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New samsung a16 review: performance for cloud gaming

New Gaming Phone Performance Sparks Debate | Users Question Budget Choice

By

Fatima Al-Nasir

Apr 19, 2025, 10:57 AM

2 minutes of duration

A person plays a cloud game on their Samsung A16, showing focus on the screen and a gaming controller in hand.

A recent purchase of a Samsung A16 4G for cloud gaming has drawn mixed reactions from the gaming community. Users are voicing concerns about decode performance issues and audio latency, raising questions about the phone's suitability for gaming.

Context and User Feedback

A user shares their frustrations after opting for a Samsung A16 while seeking better battery life for gaming. Despite removing bloatware and background apps, they are encountering consistent performance alerts and audio issues that contrast sharply with their experience on a Samsung A53.

Several users chimed in, highlighting the differences in chipset performance. One user stated,

"Any phone with Snapdragon will do the trick," addressing the chipset's crucial role.

Chipset Challenges

  1. Mediatek vs. Exynos: Comments reveal that the A16's Mediatek chipset is a known issue for decode times on Android. Users report that this is a widespread problem across various streaming platforms, including xCloud, GeForce NOW, and more.

  2. Audio Latency: Users note a slight increase in audio latency when using gaming earbuds with the A16 compared to the A53, which boasts an Exynos chipset.

  3. Codec Limitations: Users are questioning the A16's support for AV1 codecs, which could impact video streaming quality and performance, adding another layer of complexity to the decision to keep or return the device.

Key Comments

  • โ€œThe Mediatek decode thing isn't exclusive to xCloud.โ€ - Insight shared by an informed user.

  • โ€œSpent ages trying to research the best value, and now this!โ€ - Expressing frustration with the purchase.

User Sentiment

The discussion continues to be both negative and neutral as people weigh the pros and cons of budget options versus higher-end models. Many acknowledge that choosing the right gaming phone is more complicated than it seems.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿš€ Mediatek chipsets are linked to decode performance issues.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Latency differences noted when comparing A16 and A53.

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Codec support remains a concern for potential buyers.

Curiously, as users navigate this complex landscape, the call for updates from manufacturers grows louder. Will future patches improve performance for budget gaming phones, or are enthusiasts better off investing in pricier alternatives? The debate rages on among passionate gamers.