The Samsung Galaxy A16 Does Not Have Wireless Charging

The Samsung Galaxy A16 comes with a USB-C charging port but no wireless charging capability. This is a common trade-off in Samsung's budget and mid-range phones — wireless charging typically appears in higher-end Galaxy models like the S-series and Z-series, not in the A-series lineup.

If wireless charging is important to you, you'll need to either choose a different Samsung model or use a wired charger with the A16. The phone charges reasonably fast with the right cable and power adapter, so wired charging alone is workable for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • The Samsung Galaxy A16 charges only through its USB-C port and does not support wireless charging of any kind.
  • Wireless charging is reserved for Samsung's premium Galaxy S and Z-series phones, not the more affordable A-series.
  • The A16 supports fast charging through USB-C when paired with a compatible power adapter, though the phone does not come with one in the box.
  • If you already own wireless chargers, they will not work with the A16 unless you switch to a different Samsung model.

What Charging Method the A16 Actually Uses

The Samsung Galaxy A16 charges through a standard USB-C port on the bottom of the phone. This is the same type of port found on most modern Android phones, tablets, and laptops. You can use any USB-C cable and power adapter to charge it, which gives you flexibility if you already own compatible chargers.

The phone supports fast charging at up to 25W when you use a compatible power adapter. Samsung does not include a charger in the box, so you'll need to provide your own or purchase one separately. Many households already have USB-C chargers from other devices, so you may not need to buy anything new.

Why the A16 Lacks Wireless Charging

Samsung reserves wireless charging for its more expensive phone models. The Galaxy A-series is designed as an entry-level to mid-range option, and removing wireless charging helps keep the price lower. Wireless charging requires additional hardware inside the phone — a charging coil and related components — which adds cost and thickness to the device.

This is a deliberate product strategy across the entire A-series. Even newer A-series models like the A17 and A18 do not include wireless charging. If wireless charging is a must-have feature for you, you would need to step up to the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, or one of the Z-series foldable phones.

Charging Speed and Real-World Performance

With a 25W USB-C charger, the Galaxy A16 reaches a full charge in roughly 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the charger quality and whether you use the phone while charging. This is reasonably fast for a budget phone and faster than many older wireless chargers deliver anyway.

The phone has a 5,000 mAh battery, which is large enough to last a full day of moderate use. If you charge it overnight or use a fast charger during the day, the lack of wireless charging becomes less of a practical problem. The real inconvenience is only if you have invested in wireless charging pads and want to use them across multiple devices.

Alternatives If You Want Wireless Charging

If wireless charging is essential, you have two main options: buy a different Samsung phone, or use a wireless charging adapter case. A wireless charging adapter is a thin case with a built-in charging coil that connects to the USB-C port. These cases add bulk and cost, and they are not as reliable as built-in wireless charging, but they do work.

For a better experience, consider stepping up to the Galaxy S24 or S24+ if your budget allows. Both have wireless charging built in and offer better performance overall. The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 also have wireless charging if you want a foldable phone. These options cost significantly more than the A16, but they include the feature without requiring an adapter case.

What You Get Instead of Wireless Charging

Samsung invested the A16's design budget elsewhere. The phone has a large 6.7-inch display, a decent camera system, and a long-lasting battery. The trade-off is that you charge it with a cable, just like phones did five years ago. For many people, this is a fair compromise.

The A16 also supports Samsung DeX, which lets you connect the phone to a monitor and use it like a desktop computer. It runs Android 14 and receives security updates regularly. These features matter more to most users than wireless charging does.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not without an adapter case. The A16 has no wireless charging coil, so a standard wireless pad will not charge it. You can buy a wireless charging adapter case that connects to the USB-C port, but this adds thickness and is less convenient than built-in wireless charging.

What charger comes in the box with the A16?

Samsung does not include a charger in the box. You get the phone, a USB-C cable, and documentation. You must provide your own USB-C power adapter. Most households have one from another device, but if you don't, you'll need to purchase one separately.

Is the A16 slower to charge than phones with wireless charging?

No. The A16 charges at up to 25W through USB-C, which is faster than most wireless chargers. Wireless charging typically maxes out at 15W to 20W. The A16 reaches a full charge in about an hour with a good USB-C charger, which is competitive with wireless phones.

Will a future software update add wireless charging to the A16?

No. Wireless charging requires hardware — a charging coil inside the phone — that the A16 does not have. Software updates cannot add hardware features. If you need wireless charging, you must switch to a different phone model.

What Samsung phones do have wireless charging?

The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all have wireless charging. The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 foldable phones also support it. The entire A-series, including the A16, A17, and A18, does not have wireless charging.