Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Motorola Moto G35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is slightly taller and thinner, A42 5G is slightly wider and thicker. G35 might feel slightly more streamlined in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 188g | G35 is lighter by 5g which is likely not noticeable by most users during usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.72" | G35 has a slightly larger screen offering slightly more visual real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | G35 offers much sharper and clearer visuals, less pixelation. Text and images are noticeably crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 392 | G35 provides a significantly clearer display with less visible pixels. Text and images look sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A42 5G offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colours. More power efficient when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G35 has smoother scrolling and animations which makes the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. A42 5G brightness is not specified making outdoor usability hard to determine. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | G35 chipset is more modern. A42 5G has better raw compute power, while G35's Unisoc T760 offers comparable performance for most daily tasks with better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 423,297 | G35 has a higher benchmark score suggesting marginally better performance and better gaming experience |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 | Different architectures, but both capable of handling most mobile games at moderate settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | G35 offers slightly higher resolution but A42 5G has larger sensor size. Sensor size often plays a more significant role in image quality. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | A42 5G has higher resolution and a wider aperture, meaning it will take slightly better selfies, especially in low light. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | G35 offers slightly higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A42 5G has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A42 5G can take close-up macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both record at same resolutions and frame rates. Video quality largely depends on sensor quality. |
| Slow Motion | 480 fps | 120 fps | A42 5G offers better slow motion quality at 480 fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | G35 charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | G35 has more modern software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi performance on both phones. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Similar version, but A42 5G has more protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 offers slightly better location accuracy due to QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | G35 supports eSIM, offering more flexibility with carrier switching and A42 supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | G35 can offer more storage, depending on the variant purchased. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both options have similar RAM options, good for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G35 provides better audio with richer spatial audio, better separation, and clearer voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G35's side-mounted sensor is more convenient and often faster. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G35 offers better scratch resistance and protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | A42 5G has a geomagnetic sensor, which can be useful for some specialized applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- AMOLED Display: Superior display technology offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
- Better Slow-Motion Video: Captures slow-motion at a higher frame rate (480fps).
- Additional Camera Features: Dedicated depth and macro lenses for versatile photography, PDAF for fast autofocus.
- Selfie Camera: Higher resolution front-facing camera with a wider aperture for better low-light selfies.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Useful for specialized applications.
- More Bluetooth Protocols: Support for a wider range of Bluetooth capabilities
- Dual Sim: Supports the use of two nano sim cards at the same time
- Wider Availability: Easier to find and buy
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper visuals and clearer text due to higher resolution and pixel density.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and scrolling.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 18W vs. 15W charging.
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 14 and will be supported longer.
- Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers: Superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and usually faster than a rear-mounted sensor.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Better scratch and drop resistance for the screen.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching.
- Option for More Internal Storage: Can be purchased with 256GB of storage.
- Marginally Faster Performance: Based on AnTuTu benchmark scores.
- Better GPS System Has QZSS support for better location accuracy.
- Slightly Lighter: Makes the phone slightly easier to handle.
Trade-offs:
- A42 5G: Sacrifices display resolution, refresh rate, brightness, and audio quality for the benefits of an AMOLED screen and additional camera features.
- Moto G35: Does not have the benefits of an AMOLED display, dedicated depth and macro cameras, a higher slow motion frame rate, and lacks some of the Bluetooth protocols.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize a vibrant display with great contrast and deep blacks for watching videos and movies.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value diverse photography options like portrait mode and macro shots.
- Selfie Lovers: Users who prioritize the quality of their front-facing camera and enjoy taking lots of photos of themselves.
- Users who need a secondary SIM card: those who need two physical SIM cards
Use Cases:
- Watching movies or series on the go, especially in lower light conditions.
- Taking portraits and close-up macro photography.
- Enjoying social media and taking lots of selfies.
- Using a wide range of bluetooth devices.
Motorola Moto G35 Ideal User:
- General Users: Users who prioritize a sharp, smooth, and bright display for all-around usage.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy listening to music and want a better audio experience with spatial audio.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who frequently use their phones in bright outdoor conditions.
- Value-Oriented Shoppers: Users who seek a modern phone with essential features without spending too much.
- Multitasking: Users who need to multitask on their phones and play games.
- Tech-Savvy Users those who want to be on the latest operating system
- Users who want dual sim flexibility: those who want the option to switch between providers using eSIM
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media, websites and reading text
- Streaming music and podcasts, using the phone as a multimedia device.
- Using maps and navigation in bright daylight.
- Playing games with smooth animations.
- Using modern Android features
- Changing between different mobile providers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks (AMOLED - Samsung), or higher resolution, brightness, and smooth scrolling (LCD, 120Hz - Motorola)?
- Camera Needs: Do you value dedicated portrait and macro lenses, or are a good main camera and a good wide angle lens more important to you?
- Audio Importance: Is high-quality audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos essential to your multimedia experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Multimedia Lover (Indoor): If you mostly use your phone indoors for watching videos and taking selfies, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G with its AMOLED display and enhanced selfie camera, and 480 fps slow motion is a better choice.
Scenario 2: Outdoor Enthusiast & Everyday Use: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, require a crisp display, and prioritize a smooth experience, and better audio capabilities the Motorola Moto G35 is a much better option.
Scenario 3: Value-Conscious Shopper: For a user looking for a good all rounder for a reasonable price the Motorola Moto G35 represents better value, especially considering its newer features and overall better user experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Motorola Moto G35. Here's why:
While the AMOLED display on the Samsung A42 5G is tempting, the overall user experience of the Moto G35 is simply better. The higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate result in a significantly smoother, sharper and more responsive interface, which I value more in daily use. The vastly improved brightness of the Moto G35 also makes it much more practical for me, as I often use my phone outdoors. The enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers is another significant advantage. I also prefer having a modern side mounted fingerprint reader. Although the A42 5G has a more powerful processor, the performance offered by the G35 is more than adequate for my needs, especially when paired with its smooth and responsive screen. Finally, having an updated operating system and support for eSIM is something I find valuable, and this is a big plus for the G35. While the camera on the A42 5G has extra features, I believe that overall photo quality is more similar than it would seem.
Therefore, for me, the Motorola Moto G35 provides a better balance of features and user experience, making it the more practical choice. The trade-offs in display technology are acceptable given the significant advantages in other key areas.
