Samsung Galaxy S23 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 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 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 S23Samsung Galaxy A15 5GPractical 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 5G is larger and may feel bulky.
Weight (g)168200S23 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Fingerprint SensorUnder displaySide-mountedPreference-based, but under-display is generally considered more modern and seamless.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.16.5A15 5G offers a larger screen for media consumption, but the S23's smaller size benefits one-handed use.
Resolution (px)1080 x 23401080 x 2340Identical resolution, but the S23's smaller size results in a sharper image (higher PPI).
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090S23's 120Hz offers smoother animations and scrolling compared to A15 5G's 90Hz.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XSuper AMOLEDS23's Dynamic AMOLED 2X likely offers better color accuracy, brightness (1750 nits peak vs 800 nits), and HDR performance.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Dimensity 6100+S23's flagship Snapdragon chip provides significantly faster processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & ...)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & ...)S23's CPU architecture and higher clock speeds translate to superior performance in all areas.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G57 MC2S23's GPU is considerably more powerful, enabling higher graphics settings and smoother gameplay in demanding games.
RAM (GB)84/6/8 (Variant Dependent)More RAM in some S23 versions facilitates better multitasking and app switching.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050While both have 50MP, the S23 likely utilizes a superior sensor (Samsung GN5) and processing, resulting in better image quality.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsS23 offers substantially higher video resolution and frame rates, along with advanced features like HDR10+ and better image stabilization.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)39005000A15 5G has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, the S23's more efficient chip may offset this difference.
Fast Charging (W)2525Similar wired charging speeds, but the S23 offers faster wireless charging (10W vs none on A15 5G).

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Better Display: Brighter, smoother, and more color-accurate display with HDR10+.
  • More Compact Design: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Advanced Camera Features: Higher resolution video recording, better low-light performance, and more versatile lens options.
  • Faster Wireless Charging: Convenience for topping up battery quickly.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Potential for longer battery life.
  • Lower Price: More budget-friendly option.
  • Larger Display: More screen real estate for media consumption.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Users who prioritize performance, a premium display, compact design, and advanced camera features. Ideal for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large display for media consumption. Suitable for casual use, web browsing, and social media.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming, photography, and demanding tasks benefit from the S23's performance. Casual use favors the A15 5G's battery life and larger screen.
  3. Do you value portability and a premium feel? The S23 is smaller, lighter, and uses higher-quality materials.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the A15 5G offers a larger battery and lower price, the S23's significant performance advantage, superior display, and more compact design make it the clear winner for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality visuals, and a phone that easily fits in my pocket. The extra cost is justified by the substantial upgrade in overall quality and capabilities. The S23's advanced camera features are also a significant plus for capturing high-quality photos and videos. While battery life is important, I'm willing to compromise slightly in this area for the S23's other benefits. The faster wireless charging also mitigates this concern to some extent.

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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