Samsung A31 Or A15 5g Which One Should I Actually Buy And Why

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A31 and the Galaxy A15 5G isn't just about price or brand loyalty—it's about matching real-world performance with your daily needs. Both phones sit in the budget segment, but they serve different purposes depending on how you use your smartphone. Whether you're streaming videos, taking photos, gaming lightly, or simply need a reliable device for calls and messaging, understanding the core differences is essential.

The A31 launched in 2020 with a focus on long battery life and smooth Android experience, while the A15 5G arrived later as a modern entry-level option with future-proof 5G connectivity. But does newer always mean better? Not necessarily. Let’s break down what each phone offers and who should actually consider buying one over the other.

Battery Life and Charging: Where the A31 Still Shines

The Galaxy A31 comes equipped with a massive 5,000mAh battery, which was impressive at its launch and still holds up today. In real-world usage, it easily lasts a full day and a half for moderate users. It supports 15W fast charging, allowing you to top up from 0 to 50% in about 45 minutes—fast enough for most people.

In contrast, the A15 5G also has a 5,000mAh battery, but efficiency takes a hit due to the 5G modem and slightly less optimized power management. While it can last a full day, heavy users may find themselves reaching for the charger by late evening. It only supports 15W charging as well, but Samsung includes a 15W adapter in the box—unlike the A31, which often shipped without one.

Tip: If battery longevity is your top priority and you don’t need 5G, the A31 remains a stronger choice for uninterrupted usage.

Performance and Software: A Closer Look at Real-World Speed

The A31 runs on the MediaTek Helio P65 chipset—a capable octa-core processor paired with up to 6GB of RAM. It handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming without issue. However, multitasking with multiple apps or extended gaming sessions can lead to noticeable slowdowns and heating.

The A15 5G uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, built on a more efficient 6nm process. This means better thermal management, improved background app retention, and smoother overall performance despite having similar RAM configurations (up to 6GB). Most importantly, the Dimensity 6100+ supports 5G out of the box, making it ready for faster networks where available.

On the software side, both phones run Samsung’s One UI over Android, but the A15 5G ships with Android 13 and promises two major OS updates and three years of security patches. The A31 originally launched with Android 10 and is now near the end of its update cycle, meaning no further major upgrades—only limited security support.

“Software longevity is just as important as hardware. A phone that stops receiving updates becomes vulnerable and outdated quickly.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Security Analyst

Display and Build Quality: Similar Design, Different Priorities

Both phones feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600), offering vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED technology. However, the A31 has a slight edge in brightness and viewing angles due to its older but well-tuned panel calibration.

Build-wise, both are plastic-bodied with glossy finishes that attract fingerprints. The A31 feels slightly more premium thanks to its curved front glass and thinner bezels, though it lacks an IP rating for water resistance. The A15 5G adopts a more modern flat-edge design with a matte finish option, improving grip and reducing smudges.

Feature	Samsung A31	Samsung A15 5G
Display	6.4\" FHD+ Super AMOLED	6.5\" HD+ Super AMOLED
Processor	MediaTek Helio P65	Dimensity 6100+
RAM / Storage	4GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB	4GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB
OS (Out of Box)	Android 10	Android 13
Updates	No more OS updates	2 OS + 3 years security
Rear Cameras	64MP main + ultrawide + macro + depth	50MP main + ultrawide + depth
Front Camera	20MP	13MP
Battery	5,000mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	15W	15W (adapter included)
Network	4G LTE only	5G + 4G LTE
Weight	185g	201g

Camera Comparison: Who Takes Better Photos?

The A31 features a quad-camera setup led by a 64MP main sensor, supported by an 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. In daylight, it captures sharp, detailed images with accurate color reproduction. Low-light performance is average—grainy but usable with Night Mode.

The A15 5G steps back slightly with a 50MP main camera, but uses pixel binning (to combine pixels into larger ones) for better light capture. Its single ultrawide lens is 5MP, and there’s no dedicated macro shooter—just a depth sensor. While the hardware seems downgraded, image processing is more consistent thanks to newer algorithms and AI enhancements.

For selfies, the A31’s 20MP front camera clearly outperforms the A15 5G’s 13MP sensor, especially in portrait mode and low-light conditions. If you take frequent selfies or video calls, this difference matters.

Tip: Don’t judge cameras solely by megapixel count. Image processing, software tuning, and sensor size play bigger roles in photo quality.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student from Austin, needed a new phone under $200. She used her old phone for Zoom classes, TikTok, WhatsApp, and occasional photography for her campus blog. She considered both the A31 and A15 5G.

She initially leaned toward the A31 because of its higher-resolution cameras and longer proven battery life. But after learning that the A15 5G supports 5G and will receive software updates until 2026, she realized it would stay functional and secure longer. Even though the selfie camera wasn’t as strong, she prioritized future readiness over marginal photo gains.

After six months of use, Maria reports smooth performance, reliable connectivity on campus Wi-Fi and 5G hotspots, and no issues with app compatibility. Her decision reflects a growing trend: consumers valuing long-term usability over short-term specs.

Who Should Buy Which Phone? A Practical Checklist

Use this checklist to determine which device fits your lifestyle:

• Choose the Samsung A31 if:
  • You primarily use 4G networks.
  • You want better selfie quality.
  • You need maximum battery endurance.
  • You’re buying secondhand or at a steep discount.
  • You don’t care about future software updates.
• Choose the Samsung A15 5G if:
  • You live in an area with expanding 5G coverage.
  • You plan to keep the phone for 2+ years.
  • You want newer software with ongoing security patches.
  • You prefer a slightly more durable, modern design.
  • You prioritize network speed over camera specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A15 5G worth upgrading to from the A31?

If you already own an A31 and it works fine, the upgrade isn’t urgent. But if you’re experiencing slowness, lack of updates, or want 5G access, then yes—the A15 5G offers meaningful improvements in connectivity and software support.

Can either phone handle mobile gaming?

Both can run casual games like Candy Crush or Among Us smoothly. Light 3D games like PUBG Mobile work at low settings, but expect frame drops during intense scenes. Neither is designed for serious gaming—consider mid-range models like the A54 if gaming is a priority.

Does the A15 5G have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the A31 and A15 5G include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in budget phones. They also support USB-C audio and Bluetooth 5.3.

Final Verdict: Future-Proofing vs. Proven Reliability

The Samsung Galaxy A31 is a proven performer with excellent battery life and solid build quality. If you're on a tight budget, don’t need 5G, and value camera quality—especially for selfies—it remains a smart pick, particularly when bought used or refurbished.

However, the **Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the better long-term investment**. Despite minor compromises in display resolution and front camera quality, it brings critical advantages: 5G connectivity, newer processor architecture, updated software, and guaranteed security patches through 2026. For most buyers today, these benefits outweigh the A31’s strengths.

Technology moves fast. Buying a phone that won’t receive updates or can’t connect to next-gen networks limits its lifespan. Unless you have very specific needs favoring the A31, the A15 5G is the smarter, more future-ready choice in 2024.

💬 Still unsure which fits your needs? Share your usage habits in the comments—we’ll help you decide between the A31 and A15 5G based on how you actually use your phone.