Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Motorola Edge 30 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 152.9 × 71.2 × 7.8 mm | The Motorola is more compact, making it easier to handle and pocket. Samsung is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 193g | 155g | Motorola is significantly lighter, which means less fatigue during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.28" | Samsung offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Motorola's smaller display might be preferred for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Motorola has much sharper images and text, better for reading and detailed content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 419 | Motorola provides a significantly clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Motorola provides a smoother visual experience when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is unknown for both, making it hard to evaluate outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Motorola has a marginally newer chip, potentially better efficiency and slightly better performance in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 425,200 | Motorola shows slightly better performance in benchmark tests. Real-world difference may not be drastic. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both have the same GPU, so gaming performance should be similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.70µm | Motorola captures more detailed shots in good lighting due to higher megapixel count, but pixel size is a bit smaller. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Motorola selfie camera has higher resolution, but slightly smaller pixel size and aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | No | Samsung has a dedicated ultrawide lens for landscape shots |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | Samsung has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has a combined lens for both wide and macro. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30/60/120fps, Digital stabilization | Samsung can record in 4K, but Motorola has digital stabilization in 1080p recording, resulting in better quality for normal videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | Samsung is expected to last longer thanks to larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 5W Wireless Charging | Motorola has significantly faster wired charging. Wireless charging is also a major plus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, max 13 | Android 12, max 15 | Motorola offers a newer and more up-to-date software experience. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Motorola offers an option for more storage space. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | Motorola provides a smoother multi-tasking experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola provides superior audio quality with spatial sound, better audio separation and voice capture. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Motorola offers slightly improved power efficiency with Bluetooth 5.1 LE. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Samsung supports more satellite systems, potentially for better accuracy in remote areas. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Larger Screen: 6.6" display is better for media consumption, gaming, and viewing documents.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh provides better endurance, ideal for heavy users who are away from chargers.
- Dedicated Cameras: Includes dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors for more diverse photography options.
- 4K Video Recording: Higher resolution video quality for more detailed footage, although no stabilization.
- More GPS options: It includes Beidou for better global coverage and accuracy
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle, pocket, and use one-handed.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density make for a superior viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother and more responsive user interface.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging is a significant advantage over Samsung's 15W.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging option.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and slightly newer chipset suggests better overall performance.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Both main and selfie cameras offer higher resolution for more detailed pictures.
- Better Video Stabilization: Records stable 1080p footage.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio for media consumption and gaming.
- Newer OS: Starts with Android 12 and has potential for more updates.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G sacrifices display quality and refresh rate for larger screen and battery.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Neo has a smaller battery and lacks dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth cameras, but has a better display, higher megapixel count cameras, and much faster charging speed, as well as a higher refresh rate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, and play games and prefer a larger display.
- Battery-Conscious Users: Those who need extended battery life and less frequent charging.
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Users who appreciate the flexibility of multiple camera lenses at a lower price point, even if some of them aren't the highest quality.
- Users in areas with Beidou coverage: Users who need the most accurate GPS signal.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies
- Browsing social media
- General everyday use, due to longer battery
- Casual photography, utilising its dedicated lenses
- Navigation and mapping
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize performance and responsiveness for smooth multi-tasking and gaming.
- Visual Quality Enthusiasts: Those who value a sharp, smooth, and vibrant display.
- Fast Chargers: Users who need quick charge times and don't want to wait.
- On-The-Go Users: People who prefer a lighter, more compact, and easily manageable phone.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who want good audio with stereo speakers.
- Selfie and Social Media Users: Users who prioritize high quality front and back cameras with stabilization.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Social media and content creation
- Quick tasks and fast multi-tasking
- Regular commutes and on-the-go use
- Enjoying music and videos with good audio quality
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize screen size and battery life or display quality and portability?
- Is fast charging and wireless charging a necessity for you?
- How important is camera versatility versus quality in your daily usage?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Lover on a Budget: If you prioritize media consumption, a larger display, and don't mind sacrificing display sharpness and charging speeds for better battery, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast: If you want a responsive phone with a vibrant display, good cameras, and fast charging, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a balance of both, it will be more difficult. The Motorola would still be better since the display quality is such a major upgrade.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. While the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a larger battery, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo significantly outperforms it in areas that I value more. The higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate make the viewing experience much better for daily use, gaming, and content consumption. The much faster 68W charging and inclusion of wireless charging are huge convenience factors. Additionally, the slightly better performance, the higher megapixel camera with stabilization, and superior audio makes it the better choice for overall daily usage and media consumption. Finally, the more compact size makes it much more portable. Though the Samsung has more lenses, I prefer the higher quality pictures and videos with stabilization that the Motorola provides.
