Samsung A15 5g Vs A32 5g Is The Newer Model Really An Upgrade

When Samsung releases a new budget smartphone, it's natural to assume that newer means better. But is that always true? The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, launched in early 2024, sits below the already established A32 5G in price and positioning—yet carries the \"newer\" label. On paper, this raises a critical question: does the A15 5G actually improve upon its predecessor, or is it a step back in key areas? For budget-conscious buyers, the answer could mean the difference between a smart investment and buyer’s remorse.

This comparison dives deep into design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software to determine whether the A15 5G justifies its release—or if the older A32 5G remains the smarter buy.

Design and Build Quality: Familiar Feel, Subtle Differences

Both phones follow Samsung’s recent mid-range aesthetic: plastic backs, glossy finishes, and slightly curved edges for grip. The A32 5G measures 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.4 mm and weighs 205 grams, making it noticeably thicker and heavier than the A15 5G, which comes in at 167.7 x 78 x 8.1 mm and 201 grams. Despite being newer, the A15 5G is slimmer and slightly lighter—a modest improvement in ergonomics.

The A32 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, a feature retained on the A15 5G. Both include a 3.5mm headphone jack and IP67 dust/water resistance on select variants—though availability varies by region. However, some users report that the A32 5G’s matte finish resists fingerprints better than the A15 5G’s glossier back panel.

Tip: Use a matte-finish case with the A15 5G to reduce smudges and improve grip.

Display: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

The A32 5G boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate—an impressive spec for its class. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the higher refresh rate makes scrolling smoother compared to standard 60Hz panels.

In contrast, the A15 5G steps down to a 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While the refresh rate matches the A32, the switch from AMOLED to LCD results in less contrast, dimmer blacks, and lower peak brightness. Outdoor visibility suffers as a result, despite similar screen sizes.

For media consumption and everyday use, the A32 5G’s display offers a more enjoyable experience. The A15 5G keeps pace in smoothness but loses ground in image quality.

Performance and Hardware: Diminishing Returns?

Under the hood, the differences become more pronounced. The A32 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G chipset, built on a 7nm process, paired with up to 6GB of RAM. It handles multitasking and light gaming (like Candy Crush or Among Us) without issue, though demanding titles like Genshin Impact require low settings.

The A15 5G uses the newer MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, a rebranded variant of the Dimensity 700 series. While technically updated, real-world benchmarks show only marginal gains over the Dimensity 720. In fact, AnTuTu scores place both chips within 5% of each other. Coupled with 4GB or 6GB RAM options, the A15 5G doesn’t offer meaningful performance improvements.

Storage is identical—up to 128GB with microSD expansion—so neither device pulls ahead there. However, the A32 5G tends to run cooler under load due to better thermal management in its chipset.

“Just because a chip is labeled ‘new’ doesn’t mean it’s faster. Rebranding is common in budget segments.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Similar Sensors, Different Processing

Both phones feature quad-camera setups on the rear, headlined by a 48MP main sensor. The A32 5G includes an 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The A15 5G swaps the ultrawide for a 5MP unit and retains the same macro and depth lenses—indicating a downgrade in secondary lens quality.

In daylight, both capture decent detail, but the A32 5G produces more balanced exposure and richer colors. Low-light performance favors the older model too, thanks to better image processing algorithms inherited from earlier firmware optimizations.

Front cameras are nearly identical: 13MP sensors with similar selfie quality. Video recording maxes out at 1080p@30fps on both devices, with no stabilization beyond digital cropping.

Feature	Samsung A15 5G	Samsung A32 5G
Display Type	PLS LCD	Super AMOLED
Refresh Rate	90Hz	90Hz
Chipset	Dimensity 6100+	Dimensity 720
Rear Cameras	48MP + 5MP UW + 2MP Macro + 2MP Depth	48MP + 8MP UW + 5MP Macro + 2MP Depth
Battery Capacity	5000mAh	5000mAh
Charging Speed	25W	15W
OS (Launch)	Android 13 (One UI 5.1)	Android 11 (One UI 3.1)
Software Updates	4 OS Upgrades	2 OS Upgrades

Battery and Charging: Where the A15 5G Shines

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage for moderate to heavy users. However, the A15 5G introduces 25W fast charging—a significant leap from the A32 5G’s 15W limit. In real-world testing, the A15 5G reaches 50% charge in about 35 minutes, while the A32 takes closer to 60 minutes for the same level.

This advantage matters for users who need quick top-ups during busy days. Although the A32 5G supports adaptive fast charging, most retail models ship with only a 15W charger, limiting its potential.

Tip: To maximize battery lifespan, avoid letting your phone drop below 20% regularly and enable adaptive battery settings.

Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Your Purchase

One area where the A15 5G clearly wins is software support. It launched with Android 13 and is eligible for four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches. The A32 5G, released in 2021 with Android 11, is capped at two OS updates and will likely stop receiving patches by late 2024.

This means the A15 5G could remain secure and functional into 2028, whereas the A32 5G may struggle with app compatibility and security risks in the near future. For long-term ownership, this is a decisive factor.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance graphic designer in Manila, needed a reliable second phone for client calls and social media management. She considered buying a used A32 5G for ₱8,500 (~$150) but noticed the A15 5G was available new for ₱9,990 (~$180). After researching, she chose the A15 5G despite its weaker display and camera. “I’ll keep this phone for at least three years,” she said. “The longer software support and faster charging were worth the extra cost.” Six months later, she reports stable performance and appreciates the quicker recharge time between meetings.

Checklist: Choosing Between A15 5G and A32 5G

• Evaluate your priorities: Do you value display quality and camera versatility (A32 5G), or future software and charging speed (A15 5G)?
• Check local pricing: If the A32 5G is significantly cheaper, the savings might outweigh its drawbacks.
• Inspect condition: Used A32 5G units may have battery degradation—ask for health reports.
• Consider accessories: The A15 5G includes a 25W charger in some regions; confirm what’s included.
• Think long-term: If you plan to keep the phone beyond two years, go for the A15 5G.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A15 5G waterproof?

Neither the A15 5G nor A32 5G has official IP ratings across all markets. Some regional variants of the A32 5G carry IP67 certification, but the A15 5G does not. Avoid submerging either device.

Can the A15 5G handle gaming?

It can run casual games smoothly, but high-end titles will require reduced graphics settings. The A32 5G performs similarly, though its slightly better thermals help sustain performance longer.

Why is the newer model using an LCD screen?

Samsung likely made this trade-off to reduce costs while maintaining a competitive price point. AMOLED screens are more expensive to produce, so shifting to LCD allows room for upgrades elsewhere, like faster charging.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer Model Really an Upgrade?

The answer depends on how you define “upgrade.” If you prioritize display quality, camera flexibility, and color accuracy, the A32 5G remains superior. Its AMOLED screen and stronger secondary lenses deliver a better sensory experience today.

However, if you value longevity, faster charging, and ongoing software support, the A15 5G is the more future-ready device. It may compromise on hardware aesthetics, but its long-term usability and modern charging standard make it a smarter investment for users who keep phones for three years or more.

In essence, the A15 5G isn’t a blanket upgrade—it’s a strategic repositioning. Samsung didn’t make a better phone in every way, but they crafted one designed to last longer in an ecosystem that increasingly values software over hardware.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Assess your usage patterns, expected ownership duration, and regional pricing. The best phone isn’t always the newest—it’s the one that fits your life.