Galaxy A15 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A15 5G
Galaxy A15 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:124.00

Versus €248.54 new

See options
Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:293.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus are Android smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup, released in late 2023/early 2024 and early 2023, respectively. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy A15 5G is designed as a more accessible option, focusing on core smartphone functionalities and extended software support, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a premium flagship experience with advanced performance, camera capabilities, and a refined design.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the longevity of its components. These two devices offer different propositions in this regard.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A15 5G was released in December 2023, with a broader rollout in January 2024. It ships with Android 14 and is promised four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software support until approximately 2028 for OS and 2029 for security. The Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, launched with Android 13. It is expected to receive four to five years of major OS updates and five years of security updates, potentially bringing it up to Android 17 or 18 and security patches until 2028.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy A15 5G features a plastic frame and back, with AGC Dragontrail Protection on its display. It does not carry an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a more robust construction with an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, providing enhanced scratch and drop resistance. It also comes with an IP68 rating, signifying significant resistance to dust and water immersion.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users seeking a device with robust physical protection and a premium feel may find the Galaxy S23 Plus more aligned with their needs for long-term physical durability. Both devices offer commendable software longevity for their respective categories, ensuring they remain functional and secure for several years.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the Galaxy S23 Plus offering a significantly more powerful experience compared to the Galaxy A15 5G.

  • Processor Capabilities and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A15 5G is equipped with a processor suitable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. While it handles these activities adequately, users may notice occasional delays or slower loading times when multitasking or running more demanding applications. The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, features a high-performance processor designed for flagship devices. This enables exceptionally smooth operation, rapid app loading, seamless multitasking, and a superior experience for graphically intensive games and demanding productivity applications.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A15 5G offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card. It comes with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM. The Galaxy S23 Plus provides internal storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage for most variants, but does not support expandable storage. It is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which contributes to its strong multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without performance degradation.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices are noted for their strong battery performance. The Galaxy A15 5G houses a 5000mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient components, often provides up to two days of usage for moderate users. The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its 4700mAh battery and highly efficient processor, also delivers excellent battery life, frequently lasting a full day or even two days under normal usage conditions.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature vibrant displays, but the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more advanced viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A15 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. Both technologies provide deep blacks and vibrant colors, characteristic of AMOLED panels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A15 5G's display can reach up to 800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), offering decent visibility outdoors. It has a fixed refresh rate of 90Hz, providing smoother scrolling than standard 60Hz displays. The Galaxy S23 Plus significantly surpasses this with a High Brightness Mode of 1200 nits and a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Its adaptive refresh rate ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz, dynamically adjusting for optimal smoothness and power efficiency.
  • Viewing Experience: While both offer large screens, the Galaxy S23 Plus provides a more immersive experience due to its higher brightness, adaptive refresh rate, and narrower bezels. The Galaxy A15 5G's display is functional for media consumption, but the S23 Plus offers a more premium and responsive visual experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two devices cater to different user expectations, with the Galaxy S23 Plus offering a more versatile and capable setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A15 5G features a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, but it lacks optical image stabilization (OIS). The Galaxy S23 Plus also has a triple rear camera system, but with more advanced components: a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: In everyday photography, the Galaxy S23 Plus delivers consistently high-quality images across various lighting conditions, thanks to its OIS and advanced image processing. Its ultrawide and telephoto lenses offer greater versatility and detail. The Galaxy A15 5G's main camera can capture decent photos in well-lit environments, but its ultrawide and macro lenses have limited utility, and its low-light performance is not as strong as the S23 Plus.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports video recording up to 8K resolution and features advanced Video Digital Image Stabilization (VDIS) for smooth footage, even when moving. It also allows for seamless switching between lenses during video recording. The Galaxy A15 5G records videos at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. For audio, the S23 Plus includes dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing a more immersive sound experience, while the A15 5G has a single down-firing speaker.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A15 5G includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 2.0 port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by users with wired audio accessories. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) capabilities, alongside a faster USB-C 3.2 port, but it omits the traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Handling: The Galaxy A15 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and also supports 2D face recognition for biometric authentication. In terms of physical characteristics, the Galaxy A15 5G measures 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and weighs 200 grams. The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196 grams, contributing to a more refined in-hand feel.
  • Build Materials and Durability Features: The Galaxy A15 5G utilizes a plastic construction, which is common in its segment. The Galaxy S23 Plus, however, features a premium build with an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced durability and a more sophisticated aesthetic.

Weight

200 g

168 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy S23 Plus cater to distinct user needs, each with its own set of strengths and considerations.

The Galaxy A15 5G is often praised for its exceptional battery life, frequently lasting up to two days on a single charge, and its vibrant Super AMOLED display, which offers a good viewing experience for its category. Users also appreciate Samsung's commitment to extended software updates, providing long-term usability. However, common criticisms include its performance, which can feel sluggish with demanding applications or heavy multitasking, and the limited capabilities of its ultrawide and macro cameras. The absence of an IP rating for water and dust resistance is also a point of concern for some users.

Conversely, the Galaxy S23 Plus receives high marks for its stellar overall performance, effortlessly handling intensive tasks and gaming. Its bright, adaptive AMOLED display and versatile, high-quality camera system, including optical image stabilization and optical zoom, are frequently highlighted as major advantages. The premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 rating also contributes to its positive reception. Some users have noted occasional standby battery drain issues, though overall battery life remains strong, and its adaptive refresh rate, while excellent, does not scale down to 1Hz like some competitors.

Users prioritizing long battery life, a good display for media, and extended software support for everyday communication and light use may find the Galaxy A15 5G well-suited to their needs. It represents a practical choice for those seeking a reliable smartphone experience without requiring top-tier performance or advanced camera features. For individuals who demand powerful performance for gaming and demanding applications, a highly capable and versatile camera system, a brighter and smoother display, and robust build quality, the Galaxy S23 Plus is a more fitting option. It is designed for users who value a premium smartphone experience. Both devices, whether new or as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a path to making an informed and sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons