Galaxy A15 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy A15
Galaxy A15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£88.00

Versus £169.00 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, released in December 2023, and the Apple iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, are two distinct smartphones designed for different user preferences. While the Galaxy A15 operates on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone SE 2022 runs on Apple's iOS. Key differentiators include their display technologies, processing power, and camera capabilities, catering to varying user needs and expectations.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors. The Galaxy A15, being a newer device, benefits from Samsung's commitment to software updates, while the iPhone SE 2022, despite its earlier release, is known for Apple's extended iOS support.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy A15 is expected to receive four years of Android operating system upgrades and five years of security updates from its release. The iPhone SE 2022, running iOS, typically receives software support for five to seven years, suggesting a potentially longer period of major OS updates.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with repair in mind, though specific repairability scores can vary. Samsung provides genuine parts and diagnostic tools for repairs, ensuring functionality like water resistance is maintained. The iPhone SE 2020, which shares a similar design, received a moderate repairability score.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users can anticipate a practical lifespan of several years for both phones, with the Galaxy A15 offering a solid update commitment for an Android device, and the iPhone SE 2022 benefiting from Apple's consistent, long-term software support.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily usage, from launching applications to multitasking and gaming. Both the Galaxy A15 and the iPhone SE 2022 offer different approaches to delivering a responsive user experience.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 provides a very fast and extremely responsive experience, handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly due to its powerful internal components. The Galaxy A15, while capable of handling basic tasks and multitasking, may exhibit slower performance and occasional delays when opening apps or loading games.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A15 offers flexible storage options, including expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD, and is available with up to 8GB of RAM, which aids in decent multitasking. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM and fixed internal storage options, but its optimized software ensures efficient app management.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A15 features a large 5000mAh battery, providing impressive endurance that can last a full day or more for many users, with strong performance in video streaming tests. The iPhone SE 2022, despite a smaller battery, benefits from an efficient processor, offering sufficient battery life for a day of average use, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences tailored to their respective designs and technologies.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy A15 features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with a 1334x750 pixel resolution, offering good color accuracy and sharpness, though it does not achieve the same contrast levels as an OLED panel.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A15's screen can reach up to 800 nits of brightness in high brightness mode, making it visible outdoors, and features a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone SE 2022 has a maximum brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger display of the Galaxy A15 provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and browsing. The iPhone SE 2022's compact screen is well-suited for one-handed use and users who prefer a smaller form factor.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these two phones offer different strengths in their photographic and video recording features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy A15 is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. It performs well in good lighting conditions, producing vivid photos with decent detail. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP main camera with optical image stabilization, known for producing consistent and high-quality images in well-lit environments.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy A15's low-light photography can be grainy, and video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second without advanced stabilization. The iPhone SE 2022, while capable of 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can impact low-light photo quality compared to devices with this feature.
  • Audio Experience: The Galaxy A15 features a single mono speaker, which may not offer the richest audio experience for media. The iPhone SE 2022 provides clear audio output, contributing to a good media consumption experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Samsung Galaxy A15 supports 5G connectivity (on the 5G variant), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, and includes a USB-C 2.0 port along with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone SE 2022 offers 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, and uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, omitting a headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A15 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone SE 2022 features Touch ID, an integrated fingerprint sensor within its physical home button, which some users prefer over facial recognition.
  • Build and Handling: The Galaxy A15 has a plastic frame and back, with dimensions of 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 200g. The iPhone SE 2022 has a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 144g, offering a more compact and lighter feel. It also boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.

Weight

200 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

4.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A15 often highlights its strong battery life and vibrant Super AMOLED display as significant advantages, especially for its segment. However, some users note that its performance can be sluggish for more demanding tasks and multitasking, and the single mono speaker is a frequent criticism. The camera is generally considered decent in good lighting but less impressive in low-light conditions.

The iPhone SE 2022 is consistently praised for its powerful processing capabilities, offering flagship-level speed in a compact form factor. Users appreciate the familiarity and reliability of Touch ID and the long-term software support from Apple. Common criticisms include its dated design with large bezels, the smaller LCD display compared to modern smartphones, and the absence of a Night mode for its camera, which affects low-light photography.

Users prioritizing a large, vibrant display, extended battery life, and expandable storage for media consumption and general use may find the Samsung Galaxy A15 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a compact design, powerful and responsive performance for a smooth user experience, and long-term software updates will likely lean towards the iPhone SE 2022. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons