Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy A15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 103.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.25 "/g
Weight 168 g 200 g
Height 146.3 mm 160.1 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Magical Blue
  • Personality Yellow

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 425 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 104.81 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 48.41 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek Helio G99 (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 S23Samsung Galaxy A15Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4S23 is significantly more compact and pocketable. A15 is larger and may feel bulky for some.
Weight (g)168200S23 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
BuildMissingMissingBuild quality and materials impact durability and premium feel. This information is missing.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.16.5A15 offers a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking, while the S23 is more one-handed friendly.
Resolution1080 x 23401080 x 2340Identical resolution, but the smaller S23 results in a sharper image due to higher pixel density (425 ppi vs 396 ppi).
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090S23's 120Hz display provides smoother animations and scrolling compared to A15's 90Hz.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XSuper AMOLEDS23's Dynamic AMOLED 2X likely offers higher brightness, better color accuracy, and HDR support leading to a superior visual experience.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2MediaTek Helio G99S23's flagship Snapdragon chip offers significantly faster processing, enabling smoother multitasking, demanding gaming, and faster app loading compared to the mid-range Helio G99.
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 boasts a more powerful and efficient CPU architecture, translating to a noticeable performance advantage in all tasks.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G57 MC2S23's Adreno 740 GPU provides a substantial leap in graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM8GB4GB/6GB/8GBS23's 8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and prevents apps from closing in the background. A15 offers various RAM options but the 4GB variant will likely struggle with heavy multitasking.
Camera
Rear Cameras50MP Main, 12.2MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto50MP Main, 5MP Ultrawide, 2MP MacroS23 offers a more versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. A15's macro lens is less practical for most users. Image quality differences are likely due to sensor and processing capabilities, but detailed comparison is impossible without sample images.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsS23 allows for significantly higher resolution video recording.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)39005000A15 has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world battery life depends on various factors including software optimization and display efficiency.
Charging25W Wired, Wireless Charging25W WiredBoth offer 25W wired charging, but S23 additionally supports wireless charging, providing added convenience.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Significantly faster performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Smoother and brighter display: 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X offers superior visual quality and responsiveness.
  • More compact and premium design: Smaller dimensions and lighter weight contribute to better one-handed usability.
  • More versatile camera system: Telephoto lens enables optical zoom, absent in the A15.
  • Wireless charging: Added convenience for charging.

Samsung Galaxy A15 Advantages:

  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life, although real-world usage will vary.
  • Lower price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a premium display, a compact form factor, and a versatile camera system. Use cases: Demanding mobile gaming, content creation, multitasking, photography enthusiasts.

Samsung Galaxy A15: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality, a large screen, and potentially longer battery life. Use cases: Casual web browsing, social media, light gaming, communication.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is a significantly more expensive device.
  2. What level of performance do you need? For demanding tasks and gaming, the S23 is far superior.
  3. What are your priorities in terms of features? Consider display quality, camera versatility, battery life, and charging convenience.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user: The S23 is the clear choice for power users who need top-tier performance and features.
  • Budget-conscious user: The A15 offers good value for basic smartphone needs.
  • Casual user: The A15 might suffice, but the S23's superior experience might be worth the extra cost if the budget allows.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the Samsung Galaxy A15 offers a larger battery and a lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the superior device overall. The significantly faster performance, smoother and brighter display, more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, and the inclusion of wireless charging make it a much more compelling option for my needs. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality visuals, and the ability to capture great photos and videos. The S23's compact form factor is also appealing. While the price difference is significant, the S23's superior feature set and performance justify the higher cost for me.

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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