1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 8 mm | Samsung A42 is slightly larger and thicker, but both are similar in size; difference may be negligible in everyday use |
| Weight | 193g | 187g | OnePlus is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.56" | Virtually the same screen size, minimal difference noticeable. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Practically identical sharpness; Not high definition, but acceptable for casual usage. |
| PPI | 266 | 269 | Essentially the same pixel density; both screens are similarly sharp, details are crisp enough. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A42 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours and better power efficiency when using dark modes, resulting in a better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate for both phones, no difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are likely to be inadequate for use in direct sunlight and this spec is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G35 (12 nm) | Samsung A42 is significantly more powerful; smoother app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 221,000 | Samsung A42 offers much better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 | Samsung A42's GPU is significantly better, leading to smoother graphics in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | OnePlus has slightly higher resolution, but Samsung has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Samsung has higher resolution for more detailed selfies, while OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | None | Samsung A42 has additional flexibility for capturing more in a frame |
| Depth Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Samsung A42 depth sensor has a higher resolution, better quality for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung A42 has a dedicated macro camera for close up photography |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A42 can record higher quality video, and its slow motion recording is better. |
| Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, CDAF | Samsung A42 has the flexibility of a quad camera setup and the ability to shoot in 4K. The OnePlus focuses on providing smooth video recording and better autofocus |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, likely offering similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | OnePlus charges much faster, a significant advantage for convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 12 | OnePlus has a newer OS out of the box, while Samsung A42's update support provides a more modern OS overall |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones have similar WiFi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | OnePlus uses a newer Bluetooth version offering better power efficiency and potentially faster data transfer speeds. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus supports more satellite systems providing more accurate location data |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both are available in 128 GB versions, but OnePlus offers a lower storage option. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4 GB | Samsung offers more RAM variants, potentially providing better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, limiting long-term storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers | OnePlus provides better audio quality for calls and media consumption via its stereo speaker system. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | OnePlus fingerprint sensor is easier to access and more convenient. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Samsung A42 provides a compass for better navigation in map applications. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides significantly better performance in everyday usage, gaming and multitasking.
- Better Display: AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
- More Camera Flexibility: Features a wide-angle lens, macro lens, a better depth sensor, and records 4k video.
- More RAM Options: Offers more RAM for better multitasking performance, though only the 8GB model will provide a significant impact
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly faster than 15W, a huge convenience boost.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers better power efficiency, and more efficient data transfer.
- Newer OS (Out of the Box): Comes with Android 12, although the A42 supports an upgrade to Android 13.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation mic offer an improved audio experience for calls and media.
- More advanced biometrics: Features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is more convenient than a rear mounted option.
- More GPS Options: Features more accurate GPS thanks to the QZSS satellite system.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Sacrifices charging speed and audio features for better display quality and overall performance.
- OnePlus Nord N20 SE: Sacrifices overall performance, display quality, and camera flexibility for faster charging, better audio and more efficient Bluetooth.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance and better display quality for media consumption, gaming and smoother app performance.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need smoother gameplay.
- Users who watch lots of videos on their phone, or want better color quality.
- People who need a more versatile camera system with 4K video capabilities.
- Users who multitask with multiple apps.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize fast charging, good audio and basic smartphone usage.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need their phone charged quickly throughout the day.
- Users who listen to music or watch video through the built in speakers.
- Users who need better audio quality for phone calls.
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable daily phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Convenience?: Do you prioritize performance and display quality (Samsung A42), or faster charging, better audio and more efficient Bluetooth (OnePlus)?
- Camera Usage: Do you need a versatile camera with a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, and 4K recording (Samsung A42), or are basic camera capabilities sufficient (OnePlus)?
- Battery Charging: Is faster charging speed important (OnePlus), or is battery life and slower charging acceptable (Samsung A42)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming & Media: If you plan to play demanding games and watch a lot of videos on your phone, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the better choice due to its stronger performance, and a much better display.
- Everyday Convenience: If you prioritize daily convenience, faster charging, good audio and more efficient bluetooth, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is more suitable.
- Balanced Performance & Price: If you want the best overall performance, camera flexibility and are willing to sacrifice charging speed, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the better choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. While the OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers some compelling advantages like faster charging and better audio, the superior performance offered by the Snapdragon 750G chipset and the much better AMOLED display are more important to me. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks including gaming, watching videos, and using apps for work, the smoother experience and better screen quality are significant benefits.
Additionally, the camera flexibility offered by the Samsung, along with 4K video recording capability, provides more versatility for a variety of situations. While the slower charging is a drawback, I'm willing to accept that trade-off for the overall performance boost and superior visual experience. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the OnePlus would be nice, but the benefits of the A42 outweigh this advantage. Ultimately, for my needs, the Samsung A42 is the better phone.
