Galaxy A15 5G Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy A15 5G
Galaxy A15 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £212.30 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, released in late 2023 and early 2024, and the Apple iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer 5G connectivity, they cater to different user preferences through their operating systems, display technologies, and overall user experiences. The Galaxy A15 5G runs on Android, offering a larger display and a versatile camera system, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 operates on iOS, featuring a compact design and a powerful internal processor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected practical lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A15 5G is a newer device, having been released in December 2023 and January 2024, compared to the iPhone SE 2022's March 2022 launch. This difference in release date inherently provides the Galaxy A15 5G with a longer potential support window from its manufacturer.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing four years of operating system updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy A15 5G, extending its software relevance until approximately 2028 and 2029, respectively. Apple is known for its extended software support, typically offering iOS updates for five to six years from a device's release, suggesting the iPhone SE 2022 will receive updates for a considerable period.
  • Physical Durability and Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a degree of protection against environmental elements. Its repairability is considered average, with some common components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible for replacement. The Galaxy A15 5G utilizes a plastic frame and back with a glass front. While specific repairability scores are less widely publicized for this model, its construction is generally robust for everyday use.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging with multimedia and gaming. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective ecosystems.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful internal processor that enables smooth operation across various applications and demanding tasks. Users can expect quick app loading times and fluid transitions, even with intensive usage. The Galaxy A15 5G features a processor that capably handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and media playback. However, some users might observe slight delays when switching between multiple applications or during graphically intensive gaming sessions.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking within the iOS environment. It offers storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, without the possibility of expansion. The Galaxy A15 5G is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, providing flexibility for users who engage in more demanding multitasking. It also offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded significantly via a microSD card, a feature not present in the iPhone SE 2022.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A15 5G is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, which typically provides up to two days of moderate use on a single charge, making it suitable for users who prioritize extended battery life. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery, offering a shorter battery life compared to the Galaxy A15 5G, though it supports wireless charging in addition to wired charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer distinct visual experiences tailored to different preferences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A15 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which is known for producing deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience for videos and images. Its resolution is 1080 x 2340 pixels, contributing to sharp visuals. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 uses a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD. While it offers good color accuracy and clarity, it does not achieve the same contrast levels as an AMOLED panel. Its resolution is 750 x 1334 pixels.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A15 5G boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. It can reach up to 800 nits in High Brightness Mode, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most daily tasks but less fluid than higher refresh rate screens. Its maximum brightness is around 625 nits.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The larger 6.5-inch display of the Galaxy A15 5G offers an expansive viewing area, which is beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. The iPhone SE 2022's compact 4.7-inch screen is ideal for users who prefer a smaller device that is easy to handle with one hand and fits comfortably in pockets.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many smartphone users, and both devices offer different strengths in their photographic and video recording features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A15 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The 50MP main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing images with decent detail and color balance. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP wide-angle camera on the back with optical image stabilization (OIS). This camera excels in daylight photography, producing images with good color balance, detail, and dynamic range.
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: The Galaxy A15 5G's main camera can capture good photos in well-lit environments, but its performance in low-light conditions is more limited, and it lacks optical image stabilization. The iPhone SE 2022, despite its capable main camera, does not include Apple's dedicated Night Mode, which can result in darker and grainier images in dimly lit settings compared to other iPhones. However, its powerful internal processor enhances computational photography features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy A15 5G is equipped with a 13MP front camera. The iPhone SE 2022 features a 7MP front-facing camera. Both devices are capable of recording video, with the iPhone SE 2022 offering 4K video recording at various frame rates and stereo sound recording. The Galaxy A15 5G records video at FHD (1920 x 1080) at 30fps.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two smartphones, impacting daily convenience and user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. The Galaxy A15 5G includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C 2.0 port, offering broad compatibility with audio accessories and charging cables. The iPhone SE 2022, consistent with modern iPhones, does not feature a headphone jack and uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy A15 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor (Touch ID) integrated into its home button, a familiar feature for many Apple users. Both devices include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and proximity sensors.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A15 5G has dimensions of 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and weighs 200 g, providing a larger form factor. The iPhone SE 2022 is more compact and lighter, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 144 g, which contributes to easier one-handed use and portability. The iPhone SE 2022 also boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

Weight

200 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G and the iPhone SE 2022 cater to different user priorities, each offering a distinct set of advantages. Users often praise the Galaxy A15 5G for its impressive battery life, vibrant Super AMOLED display with a smoother refresh rate, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. However, some common criticisms point to its performance, which can experience lag with demanding applications, and its camera system, particularly the ultrawide and macro lenses, which may not meet higher expectations.

Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 is frequently lauded for its exceptionally powerful internal processor, delivering a highly responsive and fluid user experience across all tasks. Its compact form factor and the familiarity of Touch ID are also strong points for many users. On the other hand, its smaller LCD display with a standard refresh rate, shorter battery life, and the absence of a dedicated Night Mode for its camera are often noted as areas where it falls short compared to more modern devices.

Users prioritizing a large, vibrant display, extended battery life, and the flexibility of expandable storage and a headphone jack may find the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G to be a more suitable choice. This device is well-suited for individuals who consume a lot of media, require a phone that lasts long on a single charge, and appreciate the Android ecosystem. For those who value a compact design, top-tier processing power for seamless performance, and the long-term software support of iOS, the iPhone SE 2022 would likely be preferred. It is an excellent option for users who want a highly responsive device in a smaller form factor, particularly those already integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons