1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 168.9 × 75.8 × 9.3 mm | The Moto G Stylus 5G is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 193g | 215g | The Galaxy A42 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | The Moto G Stylus 5G has a slightly larger display, offering more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2460 | The Moto G Stylus 5G has much higher resolution, resulting in a sharper and clearer image. |
| PPI | 266 | 395 | The Moto G Stylus 5G has significantly higher pixel density, leading to noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Galaxy A42 5G's AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G Stylus 5G has a smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate, beneficial for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits - A limitation in available data; real-world difference might vary. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Both are capable mid-range processors; the Snapdragon 695 (Moto) is slightly newer and more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 385,000 | Very similar performance levels in benchmarks, suggesting comparable real-world speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both phones have the same GPU, so graphics performance should be similar. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" sensor | Moto G Stylus has slightly higher resolution (50MP vs. 48MP) while Galaxy has wider aperture (f/1.8) and larger sensor. The Galaxy should perform slightly better in low light, while Moto captures more detail in well-lit scenarios. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | The Galaxy A42 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera, which might capture slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G Stylus 5G's wide-angle lens will capture slightly more detailed wider shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Galaxy A42 5G can take dedicated portrait shots. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Galaxy A42 5G's macro lens can capture more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | The Galaxy A42 5G offers superior video recording quality with 4K support. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | Moto G Stylus offers electronic image stabilization (EIS), which results in smoother videos. |
| Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, PDAF, Panorama | Night Mode 2.0, Triple camera, OIS, Manual focus | Galaxy is better for higher quality videos and capturing more scenes with quad camera, Moto offers more stability and low light features |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have a large 5000mAh battery, offering good battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | Standard charging | The Galaxy A42 5G supports 15W fast charging, allowing for quicker replenishment of the battery. |
| Type | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries, a common feature of modern smartphones. |
Software & Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (No max_version stated) | The Moto G Stylus 5G has a newer base OS, but the Galaxy A42 is confirmed upgradable to Android 13. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support common WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Moto G Stylus 5G has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G Stylus 5G supports QZSS, which is important for GPS tracking in specific regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Single SIM (Nano) | Galaxy A42 5G offers dual SIM support, useful for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB | The Moto G Stylus 5G provides double the storage capacity compared to the Galaxy A42 5G. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both have a similar amount of RAM for smooth multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | 2 Microphones | The Moto G Stylus 5G's dual microphones offer improved voice clarity |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Moto G Stylus 5G's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is considered more convenient. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | The Galaxy A42 5G has a compass, useful for navigation applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers better colors, contrast, and black levels.
- Better Low-Light Camera Performance: Wider aperture (f/1.8) and larger sensor on main camera should perform better in low light.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: The 20MP front camera captures more detail for selfies.
- 4K Video Recording: Enables higher-quality video capture.
- Fast Charging: 15W fast charging capability allows quicker recharges.
- Dual SIM: Supports two SIM cards simultaneously, convenient for managing multiple numbers.
- Compass Sensor: Can be useful for navigation and mapping apps.
- More camera sensors: Includes wide angle, macro and depth sensor for more photography options
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Advantages
- Larger, Sharper Display: Larger screen with much higher resolution and pixel density.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother animations and scrolling.
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 695 is more power efficient and slightly more powerful.
- More Storage: Offers 256GB of storage, double that of the Galaxy A42 5G's 128GB.
- Better Audio Recording: The inclusion of 2 microphones will give slightly improved audio capture
- Optical Image Stabilization: Stabilized videos for smoother footage.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 LE offers better power efficiency.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered more convenient than traditional rear-mounted sensors.
Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Sacrifices higher refresh rate, a bit of screen size, storage, and some camera features for an AMOLED display.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): Trades the superior AMOLED display and 4K video recording for higher refresh rate, larger screen and better storage capacity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Casual Photographers: Users who value quality low-light performance and high-resolution selfies.
- Travelers: Those who need dual SIM support for international travel or multiple numbers, and fast charging.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Ideal User
- Mobile Gamers: Those who value a smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Power Users: Users who need more storage space for apps, media, and documents.
- Content Creators: Those who need stabilization and better audio capture for video recording.
- Users who prefer a newer OS: Those who want a newer android experience.
Specific Use Cases
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Watching movies/shows on a vibrant display.
- Taking detailed low-light photos.
- Using a phone for both work and personal calls (Dual SIM).
- Travelers who need fast charging and dual sim functionality.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Storing a large library of media (music, videos, photos).
- Recording stable videos on the go.
- Multitasking and using lots of apps.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Consideration: Given that both phones are mid-range, the price will be a crucial factor. The Galaxy A42 5G, being older, may be available at a more attractive price, while the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) might be priced higher due to being a newer model with more storage.
- Recommendation: If the price of the Galaxy A42 5G is notably lower, it would offer excellent value for users prioritizing the AMOLED screen and faster charging. Conversely, if prices are similar, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) has an edge with its better display, storage, and camera features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a vibrant AMOLED display (Galaxy A42 5G) or a larger, sharper display with a smoother refresh rate (Moto G Stylus 5G)?
- Storage Needs: Do you require a lot of local storage (256GB), or can you make do with 128GB (or rely on cloud storage)?
- Camera Usage: Do you need the best video recording, or do you prefer a more stable and flexible camera system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption and Dual SIM Need: If you watch lots of videos and need dual SIM, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is a better option, assuming it is significantly cheaper. The AMOLED screen will enhance video experience, and dual SIM is a plus.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Performance: If you're a gamer who needs smooth display and lots of storage, then the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is better. The 120Hz display, additional storage, and newer chip make this suitable for gaming.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage with a Focus on Storage: If you need a good all-around phone and want as much storage as possible, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is preferable. The larger, higher-resolution screen, smoother refresh rate, and increased storage make for a more modern and versatile experience.
Personal Choice and Explanation
I would personally choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022).
Here's why:
- Screen Experience: While I appreciate the vibrancy of an AMOLED screen, I value the sharper, larger screen with a higher refresh rate found in the Moto G Stylus 5G, which enhances the overall viewing and scrolling experience. I also prefer a smoother and more responsive experience when using the phone every day.
- Storage Capacity: I prefer to keep all of my data on my phone and the 256 GB storage is more important to me than the AMOLED display of the Samsung.
- Battery Life Both phones have the same battery capacity, however the Moto has a more energy efficient chip so it is likely to last longer in practice.
- Camera features: The image stabilisation is important to me as it makes the phone capable of capturing great images and videos in motion
- Overall Modernity: With a newer OS version and slightly better Bluetooth, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) feels more current and future-proof.
- General Versatility: The combination of storage, display, audio features, battery life and camera of the Moto G Stylus is more useful for my daily use cases
While the Galaxy A42 5G is a solid phone, the benefits of better display, smoother experience and extra storage are more important for my typical use cases and therefore the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) fits my needs better.
