1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Moto G04s is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.56" | Negligible difference; both offer large screens suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Very similar; both are HD+ resolution, meaning images/videos may not be as sharp as those on FHD+ or higher displays. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 269 PPI | Insignificant difference in sharpness; both offer similar levels of detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A42's AMOLED screen provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, leading to a more vibrant viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G04s's 90Hz display will offer smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices likely have similar brightness, which would be average brightness outdoors in bright sunlight, but not great for HDR content |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | A42's Snapdragon chipset is significantly more powerful, offering better performance for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 220,000 | A42's much higher score translates to smoother, faster performance in everyday tasks and when running demanding apps/games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | A42's Adreno GPU is more capable, leading to better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Moto G04s has higher resolution, but A42's larger sensor may capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A42's selfie camera will likely capture significantly more detailed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | A42's wide angle lens allows for capturing more of a scene. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A42's depth sensor will help improve portrait mode images with more pronounced background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A42 allows close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/480fps | 1080p@30fps | A42 records video at a higher 4K resolution for higher quality, and offers slow-motion at 480fps. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | G04s offers image stabilization for video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, expected to last a full day for typical users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both phones support basic 15W fast charging which is not fast by today's standards. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G04s has a newer version of Android, potentially offering more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both phones support basic Bluetooth 5.0, but G04s supports low energy. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer accurate location, but G04s offers an extra feature in SUPL |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality allowing users to use two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Moto G04s offers more storage options up to 256 GB, which is beneficial for storing more media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4 GB | A42 has more RAM options, offering better multitasking capabilities, especially in higher RAM configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos | G04s offers Dolby Atmos audio tuning for a slightly better immersive sound experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G04s's side-mounted fingerprint sensor might be easier and more ergonomic for some users |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s offers better screen protection from scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A42 has a compass, suitable for enhanced navigation and orientation features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset and Adreno 619 GPU offer much better performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Better Cameras: Higher-resolution front camera (20MP vs 5MP), wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and macro lens provide more versatility in photography.
- 4K Video Recording: Shoots videos in 4K resolution for higher-quality captures.
- More RAM: Up to 8GB of RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance, especially in higher RAM variants.
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14, potentially offering more features and security updates out-of-the-box.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Potentially More Storage: Storage option of 256GB, catering to users with large storage needs.
- Lighter and More Compact: Slightly lighter and more compact design, improving one-handed usability.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better scratch resistance.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers more immersive sound experience
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Might be more comfortable for unlocking.
- Image Stabilization: Offers image stabilization for video recording.
Trade-offs:
- Galaxy A42 5G: Offers better overall performance and a superior display, but lacks some of the modern features like a higher refresh rate or the latest Android version.
- Moto G04s: Offers a smoother display experience and a newer OS out of the box, but compromises on processing power, camera capabilities, and overall display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a premium display experience. Good for mobile gamers and media consumers who value vibrant visuals and smooth performance.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Handles graphically intensive games smoothly due to the powerful chipset.
- Photography: Versatile camera system captures detailed photos in a variety of scenarios.
- Media Consumption: The AMOLED display makes watching videos and browsing photos more enjoyable.
- Multitasking: Can handle multiple apps running simultaneously due to more RAM options.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smooth display, the latest software, and a more compact/lightweight device. Suitable for everyday users, students, and individuals who do not require intensive performance.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: Smooth user interface, good for browsing the web, social media, and basic applications.
- Media Consumption: 90Hz display makes scrolling and watching videos smoother.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Focuses on core features at a more budget-friendly price.
- Users who appreciate a lighter and more compact smartphone
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers more overall performance for the money, if the display and performance matter most. The Motorola Moto G04s provides good value for a budget-conscious user who wants a smoother display experience and a more modern Android version.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic daily tasks)
- How important is display quality and performance? (i.e., AMOLED with better colors vs. 90Hz refresh rate)
- Is the latest Android version critical? (i.e., Android 14 vs. Android 10 with upgrade path)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Photography are Key: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G.
- Scenario 2: Smooth Display & Modern OS are Essential: Choose the Motorola Moto G04s.
- Scenario 3: Value is Paramount: Choose the Motorola Moto G04s for a modern phone at a budget price.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. My rationale is based on the following:
Superior Performance: As someone who uses their phone for various tasks, including gaming and multitasking, the Snapdragon 750 5G chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Unisoc T606. This translates to smoother app loading, better gaming performance, and a more fluid overall experience.
Better Display Quality: While the Moto G04s has a higher refresh rate, the AMOLED panel on the A42 5G provides a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience, which I value more for watching videos and browsing media.
Versatile Camera System: The A42 5G’s more versatile camera system with a higher-resolution front camera, a wide-angle lens, and a dedicated macro lens caters to my photography needs. The ability to record videos in 4K is a plus for capturing higher quality footage.
Slightly more complete sensor package: The A42 has a compass which may help with navigation and location based apps.
While the Moto G04s offers a smoother display and newer software, I believe that the performance benefits, the superior AMOLED screen, and the better camera system of the A42 5G outweigh those advantages, aligning more with my usage needs.
