nRF54L15 vs EFR32BG22

nRF54L15 vs EFR32BG22

The Nordic nRF54L15 and Silicon Labs EFR32BG22 are both optimized for ultra-low-power BLE applications, making this comparison particularly relevant for designers choosing between two strong battery-powered BLE platforms. The nRF54L15 is newer with BLE 5.4; the EFR32BG22 is a proven, widely deployed BLE 5.3 SoC known for excellent power benchmarks.

Overview

Nordic nRF54L15 uses a Cortex-M33 + RISC-V hybrid architecture with BLE 5.4 support including Channel Sounding. It is Nordic's latest generation, succeeding the nRF52 series with improved power efficiency and the newest BLE features.

Silicon Labs EFR32BG22 (Bluetooth Gecko 22) is a single Arm Cortex-M33 at 76.8 MHz with BLE 5.3. It is Silicon Labs' BLE-optimized entry point in the EFR32 series — no multi-protocol radio, no 802.15.4 — but with exceptionally well-tuned power management and a Secure Vault Low security subsystem. The EFR32BG22 has been widely benchmarked as one of the most power-efficient BLE SoCs available and is used extensively in industrial sensors, medical devices, and consumer wearables.

Key Differences

• BLE version: nRF54L15 supports BLE 5.4 with Channel Sounding; EFR32BG22 supports BLE 5.3.
• CPU architecture: nRF54L15 has dual cores (M33 + RISC-V); EFR32BG22 has a single Cortex-M33 at 76.8 MHz.
• Network core: nRF54L15's dedicated RISC-V network core processes BLE protocol stack independently, freeing the M33 for application code. EFR32BG22 runs the BLE stack on its single M33 alongside application code.
• Power: Both are ultra-low-power leaders. EFR32BG22 has well-published power benchmarks (750 nA sleep with RTC). nRF54L15's newer architecture targets competitive figures. Actual comparative performance depends on workload.
• Security: EFR32BG22 has Secure Vault Low — hardware true RNG, secure key storage, secure boot. nRF54L15 has TrustZone + Nordic's security subsystem. Both are strong; TrustZone on nRF54L15 adds hardware isolation.
• Memory: EFR32BG22 offers up to 512 KB Flash + 32 KB RAM (compact config). nRF54L15 is positioned with more RAM available.
• Multi-protocol: EFR32BG22 is BLE-only. nRF54L15 supports BLE + DECT NR+.
• Proprietary protocol: Both support proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols.
• Ecosystem: EFR32BG22 uses Simplicity Studio with GSDK — mature, well-documented. nRF54L15 uses nRF Connect SDK (Zephyr).
• PSA Certification: Both chips target PSA Certified levels — EFR32BG22 achieves PSA Certified Level 2; nRF54L15 targets comparable certification.

Use Cases

nRF54L15 Strengths

• BLE 5.4 Channel Sounding: Precision ranging applications not achievable with EFR32BG22's BLE 5.3.
• Dual-core application isolation: Dedicated RISC-V network core means BLE stack latency is more deterministic and does not compete with application tasks.
• LC3 codec and Auracast." data-category="LE Audio">LE Audio: nRF54L15-generation BLE 5.4 stack includes fuller LE Audio support.
• DECT NR+: Applications requiring DECT NR+ alongside BLE.
• Open-source ecosystem: Zephyr RTOS with large community and broad BLE sample library.

EFR32BG22 Strengths

• Proven ultra-low power: EFR32BG22 has extensively verified power benchmarks that designers can rely on with confidence — Silicon Labs publishes detailed power profiler data.
• Simplicity Studio ecosystem: The GSDK with Energy Profiler tool makes power optimization easier — detailed current measurement built into the development workflow.
• Compact memory configuration: EFR32BG22 in low-memory variants reduces BOM cost for simple BLE sensor applications.
• Thread/Wi-Fi." data-category="Protocols & Profiles">Matter via Bluetooth commissioning: Silicon Labs' GSDK has strong Matter BLE commissioning support.
• PSA Certified Level 2: Validated security certification for regulated applications.

Verdict

Both the nRF54L15 and EFR32BG22 are excellent ultra-low-power BLE SoCs. The nRF54L15 leads on BLE version (5.4 vs 5.3), Channel Sounding availability, and the architectural advantage of a dedicated RISC-V network core that isolates BLE stack processing from the application M33. The EFR32BG22 leads on proven and publicly documented power consumption benchmarks, Silicon Labs' Energy Profiler tooling for detailed power optimization workflows, and a more established production track record with field-verified reliability.

For new designs requiring BLE 5.4 features — especially Channel Sounding, LE Audio, or future BLE 5.4 protocol evolution — choose the nRF54L15. For designs where proven, independently benchmarked ultra-low power on BLE 5.3 is the priority and the Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio ecosystem with its built-in Energy Profiler is valued during development, choose the EFR32BG22. The EFR32BG22's advantage is particularly pronounced for teams who have already characterized its power profile in their specific application configuration and need the confidence of field-proven deployment data.