The Xiaomi Poco C85 4G 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 prioritize different strengths: the Poco C85 focuses on exceptional battery endurance, while the Galaxy A15 emphasizes a brighter, more visually appealing display. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day (and then some) battery life, the Xiaomi Poco C85 4G is the clear winner. Its remarkable 77:49h endurance significantly outpaces the Galaxy A15. However, if a brighter, more vibrant display is paramount, the Galaxy A15’s 808 nits peak brightness makes it the preferable choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 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 | 2025, September 01 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 01 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.6 x 79.5 x 8 mm (6.76 x 3.13 x 0.31 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 | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~254 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 114.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 660 nits (typ), 810 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 G81 Ultra (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | 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, 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, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD, 50% in 31 min
10W reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purple, Black, Green | Brave Black, Optimistic Blue, Magical Blue, Personality Yellow |
| Models | 25078PC3EE | SM-A155F, SM-A155F/DSN, SM-A155M, SM-A155M/DS, SM-A155P, SM-A155R |
| Price | € 93.00 / $ 127.50 / £ 74.90 | € 168.99 / $ 125.00 / £ 113.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 77:49h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Poco C85 4G
- Exceptional battery life (77:49h endurance)
- Faster 33W charging with PD
- 10W reverse wired charging
- Likely lower display brightness
- Older Helio G81 Ultra chipset
Samsung Galaxy A15
- Brighter 808 nits display
- More powerful Helio G99 chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- Significantly shorter battery life (15:28h)
- Slower 25W charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A15 boasts a significant advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 808 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, where the Poco C85’s unspecified brightness will likely struggle. While the Poco C85’s panel technology isn’t detailed, it’s reasonable to assume it’s a standard LCD, lacking the color vibrancy and contrast of a potentially higher-quality panel in the A15. Bezels are likely comparable given the price point, but the A15’s brightness is the defining factor.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are limited, but the focus should be on the main sensors. Without knowing the megapixel count or sensor size for either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a significant advantage, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either phone is largely inconsequential; image quality from such sensors is typically poor. Image processing algorithms will play a crucial role, and Samsung generally offers more refined image processing than Xiaomi in this price bracket.
Performance
Both devices utilize Mediatek Helio chipsets, but the Galaxy A15’s Helio G99 (6nm) represents a generational leap over the Poco C85’s Helio G81 Ultra (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management, allowing the G99 to sustain higher performance for longer periods. The A15’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also offers a performance edge over the Poco C85’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. While both phones are adequate for everyday tasks, the A15 will handle more demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease. RAM configurations are not specified, but faster LPDDR5x RAM in the A15 would further enhance its performance.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Poco C85 4G dominates in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 77:49h score. This is substantially higher than the Galaxy A15’s 15:28h active use score. While the A15’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Poco C85’s longevity is likely due to a combination of a larger battery and the more efficient Helio G81 Ultra chipset. The Poco C85 also supports 33W wired charging with PD, allowing for a 50% charge in just 31 minutes, while the A15 is limited to 25W. The Poco C85 also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A15.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C85 4G if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a charger. It’s ideal for travelers, commuters, or anyone who simply wants peace of mind regarding battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 if you prioritize a visually immersive experience, especially outdoors, and value a brighter screen for media consumption and gaming. It’s a better fit for users who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Galaxy A15 get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G99 is more efficient than the G81 Ultra, sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. The 6nm process helps mitigate throttling, but users should expect some temperature increase. The Poco C85’s G81 Ultra may throttle more aggressively, but also generates less peak heat.
❓ How much real-world difference will the 33W charging on the Poco C85 make compared to the 25W charging on the Galaxy A15?
The Poco C85’s 33W charging will provide a faster initial charge, reaching 50% in approximately 31 minutes. The Galaxy A15’s 25W charging will take longer to reach the same level. However, the difference in total charge time from 0-100% may not be as dramatic, as charging slows down as the battery fills.
❓ Is the battery endurance of the Poco C85 4G affected by using 4G instead of 5G?
Yes, using 4G instead of 5G generally consumes less power. The Poco C85 4G is specifically a 4G device, so its endurance score is based on 4G connectivity. Switching to a 5G network (if available) would likely reduce the overall battery life.
