Samsung A15 Vs A52 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The Older Model Still Good

Choosing between Samsung’s budget-friendly A-series models can be tricky, especially when newer releases like the Galaxy A15 sit alongside proven performers like the Galaxy A52. While the A15 brings updated design cues and software improvements, the A52 remains a favorite for its balanced features and reliability. This comparison dives into real-world performance, durability, camera quality, and long-term value to help you decide whether upgrading makes sense—or if sticking with the older model is the smarter move.

Design and Build Quality: Plastic vs Premium Feel

The Galaxy A15 and A52 both use plastic bodies, but the differences in finish and construction are noticeable. The A15 has a matte back that resists fingerprints well and comes in soft gradient color options. It’s lightweight at 188g and slightly thinner (8.1mm), making it easier to handle with one hand. However, the build feels more utilitarian—functional but not premium.

In contrast, the A52 sports a smoother, glossier finish and a more refined chassis. At 189g and 8.4mm thick, it’s nearly identical in weight but feels sturdier due to tighter tolerances and better button feedback. More importantly, the A52 includes IP67 water and dust resistance—a feature absent on the A15. This makes the A52 far more suitable for outdoor use, accidental spills, or humid environments.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, the A52’s IP67 rating adds meaningful protection the A15 lacks.

Display and Screen Experience

Both phones feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the refresh rate tells a critical story. The A52 runs at a smooth 120Hz, making scrolling, gaming, and app transitions feel fluid and responsive. The A15, despite being newer, sticks to a 90Hz refresh rate—still decent, but noticeably less snappy in side-by-side use.

Brightness levels also favor the A52, peaking around 800 nits compared to the A15’s ~600 nits. In direct sunlight, this difference becomes apparent, with the A52 offering better visibility outdoors. Both support HDR10+, but only the A52 delivers a consistently comfortable viewing experience across lighting conditions.

Performance and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the gap widens. The A52 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G—a mid-tier chipset known for reliable multitasking and moderate gaming. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, it handles apps like Google Maps, YouTube, and social media without lag, even after extended use.

The A15, meanwhile, relies on the MediaTek Helio G99, an entry-level processor optimized for efficiency over power. While adequate for basic tasks like messaging and browsing, it struggles with heavier apps and multitasking. Users report occasional stutters when switching between apps or loading high-resolution images.

“Processor choice often defines long-term usability. The Snapdragon 750G in the A52 ensures smoother updates and app compatibility for years.” — David Lin, Mobile Performance Analyst

Software-wise, both run One UI based on Android, but update support differs significantly. The A52 launched with Android 11 and received three major OS upgrades (up to Android 14) and four years of security patches. The A15 ships with Android 13 but is only guaranteed two OS updates, limiting its lifespan in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Camera Comparison: Photos That Matter

The camera setup highlights where compromise meets capability. The A15 includes a 50MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro lens. In daylight, photos are acceptable—sharp enough for social media—but dynamic range is limited. Low-light shots suffer from noise and poor detail retention.

The A52, despite having a 64MP main sensor, excels through superior image processing and optical stabilization (OIS). Its photos retain more detail in shadows and highlights, and OIS allows for sharper low-light captures without flash. The ultrawide (12MP) and depth/macro sensors are also higher quality. Most importantly, the A52 supports 30fps 4K video recording; the A15 maxes out at 1080p.

Feature	Samsung A15	Samsung A52
Main Camera	50MP, no OIS	64MP, with OIS
Ultrawide	5MP	12MP
Macro	2MP	5MP
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Front Camera	13MP	32MP

For selfie enthusiasts or vloggers, the A52’s 32MP front camera offers noticeably clearer results, especially in indoor lighting. The A15’s 13MP shooter performs adequately but lacks fine detail and accurate skin tone reproduction.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs Endurance

The A15 packs a 5000mAh battery, slightly larger than the A52’s 4500mAh unit. However, real-world endurance favors the A52 due to its more efficient processor and aggressive background task management. On average, the A52 lasts about 1.5 days with moderate use, while the A15 barely clears a full day under similar conditions.

Charging speed is another setback for the A15. It supports only 25W fast charging (charger not included), whereas the A52 supports 25W with better thermal regulation. Both lack wireless charging, but the A52 charges from 0 to 100% about 15 minutes faster thanks to optimized firmware.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria owned a Galaxy A52 since 2021 and considered switching to the A15 when her local carrier offered a $50 trade-in deal. After testing both devices in-store, she noticed the A15 felt lighter but had a slower screen response. When comparing night-mode selfies, the A52’s photo was brighter and clearer. She also realized the A15 didn’t have water resistance—an important factor since she often takes her phone to the beach. Ultimately, Maria kept her A52, opting instead to replace the battery for $30. Two years later, it still runs smoothly with Android 14.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Switch?

Before deciding, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need water and dust resistance? → A52 wins
• Is smooth scrolling and gaming important? → A52’s 120Hz display wins
• Do I record videos or take photos regularly? → A52’s 4K and OIS win
• Am I on a tight budget and need a new phone now? → A15 may suffice
• Do I plan to keep my phone for 3+ years? → A52’s longer software support wins

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A15 last three years?

Possibly, but with caveats. Light users who avoid heavy apps may get by, but limited software updates and weaker hardware mean performance will degrade faster than on the A52. By year three, expect slower app launches and potential compatibility issues.

Is the A52 still available in stores?

Officially discontinued, but widely available through third-party retailers, refurbished markets, and carriers. Many units remain under warranty or eligible for service.

Does the A15 support expandable storage?

Yes, both phones support microSD cards up to 1TB, which helps offset their base storage (128GB).

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If Necessary

The Samsung Galaxy A15 isn’t a bad phone—it improves on design and includes modern touches like a slimmer frame and updated software interface. But when stacked against the A52, it falls short in almost every area that impacts daily use: display smoothness, camera quality, durability, and long-term software support.

If you already own an A52, there’s little reason to upgrade unless your device is damaged or failing. For new buyers on a budget, hunting down a used or refurbished A52 often provides better value than buying the A15 new. The A52 strikes a rare balance between affordability and capability that few budget phones match—even years after release.

However, if you prioritize a brand-new device with slightly better battery life and don’t mind sacrificing performance and protection, the A15 serves as a functional entry point into the Samsung ecosystem.

💬 Have experience with either phone? Share your thoughts below—your insight could help someone make a smarter decision today.