Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Review
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Specification:Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Specs
Operating System: Android 14
CPU: Mediatek 6835
Dimensions: 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Pros
Affordable
Long battery life
Competent cameras
Excellent software upgrade policy
Cons
No IP rating
Plastic build
With its expansive and crisp display, impressive battery longevity, expandable storage, and robust performance, Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G stands out as a remarkable value at $199.99. Additionally, the device promises four years of system updates, ensuring its longevity. While certain elements of its construction could be improved, the Galaxy A15 5G surpasses other phones in its price range, securing our Editors’ Choice award for budget-friendly Android smartphones.
Table of Contents
Design: Primarily Plastic
The Galaxy A15 closely mirrors the design of other Samsung devices. Measuring 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches (HWD) and weighing 7.09 ounces, it’s comparable in size to the midrange $599 Galaxy S23 FE (6.22 by 3.01 by 0.32 inches, 7.37 ounces) and the premium $999 Galaxy S24+ (6.24 by 3.0 by 0.30 inches, 6.95 ounces). The A15 also shares a similar form factor, featuring rounded corners and flat sides.
When held, the Galaxy A15 feels robust, though it doesn’t have the refined finish of the more expensive Galaxy S models. The display is shielded by Dragontrail Pro glass, while the back and frame are made of plastic. The front glass is slightly elevated above the frame, and the back plastic is slightly recessed.
The Galaxy A15, similar to most phones in its price range, lacks an IP rating, making it vulnerable to dust and water exposure. In contrast, some budget-friendly Motorola models offer better protection; for instance, the $169.99 Moto G Play has an IP52 rating, allowing it to withstand light splashes.
Samsung refers to the slightly protruding area that holds the volume rocker and power button as the Key Island. The volume rocker is slightly raised, making it more prominent, while the power button is set deeper into the frame. Due to this design, the volume rocker is simpler to locate and use. This is particularly significant since the power button also serves as a fingerprint reader. Initially, I found myself placing my thumb on the raised edge surrounding the power button instead of directly on the button. However, with some adjustment, I was able to consistently use the fingerprint sensor effectively.
On the left side, you’ll find a combined tray for both SIM and microSD cards. The bottom edge houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port (USB 2.0), and a down-firing speaker. It’s refreshing to see the inclusion of a headphone jack and a microSD slot, as these features are becoming increasingly rare in midrange and high-end devices.
The rear of the phone features three vertically aligned cameras. In keeping with Samsung’s recent design trends, there is no camera bump; instead, each lens extends directly from the back panel. At the front, a selfie camera is nestled within a U-shaped notch at the top of the screen.
A Brighter Display
The phone features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen that dominates the front, though it has a bezel that is more noticeable compared to higher-end models. The display offers a resolution of 2,340 by 1,080 pixels, a 90Hz fixed refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 800 nits.
For comparison, the previous model, the A14, comes with a slightly larger 6.6-inch screen but has a dimmer 500 nits brightness. TCL’s 40 X 5G, priced at $179.99, also features a larger 6.56-inch display with the same 90Hz refresh rate, but with a significantly lower resolution of 1,612 by 720 pixels. On the higher end, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G, at $299.99, offers a 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 680 nits.
Indoors, the screen appears bright and sharp, delivering smooth animations. Outdoors, the display remains visible under typical conditions, though reflections can interfere when viewed from certain angles, particularly in daylight.