1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G52 is more compact and slightly thinner, potentially feeling better in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 169g | Moto G52 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G52 has a much sharper display, noticeably clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 266 | 402 | Moto G52 has higher pixel density resulting in a visibly crisper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G52 will have slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, however, it is unrealistic at 0 nits, missing spec |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Galaxy A42 5G has a more powerful CPU and supports 5G, leading to better gaming, multitasking and faster download speeds. |
| Antutu Score | 392,400 | 216,000 | Galaxy A42 5G demonstrates significantly faster performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Galaxy A42 5G has a more powerful GPU, better for graphically intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixels | Moto G52 has slightly more megapixels, but the Galaxy A42 5G has a larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.0µm pixels | Galaxy A42 5G has a higher resolution and wider aperture front camera, suitable for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2, unknown pixels | Moto G52 has higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A42 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown pixels | Galaxy A42 5G has a higher-resolution macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 1080p@30fps | Galaxy A42 5G can record higher resolution videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Moto G52 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable, Li-Polymer | Non-removable, Li-Ion | Similar battery characteristics. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Moto G52 ships with a more recent OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11ac, Hotspot, Direct | Galaxy A42 5G has Wi-Fi display support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (MAP) | 5.0 LE (APT-x) | Moto G52 has Low Energy and Apt-X support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Galaxy A42 5G has Beidou support, Moto G52 has SUPL support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Moto G52 has multiple storage options, including higher 256GB capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Galaxy A42 5G offers an 8GB RAM configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G52 offers a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Moto G52 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G52 has much better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Galaxy A42 5G has an additional Geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides much better performance, noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Superior Graphics Processing: Adreno 619 GPU delivers superior graphics performance.
- Better Camera Capabilities: Higher resolution front camera, larger main sensor for better low-light, and dedicated depth sensor. Also can record in 4K.
- More RAM Option: Up to 8GB RAM available which will help with multitasking.
- 5G Connectivity: Supports faster 5G networks.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Useful for advanced features and gaming.
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution and PPI resulting in a visibly clearer display.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and 2 microphones provide a superior audio experience.
- More Storage Option: Optional 256GB internal storage.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted for quick unlocking.
- More Recent OS: Ships with Android 12 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A42 5G offers better performance and 5G connectivity, but its display is less sharp and it lacks faster charging.
- The Moto G52 has a superior display, audio system and fast charging but trades performance and camera capabilities for it.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed and smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- 5G Users: Those who need the fastest mobile network speeds and want to future-proof their phone.
- Photography Buffs: Individuals who value higher front-camera quality and better low-light performance.
Users who want more RAM: Users who want the most RAM they can get on a budget.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, heavy app usage, video editing, content creation, frequent social media consumption, 5G usage areas.
Motorola Moto G52 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a crisp, smooth display and superior audio for watching videos, streaming content, and listening to music.
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone with a modern design.
- Everyday Users: Users who value fast charging for all-day use.
Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a well-rounded smartphone experience with a focus on display and audio and the best value.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, video streaming, podcast listening, casual photography, e-book reading, everyday tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and 5G connectivity, or display quality and battery charging?
- How important is gaming and camera performance to you?
- How much do you value a lightweight phone with superior screen protection and audio quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Power User: If you are a mobile gamer or require smooth multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the better choice due to its powerful chipset, superior graphics processing, and 5G connectivity.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize high-quality display, audio, and fast charging for multimedia consumption, the Motorola Moto G52 is preferable due to its crisper display, better speakers, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Everyday User: If you value an excellent display, a modern operating system, convenient fingerprint sensor, and fast charging, the Motorola Moto G52 provides great value for the price.
- Scenario 4: Photography Lover: If you want a better selfie camera and a better main camera, and need 4k video recording, then the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. Although the Moto G52 offers a more compelling display and charging solution, the sheer performance advantage of the Snapdragon 750G, coupled with 5G connectivity, higher-resolution cameras, and the possibility of 8GB of RAM makes it a better all-around device for my usage scenarios, which usually include gaming and demanding applications. While the Moto G52 is an excellent phone, the Galaxy A42 5G's raw power is more important for my requirements.
