The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Motorola Moto E15 and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent compelling options, but cater to different priorities. The E15 emphasizes exceptional battery endurance, while the A05s focuses on a more modern chipset and brighter display. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day (and then some) battery life, the Motorola Moto E15 is the clear winner, boasting a remarkable 68:26h endurance. However, the Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a more efficient processor and a significantly brighter display, making it a better choice for those who value responsiveness and visibility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, December 17 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 22 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather) | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio (no radio in FR, IT) | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fresh Lavender, Misty Blue, Denim Blue | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | XT2523-6, XT2523-8 | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | $ 85.00 / C$ 100.00 / £ 60.99 / € 75.99 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 68:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Motorola Moto E15
- Exceptional battery life (68:26h endurance)
- High battery cycle count (1000 cycles)
- Potentially lower price point
- Older chipset (Helio G81)
- Likely lower display brightness
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Brighter display (468 nits)
- Faster charging (25W)
- Significantly shorter battery life (11:32h)
- Potentially higher price
- 2MP macro camera offers limited utility
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a notably brighter display, reaching 468 nits, compared to an unstated brightness for the Moto E15. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. Furthermore, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. While the Moto E15’s display specs are absent, it’s likely to be a lower-brightness panel, potentially impacting usability in direct sunlight. The A05s’ superior display characteristics benefit users who consume a lot of media or work outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both phones rely on budget sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A05s is unlikely to provide significant photographic value. The A05s’ image processing, typical of Samsung, may offer more vibrant colors and scene optimization, but this is speculative without sample images. The lack of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will be limited.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A05s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), while the Motorola Moto E15 features the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme (12nm). The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process offers a significant efficiency advantage, translating to less heat generation and potentially better sustained performance. The A05s’ CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – also suggests a performance edge over the E15’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55. This means the A05s will likely handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps more smoothly. The E15’s Helio G81, while capable, is an older generation chipset.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E15 dominates in battery endurance with a measured 68:26h, a truly exceptional result. The Samsung Galaxy A05s achieves 11:32h of active use, a respectable figure but significantly lower. While the A05s compensates with 25W wired charging, potentially offering a faster 0-100% charge time, the E15’s longevity is its primary strength. The E15’s battery also boasts a claimed 1000 charge cycles, suggesting long-term durability. Users who frequently travel or have limited access to charging will greatly benefit from the E15’s extended battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E15 if you need a phone that can reliably last two full days on a single charge, and your usage primarily involves basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prefer a more responsive user experience, a brighter screen for outdoor use, and a slightly more modern chipset, even if it means charging your phone more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G81 in the Moto E15 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G81 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 680 in the A05s will offer a smoother gaming experience overall, but neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s compared to the 18W charging on the Moto E15?
While a precise time difference requires testing, the 25W charging on the A05s will likely reduce the 0-100% charge time by approximately 30-45 minutes compared to the E15. However, this benefit is offset by the A05s’ smaller battery capacity and faster discharge rate.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A05s’ display suitable for outdoor use in bright sunlight?
Yes, the Galaxy A05s’ 468 nits of peak brightness makes it significantly more usable outdoors in direct sunlight compared to the Moto E15, which likely has a lower peak brightness. The higher contrast ratio also contributes to better visibility.
