 aperture.
The Lava Agni 3 features a 50MP wide camera, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and, an 8MP ultra-wide camera. It sports a 16MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture.
Samsung Galaxy A16 Cameras
Both devices have a triple-camera setup on the rear. Notably, the Lava Agni 3 brings both telephoto and ultra-wide lenses to this price range, adding versatility for users. When it comes to the selfie camera, the Lava Agni 3 also has an edge. That said, we haven’t yet done real-world tests to gauge their performance side by side. Stay tuned for a detailed update after our hands-on testing is complete.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Battery and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy A16 packs a 5,000mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging.
The Lava Agni 3 packs a 5,000mAh battery and supports 66W fast charging.
Lava Agni 3 Battery
With similar battery capacities, both phones should deliver comparable day-to-day performance. That said, if quick charging is high on your list, the Lava Agni 3 has the advantage.
Samsung Galaxy A16 vs Lava Agni 3: Verdict
The Lava Agni 3 surpasses the Samsung Galaxy A16 on specs and has intriguing features like dual screens and a clean UI experience. That said, many users may hesitate to choose a Lava device due to its smaller footprint online compared to Samsung’s. While this concern is understandable, the Lava Agni 3 makes a compelling case as a more affordable choice.
However, the Galaxy A16 is more affordable and has support for a longer software cycle. So, if this matters more, this could be a fair choice.
