Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. OnePlus Nord 4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | OnePlus Nord 4 is slightly smaller, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use; A42 is thicker |
| Weight | 193g | 199.5g | A42 is slightly lighter, might be preferred for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a bit more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers much sharper images and text, superior for reading and detail-oriented tasks |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 450 | OnePlus Nord 4 display is significantly crisper and less pixelated |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus Nord 4 provides smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and overall responsiveness |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus Nord 4 is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 4 delivers significantly faster performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 1,366,982 | OnePlus Nord 4 provides a much smoother and faster user experience overall |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 732 | OnePlus Nord 4 has better graphical processing, leading to improved gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Slightly higher resolution on OnePlus Nord 4, potentially better detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KGM2 | Sony LYT-600 | Different sensors may have variations in image quality |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Higher resolution on Samsung A42, potentially more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | 8MP | OnePlus Nord 4 captures more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 5MP | None | Samsung A42 has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially better portrait mode quality. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | Samsung A42 has dedicated Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps | OnePlus Nord 4 offers more video recording options and smoother footage. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS & OIS) | OnePlus Nord 4 provides smoother, less shaky videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus Nord 4 offers longer battery life |
| Charging | 15W | 100W | OnePlus Nord 4 charges much faster |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | OnePlus Nord 4 will receive more updates and features |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | OnePlus Nord 4 offers greater storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12/16 GB | OnePlus Nord 4 handles multitasking much better, especially with higher RAM options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | OnePlus Nord 4 has better audio immersion and voice clarity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | OnePlus Nord 4 supports faster WiFi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth version with better connectivity and audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus Nord 4 has better location accuracy with more satellite systems |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: A bit easier to hold for extended periods.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro lens: Offers more flexibility in photography
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset makes the OnePlus Nord 4 much faster and smoother in all tasks.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and significantly greater brightness mean a more enjoyable viewing experience indoors and outdoors.
- Faster Charging: The 100W charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity leads to longer usage between charges.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Better for multitasking and storing more media.
- Better Video Quality and Stabilization: Offers more stable video recordings and additional recording options.
- Newer Software: The Android 14 and newer updates means the device is more secure and feature-rich.
- Improved Audio: Stereo speakers and dual microphones offer better audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A42 offers a slightly lighter design, and a dedicated depth and macro lens, where as the OnePlus Nord 4 sacrifices those for overall much better performance and quality in all other aspects.
- OnePlus Nord 4 has a slightly heavier weight which might be a minor drawback for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone features.
- Users with a need for basic photography needs: If macro photography or portraits are required.
- Users who don't heavily rely on their phones for performance-intensive tasks: Casual social media and browsing, less gaming.
Use Cases for Galaxy A42 5G:
- Casual web browsing and social media
- Basic photo taking
- Standard daily phone tasks
OnePlus Nord 4 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and users who want a fast, responsive phone.
- Media Consumers: Enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who value a superior display experience: Wanting clear and bright display.
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord 4:
- Mobile gaming
- Streaming videos and movies
- Photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps.
- Extended outdoor use due to the high brightness display.
- Users who want the most modern software and features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A42 5G is likely the more affordable option, but may not be available anymore due to age.
- How important is performance and responsiveness to you? The OnePlus Nord 4 provides a significant performance upgrade.
- What is your primary use case? If it's just basic usage the A42 would work, but for anything more intense the OnePlus is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If budget is the primary concern, the older A42 5G might be acceptable if available, but the OnePlus Nord 4 offers far more for the money if a user can stretch their budget.
- Power User: The OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner for performance, display quality, and battery life.
- Casual User: While the A42 may seem viable for a casual user, the significantly improved experience with the Nord 4 makes it a worthwhile upgrade.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the OnePlus Nord 4. The performance difference alone is a game-changer. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset provides a massive leap in speed, making everything from app loading to gaming a much smoother experience. The improved display with its high refresh rate and brightness is also a huge factor. I value having a screen that looks great both indoors and outdoors. The faster charging and longer battery life of the OnePlus Nord 4 ensure that I'm not constantly worried about running out of power. While the A42 5G has the advantage of dedicated macro and depth lens, the overall superior experience of the OnePlus is worth the trade off. The A42 is also older so has less software support and also less security features. The OnePlus Nord 4 is the more modern, more performant and overall better device.
