Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Samsung Galaxy M15
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 160.1 × 76.8 × 9.3 mm | Motorola is taller and thicker, making it slightly bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 217g | Motorola is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Motorola has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are very similar, negligible visual difference. |
| PPI | 393 | 396 | Almost identical sharpness; no practical difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Samsung has superior display technology with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Samsung's 90Hz offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | Samsung is much brighter, easily visible under sunlight. Motorola's brightness is not available, limiting comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Samsung has a newer, more efficient chipset, potentially better for performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 442,500 | Samsung demonstrates significantly better performance in benchmarks; smoother apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPU configurations, affecting graphics processing; performance dependent on software optimization, generally Samsung performs better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Samsung has a significantly larger battery, likely providing longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Samsung charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Charger Included | 10W rapid charger in-box | Not specified | Motorola includes a charger in the box. Samsung's charger inclusion is unknown. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Samsung has slightly higher resolution; Motorola has a wider aperture, better in low light, other factors such as sensor size also play a big role. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.0 | Motorola has higher resolution; Samsung's wider aperture is better for low light selfies, sensor size also plays a role. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Motorola offers a higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are identical; suitable for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps with EIS | Motorola captures higher-resolution videos, Samsung has a higher slo-mo option |
| Additional Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Manual Focus | Motorola offers more advanced autofocus features and RAW image capture. Samsung offers manual focus. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Samsung has much newer software with latest features and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Samsung has a newer version of Bluetooth with slightly better energy efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung supports more satellite systems, potentially faster and more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Samsung supports two SIM cards active simultaneously, useful for international travelers. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Both offer up to 128 GB of storage; Samsung's base model is 128GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Both offer same RAM options, suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for additional storage. |
| Audio | 2 microphones | 2 microphones | Similar microphone setup, similar audio capture capabilities. |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are generally faster and more ergonomic. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both have common sensors, Motorola includes a compass; Samsung has an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones utilize screen protection technology, however, details are not provided for further analysis. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7-inch screen provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher video resolution for detailed recordings.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: slightly better low-light main camera performance.
- More advanced autofocus: Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and Laser autofocus (LAF) for faster and more accurate focusing.
- RAW image support: gives greater image editing capabilities.
- Night Mode: provides better performance in low light scenarios.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W rapid charger.
- Compass: useful for map navigation.
Samsung Galaxy M15 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides better blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors; significantly better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling.
- Significantly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score, meaning smoother overall experience.
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery ensures longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging is significantly quicker than Motorola's 15W.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better energy efficiency and range.
- More accurate GPS: More satellite system support for faster and more accurate positioning.
- Manual Focus: provides more control over camera focusing
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace has a larger screen and 4k video recording capability but lacks the superior display quality, smoothness, newer software, and performance of the Samsung.
- The Samsung Galaxy M15 excels in display quality, performance, battery, and software but lacks advanced camera features like 4K video recording, RAW, and Night mode.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious consumers needing a larger screen for media consumption.
- Users who prioritize higher resolution video recording and advanced camera features.
- Individuals who prefer a slightly larger screen size.
- Users who like having a charger in the box.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos with good sound quality.
- Capturing high-resolution video.
- Using basic navigation apps.
Samsung Galaxy M15 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality (better color, outdoor visibility).
- Users who prioritize battery life and performance for everyday tasks.
- Users who value a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Travelers or anyone who needs dual SIM functionality.
- Users who value up-to-date software and security.
Use Cases:
- Frequent use in bright sunlight.
- Heavy social media usage and content consumption.
- Long days away from a power source.
- Playing games or using demanding apps.
- International travelers who require dual-SIM support.
Price-to-Value: The Samsung Galaxy M15 offers a better price-to-value ratio for most users given its superior display, performance, battery and software, whereas the Motorola One 5G Ace offers a bigger screen and better camera features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (AMOLED vs IPS LCD)
- How important is long battery life? (6000mAh vs 5000mAh)
- What is your primary use case for the camera? (4K recording vs high-quality display and updated software)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a user who values display quality above all else: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M15 for its vibrant AMOLED display, better brightness and 90Hz refresh rate.
- For a user who prioritizes media recording: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace for its 4K video recording capabilities and higher resolution wide angle and selfie cameras.
- For a user looking for a reliable daily driver with extended battery life: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M15 for its larger 6000mAh battery and superior performance.
- For a user who values newer software: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M15 for its Android 14.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy M15. While the Motorola One 5G Ace has its strengths such as a larger display and higher recording capabilities, the advantages of the Samsung Galaxy M15 are more compelling for my typical usage patterns.
Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a significant advantage, especially for enjoying media and outdoor visibility in various conditions. The vibrant colors and deep blacks on an AMOLED display are far superior to the IPS LCD offered by the Motorola.
- Smoother Experience: The 90Hz refresh rate makes the phone feel much more responsive and fluid. The higher refresh rate is very noticeable.
- Longer Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery is a significant boost, allowing me to go through a full day of heavy usage without worrying about running out of power.
- Newer OS: Android 14 provides a more up-to-date software experience with latest features and better security.
- Better Performance: The higher AnTuTu score suggests a snappier and more reliable experience overall, which is important for multitasking and smooth app performance.
While I acknowledge the appeal of 4K recording on the Motorola, I value the overall daily user experience more, and this is where the Samsung Galaxy M15 has an advantage for me. The combination of a fantastic display, long battery life, fast performance, and up-to-date software makes the Samsung a more compelling choice for my needs.
