7 Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, launched in early 2024, succeeds the Galaxy A14 5G and introduces several upgrades. Unlike its predecessor, which uses a 4G network variant (Galaxy A15 with Helio G99), the Galaxy A15 5G supports 5G connectivity.
Key improvements include a Super AMOLED display panel, which enhances screen quality and color accuracy. Additionally, the Galaxy A15 5G features new camera capabilities and improved charging performance compared to the Galaxy A14 5G.
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G enters the lower-middle-class smartphone market, priced around $200. If you're interested in this phone, here's a breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros of Samsung Galaxy A15
Samsung has consistently balanced price and quality, and the Galaxy A15 5G exemplifies this approach. Here are the key advantages that make this phone appealing:
1. Bright and Smooth AMOLED Display with 90 Hz Refresh Rate
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G upgrades from its predecessor's PLS LCD panel to a Super AMOLED panel. The display measures 6.5 inches and boasts a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a pixel density of 369 ppi.
It supports a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz, enhancing smoothness in scrolling and animations. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 800 nits, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight.
Galaxy A15 5G delivers a vibrant and smooth viewing experience, whether you’re browsing, gaming, or watching movies.
While the 90 Hz refresh rate of the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G might not be the highest in its price range (with some competitors offering 120 Hz in slightly lower-priced models), it still provides a notable improvement over the standard 60 Hz.
Users upgrading from a 60 Hz phone may not even notice the difference if they switch to the Galaxy A15 5G's 90 Hz display. Additionally, Galaxy A15 5G offers wide viewing angles, ensuring that content remains consistent and clear from various perspectives.
The color reproduction is excellent, typical of Samsung's AMOLED displays. Overall, the screen quality of the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is commendable for a mid-range smartphone.
2. Top Performance in the Mid-range, Featuring Dimensity 6100+
No longer using Exynos 1330 like on the Galaxy A14 5G, now the Galaxy A15 5G smartphone is supported by Dimensity 6100+ made by MediaTek. The age of this SoC is still relatively new when the phone is released, only launched in July 2023. Which means, there is only one year between the launch of the chipset and the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G.
The Dimensity 6100+ with 6 nm fabrication has eight processor cores (CPU) which include two high performance Cortex A76 cores (2.2 GHz) and six efficiency core Cortex A55 units (2 GHz). As for the graphics processing card (GPU), it uses Mali G57 MP2 at a frequency of 950 MHz.
There is some storage options on the unit, where each country will be different, but globally it presents 8 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage, or in some others countries you may find the 128 GB of storage. The type of RAM used is LPDDR4x, while the storage media is on the UFS 2.2 standard.
Users are provided with a hybrid external memory slot that allows adding up to 1 TB of storage via microSDXC. Unfortunately, this requires users to remove the SIM 2 card before inserting the external memory.
Based on performance tests, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G shows impressive results for a mid-range device. According to Nano Review, the phone scored 406,425 points on AnTuTu v10 and achieved 665 points in single-core and 1,724 points in multi-core tests on Geekbench 6.
In practical use, as reported by Techxreviews.com, the Galaxy A15 5G handles daily tasks smoothly, including app launches and multitasking. While it performs well with multiple apps running, some lag may occur with a high number of background apps.
For gaming, the Galaxy A15 5G delivers solid performance:
- Mobile Legends: Average frame rate of 83.9 FPS on Ultra graphics settings.
- PUBG Mobile: Achieves 38.8 FPS on Balance - Ultra settings.
- COD Mobile: Maintains a frame rate of 57.3 FPS on Medium graphics settings with High frame rate.
- Modern Warship: Runs at 61.5 FPS on Medium graphics settings.
- Genshin Impact: Capable of reaching 43 FPS at the lowest settings, though some lag may occur in open spaces.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers strong performance for its price range, making it a compelling option for both everyday use and gaming.
3. Great Camera with Ultrawide Sensor
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G comes equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back. The primary sensor boasts a 50 MP resolution, leveraging quad-bayer technology to capture high-quality photos with great detail. Additionally, this main camera is supported by autofocus for sharp images.
