The Samsung Galaxy A16 uses only wired charging

The Samsung Galaxy A16 does not have wireless charging. The phone charges only through a USB-C cable connected to a power adapter. If wireless charging is important to you, the A16 is not the right choice — you will need to look at higher-end Samsung models instead.

This is one of the most common reasons people return or avoid the A16. The phone is designed as a budget option, and wireless charging is one of the features Samsung removes at this price point to keep costs down. You get a USB-C port on the bottom of the phone, and that is your only way to add power.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy A16 charges only through USB-C cable; there is no wireless charging pad support.
  • Wired charging takes longer than wireless on most phones, but the A16's battery is smaller, so full charge time is roughly 60 to 90 minutes depending on the adapter you use.
  • Samsung includes a USB-C cable in the box but does not include a power adapter, so you may need to buy one separately.
  • If wireless charging matters to you, Samsung's Galaxy A35, A55, and all S-series phones support it, but they cost significantly more.

What charging speed you actually get with the A16

The Galaxy A16 supports 25W fast charging over USB-C, which is respectable for a budget phone. That means if you use a 25W adapter, the battery fills faster than it would with a standard 5W charger. The difference is real: a 5W charger might take two hours or more, while a 25W charger gets you to full in around 60 to 90 minutes.

Samsung does not include a power adapter in the box, only the USB-C cable. You have to supply your own adapter or use one you already own. Any USB-C power adapter rated 25W or higher will work, and many people already have these from other devices — laptops, tablets, or older Samsung phones.

The battery itself is 5,000 mAh, which is large enough that most people get through a full day on one charge with moderate use. If you charge overnight, the speed difference between 5W and 25W matters less in daily life, but it does matter if you need a quick top-up before leaving the house.

Why Samsung removed wireless charging from the A16

Wireless charging adds cost to a phone in two ways: the hardware inside the phone (the receiver coil) and the charger pad you have to buy separately. At the A16's price point, Samsung decided those costs were not worth it. The phone is aimed at people who want basic smartphone features — calling, texting, photos, apps — without paying for premium extras.

This is a common trade-off across budget phones from all makers. Wireless charging is standard on flagship phones because people buying those phones expect it and can afford it. On budget phones, removing it keeps the price lower, which is what most buyers in that category prioritize.

Which Samsung phones do have wireless charging

If wireless charging is a must-have, you need to step up to Samsung's mid-range or flagship lines. The Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 both include wireless charging and cost more than the A16. The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all have wireless charging as well, but they are significantly more expensive.

There is also a gap in Samsung's lineup: the A25 does not have wireless charging either. You have to jump to the A35 to get it in the A-series. If you are shopping for a Samsung phone and wireless charging is important, check the specs before you buy — it is straightforward to assume a newer model has it when it does not.

Workarounds if you want wireless charging with a budget phone

You cannot add wireless charging to the A16 after you buy it. The phone's design does not support it, and there is no case or adapter that will make it work. If you want wireless charging and do not want to spend more on a different phone, your only real option is to choose a different model.

Some people buy a wireless charging pad anyway and use it with other devices — a smartwatch, earbuds, or a tablet. That way the investment is not wasted if you later upgrade to a phone that supports it. But for the A16 itself, wired charging is the only path.

How to get the most out of wired charging on the A16

Use a 25W USB-C adapter if you have one or can buy one. They are inexpensive — usually under $20 — and widely available. Make sure it is rated for at least 25W; lower-wattage adapters will charge the phone, but more slowly.

Keep the USB-C cable in good condition. A frayed or damaged cable charges slower and can eventually stop working. If your cable feels loose in the port or charges slowly, replace it rather than trying to make it work.

Avoid charging the phone in very hot environments. Heat slows charging and can damage the battery over time. If the phone feels warm while charging, unplug it and let it cool down before plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charging pad with the Samsung A16?

No. The A16 does not have the internal hardware needed for wireless charging. A wireless pad will not charge it, and there is no case or adapter that will make it work. You must use a wired USB-C cable.

What power adapter do I need for the A16?

Any USB-C power adapter rated 25W or higher will work. Samsung does not include one in the box, so you may need to buy one separately. Many people already own USB-C adapters from laptops, tablets, or other phones and can reuse those.

How long does it take to charge the A16 fully?

With a 25W adapter, expect 60 to 90 minutes for a full charge. With a standard 5W adapter, it can take two hours or longer. The exact time depends on how much battery is left and how warm the phone gets during charging.

Is the A16 worth buying if I need wireless charging?

No. If wireless charging is important to you, the A16 is not the right phone. Look at the Galaxy A35 or A55 instead, or consider a different brand. Buying a phone without a feature you need and hoping to work around it usually leads to frustration.

Does the A16 charge faster than older Samsung phones?

Yes. The A16 supports 25W fast charging, which is faster than many older Samsung models. But it is still slower than flagship phones, which often support 45W or higher. For a budget phone, the A16's charging speed is competitive.