Is The Samsung A15 Actually A Better Phone Than The A50 Now

When Samsung launched the Galaxy A50 back in 2019, it was hailed as a game-changer in the mid-range segment—offering premium design, a powerful Exynos processor, and a high-resolution display at an accessible price. Fast forward to 2024, and the Galaxy A15 has taken its place as one of Samsung’s most affordable 5G-capable devices. But with years of software updates, hardware degradation, and evolving user expectations, is the newer A15 truly a better choice today than the older A50? The answer isn’t as straightforward as release dates might suggest.

The decision between these two phones often comes down to more than just specs. It involves real-world performance, long-term reliability, software support, and how each device handles modern apps and usage patterns. Let’s break down the key differences and see where each model stands in today’s smartphone landscape.

Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed

The Galaxy A50 was powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9610, a 10nm octa-core processor paired with Mali-G72 MP3 graphics. At launch, it delivered smooth multitasking, capable gaming performance for titles like PUBG Mobile on medium settings, and efficient handling of daily tasks. In contrast, the A15 runs on the MediaTek Helio G99—a 6nm chip that supports 5G and promises better energy efficiency and improved CPU performance over older budget chipsets.

On paper, the Helio G99 appears stronger, especially in single-core benchmarks. However, real-world usage tells a different story. The A50, despite its age, still manages fluid navigation in lightweight Android skins, especially if running a lighter OS version or custom ROM. The A15 benefits from being newer and launching with Android 13 (One UI Core 5), but its 4GB RAM limit (base model) can lead to frequent app reloading when switching between social media, browsers, and messaging apps.

Tip: If you prioritize speed over 5G, consider refurbishing an A50 with a clean OS install—it may outperform the A15 in day-to-day responsiveness.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery longevity is where the A15 starts to shine. It packs a 5000mAh cell, slightly larger than the A50’s 4000mAh unit. More importantly, after five years, many A50 batteries have degraded significantly—often holding only 70–80% of their original capacity. Even if well-maintained, aging lithium-ion cells lose peak performance, leading to shorter usage times and slower charging.

The A15 not only has a bigger battery but also supports 25W fast charging (though typically ships with a 15W charger). This means full charges in under 90 minutes, compared to the A50’s 15W max, which took closer to two hours. For users who rely on their phone throughout the day without easy access to outlets, this improvement matters.

“Battery health degrades predictably over time. After four years, even light users should expect reduced endurance.” — Dr. Lena Park, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Labs

Display and Build Quality

Both phones feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays, a rare inclusion in budget models. The A50 offered a sharper 1080p resolution, while the A15 steps down to 720p. That difference is noticeable up close—text appears softer, and fine details in videos lack crispness. However, the A15’s screen is brighter in direct sunlight thanks to updated panel technology and adaptive brightness tuning.

In terms of build, the A50 had a glass back and plastic frame, giving it a more premium feel. The A15 uses a glossy plastic body that attracts fingerprints but is more durable against drops. Both are similarly sized, though the A15 feels slightly heavier due to the larger battery.

Feature	Samsung A50	Samsung A15
Display Size	6.4” Super AMOLED	6.5” Super AMOLED
Resolution	1080 x 2340 (FHD+)	720 x 1600 (HD+)
Processor	Exynos 9610	MediaTek Helio G99
Rear Camera (Main)	25MP f/1.7	50MP f/1.8
Front Camera	25MP	13MP
Battery	4000mAh	5000mAh
Charging	15W	25W (adapter sold separately)
RAM Options	4GB / 6GB / 8GB	4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage	64GB / 128GB (expandable)	64GB / 128GB (expandable)
OS at Launch	Android 9 (Pie)	Android 13
Current Software Support	No major updates since 2021	Receives security patches until 2026

Camera Comparison: Resolution vs. Real Results

The A15 boasts a 50MP main sensor compared to the A50’s 25MP, but higher megapixels don’t always mean better photos. The A50’s larger pixel size (1.0µm vs. 0.64µm on the A15) allowed it to capture more light in low-light conditions, resulting in cleaner night shots. The A15 relies heavily on pixel binning to produce 12.5MP images, but noise reduction can smear detail in darker scenes.

Daylight photography favors the A15 due to improved HDR processing and faster autofocus. However, the front camera takes a step back: the A50’s 25MP selfie shooter was exceptional for its time, while the A15’s 13MP sensor produces adequate but less detailed selfies, especially in indoor lighting.

Video recording remains limited on both—maximum 1080p at 30fps, no stabilization beyond digital cropping. Neither phone excels here, but the A15 benefits from newer image processing algorithms that reduce shutter lag.

Software and Long-Term Usability

This is perhaps the most critical factor in 2024. The A50 received three years of major Android updates, topping out at Android 12. It no longer receives security patches, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats. Apps like banking services, messaging platforms, and streaming services are increasingly requiring up-to-date OS versions and Google Play Services compatibility.

In contrast, the A15 launched with Android 13 and is scheduled to receive updates through Android 15, with monthly security patches expected until 2026. This ensures better app compatibility, enhanced privacy controls, and ongoing performance optimizations. For users concerned about safety and future-proofing, this advantage alone may outweigh raw hardware superiority.

Tip: Always check a phone’s official update policy before buying—long-term software support often matters more than initial specs.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance tutor from Lisbon, relied on her Galaxy A50 from 2019 for video calls, lesson planning, and student communication. By late 2023, she noticed apps crashing frequently, slow boot times, and WhatsApp failing to verify her number due to outdated encryption protocols. She considered repairing the battery but discovered the motherboard was also showing signs of wear.

She opted for the A15 instead of a used A50, citing peace of mind with current software support. Though she missed the sharper display, she appreciated the longer battery life and faster app launches. “It doesn’t feel as snappy in games,” she said, “but for what I do every day, it just works—and that’s what I needed.”

Checklist: Is the A15 Right for You?

• ✅ Need 5G connectivity for future network compatibility
• ✅ Prioritize battery life over display sharpness
• ✅ Use apps that require recent Android versions (e.g., mobile banking, Zoom, Google Workspace)
• ✅ Want ongoing security updates until at least 2026
• ✅ Prefer a newer device with lower risk of hardware failure
• ❌ Want the best possible camera quality in low light
• ❌ Demand a Full HD+ display for media consumption

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A15 replace an A50 in 2024?

Yes, for most everyday tasks. While the A15 has a lower-resolution screen and less refined camera processing, its modern software support, larger battery, and 5G capability make it a more reliable long-term option.

Is the A50 still usable today?

It can still function for basic use—calls, texts, light browsing—if the battery is healthy. However, lack of security updates and app compatibility issues make it risky for sensitive activities like online shopping or banking.

Does the A15 support expandable storage?

Yes, the A15 includes a dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 1TB, just like the A50. This is a major plus for users storing large photo, music, or document libraries.

Final Verdict: Newer Doesn’t Always Mean Better—but Here, It Does

The Samsung A50 was a standout in its era, combining premium features with aggressive pricing. Today, however, age has caught up with it. Battery degradation, outdated software, and diminishing app support erode its once-strong value proposition.

The A15, while technically less impressive in some areas—especially display resolution and front camera quality—delivers where it counts in 2024: consistent performance, modern connectivity, and long-term software maintenance. Its larger battery and improved charging speed further tip the balance.

If you’re choosing between these two phones right now—whether buying new, refurbished, or secondhand—the A15 is the smarter investment for most users. It won’t impress tech enthusiasts, but it offers dependable functionality without the hidden costs of aging hardware.

💬 Have experience with either the A15 or A50? Share your thoughts below—your insights could help someone make their next phone decision!