The secondary and tertiary cameras include a 5 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens and a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro sensor. The inclusion of the ultrawide lens is a notable upgrade, as many smartphones in the similar price range omit this practical feature.
Even the Galaxy A14 5G, the predecessor, lacked an ultrawide camera, which was considered a drawback. Thanks to this addition, the Galaxy A15 5G can now capture a broader field of view, making it ideal for group photos or scenic shots, like those at wedding events.
When it comes to video recording, the Galaxy A15 5G supports 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, and it is equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) to minimize shaking while filming on the move.
According to a YouTube review by Techniqued, the stabilization works well, and the footage remains smooth, free from jittery movements, whether using the main or ultrawide camera. Below are some examples of the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G's camera performance.
Source: Techxreviews.com
Source: YouTube/Techniqued
Source: YouTube/Techniqued
Source: YouTube/Techniqued
Source: Techxreviews.comWhat do you think? The photos turned out pretty well in my opinion. The photos, especially in night mode, seem to exceed expectations for a smartphone in this price range. While some noise is visible, as you noted, it's within acceptable limits for a mid-range device.
In the daytime shooting section using the main camera and ultrawide, I can give a thumbs up to the quality of the dynamic range. The details of the clouds and their separation from the color of the sky are still clearly visible and detailed.
Even in close-up (macro) shooting activities, I was quite able to enjoy the display, which is full of details and stunning colors.
On the front camera, the Galaxy A15 5G is equipped with a 13 MP wide-angle sensor designed in the form of a dot drop display or what Samsung commonly refers to as Infinity-U. Here is a sample selfie photo.
Source: YouTube/Techniqued
Source: YouTube/Suman Techno4. Comprehensive Connectivity Features, NFC Included
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G comes equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing users to check and top up eMoney balances. This feature is particularly useful for those who regularly commute by car, as it enables easy balance checks before entering toll roads or when parking in places like supermarket basements.
In addition to NFC, the smartphone offers a range of connectivity options, including 5G support (with compatibility for n1, n3, and n40 bands), Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Samsung Knox Vault for security, and a USB Type-C 2.0 charging port.
The Galaxy A15 5G also includes several sensors, such as a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, accelerometer, e-compass, and gyroscope. For added convenience, it retains a 3.5mm audio port, so you can use wired earphones without an adapter.
5. 5.000mAh Battery, Supports 25 Watt Fast Charging, Charger Included
Like many other smartphones on the market, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, a capacity now considered a standard for providing sufficient power for an entire day of use.
According to Techxreviews.com, the Galaxy A15 5G can last a full day, even with activities like web browsing, social media scrolling, video streaming, and regular communication.
This impressive battery life is largely due to the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on 6 nm architecture, which offers excellent power efficiency to meet the demands of daily use.
When it comes to charging, the Galaxy A15 5G now supports 25-watt fast charging, a notable upgrade from the 15-watt fast charging found in the previous Galaxy A14 5G.
With 25 watts of power, the Galaxy A15 5G can go from 0 to 100 percent in just about 1 hour and 20 minutes, significantly faster than the Galaxy A14 5G, which takes over 2 hours to fully charge.
6. Stylish and Timeless Minimalist Design
I really love the back design of Samsung phones released in 2023 and 2024. Most of these models share a similar look, and some could even be considered uniform. Take the Galaxy A15 5G, for example, which features a seamless unibody rear camera that blends perfectly with the back cover.
This design has become common across other Samsung Galaxy A series smartphones from the same period. In fact, it's even present on the Samsung Galaxy S23, giving the Galaxy A15 5G a premium, flagship-like appearance when viewed from the back.
The Galaxy A15 5G also has flat sides for a comfortable grip. On the right side, you'll find well-placed volume and power buttons that are easy to reach and feel solid.
It's worth mentioning that the Galaxy A15 5G has a slightly smaller screen than its predecessor, making its overall dimensions more compact and easier to hold.
