Relating to smartphones, Samsung is a distinguished participant at just about each worth level.
Its extra inexpensive gadgets have a tendency to supply an incredible stability between efficiency, options and worth.
And that’s definitely true of the Galaxy A15, which omits 5G however gives an impressively well-rounded expertise for simply £169. However how a lot of an improve is it in comparison with the Galaxy A14 from final yr, which persistently ranked as among the finest finances telephones round?
Listed below are the important thing similarities and variations you’ll want to know, plus easy methods to determine which is best for you.
Variations between Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A14
Each the Galaxy A15 and the Galaxy A14 are comparable by way of design, and each have lots in frequent with the common Galaxy S23.
The telephones are made with a plastic chassis and again and glass entrance panel, although there’s no toughened Gorilla Glass on both.
The A15 is barely smaller and lighter than the A14, measuring 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4mm and weighing 200g, in comparison with 167.7 x 78.0 x 9.1mm and 201g.
Regardless of each that includes side-mounted fingerprint sensors built-in into the ability button, these on the A15 are situated on the ‘Key Island’ – a raised portion of the telephone’s body that ought to make these bodily buttons simpler to make use of.
Nonetheless, the A15’s rear panel tends to draw mud, whereas the A14’s ribbed again minimises fingerprint smudges. Notably, each lack waterproofing and neither gadget features a case or charger within the field, requiring separate purchases.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
The Galaxy A15 boasts a high-quality 6.5-inch AMOLED show, providing vivid colors and brightness as much as 570 nits. Its Full HD+ decision ensures crisp visuals, complemented by a easy 90Hz refresh charge for enhanced scrolling.
Regardless of occasional stuttering with image-heavy content material, the show’s 84.3% screen-to-body ratio supplies an immersive viewing expertise. Audio is delivered via a single backside speaker, providing spectacular quantity ranges for spoken content material however missing depth and bass for music.
In distinction, the Galaxy A14 contains a 6.6-inch Full HD LCD show with a great distinction, albeit inadequate brightness underneath direct daylight.
Its 60Hz refresh charge could not match the Galaxy A15, however suffices for each day duties. Audio high quality from the only downward-firing speaker is sub-par, missing depth and bass.
Martyn Casserly
The Galaxy A15 is supplied with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor which gives sturdy efficiency for on a regular basis duties. Regardless of potential occasional slowdowns as a result of 4GB RAM, the gadget gives ample storage with a base of 128GB, expandable as much as 1TB through a microSD card.
Then again, the Galaxy A14 contains a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Efficiency is typical for its worth vary, with gradual boot-up and potential delays in loading demanding webpages. Nonetheless, multitasking between apps stays easy.
In our Geekbench 6 multi-core take a look at, the Galaxy A15 scored 1890, effectively forward of the Galaxy A14, which recorded 1321.
Connectivity options on each telephones embrace Twin SIM help, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and NFC, enabling the likes of contactless funds, Bluetooth connections and navigation.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
The Galaxy A15 and A14 each characteristic triple rear digital camera setups, with the identical 50Mp large, 5Mp ultrawide,2Mp macro lens and 13Mp selfie digital camera.
In well-lit circumstances, the primary cameras on each telephones produce first rate photos, however the high quality of the extra lenses is missing. Over-sharpening is clear within the A15’s photos, probably compensating for softness, whereas the A14’s picture processing tends to oversaturate colors.
Each cameras additionally wrestle with high-contrast scenes, leading to blown-out highlights. Nonetheless, regardless of slight shutter lag, the primary cameras carry out adequately for on a regular basis use. Particular modes like Macro and Night time aren’t one of the best on both, with the latter scuffling with noise and over-processing.
Video recording is restricted to 1080p/30fps on each gadgets, with occasional dropped frames and sub-par low-light efficiency. Selfie cameras on each telephones are appropriate for social media and video content material, although not for something extra formal.
Martyn Casserly
Each the Galaxy A15 and the A14 characteristic a good 5000mAh battery, guaranteeing no less than a full day of utilization for most individuals.
The A15, particularly, stands out with its skill to doubtlessly final two days underneath common utilization, supported by spectacular benchmark outcomes of 15 hours and quarter-hour within the PCMark for Android benchmark. Nonetheless, charging speeds for the A15 are comparatively gradual at 25W, taking on 1 hour and half-hour to achieve a full cost.
Equally, the A14 additionally boasts exceptional battery life, able to lasting as much as two days even underneath heavy utilization. Benchmark exams affirm its endurance, clocking a powerful 13 hours and 28 seconds. Nonetheless, the A14’s charging velocity is restricted to solely 15W, taking round two hours for a full cost.
Moreover, each telephones lack wi-fi charging, however that’s comprehensible given their budget-friendly costs.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
The Galaxy A15 and the A14 each make the most of One UI 6, delivering a well-known Samsung-focused consumer experiences over Android 14.
Nonetheless, sure options like an always-on show, DeX or AI options aren’t accessible.
The A15 will get a really spectacular 4 OS updates and 5 years of safety updates from its 2024 launch – among the many better of any finances telephone. The A14 isn’t nearly as good in that regard, with solely two years of OS updates and 4 years of safety updates from its 2023 launch.
Martyn Casserly
Value & availability
Within the UK, the Galaxy A15 is priced at £169. It’s accessible from Samsung, but in addition through Amazon, Currys, and Very.
For US prospects, the Galaxy A15 isn’t accessible within the 4G model. You’ll must get the Galaxy A15 5G as an alternative.
Within the UK, the Galaxy A14 is offered for £179 from Samsung, but in addition through Amazon and Currys.
Within the US, the 4G model is completely bought through Amazon as an unlocked gadget for round $150.
Verdict
In conclusion, each the Galaxy A15 and the Galaxy A14 are wonderful finances telephones that provide a compelling mixture of options, efficiency and affordability.
Nonetheless, should you’re contemplating solely these two telephones, the Galaxy A15 is the higher purchase. It gives higher efficiency, digital camera high quality and battery life at a cheaper price than the A14.
Martyn Casserly
Specs
Samsung Galaxy A15:
Android 14 with One UI 6
6.5-inch Full HD+ AMOLED show
90Hz refresh charge
2.2Ghz MediaTek Helio G99 processor
4GB RAM
128GB Storage (expandable as much as 1TB through microSD)
50Mp f/1.8 major digital camera
5Mp f/2.2 Extremely-wideÂ
2Mp f/2.4 Macro
13Mp f/2.0 selfie digital camera
Single speaker
3.5mm headphone jack
Fingerprint sensor embedded in Energy button
USB-C charging port
5000mAh battery
25W quick charging supported
160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33-inch)
200g/7.05oz
Samsung Galaxy A14:
Android 14 with One UI 6Â
6.6in LCD, 1920 x 1080, 60HzÂ
Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 chipsetÂ
4GB RAMÂ
64GB of storage (expandable through microSDXC)Â
Cameras: 50Mp f/1.8 major digital camera, 5Mp f/2.2 ultrawide, 2Mp f/2.4 macro and 13Mp f/2.0 selfie digital cameraÂ
Twin-SIM (separate microSDXC slot)Â
One downward firing speakerÂ
NFCÂ
GPSÂ
Bluetooth 5.3Â
Wi-Fi 5Â
Facet-mounted fingerprint sensorÂ
5000mAh batteryÂ
15W wired chargingÂ
USB-C charging portÂ
167.7 x 78.0 x 9.1mmÂ
201gÂ