The Huawei nova Y72 and Samsung Galaxy A15 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this. The Y72 relies on Huawei’s Kirin chipset, while the A15 leverages MediaTek’s Helio G99, creating a fascinating head-to-head in terms of performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-lasting battery life and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A15 is the stronger choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, coupled with a measured 808 nits of brightness and a 15:28 hour active use score, provides a more consistently smooth and usable experience. However, the Y72 may appeal to users already invested in the Huawei ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 18, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 26 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.63 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, EMUI 14, no Google Play Services | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Brave Black, Optimistic Blue, Magical Blue, Personality Yellow |
| Models | MGA-LX3 | SM-A155F, SM-A155F/DSN, SM-A155M, SM-A155M/DS, SM-A155P, SM-A155R |
| Price | About 240 EUR | € 168.99 / $ 125.00 / £ 113.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Huawei nova Y72
- Potential familiarity for Huawei users
- May offer a more compact design (speculation)
- Huawei’s EMUI software features
- Less efficient Kirin 710A chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Potential limitations with Google Mobile Services
Samsung Galaxy A15
- Excellent battery life (15:28h active use)
- Bright 808 nit display
- More efficient MediaTek Helio G99 chipset
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
- May feel slightly larger in hand
- Build quality may be primarily plastic
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A15 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 808 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a common pain point for budget phones. While the nova Y72’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to fall short of this figure. The A15’s brightness advantage translates to a more comfortable viewing experience in direct sunlight. We can infer that the A15's panel is likely LCD, given the price point, but the high brightness is still a significant advantage.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Huawei nova Y72, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature similar primary sensor resolutions. The A15 likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more vibrant and detailed photos. It's important to note that many phones in this price range include low-resolution macro and depth sensors that offer limited real-world benefit, and we'll disregard those for this comparison.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A15’s MediaTek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a clear advantage in efficiency over the Huawei nova Y72’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 6nm node allows for more transistors in a smaller space, leading to improved performance and reduced heat generation. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A15’s configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) features newer and more powerful Cortex-A76 cores compared to the Y72’s Cortex-A73 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the A15. The Y72's older architecture will likely show its age in demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A15 shines in battery performance, achieving an impressive 15:28 hours of active use. While the nova Y72’s battery capacity is unknown, its less efficient Kirin 710A chipset (14nm) suggests it will struggle to match the A15’s endurance. The A15 also supports 25W wired charging, slightly faster than the Y72’s 22.5W, contributing to quicker top-ups when needed. The combination of a more efficient chipset and faster charging gives the A15 a clear edge in battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y72 if you prioritize a familiar Huawei interface and are comfortable with potential limitations regarding Google Mobile Services. This phone is best suited for users who primarily engage in basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 if you value all-day battery life, a brighter and more visible display, and a more open Android experience with full Google support. This is the better option for users who stream videos, play mobile games, or frequently use GPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G99 in the Galaxy A15 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99 is designed for efficiency, and while it will warm up during prolonged gaming, its 6nm process helps mitigate excessive heat. The A15’s thermal design is adequate for casual to moderate gaming, but demanding titles at maximum settings may lead to some throttling after extended play.
❓ Is the lack of Google Mobile Services on the Huawei nova Y72 a major issue for most users?
For users heavily reliant on Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps, the absence of Google Mobile Services is a significant drawback. Huawei’s AppGallery offers alternatives, but the selection is limited, and compatibility issues can arise. Sideloading apps is possible, but requires technical knowledge and carries security risks.
❓ How does the charging speed of 22.5W on the Y72 compare to the 25W on the A15 in real-world use?
While a 2.5W difference seems small, the A15’s more efficient power management and potentially optimized charging algorithms mean it will likely reach 100% slightly faster. Expect a difference of around 15-20 minutes in a full charge cycle.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A15 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a perfectly playable experience for casual gamers.
