Samsung Galaxy M15 vs Motorola Moto G54: A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy M15 and Motorola Moto G54 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$250 smartphone market. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but diverge in key areas like CPU architecture and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Moto G54 emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Galaxy M15 offers a larger battery, the Moto G54’s Dimensity 7020, featuring the more efficient Cortex-A78 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge, justifying the slower 15W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M15 Motorola Moto G54
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 092023, September 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 05Available. Released 2023, September 05
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame
Dimensions160.1 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.37 in)161.6 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)177 g (6.24 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6Android 13, upgradable to Android 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot) - InternationalmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - China
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 0.61µm, PDAF, OIS 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging25W wired15W wired Reverse wired
Type6000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsLight Blue, Dark Blue, GrayMidnight blue, Indigo blue, Glacier blue, Mint green
ModelsSM-M156B, SM-M156B/DS, SM-M156B/DSNXT2343-1, XT2343-2
Price€ 179.99 / ₹ 15,999€ 147.00 / $ 189.99 / £ 161.57
SAR0.71 W/kg (head)-
SAR EU0.78 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy M15

  • Potentially larger battery capacity for extended runtime.
  • Faster 25W wired charging.
  • Samsung’s potentially superior display calibration.

  • Less efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A76 vs A78).
  • Lacks reverse wired charging.

Motorola Moto G54

  • More efficient Dimensity 7020 chipset with Cortex-A78 cores.
  • Reverse wired charging for added convenience.
  • Potentially better ISP for image processing.

  • Slower 15W wired charging.
  • Likely smaller battery capacity.

Display Comparison

Neither Samsung nor Motorola provided display specs beyond the core chipsets. Assuming typical panel technology for this price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCDs. The real differentiator will be peak brightness and color calibration, areas where Samsung historically excels. Without specific nit ratings, it's reasonable to assume the M15 will offer a slightly more vibrant and viewable display outdoors, leveraging Samsung’s display expertise. Bezels are likely comparable, and both will likely target a 60Hz refresh rate.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones will likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth and macro lenses. The quality will hinge on sensor size and image processing algorithms. Given Samsung’s history, the M15 may offer more refined image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. However, the Moto G54’s potentially more powerful ISP (integrated signal processor) within the Dimensity 7020 could offset this advantage. The ubiquitous 2MP macro lenses on both devices offer limited practical value.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G54’s Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, features two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores. This is a step up from the Samsung Galaxy M15’s Dimensity 6100+, which uses two Cortex-A76 cores at the same 2.2 GHz speed, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. The A78 architecture is more efficient and delivers better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 6nm chips, the architectural advantage favors the Moto G54. RAM configurations are likely similar, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy M15 likely boasts a larger battery capacity (specifics unavailable) than the Moto G54, aiming for all-day battery life. However, the Motorola Moto G54 compensates with reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the M15, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. The M15’s 25W charging is faster than the G54’s 15W, but the efficiency gains of the Dimensity 7020 in the G54 may reduce the overall time spent charging, minimizing the impact of the slower wattage. The larger battery of the M15 will provide longer screen-on time, but the G54’s reverse charging adds versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M15 if you prioritize extended battery life and anticipate prolonged usage away from power outlets. Its larger capacity will be beneficial for travelers or those with demanding daily routines. Buy the Motorola Moto G54 if you value a more responsive user experience and smoother multitasking, particularly if you engage in light gaming or frequently switch between applications. The superior CPU architecture delivers a tangible performance boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 7020 in the Moto G54 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 7020, with its Cortex-A78 cores, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it's not a flagship gaming chip, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Dimensity 6100+ in the Galaxy M15, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to its improved efficiency.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging time between 15W and 25W charging?
While 25W charging on the Galaxy M15 is faster on paper, the Dimensity 7020’s efficiency in the Moto G54 means it consumes less power during charging. This can partially offset the wattage difference, resulting in a smaller real-world charging time gap than expected. Expect a full charge on the M15 to be approximately 30-60 minutes faster, depending on battery capacity.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G54 support fast charging protocols beyond 15W?
The Moto G54 supports Power Delivery (PD) charging, allowing it to utilize chargers with higher wattage, though it will only draw up to 15W. Using a 20W or 30W PD charger won't significantly reduce charging time, but ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Moto G54 useful for accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the reverse wired charging is quite useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it won't fully charge them quickly, it provides a convenient way to add a bit of power when you're away from a wall outlet.