1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 159.9 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Realme 10 is more compact and may be easier to handle for some users. |
| Weight | 193g | 178g | Realme 10 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 10 provides a sharper and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 411 PPI | Realme 10's higher pixel density results in significantly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 10 has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 10 has vastly superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Both offer similar performance levels for daily tasks and moderate gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 401,886 | Nearly identical performance; slight edge to Realme 10 on paper. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs which will have slightly different gaming performance profiles. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Realme 10 has slightly higher megapixel count, although actual image quality depends on the sensor and processing. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a larger sensor, which may perform better in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has larger pixel size which may result in better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G selfie camera captures more light, potentially better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers more versatility with a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G can capture more realistic portrait photos with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 10 has a dedicated black and white lens for artistic photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G can record higher resolution videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | Realme 10 charges much faster, reducing charging time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Realme 10 has a more recent Android base; Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is upgradable but is starting from an older version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Realme 10 offers newer Bluetooth technology with LE and better audio codec support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 64/128/256GB | Realme 10 offers a wider variety of storage options; Realme 10 has an option for more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/8GB | Both have options for adequate multitasking capability. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | Realme 10 provides better audio quality and voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 10 offers more convenient fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 10 has superior scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has an additional Geomagnetic sensor that might be useful for some niche use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.6" screen is better for those who prefer more screen real estate for media consumption.
- More Camera Versatility: The inclusion of wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors provides more flexibility in capturing different types of photos.
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to record video in 4K resolution.
- Larger main camera sensor: Improved low-light performance and image quality for the main camera.
- Larger selfie camera resolution: More detailed selfies due to higher megapixel count.
- Wider selfie camera aperture: More light for better low-light selfies.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Adds slightly more functionality
Realme 10 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a noticeably crisper viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother animations and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 for better audio codec support and efficiency.
- Potentially Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio support and dual microphones for improved sound quality.
- Black and white lens: Adds versatility to the camera set.
- More Storage Options: Options for 64, 128, and 256 GB versions.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12 out of the box.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better scratch and impact resistance
- Lighter and More Compact: Potentially more comfortable to hold and use, especially for smaller hands.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Trades screen clarity, brightness, charging speed and build quality for camera versatility, larger size and geomagnetic sensor.
- Realme 10: Trades camera versatility and larger main camera sensor and display size for screen clarity, brightness, charging speed, screen protection and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is ideal for:
- Users who value a larger display for media consumption and prefer larger phones.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera setup with multiple lenses (wide-angle, macro, depth).
- Those who record videos and prefer higher video resolution(4k).
- Those that prefer a geomagnetic sensor for niche use cases.
Realme 10 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize a sharp, vibrant display with smooth animations.
- Those who need good outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Users who value faster charging and a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Those who want a phone with a more up-to-date software experience.
- Those that enjoy higher quality audio recording and playback.
- Users who value scratch/impact resistance for their phone screens
- Users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Watching movies, taking diverse photos, using multiple lenses, gaming on a larger screen.
- Realme 10: Daily social media browsing, capturing quick photos, playing mobile games, listening to music with headphones, convenient unlocking via fingerprint, use in bright sunlight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
What is your priority: Display quality or camera versatility? If you value a sharper, brighter display with smooth animations, the Realme 10 is preferable. If you want more camera flexibility with multiple lenses and 4K recording, the Samsung A42 5G has an advantage.
How important is charging speed? The Realme 10's 33W fast charging is significantly faster than the Samsung's 15W charging. If you often need a quick power boost, the Realme 10 is the better choice.
Do you value a compact, or a large phone? If you prefer a lighter and smaller phone, the Realme 10 is the best option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast - If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Realme 10 is a better choice due to its brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Casual Photographer - The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is a better option due to the wider variety of camera lenses
- Scenario 3: Media Consumer - The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G's larger screen and better video recording is slightly better but the Realme 10's higher quality screen will be better overall if you prioritize image quality over size
- Scenario 4: Gamer - The Realme 10's smoother screen and better screen protection will be a better choice
Final Decision
I would choose the Realme 10. While the Samsung A42 5G offers a larger screen and more camera versatility, the Realme 10 provides a superior overall user experience. Its sharper, brighter, and smoother display, combined with faster charging, a newer Android version, better audio quality and improved build quality is the better option. The Realme 10's more compact design is also preferable for me. Though I would miss the ultra wide and macro cameras, the improved screen, charging, and other features outweighs the loss. The Realme 10 will be the better phone in the long run.
