Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Motorola Moto G51 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | Moto G51 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 193g | 208g | A42 5G is lighter, more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Moto G51 offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G51 provides a sharper and more detailed image. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 387 | Moto G51 offers visibly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A42 5G offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G51 provides smoother scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This specification is unusual, actual brightness varies, and should be investigated with user reviews. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | A42 5G generally performs slightly better in daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 381,000 | Both phones offer similar levels of performance for everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Identical graphics performance for both devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Moto G51 has slightly higher resolution; A42 5G has larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A42 5G captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | Moto G51 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A42 5G creates depth effects for portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP | A42 5G takes higher-resolution macro photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | A42 5G records higher-resolution videos, with slow-mo at 480fps, vs Moto's 240fps at 1080p. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones provide similar battery life for day-long use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | A42 5G charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | A42 5G gets updated to a higher android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Moto G51 has a slightly newer version with better efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G51 supports SUPL (Supplementary User Plane Location) for enhanced GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer the same maximum capacity. Motorola has more variant choices. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/8GB | Both offer similar options for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Moto G51 provides an enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G51 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A42 5G has a compass, potentially useful for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED provides better colors and contrast.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: More detail in selfies.
- Faster Charging: 15W vs. 10W for quicker power-ups.
- 4K Video Recording: Higher resolution video recording.
- More updated Android Version: Upgraded to Android 13, vs Moto's Android 12.
Additional Sensors: Compass sensor added.
- Practical Implication: The A42 5G is better for media consumption and content creation, offering more vivid visuals and higher-resolution selfies.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for fluid animations.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and ergonomic unlocking.
- More up-to-date Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE
Wider Variety of Storage Options: 64GB or 128 GB variants
- Practical Implication: The G51 is great for gaming, multimedia, and users who value a responsive and immersive experience.
Trade-offs:
- Display: A42 5G has better contrast (AMOLED) but G51 has higher resolution and refresh rate (IPS LCD).
- Cameras: A42 5G offers higher resolution on the front camera and video recording capabilities but the Moto has a higher resolution wide angle lens.
- Software: A42 5G gets the newer OS version, while Motorola is stuck at 12.
- Charging: A42 5G charges faster but uses Li-Polymer vs the Li-Ion on the Moto G51 5G.
- Audio: Moto G51 offers Dolby Atmos, but A42 5G doesn't have any comparable features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, social media users, content creators who prioritize vivid displays, quality selfies and 4K video recording.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Taking detailed selfies and video calls.
- Quickly charging the phone for on-the-go usage.
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, and users who prioritize a smooth, responsive screen and great audio experience.
- Use Cases:
- Playing games with high frame rates on a responsive screen.
- Enjoying movies with immersive audio.
- Quickly unlocking the phone with a convenient side fingerprint sensor.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The specific price-to-value ratio will depend on current market prices. If both phones are similarly priced, the A42 5G offers a slightly superior display and front camera, while the G51 5G excels in smoothness and audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks (AMOLED) or a sharper, smoother screen with a higher refresh rate (120Hz)?
- Camera Usage: Do you take more selfies or require higher video quality?
- Audio Quality: Do you prioritize built in audio, or prefer wireless audio and don't need Dolby Atmos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Creation/Social Media: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G for its superior AMOLED display, better front camera, and 4k video recording.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Multimedia Consumption: Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G for its 120Hz display, Dolby Atmos audio, and ergonomic side fingerprint sensor.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: The best value will depend on specific prices. Compare current pricing to make sure to get the best deal.
Final Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. My priority is often a better screen for watching content, and I prefer the enhanced contrast and color vibrancy that AMOLED offers. While the Moto G51 5G's 120Hz screen is appealing for gaming, I find the AMOLED screen, 4K video recording and higher resolution selfie camera a better fit for my typical use cases of content consumption and social media. Additionally, the faster charging of the A42 5G is a welcome benefit. I am less likely to use the enhanced audio features of the Moto and I use Bluetooth headphones most of the time anyway, so the Dolby Atmos isn't a big advantage for me.
