Galaxy A15 Vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

Galaxy A15
Galaxy A15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£88.00

Versus £169.00 new

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Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£166.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A15, released in late 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in early 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the Galaxy A15 is positioned as a modern mid-range device, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was a flagship offering at its release. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, providing a consistent user experience, but they differ significantly in their performance capabilities, camera systems, and overall build quality.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and build materials play a significant role in their expected longevity and software support.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A15, being a newer model, benefits from Samsung's commitment to provide four major Android operating system upgrades and five years of security patches from its release date, extending its software relevance until approximately 2028. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched earlier, has received several major OS updates and continues to receive security patches, though its major OS update cycle is nearing its conclusion.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a more robust construction, incorporating Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy A15 uses Dragontrail Pro glass on the front and a plastic back and frame, and does not carry an official IP rating, making the S22 Plus 5G more resilient to environmental factors.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security for the longest possible time might find the A15 more appealing due to its newer release and extended update policy. Conversely, those who value physical resilience and protection against elements will benefit from the S22 Plus 5G's premium build and water resistance.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two Galaxy models show a notable difference, reflecting their original market positioning and the technology available at their respective release dates.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, equipped with a flagship-tier processor from its release year, handles demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and high-fidelity gaming with smooth and consistent performance. The Galaxy A15, featuring a mid-range processor, provides a responsive experience for daily tasks, web browsing, and light gaming, but may show limitations with more resource-intensive applications or heavy multitasking.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers faster UFS 3.1 internal storage, contributing to quicker app loading and smoother transitions between applications. The Galaxy A15 offers various RAM configurations, including 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB, and uses UFS 2.2 storage, which is suitable for general use but may not match the speed of the S22 Plus 5G for demanding tasks.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A15 features a larger 5000mAh battery, often providing extended usage, with many users reporting it lasts through a full day or even longer with moderate use. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 4500mAh battery, which generally offers a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage might require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a more premium viewing experience with enhanced brightness and a smoother refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize AMOLED technology, providing deep blacks and vivid colors. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, which offers superior color accuracy and dynamic range compared to the Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy A15. Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp text and clear images for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making its screen much easier to view outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The Galaxy A15 offers up to 800 nits in High Brightness Mode, which provides good visibility in most conditions but may struggle more in direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. The Galaxy A15's 90Hz refresh rate is an improvement over standard 60Hz displays, offering a smoother experience for everyday interactions, but does not match the fluidity of the S22 Plus 5G.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these devices are designed for different levels of photographic capability and versatility, reflecting their respective market segments.

  • Main Camera Performance: Both phones feature a 50-megapixel main sensor. However, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G benefits from a larger sensor size, optical image stabilization (OIS), and more advanced image processing, leading to superior detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The A15's main camera performs well in good lighting conditions for everyday photos, but lacks OIS.
  • Photography Versatility: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes a comprehensive triple-camera system with a high-resolution main sensor, a capable ultrawide lens, and a dedicated 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy A15 features a main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens, providing good options for everyday shots but lacking optical zoom and offering less impressive ultrawide and macro results.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, along with stereo sound recording. The Galaxy A15 records video at 1080p at 30fps. The S22 Plus 5G also features stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption, while the A15 has a mono speaker.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones, impacting daily usability and overall experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity (for the 5G variant of A15), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports newer Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2 standards, offering potentially faster and more stable connections compared to the A15's Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.3. Both feature a USB Type-C port, but only the Galaxy A15 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor, offering a seamless unlocking experience. The Galaxy A15 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. In terms of build, the S22 Plus 5G uses premium glass and aluminum, providing a more robust and refined feel, while the A15 utilizes a plastic back and frame, which contributes to its lighter weight but offers less perceived durability.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 195g, compared to the Galaxy A15's 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and 200g. This difference in dimensions and weight can impact one-handed use and overall handling comfort for some users.

Weight

200 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy A15 as a strong contender for its reliable battery life and vibrant AMOLED display. Common criticisms sometimes point to its camera performance in challenging lighting and its processor's limitations for heavy gaming. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, on the other hand, is frequently praised for its exceptional camera system, vibrant display, and robust performance, making it a solid choice for power users. Some users have noted that its battery life, while good, could be better compared to other flagships of its era.

Users prioritizing a longer software support timeline and extended battery life for everyday tasks will find the Galaxy A15 well-suited to their needs. Its 90Hz AMOLED display and 3.5mm headphone jack also cater to specific user preferences. Conversely, users who demand top-tier performance for demanding applications, superior camera versatility with optical zoom, and a more premium, water-resistant build will lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Its brighter 120Hz display and faster charging capabilities also offer a more refined experience.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, allowing access to these features while making a sustainable choice.

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