2 weeks Ago
In 2025, the midrange smartphone segment has itself seen plenty of action with intensifying competition among leading brands. Vivo, Samsung, and Infinix have marched into the battle with utility-laden gadgets to attract buyers who, these days, look at performance, aesthetics, and future-ready specs. The Vivo T3 5G, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, and Infinix Note 50s 5G+ fall into the latest under-₹17,000 category and each phone brings unique strengths on board.
Display and Design The three devices are endowed with AMOLED panels, although the specifications differ across the devices to suit their respective audiences. Vivo T3 5G features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display.
The 120Hz refresh rate makes the phone well-suited to quick transitions, beneficial for an agile gamer or a content scroller, while an extremely bright 1800 nits peak brightness ensures visibility under harsh sunlight. With a slightly larger 6.7-inch AMOLED panel, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers more space.
The space comes with a refresh rate of 90Hz that can only be considered excellent for basic functions on an everyday basis. The low brightness of 800 nits means it can be used outdoors, but in terms of punchiness, it does not give the visual thrill that others do. With a 6.
78-inch curved AMOLED display and a 144Hz refresh rate, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ is able to outshine its competitors. Though having almost 1300 nits brightness, compared to that of the Vivo T3, this looks a bit washed-out; nevertheless, it scores good marks here. The curved design lends a premium appeal while providing immersive entertainment experience, especially for binge-watchers.
Performance and Software A little more focus on performance is what users demand nowadays, given the increasing popularity of mobile gaming and multitasking. The Vivo T3 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset. The SoC is one that guarantees optimum performance, in a multitasking environment pair 8GB RAM and storage of 256GB where it is running on Android 14 layered with Funtouch OS 14.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G relies on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. One impressive point is the support of up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, which drops its processing power one level below the Vivo T3. Still, it has something going for it with the One UI 6.
1, based on Android 14, and famed for fluid animations and regular updates. Infinix Note 50s 5G+ carries the most advanced MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor that has advanced performance compared to both Vivo and Samsung. It ships with Android 15 and XOS 15, which now has far more UI customization and smoother gameplay.
Camera Capabilities Camera performance is another crucial criterion, more so in this bracket where users expect near-flagship-level performance from photography. Vivo T3 5G boasts of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Its 16MP front camera can produce decent selfies with natural tones.
Other than no ultrawide lens, the main sensor performs quite well during daylight. The camera configuration of the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G comprises a triple camera setup consisting of a 50MP main, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro camera, while a 13MP camera looks after selfies. The presence of the ultrawide lens adds versatility in landscapes or group shots.
Infinix Note 50s 5G+ introduces probably the most modern configuration with its 64MP Sony IMX682 sensor, coupled with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) capability. It supports 4K video recording as well. The front camera is rated at 13MP, and while the secondary lenses aren't very advanced, the overall imaging experience will be better than usual.
Battery and Charging Battery life and charging speeds are among the factors on which the sub-₹20K segment often differs significantly. Vivo T3 5G has a 5000mAh battery with 44W fast charging, which fully charges the device in less than an hour - something one would expect for a phone that's made specifically for someone who's always on the go. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G doubles up on the same figures as 5000 with 25W charging support, making it pretty slow.
But it is quite well-known that Samsung batteries manage to do pretty well for long periods. An even bigger battery packs a punch of 5500mAh and fast charging at 45W, in addition to 10W reverse wired charging for smaller gadgets sweet. Infinix Note 50s 5G+.
Special Features For some time now, Vivo T3 5G has been providing users with a dual SIM option, supplemented by microSD card expansion that suits a lot of users. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is rare with an IP54 protection rating against dust and splashes, very suitable at this price. It also takes in microSD for expanded storage.
The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ would be a little different because of the unique back panel of its Marine Drift Blue variation. The back has microencapsulation technology, which would release a leather-like smell over time: a very bold action combining design and sensory experience. Pricing (April 2025) Vivo T3 5G : ₹16,470 (8GB + 128GB) Samsung Galaxy A16 5G : ₹16,999 (8GB + 128GB) Infinix Note 50s 5G+ : ₹15,999 (8GB + 128GB) Specifications Comparison Table Verdict All three smartphones cater to different target users within the same price bracket.
The Vivo T3 5G strikes a balance between display quality and performance, making it ideal for everyday users and light gamers. The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G focuses on reliability and user interface, backed by a better software ecosystem and water resistance. On the other hand, the Infinix Note 50s 5G+ emerges as the most value-packed device, delivering high-end features like a curved 144Hz display, a large battery, and a standout design at the lowest price.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether performance, aesthetics, or brand assurance takes priority..
