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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy A15 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The S23 FE packs a dedicated 3x optical zoom lens and a more premium build, making it the standout choice for photography lovers and those wanting more durability in 2026. If you're after a smoother display experience, the S23 FE's 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED screen brings scrolling and gaming to life, making it a worthwhile upgrade if you can swing it.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.4"⚡ Refresh: 90 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh
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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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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.5"Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
90Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4GB (Common US config)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GBWinner
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
50MP, f/1.8, AF
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5MP, f/2.2
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
No (Not supported)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
7.05 oz (200 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4(950)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(950)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 4GB (Common US config) | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, AF | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back) | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.05 oz (200 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
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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)
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Rating:★4.8(13)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Display Size:6.4"
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,450 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,500mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- • Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
- • Bright 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1,450 nits)
- • Full flagship software experience including Samsung DeX
- • Guaranteed long-term software support (4 OS updates)
✗ Cons:
- • Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can be less power-efficient than Gen 2
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower than the Ultrasonic sensor on S23
- • Charging speed capped at 25W
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people—its 3x optical zoom lens crushes the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G's capabilities.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if: you want a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, need expandable storage, or are on a tight budget.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you prioritize superior photography with a 3x optical zoom, crave a smoother display for gaming, or want a more durable design with IP68 rating.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G excels if you value unmatched software support in budget class (4 os updates). Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is better if you prioritize dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). 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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