The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The TCL 50 LE and Samsung Galaxy A15 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The TCL focuses on 5G connectivity with a Dimensity 700, while the Samsung A15 prioritizes battery life and display brightness with a Helio G99. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and a brighter viewing experience, the Samsung Galaxy A15 is the better choice. Its significantly longer 15:28h active use battery life and 808 nits peak brightness outweigh the TCL 50 LE’s 5G connectivity, especially given the Dimensity 700’s age.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 | 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, June 26 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 05 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 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 |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
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, (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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Storm Gray | Brave Black, Optimistic Blue, Magical Blue, Personality Yellow |
| Models | T510SP | SM-A155F, SM-A155F/DSN, SM-A155M, SM-A155M/DS, SM-A155P, SM-A155R |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 168.99 / $ 125.00 / £ 113.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
TCL 50 LE
- 5G Connectivity: Offers faster data speeds where available.
- Potentially Lower Price: May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Dimensity 700: Capable of handling everyday tasks.
- Older Chipset: The Dimensity 700 is an older generation processor.
- Slower Charging: 18W charging is slower than the A15’s 25W.
- Likely Lower Battery Life: Expect shorter battery life compared to the A15.
Samsung Galaxy A15
- Excellent Battery Life: 15:28h of active use is impressive.
- Brighter Display: 808 nits peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- More Efficient Chipset: Helio G99 (6nm) offers better power efficiency.
- No 5G Connectivity: Lacks 5G support.
- Potentially Higher Price: May be slightly more expensive than the TCL 50 LE.
- Basic Camera System: Likely relies on budget image sensors.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A15 boasts a clear advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 808 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a common pain point for budget phones. While the TCL 50 LE’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls significantly short of this brightness level. The A15’s higher brightness translates to a more enjoyable viewing experience in direct sunlight. We lack information on panel technology (LCD vs AMOLED) for either device, but the brightness difference is a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both phones rely on budget image sensors. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither device will excel in low-light photography. Focusing on the primary sensor is key; the inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on either device is largely a marketing tactic with limited real-world benefit. Image processing algorithms will likely be the deciding factor, and Samsung generally has a strong track record in this area.
Performance
Both the TCL 50 LE and Samsung Galaxy A15 utilize an octa-core CPU configuration with the same core arrangement: 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. However, the chipsets differ significantly. The Samsung A15’s Mediatek Helio G99 is fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process compared to the TCL 50 LE’s Dimensity 700 (7nm). This process node advantage generally translates to better thermal management and slightly improved power efficiency. While both chips offer comparable CPU performance for everyday tasks, the Helio G99’s GPU is likely to provide a smoother experience in graphically demanding applications. The Dimensity 700’s age also means it lacks some of the newer optimizations found in the Helio G99.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A15 clearly wins in battery performance, achieving an impressive 15:28h of active use. The TCL 50 LE’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 18W charging speed is slower than the A15’s 25W charging. This means the A15 will not only last longer on a single charge but also replenish its battery faster when needed. The 6nm process of the Helio G99 also contributes to the A15’s superior battery life by improving power efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 50 LE if you absolutely need 5G connectivity on a tight budget and are willing to compromise on battery life and display quality. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 if you prioritize all-day battery life, a brighter and more usable display in outdoor conditions, and don't require the immediate benefits of 5G in your area. The A15 is the more well-rounded option for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Samsung Galaxy A15 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G99 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but the 6nm process helps manage thermals and prevent significant throttling. The TCL 50 LE’s Dimensity 700 will likely offer similar performance, but may throttle more quickly under sustained load.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A15 from 0% to 100% with the 25W charger?
With the 25W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A15 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on background app activity. The TCL 50 LE’s 18W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 2.5 hours.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the TCL 50 LE worth the trade-off in battery life and display quality?
That depends on your needs and location. If you live in an area with widespread 5G coverage and frequently download large files or stream high-resolution video, the 5G connectivity might be beneficial. However, for most users, the superior battery life and display of the Samsung Galaxy A15 offer a more tangible improvement to the daily user experience.
