The Motorola Moto G05 and Samsung Galaxy A15 represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core strengths. The G05 focuses on maximizing battery life, while the A15 prioritizes a brighter, more vibrant display experience. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day (and then some) battery life, the Motorola Moto G05 is the clear winner, boasting a remarkable 60:22h endurance. However, if a brighter, more visually appealing display is paramount, the Samsung Galaxy A15’s 808 nits peak brightness makes it the better choice, despite its shorter battery life.
| 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, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 13 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| 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) | 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 | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | - |
| 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Plum Red, Fresh Lavender, Forest Green, Misty Blue | Brave Black, Optimistic Blue, Magical Blue, Personality Yellow |
| Models | XT2523-2, XT2523-3, XT2523-11 | SM-A155F, SM-A155F/DSN, SM-A155M, SM-A155M/DS, SM-A155P, SM-A155R |
| Price | € 82.38 / $ 108.00 / £ 77.00 / ₹ 7,316 | € 168.99 / $ 125.00 / £ 113.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 60:22h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Motorola Moto G05
- Exceptional battery life (60:22h endurance)
- Long battery lifespan (1000 charge cycles)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Older chipset (Helio G81)
- Likely lower display brightness
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Samsung Galaxy A15
- Brighter display (808 nits)
- Newer chipset (Helio G99, 6nm)
- Faster charging (25W)
- Significantly shorter battery life (15:28h)
- Potentially higher price
- Less impressive battery longevity
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A15 immediately distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 808 nits. This is a substantial advantage over what we’d expect from the Moto G05, making the A15 far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While the G05’s panel specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume a lower peak brightness. The A15’s brighter display will deliver a more vibrant and engaging experience for video streaming and gaming. The lack of information on the G05’s panel type (IPS vs. AMOLED) further emphasizes the A15’s advantage in display quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the A15 likely benefits from Samsung’s more sophisticated image processing algorithms. While both phones likely include standard features like HDR and scene detection, the A15’s chipset may offer faster processing speeds for these features. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture on both devices makes it impossible to definitively assess image quality, but the A15’s newer chipset suggests a potential edge in computational photography.
Performance
Both devices utilize Mediatek Helio chipsets, but the Galaxy A15’s Helio G99 (6nm) represents a generational leap over the Moto G05’s Helio G81 Extreme (12nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better performance and potentially less thermal throttling. The A15’s CPU, with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also offers a performance edge over the G05’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. While both phones feature octa-core CPUs, the A15’s architecture and fabrication process provide a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. The G05’s older chipset will likely struggle more with graphically intensive games and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G05’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 60:22h. This is significantly longer than the Samsung Galaxy A15’s active use score of 15:28h. While the A15 boasts faster 25W wired charging compared to the G05’s 18W, the substantial difference in endurance means the G05 will require less frequent charging overall. The G05 also claims 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan for the battery itself. The A15’s faster charging is beneficial for quick top-ups, but it can’t compensate for the G05’s superior longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G05 if you need exceptional battery life and prioritize longevity over peak performance or display quality. This phone is ideal for travelers, commuters, or anyone who frequently finds themselves away from a power outlet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 if you prefer a brighter, more modern display for media consumption and social media browsing, and are willing to compromise on ultimate battery endurance. This phone is best for users who value visual experience and are comfortable charging more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Galaxy A15 get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the G81 in the Moto G05?
While the Helio G99 is more powerful, the 6nm process node generally leads to better thermal efficiency. However, the A15’s higher performance ceiling means it *could* generate more heat under sustained load. The G05’s older chipset is less likely to push its thermal limits, but will also deliver lower frame rates in demanding games.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the Galaxy A15 in real-world terms compared to the 18W charging on the Moto G05?
The 25W charging on the A15 will likely reduce 0-100% charge times by approximately 30-45 minutes compared to the G05. However, this benefit is offset by the A15’s significantly smaller battery capacity and shorter overall endurance. You’ll be charging the A15 more frequently, even with the faster charging.
❓ Is the difference in battery endurance between the Moto G05 and Galaxy A15 noticeable in everyday use, or is it only apparent in specific scenarios?
The difference is very noticeable in everyday use. The Moto G05 can easily last two full days on a single charge with moderate use, while the Galaxy A15 will likely require daily charging. This is particularly true for users who frequently stream video, play games, or use GPS navigation.
