1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | A42 is taller and thicker, while the 12 Pro Max is wider; the A42 is larger overall but feels less premium. |
| Weight | 193g | 228g | A42 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use; 12 Pro Max may feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Minimal difference; slightly larger screen on the iPhone, but not drastically different for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1284x2778 | iPhone has a much sharper display; noticeable difference in clarity for text, images, and video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 458 | iPhone's display is significantly crisper; individual pixels are much less visible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and color; difference is minimal for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard 60Hz refresh rate; scrolling will feel equally smooth on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | iPhone’s display is significantly brighter and easier to see outdoors in sunlight. Samsung A42 brightness is unknown, making it hard to compare, could be a significant problem for usability outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone's chip is much faster and more efficient; noticeable difference in app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 1,121,803 | iPhone has drastically higher benchmark score, indicating significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | iPhone GPU offers superior graphics performance, better for demanding games and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8, 0.80 µm pixel size) | 12MP (f/1.6, 1.70 µm pixel size) | A42 has higher resolution, while the 12 Pro Max has larger pixel size; iPhone's larger pixels usually allow for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size) | 12MP (f/2.2, Pixel size unknown) | A42 has higher resolution but the iPhone's image processing is usually superior, although the lack of pixel size of the iPhone means a proper comparison is not possible. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size) | iPhone has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities; missing in A42. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size) | 12MP (f/2.4, 1.40 µm pixel size) | iPhone's wide-angle is much higher resolution and has a larger pixel size which leads to better images. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size) | None | A42 has a dedicated portrait mode (depth) lens while the 12 Pro Max does not have a dedicated lens, relying on software. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size) | None | A42 has a dedicated macro lens while the 12 Pro Max does not, missing this capability for close-up photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR & Stabilization | iPhone has more advanced video capabilities, including higher frame rates and better stabilization; Samsung also has video recording capabilities |
| DxoMark | Not tested | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | iPhone scores high in camera quality; the Samsung A42 was not tested and we don't know its performance. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, PDAF | Triple Camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode | iPhone has Optical Image Stabilization, RAW capture and Night Mode. Samsung A42 offers a quad camera setup. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3687mAh | A42 has a significantly larger battery; may lead to longer battery life under normal conditions, although the processor can have a large impact here. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | iPhone has slightly faster charging speed, although the A42 has a significantly larger battery, so it might still take longer to charge overall. |
| Wireless Charging | None | MagSafe 15W/Qi 7.5W | iPhone supports wireless charging and MagSafe, the Samsung A42 has no wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to 18) | iPhone offers a different ecosystem with its own apps and services, and a longer software update life, although Samsung offers better customisation out the box and a more open operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | iPhone supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for better speeds and stability; A42 has additional features in Wi-Fi direct and display. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | iPhone has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with low energy features. Samsung has a greater support of Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone offers eSIM capabilities for easy digital carrier switching; A42 allows two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | iPhone offers significantly more storage options, up to 512GB, while A42 is only available in 128GB. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6GB | Samsung offers more RAM configuration options, which may be useful for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | iPhone has a much better audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Digital Plus, and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint scanner | Basic security features | A42 includes a fingerprint sensor, while iPhone has face unlock; neither is listed as having any specific security features apart from this. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology, although the exact brand is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone includes a Barometer, while Samsung has a fingerprint sensor, providing different capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Significantly larger battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, especially for heavy usage.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use, especially for users who find larger phones cumbersome.
- Dedicated Macro Lens & Portrait Mode: Offers greater flexibility in shooting close-up subjects and portrait photography.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- More RAM Configurations: More options for RAM can benefit multitasking and gaming.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A14 Bionic chip is much faster, smoother, and more efficient, ensuring a better overall experience.
- Much Higher Resolution Display: Sharper, clearer, and more vibrant display with great colour accuracy, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Easier to view in bright outdoor conditions.
- Superior Camera Quality: Larger pixel sizes, telephoto lens, and better image processing result in better image quality and low-light performance with great video capabilities.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Superior audio quality, stereo speakers, and enhanced audio features.
- MagSafe and Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging options with the added MagSafe feature.
- Newer WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 offers faster speeds and better performance on modern networks.
- Longer Software Support: Apple devices typically receive software updates for a longer period.
- Better DXOMark Scores: Significantly better camera performance, especially for video.
- Better build quality and design: The iPhone is a more premium built and designed device
Trade-offs:
- A42: You trade performance, screen clarity, brightness, and camera quality for longer battery life and a lower price.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: You trade a higher price, heavier phone and potentially shorter battery life (due to a smaller battery) for superior performance, camera, and display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Prioritize affordability and value.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Heavy users who need all-day battery without frequent charging.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Prefer comfortable handling over premium materials.
- Users who require macro and portrait lens: Those who take photos of close up subjects and prefer more portrait mode options.
Specific Use Cases for A42:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and basic app use.
- Extended usage without charging, like long commutes or trips.
- Users wanting to take close-up photos with the macro lens.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Performance-driven users: Demand top-tier speed, smooth multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts: Prioritize high-quality camera performance, especially in low light, and advanced video options.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Want a sharp, vibrant display for an enjoyable viewing experience.
- Users wanting premium build quality and features: Want a phone with the best features and premium build quality.
- Users inside the Apple Ecosystem: Benefit from the seamless integration of Apple products and services.
Specific Use Cases for 12 Pro Max:
- Demanding gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Users who need high quality display for media consumption.
- Users who require superior audio quality for music and media.
- Users who need consistent software updates and long-term support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between the A42 and the iPhone 12 Pro Max is significant.
- What are your priorities? Is battery life, camera, performance, display quality, or price most important?
- What is your ecosystem preference? Do you prefer the Android ecosystem or the Apple Ecosystem?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: If your main concern is a low price and solid battery life, the A42 is the more sensible option.
- Performance & Camera: If you need top-tier performance and great camera quality, and are willing to pay a premium, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the best choice.
- Balanced Use: If you want a balanced phone, the A42 will perform well but you may be underwhelmed by the screen and performance and the camera. The iPhone 12 Pro Max will offer a much better experience, if in budget.
What I would Choose and Why!
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. While the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has its merits, such as a larger battery and a lower price, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a much more compelling overall experience. My priorities when choosing a phone are:
- Performance: The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone is significantly faster, leading to a smoother and more responsive experience in all tasks.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution, brightness, and overall clarity of the iPhone's OLED display is a big advantage for everyday use and media consumption.
- Camera System: The superior camera quality, especially in low-light, and the added flexibility with the telephoto lens make it a better choice for photography and videography.
- Overall Experience: The integration of the Apple ecosystem, long software update support and premium build quality, creates a better long-term experience.
While the battery on the Samsung may last longer, the iPhone is still more than adequate for a days use, and overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides a superior experience in almost every way, which is something I am happy to pay extra for.
