Galaxy A15 Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy A15
Galaxy A15
Starting at

Refurbished price:124.00

Versus €189.00 new

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Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A15 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are both smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup, released in late 2023 and early 2024 respectively. While both run on the Android operating system, they cater to different user expectations, with the Galaxy A15 focusing on essential features and extended battery life, and the Galaxy S23 FE offering a more premium experience with enhanced performance and advanced camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are key factors. Both devices offer a solid commitment to updates, but their build materials and ingress protection differ.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A15, launched with Android 14, is expected to receive four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its software support until approximately 2029. The Galaxy S23 FE, released with Android 13, is also slated for four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning its support will likely conclude around 2028. This gives the A15 a slight edge in terms of receiving the latest Android versions for a longer period.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A15 features a plastic frame and back, with Gorilla Glass 5 protecting its display, but lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE boasts a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating, indicating significant resistance to dust and water immersion.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and secure for several years, with the S23 FE offering greater peace of mind in challenging environments due to its enhanced protection. The A15's design, while durable for everyday use, requires more careful handling around liquids and dust.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two Galaxy smartphones varies significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A15 is equipped with an efficient processor that capably handles daily tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Users will find it responsive for general use, though it may exhibit slower performance with graphically intensive games or when running many applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S23 FE, on the other hand, features a powerful, flagship-grade processor designed for more demanding scenarios, providing a smoother experience for heavy multitasking, advanced gaming, and intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A15 offers various RAM configurations, including options up to 8GB, and supports expandable storage via a microSD card, which is beneficial for users who need ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The Galaxy S23 FE typically comes with 8GB of RAM, ensuring efficient multitasking, but it does not offer expandable storage, meaning users must rely on the internal 128GB or 256GB options.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A15 houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, generally provides excellent battery life, often lasting a full day or more for many users. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, and while it can offer all-day usage, its more powerful components may lead to more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A15 and S23 FE offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with distinct differences in technology and capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A15 has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a Full HD+ resolution, providing clear and detailed visuals for everyday content consumption. The Galaxy S23 FE features a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with Full HD+ resolution, but it offers enhanced color accuracy and dynamic range, contributing to a more refined visual experience.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy A15's display can reach a peak brightness of 800 nits, making it adequately visible in most outdoor conditions. It also features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface experience compared to standard 60Hz screens. The Galaxy S23 FE excels with a peak brightness of 1450 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Its 120Hz refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the display.
  • Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a slightly larger screen for media consumption might lean towards the A15, while those who value superior brightness, color fidelity, and a smoother interaction will find the S23 FE's display more appealing.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy S23 FE are designed to capture different levels of detail and versatility, reflecting their respective positions in the market.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A15 features a triple-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 5 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens. This configuration is suitable for capturing clear everyday photos and decent wide-angle shots, though its low-light performance and detail in zoomed images are more modest. The Galaxy S23 FE also includes a 50 MP main sensor, but it is enhanced with optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper images, especially in challenging lighting. It adds a 12 MP ultrawide lens and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering greater versatility for capturing distant subjects without significant loss of quality.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: For video, the Galaxy A15 records at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, and its 13 MP front camera is capable of clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 FE supports higher-resolution video recording, including 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, providing more detailed and professional-looking footage. Its 10 MP front camera also delivers quality selfies, benefiting from the device's overall image processing capabilities.
  • Audio Experience: The Galaxy A15 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering a traditional audio connectivity option, and features a mono speaker. The Galaxy S23 FE omits the headphone jack but provides stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience during media playback.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy S23 FE, influencing daily usability and overall feel.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A15 includes a USB-C 2.0 port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is convenient for users with wired headphones. The Galaxy S23 FE features a faster USB-C 3.2 port but omits the headphone jack, aligning with a more modern, minimalist design trend.
  • Biometrics and Build: The Galaxy A15 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. Its construction primarily uses plastic for the back and frame, contributing to a lighter feel. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes an optical under-display fingerprint sensor and features a more premium build with an aluminum frame and glass back, offering a more substantial and refined in-hand feel.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy A15 is slightly larger and heavier at 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and 200g, while the Galaxy S23 FE is marginally more compact and slightly heavier at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and 209g. These differences contribute to how each device feels in the hand, with the S23 FE offering a denser, more premium sensation.

Weight

200 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.4

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A15 often highlights its strong battery life and vibrant AMOLED display as significant advantages, especially considering its accessible positioning. Users appreciate the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Common criticisms tend to focus on its more modest performance for demanding applications and its camera's limitations in low-light conditions.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE generally receives praise for its powerful performance, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and bright, smooth display. Its premium build quality and IP68 water resistance are also frequently noted as positives. Some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life, particularly with the Exynos processor variant, and occasional heating during intensive use.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, a headphone jack, and expandable storage for everyday tasks will find the Galaxy A15 well-suited to their needs. It serves as a reliable device for communication, media consumption, and light productivity. Conversely, individuals who require higher processing power for gaming or demanding applications, a more advanced and versatile camera system, and a premium, water-resistant build will likely prefer the Galaxy S23 FE. It offers a more refined experience for photography enthusiasts and power users.

For those seeking a sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new devices.

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