The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C65 and Samsung Galaxy A15 are two strong contenders. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches to performance and battery life. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A15 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge, while the 808 nit display offers superior outdoor visibility. However, the Realme C65’s 45W charging is a compelling advantage for those who value speed.
| 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, April 02 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.30 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 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), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purple Nebula, Black Milky Way | Brave Black, Optimistic Blue, Magical Blue, Personality Yellow |
| Models | RMX3910 | SM-A155F, SM-A155F/DSN, SM-A155M, SM-A155M/DS, SM-A155P, SM-A155R |
| Price | About 410 EUR | € 168.99 / $ 125.00 / £ 113.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Realme C65
- 45W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Realme UI offers customization options
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- 12nm process less power efficient
Samsung Galaxy A15
- More efficient Helio G99 chipset (6nm)
- Brighter 808 nit display for outdoor visibility
- Longer battery life (15:28h active use)
- Slower 25W charging
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource intensive
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A15 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 808 nits. This is a crucial advantage for outdoor use, where the Realme C65’s unspecified brightness will likely struggle in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A15’s higher brightness translates to a more vibrant and readable experience. Bezels are comparable, but the A15’s superior brightness is the defining factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature similar primary sensors. The focus should be on image processing. Samsung generally prioritizes vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme often aims for a more natural look. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization. The usefulness of any included 2MP macro lens on either phone is questionable, offering limited practical benefit over the main sensor.
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 over the Realme C65’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The A15’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also outperforms the C65’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both phones are adequate for everyday tasks, the A15 handles demanding applications more effectively.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A15 shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 15:28 hours of active use. While the Realme C65’s battery capacity is unknown, the A15’s longevity is a significant advantage. The C65 attempts to compensate with 45W wired charging, significantly faster than the A15’s 25W. This means the C65 can replenish its battery much quicker, but the A15’s larger reserve will likely last longer between charges. The trade-off is speed versus endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C65 if you prioritize fast charging and frequently top up your phone throughout the day. Its 45W charging capability significantly reduces downtime. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 if you value longer battery life, a brighter and more usable display in sunlight, and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking and gaming. The A15 is better suited for users who want a phone that can last a full day on a single charge without needing to hunt for an outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Samsung Galaxy A15 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99’s 6nm process is more efficient than the G85’s 12nm, meaning it generates less heat under load. While some warming is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the A15 is less prone to significant thermal throttling compared to the C65, allowing for more consistent frame rates over longer periods.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Realme C65 significantly faster in real-world use than the 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A15?
Yes, 45W charging will noticeably reduce charging times. While a full 0-100% time isn't provided, the C65 will likely gain a substantial percentage in the same time it takes the A15 to reach 50%. This is ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and Samsung One UI?
Realme UI is generally considered lighter and more customizable, offering a wider range of themes and personalization options. Samsung’s One UI is more feature-rich but can be more resource-intensive, potentially impacting performance on lower-end hardware. Both offer similar core functionality, but the user interface and overall aesthetic differ significantly.
❓ Will either phone struggle with popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube?
Both phones should handle these apps without major issues. However, the Samsung Galaxy A15’s Helio G99 will provide a smoother experience when multitasking between these apps and others, thanks to its more powerful CPU and efficient chipset.
