Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy A15 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 December 16, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 113.58 cm³ 103.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.91 "/g 3.25 "/g
Weight 234 g 200 g
Height 163.4 mm 160.1 mm
Width 78.1 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Magical Blue
  • Personality Yellow

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 500 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 800 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.13 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.02 mAh/cm³ 48.41 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung Galaxy A15 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4S23 Ultra slightly larger; negligible difference in daily use.
Weight (g)234200S23 Ultra noticeably heavier, potentially impacting one-handed use.
BuildGlass front/back, aluminum frameMissingBuild quality and durability comparison not possible.
Display
Size (inches)6.86.5S23 Ultra offers a larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution1440 x 30881080 x 2340S23 Ultra significantly sharper; noticeable difference in image clarity and text crispness.
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090S23 Ultra smoother for scrolling and gaming; noticeable difference in fluidity.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XSuper AMOLEDS23 Ultra likely to offer better color accuracy, brightness, and HDR performance.
Peak Brightness (nits)1750800S23 Ultra much brighter, improving outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)Dimensity 6100+ (6nm)S23 Ultra significantly more powerful; major difference in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)S23 Ultra has a more powerful and efficient CPU architecture.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G57 MC2S23 Ultra boasts superior graphics performance; significant advantage for gaming.
RAM8GB (listed), up to 12GB available4/6/8GBS23 Ultra offers more RAM in its higher-end configurations, improving multitasking and overall responsiveness.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)20050S23 Ultra has vastly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail.
Ultrawide (MP)125Significant resolution difference, impacting detail and field of view in ultrawide shots.
TelephotoDual Telephoto (10x optical)MissingS23 Ultra offers superior zoom capabilities.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fps1080p@30fpsS23 Ultra offers much higher resolution video recording.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity. Real-world battery life will depend on usage and efficiency.
Fast Charging45W25WS23 Ultra charges significantly faster.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: Superior chipset, CPU, GPU, and RAM for smoother performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Higher quality display: Larger, sharper, brighter, and smoother display for a more immersive visual experience.
  • Advanced camera system: Higher resolution sensors, dual telephoto lenses with significant zoom capabilities, and 8K video recording.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter weight: More comfortable for extended one-handed use.
  • Lower price: Offers good value for basic smartphone needs.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, content creators, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance and features. Excellent for:

  • Demanding mobile gaming: High refresh rate and powerful GPU ensure a smooth gaming experience.
  • Professional photography and videography: Versatile camera system with high resolution and zoom capabilities.
  • Multitasking and productivity: Powerful processor and ample RAM handle multiple apps with ease.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and connectivity. Good for:

  • Everyday communication: Calling, texting, social media browsing.
  • Casual content consumption: Watching videos, browsing the web.
  • Users seeking a lightweight phone: Prioritizing comfort over top-tier specs.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Do you need top-tier performance or prioritize basic functionality?
  3. How important are camera quality and display quality to you? The S23 Ultra excels in these areas.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget: A15 5G
  • Prioritizing Performance and Camera: S23 Ultra
  • Casual User on a Budget: A15 5G
  • Power User/Gamer/Content Creator: S23 Ultra

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While significantly more expensive, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra aligns better with my personal needs. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, especially for multitasking and occasional mobile gaming. The superior display and camera system are also major selling points for me, as I enjoy consuming high-quality content and capturing photos and videos. The faster charging is a significant convenience factor. While the A15 5G offers decent value for its price, the performance and feature gap is too substantial for me to compromise on.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.