Samsung's A-series continues to dominate the budget smartphone space, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Galaxy A05s and A15 represent compelling options, each prioritizing different strengths. The A05s focuses on affordability, while the A15 aims for a more balanced experience with a brighter display and a different chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specs to reveal which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A15 is the better choice. Its significantly longer battery life (15:28h active use vs 11:32h) and substantially brighter display (808 nits vs 468 nits) outweigh the A05s's lower price, offering a more enjoyable daily experience.
| 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 | 2023, September 25 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 18 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | 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 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 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 | 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 | 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 Direct | 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 | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet | Brave Black, Optimistic Blue, Magical Blue, Personality Yellow |
| Models | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G | SM-A155F, SM-A155F/DSN, SM-A155M, SM-A155M/DS, SM-A155P, SM-A155R |
| Price | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 | € 168.99 / $ 125.00 / £ 113.00 |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 offers good power efficiency.
- Decent contrast ratio for indoor viewing.
- Significantly dimmer display than the A15.
- Shorter battery life compared to the A15.
- Performance may struggle with demanding tasks.
Samsung Galaxy A15
- Much brighter display for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Longer battery life for all-day use.
- MediaTek Helio G99 provides better GPU performance.
- Generally more expensive than the A05s.
- May not offer significant camera improvements.
- Potential for slightly more heat under sustained load.
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A15 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 808 nits compared to the A05s’s 468 nits. This translates to far superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both displays likely utilize LCD technology (given the price point), the A15’s higher brightness makes a tangible difference for outdoor use. Contrast ratio is also a factor, with the A05s offering 1418:1, but the brightness difference is more impactful for everyday viewing. Neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Given the market segment, expect a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (likely depth and macro). The A15’s image processing may benefit from MediaTek’s ISP, potentially offering slightly more refined results. However, without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
The A05s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with a split core configuration (2.4GHz Kryo Gold & 1.9GHz Kryo Silver). The A15, however, utilizes the MediaTek Helio G99 (also 6nm) with a different core arrangement (2.2GHz Cortex-A76 & 2.0GHz Cortex-A55). While both are 6nm chips, the Helio G99 generally offers better GPU performance, making it more suitable for casual gaming. The Snapdragon 680 prioritizes efficiency, potentially contributing to slightly better standby times, but the A15’s overall performance edge is noticeable. RAM configurations are not specified, but will heavily influence multitasking capabilities on both devices.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the A15 truly shines. Our active use testing reveals a substantial advantage, with the A15 lasting 15:28h compared to the A05s’s 11:32h. Both phones support 25W wired charging, meaning charging times will be comparable. The A15’s longer battery life is likely a combination of the more efficient Helio G99 chipset and potentially a slightly larger battery capacity (though not specified). This difference is significant for users who frequently travel or have limited access to charging outlets.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and prioritize a familiar Samsung experience over display quality or extended battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 if you value a brighter, more visible screen outdoors, and need a phone that can comfortably last a full day – and then some – on a single charge. The A15 is ideal for users who stream videos, browse the web, or frequently use GPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the MediaTek Helio G99 in the A15 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G99 is a capable chipset, sustained gaming will generate heat. However, the 6nm process node and Samsung’s thermal management should prevent significant throttling. Expect some performance reduction after extended play, but it shouldn’t render the phone unusable. The Snapdragon 680 in the A05s may run slightly cooler, but at the cost of overall performance.
❓ Is the 25W charging speed on both phones fast enough for quick top-ups throughout the day?
25W charging is adequate for these devices, but not exceptionally fast. Expect a full charge to take around 1.5 to 2 hours. However, a 15-minute charge can provide a noticeable boost in battery life, enough for several hours of moderate use. The A15’s larger battery will take slightly longer to fully charge than the A05s.
❓ How does the display quality of the A05s compare to other phones in the same price range?
The A05s’s 468 nits of brightness is on the lower end for modern smartphones, even within the budget segment. While acceptable for indoor use, it will struggle in direct sunlight. Competitors often offer brighter displays, making the A15 a more compelling option if display visibility is a priority.
