Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. As a tech journalist with a bit of an engineering background, I always like to go beyond the spec sheet and focus on what these differences mean for you, the user. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm | The Moto G31 is slightly taller and narrower, while the A15 5G is a bit wider and thinner. Might feel different in hand. |
| Weight | 181g | 200g | Moto G31 is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Both have very similar screen sizes, a minor 0.1" difference won't be noticeable in day to day usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer FHD+ resolutions; you won't notice a real difference in clarity here, even though the A15 is slightly less dense |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 396 PPI | Again, very similar sharpness; both displays will look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both boast vibrant AMOLED displays, offering great colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The A15 5G will have smoother scrolling and animations. Makes a difference especially with high fps games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | The A15 5G will be much more visible in bright sunlight. Moto G31 would be difficult to use in sunny conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | The A15 5G's newer 6nm chipset will be more power-efficient and faster than the G85 on the Moto G31. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 442,500 | The A15 5G is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loads, and better multitasking, and handling more demanding games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | A15 5G has an updated GPU for better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76” | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera performance in good lighting, Moto G31’s sensor size would result in slightly better image quality in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.0 | A15 5G with wider aperture should capture brighter selfies, especially in low light. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G31 provides higher resolution and wider aperture, meaning potentially better wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Very similar macro performance, good enough for some close-up detail shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Both record good enough 1080p quality videos but the A15 5G's EIS should help with more stable footage |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of usage on a single charge with similar capacity. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | A15 5G will charge much faster than Moto G31. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The A15 5G runs on a newer Android version with updated features and security patches, and will also receive up to Android 17 updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support the same Wi-Fi bands, offering good wireless performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | A15 5G has a slightly newer and potentially more energy-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Both support the standard GPS suite for accurate location tracking, and the Moto G31 also has SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Both allow for two SIMs to be used at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | NA | The Moto G31 comes in different variants while the A15 has no information available. |
| RAM | 4GB | NA | The Moto G31 has 4GB of RAM for basic multitasking, but no information for A15. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones have a memory card slot, meaning you are stuck with the onboard memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | 2 mics | Moto G31 has better audio with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a convenient side fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite | Both have comprehensive suite of sensors for gaming, proximity and other general usage. A15 has Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Lighter Design: At 181g, it’s significantly lighter than the A15, which is beneficial for extended use.
- Better wide-angle camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture make the wide-angle lens better.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Strengths:
- Significantly More Powerful: The Dimensity 6100+ chip offers nearly double the performance in benchmarks and is much more power efficient with its 6nm technology.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes the display feel more responsive.
- Brighter Screen: 800 nits max brightness makes outdoor visibility far superior.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging is a big improvement over the Moto G31’s 10W charging.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 and is slated to receive updates up to Android 17.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Newer version offers a better connection.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G31: Older software, weaker performance, dimmer screen, slower charging, no expandable storage.
- Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: It’s heavier, and has no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31: Best for users who prioritize lightweight design, a standard camera, and Dolby Atmos sound, and are on a strict budget. This phone might suit someone who primarily uses their phone for basic tasks and multimedia consumption.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: Ideal for users who need good performance for smooth multitasking, gaming, or want better outdoor screen visibility, and a long software support. Suitable for anyone who wants more from their device on day to day basis.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I need the best performance and want a smoother experience? If yes, the A15 5G is the clear winner.
- Is screen brightness and viewing in bright sunlight important to me? If so, the A15 5G will be a better choice.
- Am I on a tight budget, and will mostly use it for basic tasks? If you answer yes, the Moto G31 is a good, more affordable option that still offers a good screen and audio quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If your primary uses are browsing, messaging, and social media, and you're on a budget, the Moto G31 will be fine.
- For the Power User: If you play games, use several apps at once, or need a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the better investment.
- For the Multimedia Lover: The Moto G31 offers Dolby Atmos, but the screen dimness will reduce the quality. Go with A15 5G if you prefer a better display.
- For the Traveler: The A15 5G with its fast charging and better brightness is much better suited.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go for the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. While the Moto G31 does have some appeal with its lighter design and Dolby Atmos, the huge leap in performance (almost double the benchmark score!), brighter screen and faster charging of the A15 5G are the clear game-changers. I want a phone that can keep up with my multitasking needs, be easily visible outdoors, and isn't constantly running on empty. The newer Android version is also a plus, ensuring I get the latest security and features. The A15 5G just offers a much better balance between usability and real-world power, making it a far better overall experience.
