Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 March 15, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 97.64 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 201 g 213 g
Height 160.9 mm 161.1 mm
Width 77.8 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 2000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 97.64 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.89 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4383 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Xclipse 530

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 14
Maximum OS Version 18 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 PlusSamsung Galaxy A55Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mmNearly identical in hand feel. A55 slightly thicker.
Weight201g213giPhone 15 Plus noticeably lighter for extended use.
BuildMissingMissingBuild quality and materials unknown, impacting durability and premium feel.
Display
Size6.7"6.6"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper AMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Resolution1290 x 27961080 x 2340iPhone significantly sharper (460 ppi vs 390 ppi), noticeable in text clarity and image detail.
Refresh RateMissing120HzHigher refresh rate on A55 results in smoother scrolling and animations. iPhone's refresh rate is unknown but likely 60Hz.
Peak Brightness2000 nits1000 nitsiPhone much brighter outdoors, improving readability in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Exynos 1480 (4 nm)A16 expected to offer significantly better performance in demanding tasks and gaming based on historical comparisons between Apple and Exynos chips.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.46 GHz + 4x2.02 GHz)Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz)Core configurations differ, but A16's architecture and optimization generally lead to superior single and multi-core performance.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Xclipse 530A16's GPU likely offers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM6GB8GB/12GBA55 offers more RAM, potentially benefiting multitasking and app switching. However, iOS's memory management often mitigates this advantage.
Storage256GB/512GB256GBSimilar storage options, though iPhone offers a higher 512GB tier.
Camera
Rear CameraMissingMissingNo camera specifications provided for comparison.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fpsUp to 4K@30fpsiPhone offers higher resolution and frame rate video recording, including slow-motion capabilities.
Battery
Capacity4383 mAh5000 mAhA55 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world usage depends on software optimization.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Sharper resolution and significantly higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
  • Expected Performance Advantage: A16 Bionic chip likely outperforms Exynos 1480 in processing power and graphics.
  • More Advanced Video Recording: Higher resolution and frame rate options.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Larger Battery Capacity: Potential for longer battery life.
  • More RAM: Potentially better multitasking, though iOS optimization mitigates this.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Plus: Users prioritizing performance, display quality, a premium mobile experience, and a robust app ecosystem. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, content creation, and users who value a bright and sharp screen.

Samsung Galaxy A55: Users looking for a smoother display experience, potentially longer battery life, and a more customizable Android operating system. Suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, and users sensitive to price differences.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. Performance Priority: How important is raw processing power and a smooth, high refresh rate display?
  2. Display Quality: Do you prioritize sharpness and brightness, or smoothness and fluidity?
  3. Ecosystem Preference: iOS or Android?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Gamer: iPhone 15 Plus for its expected superior performance.
  • Outdoor Enthusiast: iPhone 15 Plus for its brighter display.
  • Budget-Conscious User: Samsung Galaxy A55, considering its potential longer battery life and lower price point.

My Choice: iPhone 15 Plus

While lacking specific information on camera capabilities and build materials, the iPhone 15 Plus edges out the Galaxy A55 based on the expected superior performance of the A16 Bionic chip, the significantly brighter and sharper display, and the overall refined user experience typically associated with iPhones. The A55's 120Hz refresh rate and larger battery are appealing, but the iPhone's strengths in performance, display quality, and video recording capabilities are more important to me personally. I prioritize a fluid and responsive experience in demanding applications and games, as well as excellent media consumption in various lighting conditions.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.