When Samsung releases a new budget smartphone, consumers often face a tough decision: stick with the proven performer or jump to the newer model. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and A15 5G sit close in price and positioning, making the choice even more nuanced. Both promise 5G connectivity, decent cameras, and long battery life—all essential for everyday users. But beneath the surface, key differences in performance, display, software, and longevity could tip the scales. This comparison dives deep into what separates these two devices and whether the A23 5G truly justifies its slightly higher cost.
Design and Build Quality
The physical design of both phones reflects Samsung’s current mid-range aesthetic: flat edges, glossy finishes, and centrally aligned rear camera modules. The Galaxy A23 5G feels slightly more robust thanks to its polymer-based back that mimics glass, while the A15 5G uses a simpler plastic build that can feel a bit slippery in hand.
Dimensions and weight also differ subtly. The A23 5G weighs 195g and measures 164.5 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm, whereas the A15 5G is lighter at 188g and slightly thinner at 8.2 mm. While these differences are minor, the A23 5G offers an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance—a rare feature in this price range. The A15 5G lacks any official ingress protection, which may matter if you frequently use your phone outdoors or in humid environments.
Display and User Experience
Both phones feature 6.6-inch Full HD+ displays with 90Hz refresh rates—an upgrade over older 60Hz models and a welcome addition for smoother scrolling and app navigation. However, the panel technology differs significantly.
The A23 5G uses a PLS LCD, which delivers better brightness and color accuracy than the A15 5G’s standard TFT LCD. In direct sunlight, the A23 5G peaks at around 600 nits, making outdoor visibility noticeably clearer. The A15 5G struggles in bright conditions, maxing out closer to 500 nits, and colors appear slightly washed out by comparison.
While both screens support adaptive refresh rate switching (to save battery), only the A23 5G enables this feature out of the box. On the A15 5G, Samsung initially limited the 90Hz mode to specific apps, though a firmware update later expanded support. Still, the implementation remains less consistent.
Display Comparison Table
| Feature | Samsung A23 5G | Samsung A15 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.6 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Panel Type | PLS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz (adaptive) | 90Hz (limited adaptive) |
| Peak Brightness | ~600 nits | ~500 nits |
| Outdoor Visibility | Excellent | Average |
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the A23 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, a modern octa-core processor built on a 6nm process. It pairs well with up to 6GB of RAM and delivers reliable performance for social media, streaming, and light gaming. PUBG Mobile runs at medium settings without major stutters.
In contrast, the A15 5G uses Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1330, a capable but less efficient chip built on a 5nm process. While it handles daily tasks smoothly, multitasking and extended gaming sessions reveal thermal throttling sooner than on the A23 5G. Benchmark scores show the Snapdragon 695 leading by 15–20% in CPU and GPU tests.
Software updates are another critical differentiator. The A23 5G launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed up to four years of security patches and two OS upgrades (up to Android 14). The A15 5G, despite being released later in some regions, runs on a slightly older One UI version and is only promised three years of security updates and one OS upgrade—likely capping it at Android 13.
“Long-term software support is now as important as hardware in budget phones. Devices like the A23 5G set a new standard.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia
Battery Life and Charging
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day under moderate use. However, real-world endurance varies due to efficiency differences in their chipsets and displays.
The A23 5G consistently achieves 1.5 days of mixed usage—web browsing, messaging, video playback—thanks to the energy-efficient Snapdragon 695 and adaptive refresh rate. The A15 5G typically requires nightly charging, especially when brightness is above 70%.
Charging speed is identical: 25W fast charging supported, though neither phone includes a charger in the box. A full charge takes about 70 minutes on both. Neither supports wireless charging, which is expected at this price point.
Camera Capabilities
Rear camera setups look similar on paper: both have a 50MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. But image processing and low-light performance tell a different story.
The A23 5G captures sharper details, better dynamic range, and more natural color reproduction. Its larger pixel size (1.0µm vs 0.8µm on the A15) helps gather more light, resulting in cleaner night shots. The ultrawide lens also shows less distortion at the edges.
The A15 5G tends to oversharpen images and apply aggressive noise reduction in dim lighting, leading to smudged textures. Video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps on both, but the A23 5G offers marginally better stabilization during handheld shooting.
For selfies, both use a 13MP front camera. The A23 5G applies more flattering skin smoothing and better exposure in backlit scenes.
Camera Checklist: What to Test Before Buying
- Take photos in daylight and low light to compare clarity
- Test ultrawide edge distortion
- Record a short 1080p video while walking
- Check selfie exposure in a shaded area
- Evaluate how quickly the camera app launches
Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria, a freelance graphic designer from Manila, used her A15 5G for nine months before considering an upgrade. She needed a phone that could handle design apps, last through client meetings, and take clear product photos. After testing the A23 5G at a local store, she noticed immediate improvements: the screen was easier to view under café lighting, the camera produced cleaner mockup shots, and the phone didn’t heat up while using Canva or Adobe Express.
She ultimately upgraded and found the extra $30 investment justified by longer battery life and better software support. “I’m not replacing my phone every year,” she said. “So I need it to stay fast and secure for as long as possible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung A23 5G faster than the A15 5G?
Yes. The A23 5G uses the Snapdragon 695, which outperforms the A15 5G’s Exynos 1330 in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. Real-world usage shows smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
Does the A23 5G have better software support?
Yes. The A23 5G is eligible for two major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. The A15 5G receives only one OS upgrade and three years of patches, limiting its long-term usability.
Can both phones use a microSD card?
Yes. Both models include a dedicated microSDXC slot supporting up to 1TB, allowing you to expand storage without sacrificing dual SIM functionality.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G isn’t just a newer version—it’s a meaningful step up. The combination of a brighter display, superior chipset, IP67 rating, and longer software support makes it a more future-proof investment. While the A15 5G remains a competent device for basic tasks, it falls short in areas that impact daily usability and longevity.
If you're upgrading from an older phone or buying your first 5G device, the A23 5G offers better value over time. The price difference—typically $20–$40 depending on region—is offset by improved durability, performance, and update commitment. For anyone planning to keep their phone for two years or more, the A23 5G is the smarter choice.
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