The Galaxy A15 5G measures 160.1 mm in length and 76.8 mm in width, with a thickness of just 8.4 mm, making it noticeably thinner than the Galaxy A14 5G, which is 9.1 mm thick.
While some might prefer the flashy designs often seen in phones from BBK Electronics, if you’re like me and appreciate simple, elegant, and timeless designs, the Galaxy A15 5G feels like the perfect choice.
7. Up to 4 Years of Android Version Support
As a smartphone released in early 2024, the Galaxy A15 5G comes with the latest Android 14 version. It features the One UI 6 interface, which offers an intuitive and practical user experience with minimal ads and bloatware.
The Galaxy A15 5G is also one of the first Samsung phones in 2024 to be promised up to four years of Android version updates, meaning it will receive updates up to Android 18. Additionally, the device is supported with five years of security patch updates.
This level of support is quite rare in the mid-to-low-end smartphone category and is typically seen in flagship models.
Cons of Samsung Galaxy A15
With all its advantages, it's no surprise that many people are drawn to this phone. However, before you rush to make a purchase, it's important to consider some of the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G's shortcomings as well.
1. Still Showing Infinity-U Design
From the back, the Galaxy A15 5G looks sleek, but from the front, it reveals its status as an affordable phone. It still uses a waterdrop notch, or what Samsung calls the Infinity-U design.
This type of notch is now more common in low budget phones. In fact, many other smartphone brands offer punch-hole cameras in the $150 range. As a result, the front design doesn't give off a premium feel, which might spoil users' attempts to show off as if they were using the Galaxy S23.
Of course, this ultimately comes down to personal preference. For me, it's not a major issue, though I do prefer punch-hole cameras over the waterdrop notch. What about you?
2. No Dust and Water Resistance Certification
In terms of build quality, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G features a polycarbonate plastic frame and rear body. While this material is strong enough to withstand minor bumps, its durability is not on par with smartphones that come with Gorilla Glass protection.
Moreover, the Galaxy A15 5G lacks any dust and water resistance certification, unlike some competitors in the same price range. For example, the Infinix Zero 30 offers IP54 certification, and the POCO X5 5G comes with IP53 certification.
Interestingly, in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G has dropped in price to $200 and offers IP67 certification, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
3. No OIS, Lack of Resolution Support
Source: YouTube/TechniquedThe Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers decent photography quality for its class. However, the main camera lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which is a drawback.
OIS helps stabilize the camera during shooting, reducing blur, especially in situations where the shutter needs to stay open longer. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, which already has OIS, has dropped to $200, making it a potentially better choice for users who prioritize this feature.
Another shortcoming of the Galaxy A15 5G’s camera is its lack of support for 4K or 60 FPS video recording. It is limited to 1080p at 30 FPS, which might be disappointing for those who want higher video quality.
4. No Stereo Speaker
If you enjoy playing games without earphones, it’s best to choose a smartphone that can deliver spatial audio through its speakers. Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G only has a mono speaker.
Stereo speakers enhance sound output by providing clearer audio from the left and right channels, which can help you pinpoint enemy locations by hearing footsteps while gaming.
Stereo speakers are quite common in the low-middle price range, as seen in models like the Infinix Zero 30, which features stereo speakers with JBL tuning, as well as the Infinix GT 10 Pro and the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G was launched in January 2024, priced at $200 for the variant with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Its standout features include a bright, vibrant, and seamless Super AMOLED display, a camera that captures stunning photos, effective EIS stabilization, and excellent chipset performance.
Whether for gaming or photography, the Galaxy A15 5G is an affordable smartphone worth considering. It’s also future-proof, supporting 5G networks and offering up to four Android version updates.
However, I do wish Samsung had included stereo speakers in this model. Additional features like Gorilla Glass protection and an IP rating would also enhance its durability, especially for users relying on the device for online motorcycle taxi services.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a strong competitor in the mid-range price segment. Interested? Grab it now on your favorite marketplace before it sells out!