Galaxy A16 – Why is AOD disabled?

[aphanefrance]

I reached out to Samsung Support about Always-On Display (AOD) for the Galaxy A16. The device has an AMOLED display that can handle AOD, but Samsung admitted it’s disabled by software and not supported on this model.

I don’t understand why a feature the hardware can support is being locked away. Many phones in the same price range already include AOD.

I’ve already submitted feedback with proof, but I think more A16 users should speak up. We deserve this feature in a future One UI update.

Screenshots attached: (1) Settings with no AOD option (2) Samsung’s official reply confirming it’s disabled.

[Aphiwe25]

Even the A26 which is higher than the A16 AOD is not available. 😥

[aphanefrance]

Wild. If A16 and A26 both miss out on AOD, then it’s clear Samsung is holding it back across A-series. Imagine how many A users would benefit if they just enabled it. We need to make noise together on this

[outcast1]

Dude A26 has AOD

[aphanefrance]

See, that’s exactly the problem — some A-series devices get AOD, others don’t, even though the screens can handle it. There’s no clear logic, just selective locking of features

[outcast1]

I think its cause the A16 is a budget phone and A26 is midrange even if the A16 has an Amoled panel...remember they have to keep the phone cheap more features and better specs will mean the phone will be too pricey to be considered a budget phone

[aphanefrance]

Exactly 💯 Samsung loves playing this game give us good hardware, then lock features to create **bleep** ‘tiers.’ The A16 literally has what it takes, but they cripple it just so AOD feels like a privilege. It’s not budget limitations, it’s business strategy. Honestly it’s like selling you a car with aircon but saying ‘nah, you gotta buy the higher model to actually switch it on’ 😂

[Aphiwe25]

No it doesn't I own the phone and it doesn't

[ollyy2021]

I have a a56 and it has it. I think its to make AOD feel more special. But i used to have a a14 and its sad it didnt have it

[aphanefrance]

Exactly bro 💯 that’s what frustrates me most the A16 literally has the AMOLED screen like the A56, so hardware wise it can handle AOD no problem. But Samsung keeps it locked to make it feel ‘premium’ instead of standard. It’s basically a business move not a tech limitation. Sad part is we all pay good money for these phones and features get chopped up depending on what tier you’re in 🤦🏽‍♂️