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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

The Apple iPhone 15 is the premium option here, but the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers impressive features for a budget phone. In real-world use, the iPhone 15’s 48MP camera outshines the A15’s 50MP—however, the latter's vibrant 6.5" display at 90Hz makes it a compelling choice for media consumption. With the iPhone 15, you get a powerful A16 Bionic chip and a bright OLED display that peaks at 2000 nits.

📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 3349 mAh vs 5000 mAh

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Apple iPhone 15

Apple iPhone 15

4.8
(951)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

4.4
(950)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 15
6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 15
60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
90HzWinner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 15
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 15
6 GB (LPDDR5)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4GB (Common US config)
Storage
Apple iPhone 15
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 15
48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
50MP, f/1.8, AFWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 15
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5MP, f/2.2
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 15
3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 15
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 15
6.02 oz (171 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
7.05 oz (200 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 15
5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 15
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Apple iPhone 15

Apple iPhone 15

4.8(951)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

4.4(950)Best Buy
Apple iPhone 15

Apple iPhone 15

Rating:4.8(951)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR5)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back
Dimensions:5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.02 oz (171 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite

✓ Pros:

  • High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
  • Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
  • Standardized USB-C port for charging and accessories
  • Dynamic Island interface replaces the notch
  • Comfortable, lightweight design with contoured edges

✗ Cons:

  • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
  • USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
  • No dedicated telephoto lens (zoom beyond 2x is digital)
  • Always-On display feature is omitted
  • Charging speed is slower compared to competitors

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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Rating:4.4(950)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:4GB (Common US config)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.0
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back)
Dimensions:6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Weight:7.05 oz (200 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot

✓ Pros:

  • Unmatched software support in budget class (4 OS updates)
  • Vibrant Super AMOLED display (rare at this price point)
  • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
  • Includes 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage
  • Solid 50MP main camera performance for the price

✗ Cons:

  • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
  • Charging adapter not included in the box
  • Performance can be sluggish with only 4GB RAM (base US model)
  • Thick bezels and outdated U-shaped notch design
  • Video recording limited to 1080p (No 4K support)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

The Apple iPhone 15 is the better buy for most people—it crushes the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G with its stunning 48MP camera and vibrant display.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you want top-tier photography with a 48MP camera, need a premium OLED display for outdoor use, or prefer a lightweight design.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if: you prioritize longer battery life with 5000mAh, want a vibrant display with a 90Hz refresh rate, or need expandable storage.

Conclusion

There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Apple iPhone 15 excels if you value high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is better if you prioritize unmatched software support in budget class (4 os updates). Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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