Samsung’s Galaxy A series is known for its many successful and affordable smartphones.
One of them is the Galaxy A15 5G, which in our review was called one of the best budget Androids available today. However, Motorola is now taking on the Korean giant, after unveiling the superb G55 model.
So which one will prove to be the better buy? Although we haven’t had a chance to test the Motorola G55 yet (expect our review very soon), based on the information available, we compared the two models to determine the potential winner.
Comparison between Motorola G55 and Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Design
The Motorola G55 has a premium feel, offering the choice of vegan leather or plastic finishes.
The vegan leather models come in vibrant colors like Twilight Purple, Smoky Green, or Forest Grey, and offer a sleek, grippy texture that sets the G55 apart from its competitors.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Motorola also adds a water-repellent design, although it doesn’t have an official IP rating.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G sports a chic design with flat edges, mimicking the company’s premium models.
Its color options, including the striking Personality Yellow, give the phone a more modern and sophisticated look.
However, the Galaxy A15 lacks water-resistant features, making it less durable in harsh environments.
While both phones bring their own unique design language, Motorola’s use of vegan leather and vibrant color options gives the G55 an edge in the aesthetic department.
Display
The display experience is crucial on any smartphone, and both the Motorola G55 and Galaxy A15 5G offer different strengths in this area.
The Motorola G55 features a 6.49-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate allows for smoother scrolling and smoother animations, a significant advantage over phones with a standard 60 Hz panel.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G comes with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers richer colors and deeper blacks compared to the G55’s LCD panel.
The Galaxy A15’s 90Hz refresh rate is lower than the G55, but still provides a smoother experience than the standard 60Hz.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
For users who prioritize display vibrancy and contrast, the Galaxy A15 5G’s AMOLED display is a better option. However, those who enjoy a smoother experience in general use may prefer the G55 with its faster refresh rate.
Performance
Under the hood, the Motorola G55 is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7025 processor and offers up to 12GB of RAM.
This gives it a significant advantage in multitasking and performance, making it well suited to heavier applications and more demanding tasks.
Motorola
The G55’s performance should be smooth, with faster response time in various applications and gaming scenarios.
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, on the other hand, runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, which is slightly less powerful.
It’s paired with 4GB of RAM, which is on the low end for a smartphone in this price range.
As a result, users may experience some lag or slowdown when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
In terms of raw performance, the Motorola G55 should eclipse the Galaxy A15 5G, especially for users looking for more RAM and faster processing power.
Cameras
Both devices’ camera systems feature a 50MP primary sensor, but the Motorola G55 includes optical image stabilization (OIS), a major benefit for stabilizing shots and reducing blur.
Besides the main camera, the G55 also comes with an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens, adding more versatility to its photography setup. The 16MP front camera guarantees high-quality selfies, thanks to its ultra-pixel technology improving low-light shots.
Motorola
The Galaxy A15 5G also has a 50MP main camera but lacks OIS, making it slightly less reliable in low-light conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects.
Additionally, it comes with a 5MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro lens, which are functional but less impressive. The 13 MP front camera offers good selfie performance but does not reach the quality of the Motorola G55.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
For photography enthusiasts or those who appreciate stable video and low-light capabilities, the Motorola G55 is the better choice due to the inclusion of OIS.
Battery and charging
Both the Motorola G55 and Galaxy A15 5G are equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for average usage.
The G55, however, supports 30W charging, allowing for faster recharges compared to the Galaxy A15 5G, which is limited to 25W charging.
Neither phone includes a charger in the box, but users can still enjoy solid battery performance with either model.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
The G55’s faster charging speed gives it a slight advantage, but for most users the difference won’t be too noticeable unless fast charging is a priority.
Software
On the software front, the Motorola G55 runs Android 14 with a clean, near-stock experience. This ensures a minimal amount of bloatware and a user-friendly interface.
Motorola’s software approach has always been close to the stock Android experience, delivering faster updates and less clutter.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
The Galaxy A15 5G also runs Android 14, but with Samsung’s One UI 6 layered on top. One UI offers a rich set of features and customization options, such as modes and routines, allowing users to tailor their phone experience.
However, the added layer may feel heavier and the overall experience may not be as smooth as Motorola’s cleaner interface.
If a clean and smooth Android experience is important to you, the Motorola G55 is the best choice. But if you benefit from deeper customization options and Samsung’s ecosystem, the Galaxy A15 5G might appeal to you more.
Pricing and availability
The Motorola G55 and Samsung Galaxy A15 5G are both similarly priced, at £199.
Both phones are available in Europe and the UK from several retailers, but only the Galaxy A15 5G is available in the US for $199.99.
With both phones priced the same, the choice comes down to your feature preferences rather than cost.
Verdict
The Motorola G55 shines with better overall performance, faster refresh rate, and more advanced camera features, making it the best option for users who value camera performance and quality. Its premium vegan leather design and fast charging also add to its appeal.
If you need a phone with superior performance and camera capabilities, the Motorola G55 is the clear winner.
But if display quality and Samsung’s feature-rich ecosystem are more important to you, the Galaxy A15 5G is worth considering. Especially if you live in the United States, where the Motorola G55 is not available.
For more options, you can also check out our roundup of current best budget Android phones.
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