1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.9 mm | The Motorola is slightly smaller, making it a bit easier to handle, especially for people with smaller hands or one-handed use. The A42 is noticeably thicker and heavier. |
| Weight | 193g | 174.9g | The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is noticeably lighter, which will make it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The Motorola's larger screen will offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Motorola's higher resolution will provide significantly sharper images and text, resulting in a much more pleasant visual experience. |
| PPI | 266 | 393 | The Motorola's higher pixel density will result in much clearer visuals with greater detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer good contrast and vibrant colors, but the practical difference is minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Motorola's 120Hz refresh rate will make scrolling and animations appear much smoother and more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | The Motorola will be significantly brighter in direct sunlight and easier to use outdoors. The 0 nits value for the Samsung is clearly an error and the value is not available, making it harder to estimate real-world outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Motorola’s newer chipset will offer better overall performance, improved efficiency, and likely smoother multitasking capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 392,400 | 776,541 | The Motorola is much faster, meaning it can handle demanding apps and games more smoothly and offers better multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | The Motorola's better GPU provides better graphic performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | The Motorola’s main camera has a larger sensor and larger pixels which will result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Lens | 20MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.7µm | Motorola has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the Samsung has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light. The difference in pixel size and apertures could be negligible. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The Samsung offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The Samsung has a dedicated portrait lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The Samsung includes a dedicated macro lens for close up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3", 1.12µm | The Motorola has a combined wide-angle and macro lens, increasing versatility. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, no EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, with EIS | The Motorola's video recording with EIS provides better video quality and stability. Additionally, the Motorola also has greater slow-motion capabilities. |
| Additional Features | Quad Camera | Dual Camera, OIS | The Motorola offers OIS for better photo and video stability and other additional camera features for additional customization. The Samsung only has the benefit of a quadruple camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, which should be sufficient for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W | 68W | The Motorola's significantly faster charging speed will allow for much quicker top-ups, very convenient for those on the go. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, non-removable | The Motorola can act as a power bank for other devices, which could be a lifesaver in certain situations. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 14, upgradable to 17 | The Motorola offers a more modern operating system with more recent security updates and new features. The older OS on the Samsung may not receive updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6E | The Motorola offers faster WiFi speeds, lower latency, and better performance, especially in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | The Motorola has the newer Bluetooth version which offers better efficiency and potentially better audio quality for compatible devices |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The Motorola supports more satellite systems which results in better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Motorola has the advantage of eSIM, useful for digital carrier switching, while the Samsung supports using two physical SIMs. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | The Motorola offers more storage options, accommodating users who need more space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | 8GB / 12GB | The Motorola offers more RAM, especially for the 12 GB variant, which will improve performance and multitasking, ensuring apps run smoothly without lag. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion through microSD cards. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Motorola offers enhanced sound quality with Dolby Atmos and dual speakers for a richer listening experience. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint security. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Motorola has better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive set of sensors for various use cases. The Samsung includes a geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Portrait, and Macro Lenses: Provides greater flexibility in photography with separate lenses for each.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Includes this sensor, which may be beneficial for navigation or other niche use cases.
- Two Physical SIM slots: This may be more appealing to users who prefer physical SIMs or need to use multiple SIMs from different regions.
Practical Implications: The Samsung may appeal to users who prioritize a variety of camera options and the flexibility of two physical SIMs.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Much faster chipset, GPU, and higher benchmark score, resulting in smoother overall performance and better gaming.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness for a vastly superior visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging allows for quick battery top-ups.
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 14, offering a more up-to-date experience and future security updates.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide superior audio quality.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen better from minor impacts and scratches.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility with eSIM, useful for international travel or multiple carrier use.
- Greater Storage Options: Available in 256GB and 512GB variants, and 8 or 12 GB of RAM, providing more space and multitasking capabilities.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Significantly enhances video and image quality by reducing blur, especially in low light.
- Reverse Charging: The Motorola can be used as a power bank to charge other devices
- Better Video Quality: Offers video recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS) at different FPS, and greater slow motion capture.
Practical Implications: The Motorola is superior for users who want a smooth, fast experience with a great display, faster charging, and modern software.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung's Camera Versatility vs. Motorola's Image Quality: Samsung has more camera lenses but the Motorola has better image quality in the main sensor, OIS and video stabilization.
- Physical SIMs vs. eSIM: Some users might prefer two physical SIM slots (Samsung) over the flexibility of eSIM (Motorola).
- Slightly larger screen on the Motorola may not be suitable for some users with smaller hands.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Users who want a variety of camera lenses, such as a wide-angle, macro, and depth lens, for different photography scenarios.
- Users who require two physical SIM slots for different carriers.
- Users on a tighter budget who may not need top-tier performance and features.
- Users who may prioritize basic smartphone functionality for daily tasks and are less concerned with advanced features.
Use Cases: Casual photography, basic app usage, making calls, casual media consumption.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize smooth performance, a great display, and fast charging.
- Users who want a phone for gaming, media consumption, and heavy multitasking.
- Users who want a device with the latest features and software.
- Users that prioritize high-quality video with stabilization and good audio quality.
- Users who value the convenience of eSIM for traveling or switching carriers.
Use Cases: Gaming, watching videos, heavy social media use, content creation, and frequent travelers.
Price-to-Value:
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion generally offers a higher price-to-value ratio due to its significantly better display, faster performance, better camera quality, and more modern software. However, for users who are on a very strict budget and who want more camera lens options, the A42 might be suitable.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and speed for you? (If it's crucial, Motorola is the better choice).
- What kind of camera experience are you looking for? (More lens variety vs better image quality).
- How much are display quality and smooth animations a priority? (Motorola excels in this regard).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If cost is the primary concern and performance isn't a critical factor, the Samsung A42 5G could be sufficient for basic tasks. But it's still worth considering if the Motorola can fit the budget given the benefits.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the clear winner, with its better screen, speakers, and processing power, making it ideal for video and game consumption.
- Traveler: The Motorola with it's eSim and improved GPS capabilities makes it a better choice for international travel, while the A42 offers two physical SIM slots.
- Photography Enthusiast: While the Samsung provides more dedicated camera lenses, the better image quality of the Motorola's primary sensor and added features like OIS makes it the better choice.
My Choice and Why:
I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The significant advancements in display quality, performance, and charging speed are too substantial to ignore. While the Samsung A42 offers additional camera lenses, the Motorola's main camera sensor, OIS, and video recording capabilities, coupled with its superior display, modern software, and faster charging, result in a better overall user experience. The Motorola is better suited for more demanding use cases while the A42 would be better suited for basic tasks only. If the price difference between the two was considerable, then the Samsung may be more appealing, but if it was not a large difference, then the Motorola is a clear choice.
