The Samsung Galaxy A25 and A15 5G arrived in the US a month ago and they have already gotten their first discounts. The A25 is eligible for 4 major OS updates and a total of 5 years of security patches. Yes, some Androids get more, but how many of them cost $265?
For that money you’re getting a 6.5” FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, the old Exynos 1280 chipset (not ideal, but it has 5G), 128GB of built in storage and a microSD slot, a 50+8+2MP camera and a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is only getting 3 major OS updates and 4 years of patches. Still, that’s better than any $175 phone out there. Other than that, this one is similar to the A25 with some downgrades, e.g. the 6.5” FHD+ AMOLED display runs ta 90Hz. Also, the Dimensity 6100+ chipset is slower than the Exynos and can’t record 4K video, the ultra wide camera has a 5MP sensor. This one has expandable storage too, both phones have stereo speakers and a 3.5mm jack. Note that neither phone has an IP rating.
For comparison with the A25, here’s the OnePlus Nord N30 at around the same price. OnePlus’ update policy is much more restricted – only one major OS update and 3 years of patches. Keep in mind that the N30 launched with Android 13, so its one update will be to Android 14. Meanwhile, the two Galaxys start at Android 14.
The N30 has some things going for it, though. We know that some prefer an IPS LCD over AMOLED, the Nord has a large 6.72” FHD+ 120Hz panel. It also has a 108MP main camera with a large 1/1.67” sensor, but no other cameras of note on the back. Also, the Snapdragon 695 can’t record 4K video. At least it’s efficient, the phone lasts a long time with its 5,000mAh battery and it charges quickly at 50W (47 minutes to full vs. 84 minutes for the A25).
A month ago the Apple iPad (2022) was $410 for a 64GB model and $560 for the 256GB option (Wi-Fi only in both cases). Now those prices are $60 lower – $350 and $500, respectively.
While it’s a a year and a half old, the tablet has a USB-C port so it can use the same charger as an iPhone 15. Also, the Apple A14 is performant enough and Apple’s long-term software support is excellent.
Another slate from that year is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022). The 64GB Wi-Fi model is down to $200, which is just $10 more than the Galaxy Tab A9+. The Tab S6 Lite has DeX support, which is great for multitasking. It will get a total of four OS updates (it already has had two, Android 13 and 14) and five years of security patches, so it’s old, but still quite relevant.
Just a couple of weeks ago the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, Aluminum) was $380 for a 45mm model and $350 for the 41mm one. Now both prices are down $30 to $350 and $320, respectively.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 price remains quite high, though right now it is $50 less than usual. There’s only one model, 49mm with cellular connectivity, but you can pick between several bands depending on what you will be doing most of the time – diving, running, working out indoors, etc.
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