Samsung A20 Vs A15 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

When it comes to budget smartphones, Samsung’s A-series has long been a go-to for consumers seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. The Samsung Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A20 sit close in price and positioning, but they belong to different generations. At first glance, the A20 might seem like the obvious upgrade over the older A15. But is it actually worth switching—or spending extra—for what appears to be a slightly newer model? The answer isn’t as straightforward as marketing suggests.

This breakdown dives into key differences in design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software to help you decide whether the A20 offers meaningful improvements or if the A15 still holds its ground in today’s market.

Design and Build Quality: Subtle Differences, Same Feel

Both the Galaxy A15 and A20 feature polycarbonate (plastic) backs with glossy finishes that attract fingerprints easily. They’re lightweight and comfortable to hold, but neither device feels premium. The A20 measures 159.3 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm and weighs 169g, while the A15 is slightly more compact at 155.9 x 74.7 x 8.3 mm and 173g. The weight difference is negligible, but the A15's wider body may feel less secure for users with smaller hands.

One noticeable change is the rear camera layout. The A15 uses a vertical triple-camera module housed in a rectangular bump, whereas the A20 retains a dual-camera setup centered in a circular housing—a design language borrowed from higher-end A-series models at the time. While this gives the A20 a more modern look, it doesn't improve durability or ergonomics.

Tip: Use a protective case on either model—both have fragile plastic frames and are prone to scratches.

Display Comparison: Brighter Isn’t Always Better

The A15 features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. This is a standout spec in its class because most budget phones use cheaper LCD panels. AMOLED delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved viewing angles. It also supports Always-On Display and tends to consume less power when showing dark themes.

In contrast, the A20 uses a 6.4-inch PLS LCD panel with the same HD+ resolution. While PLS is Samsung’s version of IPS LCD and offers decent color accuracy, it can’t match the vibrancy or contrast of AMOLED. Outdoor visibility is weaker on the A20 despite similar peak brightness levels (~400 nits), due to lower contrast ratios and poorer black reproduction.

If screen quality matters to you—especially for streaming videos or reading in sunlight—the A15 actually has the edge here, even though it’s an older model.

Performance and Hardware: Who Wins on Speed?

Under the hood, the hardware gap becomes clearer. The Galaxy A15 runs on the MediaTek MT6769 Helio G35, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process, paired with up to 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. The chipset is optimized for basic tasks: calls, messaging, light social media browsing, and casual gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers.

The A20, meanwhile, uses the Exynos 7904—a slightly older Samsung-made SoC—also with two Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 1.8GHz and six A53 efficiency cores. It typically ships with 3GB or 4GB RAM. In benchmark tests, the Helio G35 in the A15 outperforms the Exynos 7904 by about 10–15% in CPU tasks and significantly in GPU performance thanks to its PowerVR GE8320 graphics.

This means the A15 handles multitasking better and sustains smoother frame rates in games. Apps launch faster, and background app retention is superior. For daily use involving WhatsApp, YouTube, and web browsing, both devices perform adequately—but the A15 feels snappier over time.

“Sometimes newer doesn’t mean better. In budget phones, manufacturers often reuse outdated chips under new branding.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Battery Life and Charging: Longevity Over Speed

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, which is excellent for all-day endurance. With moderate usage—screen-on time around 4–5 hours—you can expect a full day and a half from either device. However, actual longevity depends heavily on software optimization and display type.

Because the A15 uses an AMOLED screen, it benefits from per-pixel illumination. When displaying dark content or using dark mode apps, the battery drain is reduced compared to the always-lit backlight of the A20’s LCD panel. Real-world testing shows the A15 gains roughly 30–45 minutes of additional screen time under mixed usage conditions.

Charging speed is identical: both support 15W fast charging via USB-C, although they ship with only a 10W charger in the box. Neither includes wireless charging or reverse charging features.

Camera Capabilities: Practicality Over Specs

The A15 boasts a triple rear camera system: 13MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera is 5MP. The A20 steps down to a dual-camera setup: 13MP main + 2MP depth, with a 5MP selfie shooter.

Feature	Samsung A15	Samsung A20
Main Camera	13MP f/1.9	13MP f/1.9
Ultrawide	5MP f/2.2	Not available
Depth Sensor	2MP	2MP
Front Camera	5MP	5MP
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps

The absence of an ultrawide lens on the A20 limits framing options for landscapes or group photos. While the main sensors are nearly identical, image processing favors the A15 due to newer firmware tuning and HDR enhancements. Low-light shots on the A20 tend to be noisier with less detail preservation.

In daylight, both produce acceptable results: accurate colors, decent dynamic range, and quick autofocus. But the A15’s versatility with the ultrawide lens makes it more functional for everyday photography.

Software and Updates: What You Can Expect

The Galaxy A15 launched with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, while the A20 debuted with Android 9 Pie and One UI Core 1.0. Even after updates, the A20 maxes out at Android 11. This is a major drawback: no security patches beyond 2021, vulnerability to unpatched exploits, and lack of compatibility with newer apps that require Android 12+.

The A15, depending on region and carrier, received updates up to Android 14 and will likely continue receiving quarterly security patches through 2025. This extended support improves safety, app compatibility, and overall user experience.

Tip: Always check the Android version before buying a used budget phone—older OS versions pose security risks.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student in Manila, owned a Galaxy A20 since 2020. By 2023, her phone was sluggish, apps crashed frequently, and she could no longer update Instagram or Google Meet. She considered replacing it with a new A15 but hesitated because “it’s an older-numbered model.” After researching online forums and watching side-by-side reviews, she realized the A15 had better hardware and software support.

She bought a refurbished A15 for $110—$20 less than a new A20 would cost. Six months later, she reports faster app loading, longer battery life, and fewer crashes during online classes. Her decision saved money and delivered better performance, proving that model numbers don’t always reflect capability.

Is the A20 Really Worth Upgrading To?

No—not if you're comparing it directly to the A15. Despite being marketed as a newer option, the Galaxy A20 falls short in critical areas: inferior LCD screen, weaker Exynos processor, missing ultrawide camera, and discontinued software support. The A15 surpasses it in almost every practical metric, especially given its AMOLED display and continued Android updates.

Unless you find the A20 at a steep discount (under $90), the A15 represents better value—even as a newer release. If you already own an A20, there’s little incentive to upgrade unless your device is failing. But for first-time buyers or those replacing aging phones, the A15 is the smarter investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A20 still run WhatsApp in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. WhatsApp requires Android 5.0 or higher, so technically it works. However, future updates may drop support for Android 11 and below, putting the A20 at risk of becoming incompatible within the next year.

Which phone has better resale value?

The A15 holds value better due to its upgraded display, longer software support, and stronger performance. On second-hand markets, A15 units sell for 20–30% more than equivalent-condition A20s.

Does either phone support 5G?

No. Both the Galaxy A15 (4G version) and A20 are LTE-only devices. Samsung released a separate 5G variant of the A15 (with Dimensity 700), but the standard model discussed here does not include 5G connectivity.

Final Verdict: Choose Smart, Not New

The assumption that a higher model number means a better phone is misleading—especially in Samsung’s budget lineup. The Galaxy A15 proves that thoughtful engineering and component selection matter more than release date. It delivers a superior display, better processor, longer software support, and added camera flexibility compared to the A20.

Consumers should prioritize real-world performance and longevity over branding. Whether you're shopping new or browsing secondhand deals, focus on specifications, operating system version, and update history. Don’t let marketing narratives dictate your decision.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter choice? Re-evaluate your upgrade path—sometimes the best tech isn’t the newest. Share this guide with someone who’s about to buy based on model number alone.