Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Motorola Edge 40 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm | Edge 40 Neo is more compact and pocketable, A42 5G feels larger in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.55" | Very similar display size, negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Edge 40 Neo offers significantly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 266 ppi | 402 ppi | Edge 40 Neo's display appears much clearer, less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 Neo offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Edge 40 Neo display is much brighter and easier to see in sunlight; Samsung display info is incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) | Edge 40 Neo's chipset is more modern and provides better overall performance. |
| Antutu Score | 392,400 | 527,666 | Edge 40 Neo loads apps faster and operates more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Edge 40 Neo has better graphics capabilities, useful for games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | Edge 40 Neo has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Edge 40 Neo captures more detailed selfies, Samsung has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A42 5G has dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape and group shots; Edge 40 Neo offers combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A42 5G has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Edge 40 Neo lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A42 5G has dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. Edge 40 Neo offers combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Edge 40 Neo has a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Edge 40 Neo's video recording includes EIS for stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Main: 103 (Photo: 102, Video: 116) | Edge 40 Neo provides better photo and video quality. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, HDR | Dual camera, OIS, LAF, PDAF, Night Mode | Edge 40 Neo offers OIS for stabilized photos and Night Mode for low-light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expected similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 68W | Edge 40 Neo charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 40 Neo has a more modern OS with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Edge 40 Neo has faster WiFi speeds, better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 LE | Edge 40 Neo has newer Bluetooth with improved power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Edge 40 Neo offers enhanced location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge 40 Neo provides an eSIM option, more flexible connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 256 GB | Edge 40 Neo has twice the storage, more space for apps and media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Edge 40 Neo has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge 40 Neo has enhanced audio quality, clearer sound for media. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 40 Neo offers better screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Similar sensor capabilities for gaming and other apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: The A42 5G has a dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensor which provides a better range of photographic flexibility.
- Software Updates: Has access to Android 13.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Has a Geomagnetic sensor.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate and brightness resulting in a sharper, smoother, and more vivid display.
- Faster Performance: Modern chipset and higher benchmark scores mean smoother multitasking and improved gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Better Cameras: Larger primary sensor, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a combined macro + wide lens, potentially better low-light performance and improved video stabilization.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support provide a better audio experience.
- Modern OS: Ships with a newer OS, guaranteeing longer software support.
- More Storage: Provides 256GB of storage.
- More RAM: Provides options for 8 GB or 12GB of ram.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility in cellular connectivity.
- Build Quality: Provides Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G sacrifices display quality, processing power, and charging speed for a more varied camera setup.
- The Motorola Edge 40 Neo lacks dedicated depth and macro lens for the tradeoff of having a wide angle and macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize having dedicated lenses for wide, macro and portrait photography.
- Budget-conscious buyers who are less demanding in terms of performance and display quality.
- Users who are comfortable with slower charging speeds.
- Users who want a geomagentic sensor
Use Cases:
- Basic photography with different lens options.
- Casual browsing and social media use.
- Users needing 5G connectivity on a budget.
- Users with less demanding games.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Ideal User:
- Users who value a high-quality display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need fast charging and a smooth user experience.
- Users who want better camera performance, especially in low light, and are happy with combined wide + macro.
- Users who prefer a more modern and responsive device.
- Users who want enhanced audio experience.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and video streaming.
- Photography with good low-light and video capabilities.
- Power users who need smooth multitasking and long-term software support.
- People who want better audio quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a better value considering its superior features, especially its screen, charging, and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for you? (Consider resolution, refresh rate and outdoor visibility).
- Do you need fast charging? (A significant difference in charging speeds).
- Is having dedicated wide, macro, and portrait lenses a priority for you or would you prefer a single lens that can perform both wide and macro?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious with Basic Needs: If price is the primary concern and you are okay with a basic display and slower charging, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G could be an option. However, the difference in overall experience is significant.
- Multimedia and Gaming Focus: If you prioritize a great display, smooth performance, and fast charging, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you take photos on a regular basis and want to have flexibility in your photos the A42 5G would be the choice for you. For OIS and better lowlight, the Edge 40 Neo would be better.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. The difference in display quality, performance, charging speed, and camera improvements are significant and have a major impact on daily usage. The faster refresh rate alone makes the user experience smoother and more enjoyable. While the dedicated lenses for the A42 5G are compelling, I think that the Edge 40 Neo provides a more holistic approach. Its modern software, superior display, enhanced audio, and faster charging justify the slightly higher cost.
