Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Motorola Moto G42
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-11 | 2022-06-28 | Motorola is newer, potentially has longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm, 193g | 160.4 × 73.5 × 8 mm, 175g | Moto G42 is more compact and lighter, easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | A42 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, Moto G42 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G42 has much sharper and clearer display with more detail. |
| PPI | 266 | 411 | Moto G42 screen is significantly sharper, text and images look clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, good for media and readability. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rate, general use is similar for both. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A42 has a more powerful chipset, resulting in smoother gaming and faster app load times. A42 supports 5G, G42 doesn't. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 249,000 | A42 offers noticeably better overall performance in benchmarks, indicating better app and game performance |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | A42 handles graphics intensive tasks, like gaming better due to its superior GPU. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life for average use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 20W fast charging | Moto G42 charges faster, reducing time plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 50MP | Moto G42 has slightly higher resolution, but A42 has a larger sensor, impacting low-light performance. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | A42's larger sensor may capture more light and detail in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 16MP | A42 takes higher resolution selfies with more detail, but other factors also play a role in image quality. |
| Wide Angle Res | 5MP | 8MP | Moto G42 has higher resolution wide-angle camera, captures more detailed wide shots. |
| Depth Camera | 5MP | None | A42 has a dedicated depth sensor, which may result in better bokeh (background blur) in portrait shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | 2MP | A42's macro lens takes higher resolution close-up images. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | A42 records videos at a higher resolution (4K), resulting in higher-quality video, G42 records in 1080p. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Moto G42 has a more up-to-date OS out of the box, however, A42 is upgradable to 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-Band | 802.11ac Dual-Band | Both phones offer comparable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.0, but the A42 has more comprehensive profile support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64/128GB | A42 comes only in 128GB, Moto G42 has options, but the lack of SD card expansion means that you should take your storage needs into consideration |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | A42 can have more RAM (8GB), which is better for multitasking and demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G42 offers significantly better audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Moto G42's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient compared to a basic sensor |
| Sensors | Includes Geomagnetic | Basic sensor suite | The A42 has a more comprehensive sensor suite which might allow for more advanced features and capabilities in certain apps/games |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 750 5G chipset and Adreno 619 GPU offer significantly better performance, handling demanding apps and games more smoothly. This is a major benefit for gamers or power users.
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to record videos in 4K provides higher quality footage for vlogs, videos, or capturing special moments.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: The larger sensor on the main camera may allow for better low-light performance, capturing more light and detail.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The depth sensor allows for better portrait mode photos with more natural-looking background blur.
- More RAM Options: Comes in 4/6/8GB versions and will provide better multitasking capabilities compared to G42
- Geomagnetic Sensor: A42 has a Geomagnetic sensor that G42 does not that might allow for extra features and functionality in certain apps.
- 5G connectivity This will enable faster downloads and smoother streaming experiences
Motorola Moto G42 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density of the Moto G42's display result in a noticeably clearer and more detailed viewing experience, better for reading, browsing, and watching media.
- Faster Charging: The 20W fast charging replenishes the battery quicker compared to the A42's 15W.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a significantly better audio experience, especially for media consumption.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient to use compared to A42's basic sensor.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and use for extended periods and easier to handle.
Trade-offs:
- The A42's higher performance comes at the cost of a slightly bulkier design, a lower resolution screen, and less impressive audio.
- The G42's sharper display and better audio come with a weaker chipset and no 4k video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Gamers: The stronger chipset and GPU make it better suited for mobile gaming.
- Video Creators: 4K video recording is useful for those who want high-quality video footage.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask or use demanding applications will benefit from the better performance.
- Users who require 5G connectivity.
- Users who desire higher resolution Macro or Portrait mode cameras
- Users who prefer larger screens
Motorola Moto G42 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: The sharper display and stereo speakers are ideal for watching videos and movies.
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a lighter, more compact phone with a great screen for browsing and social media will appreciate the G42.
- Audio Enthusiasts: The Dolby Atmos and stereo speaker setup offer an immersive audio experience.
- Users who value faster charging times and the convenience of a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who don't use 4k video
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance? If you plan to play demanding games or run resource-heavy apps, the A42 is a better choice. If not, the G42 is more than sufficient.
- What do you use your phone's camera for? If video quality is critical, the 4k on the A42 is a must. If not, G42 takes great photos.
- What is more important: display quality or audio quality? The G42 offers a sharper screen and superior audio, while A42 has a basic audio setup.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G due to its superior performance, better graphics capabilities, and ability to handle demanding games more smoothly, as well as 5G capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption: Choose the Motorola Moto G42 for its sharper screen and significantly better audio quality that makes it ideal for watching videos, movies, and listening to music.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Use: The Motorola Moto G42 is ideal for everyday tasks, providing a sharper display, better audio, and a faster charging experience. It's more compact, making it more comfortable to carry and use.
- Scenario 4: Focus on Camera If a good camera is crucial, the A42 is the better choice due to its higher-resolution cameras, larger sensor, 4K video capability, depth sensor, and better macro camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G42. For my use case, I prioritize a sharp and clear display for reading and media consumption, as well as good audio quality for enjoying content without headphones. While I appreciate better performance, the Snapdragon 680 is adequate for my daily tasks, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers added convenience. While the 4K video and additional cameras of the Samsung A42 would be nice, the superior screen, audio, and faster charging of the Moto G42 edge it out for my usage profile. The lack of 5G doesn't impact my choice as that connectivity is not yet ubiquitous in my area.
