Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Oppo A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Oppo A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-11 | 2021-10-01 | Oppo A55 is newer, potentially with more recent software features (though not always the case) |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.6 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | Very similar size; both are comfortable for average hands, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Weight | 193g | 193g | Identical weight, both will feel equally substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.51" | Negligible difference, user will not see much of a difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both are HD+, sufficient for daily use. Text may not be super sharp, and there might be less detail when compared to higher resolution displays. |
| PPI | 266 | 270 | Both are similar, and display sharpness is similar. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, improving media consumption. IPS LCD is more energy-efficient for bright screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz, both will offer basic smoothness, without high refresh rate features for gaming or smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is missing for both, making it difficult to ascertain how well they will perform in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G (8nm) | Helio G35 (12nm) | Snapdragon 750 5G is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming, while G35 is designed for more budget oriented smartphones. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 379,800 | Snapdragon 750 5G provides slightly better performance, but not enough to be a real difference in most everyday uses. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 is significantly more capable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, leading to smoother gameplay and overall better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Galaxy A42 has higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance. This means it can capture more detailed images and in more dark environments. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Galaxy A42 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Oppo has a wider aperture, making the front camera a bit better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Galaxy A42 offers an additional wide-angle camera, for more creative shooting possibilities. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A42 offers slightly more detail for depth information in portrait shots with higher megapixels. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A42 has a higher resolution macro lens for better detail when taking close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Galaxy A42 supports 4K video recording for higher-quality and more detailed videos. |
| Slow Motion | 480 fps | 120 fps | Galaxy A42 has higher frame rate for slow motion videos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery capacity, both should offer similar battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | Galaxy A42 has faster charging, leading to shorter charging times. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 11 | Oppo has Android 11 out of the box, which may come with a few minor features compared to Android 10. Galaxy A42 has the chance of being upgraded to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer standard Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Oppo has a newer Bluetooth version, but functionality is similar unless you have new devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Oppo A55 has better GPS system for more accurate navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB | Identical storage, both offer enough space for apps, photos and files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer similar configurations, with the option of 6GB or 8GB models for better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither allows users to expand storage via SD cards. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Oppo A55 has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint scanner, which can be slightly faster and more intuitive than the basic one on the Samsung. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Galaxy A42 has a compass while Oppo A55 has an gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers significantly better visual quality with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the IPS LCD on the Oppo A55, ideal for media consumption.
- More Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 750G outperforms the Helio G35 in all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: Higher-resolution main, front, wide-angle, macro and portrait cameras provide more detailed and versatile images. 4K video recording adds value for content creators.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is quicker than the Oppo A55's 10W.
- More sensor features: Has a compass.
Oppo A55 Advantages:
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE could offer slightly better battery consumption on compatible devices.
- Better GPS: More accurate navigation due to QZSS support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Better OS (Initially): Comes with Android 11 out of the box.
- Gravity sensor: Has a gravity sensor
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A42 5G trades the benefits of an IPS LCD panel for the more vibrant AMOLED, and it also lacks the side-mounted fingerprint scanner of the Oppo A55.
- The Oppo A55 provides a better initial OS and better GPS support but sacrifices processing power, camera quality and screen type.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, or play graphically demanding games will appreciate the superior AMOLED display and better GPU.
- Photography Focused Users: Those who want more versatile camera capabilities with higher resolution and features like 4K recording and wide-angle shots.
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a responsive and smooth user experience for multitasking and mobile gaming.
Use Cases:
- Gaming
- Streaming Videos
- Capturing High Quality photos and videos
Oppo A55 Ideal User:
- Practical users: Users who need a phone that has better navigation, a modern fingerprint scanner, with a focus on affordability.
- Light users: Those who mainly use their phones for calls, texts, browsing social media, and casual photography may be satisfied with the performance and features of the Oppo A55.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication
- Navigation
- Social Media
Price-to-Value:
- The Galaxy A42 5G generally offers better value for those prioritizing a superior display, processing power and camera capabilities.
- The Oppo A55 offers better value for a user that values modern fingerprint scanners and more up-to-date software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (Prioritize AMOLED for better visuals or IPS LCD for a more energy-efficient screen when bright.)
- What is the primary use case for your phone? (Prioritize the Snapdragon 750 5G for performance, or Helio G35 if performance is not a priority.)
- How important are camera capabilities and video quality? (If photography is important, choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 for more versatility)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User wants a phone mainly for watching videos and playing games. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G for the superior AMOLED display and better gaming performance.
- Scenario 2: User wants a reliable phone for daily tasks and basic photography. Recommendation: Oppo A55, but know it will have a low quality camera, less performance and not as good of a screen.
- Scenario 3: User wants best bang for their buck in terms of camera quality and processing power. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G for best photo quality and processing power.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. My reasoning is based on a few key factors:
- Superior Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media on my phone, the AMOLED display would make a significant difference. The vibrant colors and deeper blacks would enhance my viewing experience for everything from videos to browsing photos.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 750G offers a better all-around experience. The increased processing power and better GPU is beneficial for any kind of multitasking, running apps, and games. The Oppo A55 is fine, but the Snapdragon 750G is more future proof.
- Camera Quality: I take a lot of photos and videos, and the higher resolution cameras and 4K recording capability on the A42 are compelling. The extra versatility provided by the wide-angle lens would also be very useful.
- Balanced Features: The Galaxy A42 5G is a more well-rounded device, with a better overall set of features that outweighs the Oppo A55's strengths. The benefits it provides for display, performance and camera make it the superior choice for most people.
While the Oppo A55 does offer the advantage of a newer fingerprint sensor and newer Bluetooth, these are not deal breakers. The AMOLED display and Snapdragon 750G make the Galaxy A42 a better and more compelling choice for my particular needs and use cases. The Samsung Galaxy A42 is simply a better performer in the most important aspects, making it the easy choice for me.
