1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 161.6 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Realme 11 Pro+ is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable to hold, especially for users with smaller hands, A42 has a larger volume. |
| Weight | 193g | 183g | Realme 11 Pro+ is lighter, making it more comfortable to carry around and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Realme 11 Pro+ offers a marginally larger viewing area for multimedia and gaming, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a significantly sharper display, making text clearer and images more detailed. Better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Pixel Density | 266 ppi | 394 ppi | The Realme 11 Pro+ display is significantly sharper, reducing pixelation and offering a more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 Pro+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface and games feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme 11 Pro+ screen is significantly brighter making it much better for outdoor use in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 11 Pro+ has a newer, more efficient processor, which can lead to better performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 540,800 | Realme 11 Pro+ provides a more responsive experience with apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, both suitable for everyday usage and gaming, though Realme 11 Pro+ has a more modern GPU. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery life, suitable for a full day of usage for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Realme 11 Pro+ offers much faster charging speeds, which is incredibly convenient for quick top-ups, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 2x2500mAh | The dual battery design of the Realme might offer slightly better heat management during fast charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP | 200MP | Realme 11 Pro+ has dramatically higher resolution which allows for more detailed photos and better cropping capabilities, particularly in well-lit conditions. |
| Main Camera Ap. | f/1.8 | f/1.69 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a wider aperture, which could result in slightly better low light performance, allowing more light to hit the sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.4" | Realme 11 Pro+ larger sensor could offer better low-light performance and dynamic range by capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 20MP | 32MP | Realme 11 Pro+ has a higher resolution selfie camera, good for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Selfie Camera Ap. | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Samsung A42 5G has slightly wider aperture on the front camera. |
| Wide Angle Res. | 5MP | 8MP | Realme 11 Pro+ has a slightly higher resolution for the ultrawide lens. |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP | None | The Samsung A42 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect, while the Realme 11 Pro+ relies on software processing, for the portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera Res. | 5MP | 2MP | Samsung A42 5G has higher megapixel count. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Realme 11 Pro+ offers more recording options and better video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quad, PDAF, basic | Triple, OIS, EIS | Realme 11 Pro+ has more advanced image stabilization (OIS + EIS) and more advanced features that result in sharper videos and less shaky footage |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Realme 11 Pro+ has a newer OS out of the box and gets more upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 11 Pro+ supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Realme 11 Pro+ supports a newer standard with improved energy efficiency and speed. |
| GPS | Basic GPS | Advanced GPS | Realme 11 Pro+ offers more accurate and faster location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Realme 11 Pro+ offers significantly more storage capacity, better for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 11 Pro+ has more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, meaning you are limited to the phones internal capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme 11 Pro+ provides a much more immersive experience with richer, fuller audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No info on screen protection for both devices |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Samsung A42 5G has an additional compass sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Compass Sensor: Features a compass sensor, which is useful for navigation apps and AR applications.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: The A42 5G features a dedicated depth sensor which might offer slightly better bokeh effects over software-based processing.
Realme 11 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly brighter display provide a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset offers faster processing speeds for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Much Faster Charging: 100W charging allows for a very quick battery recharge.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 200MP main camera sensor produces significantly more detail, especially in well lit conditions, and allows for better cropping flexibility.
- Better Video Quality: Offers Optical and Electronic Image stabilization
- Newer Software: Comes with a more up-to-date version of Android and receives more software updates over its lifetime.
- More Storage Options: Offers much more internal storage.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- Faster Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more efficient connections.
- Advanced GPS: More robust GPS system for better accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a compass sensor and a dedicated depth sensor but severely lags behind in performance, display, charging speed, and storage compared to Realme 11 Pro+.
- Realme 11 Pro+ misses a dedicated depth sensor but compensates with superior camera processing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Users on a tight budget seeking 5G connectivity with basic functionality.
- Those who don't prioritize gaming, demanding applications, or high-quality camera performance.
- Users who value having a compass sensor and potentially prefer depth-sensor based portrait effects.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and email.
- Casual photography for social media sharing.
- Navigating using maps (using the integrated compass sensor)
- Making and receiving calls/texting.
Realme 11 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a smooth and fast user experience, excellent display quality, and fast charging.
- Those who value high-quality photography with good low-light capabilities.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Users who want the latest software.
Use Cases for Realme 11 Pro+:
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Taking high-resolution photos and videos.
- Enjoying movies and streaming content with vibrant colors and rich audio.
- Multitasking between apps seamlessly.
- Heavy users that want to charge their phone quickly.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is positioned as a budget-friendly phone but has several limitations that make it a hard sell in today's market.
- The Realme 11 Pro+ provides significantly higher value with its superior performance, display, camera, and charging capabilities, justifying its potentially higher price tag (depending on the specific regional pricing and availability).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone (basic use, gaming, photography, etc.)?
- How important are display quality and charging speed to you?
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious, Basic User: If budget is the primary constraint and performance/camera isn't critical, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is an option, but know its limitations are significant.
- Performance-Focused User: If you want the best user experience, and use your phone for games, apps, and want it to last a long time the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want the best photography and videography, then the Realme 11 Pro+ is the better choice with its high-resolution sensor, OIS, and EIS.
- Multimedia Consumer: For watching movies, TV shows, or other media the Realme 11 Pro+ is superior with its high refresh rate display, brighter panel, and high resolution.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would definitely choose the Realme 11 Pro+. Here’s why:
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is outdated and lags severely behind on almost every important spec. Although it is likely cheaper it’s drawbacks make it difficult to recommend. The Realme 11 Pro+ offers a drastically better user experience in almost every aspect, from display and performance to camera and charging speed. The higher refresh rate, sharper and brighter display, faster charging, significantly better camera, more storage, and superior performance more than justify the likely higher price, and provides a much more enjoyable user experience. Although the Samsung might have a slightly better portrait mode, and has a compass sensor, the pros of the Realme far outweigh these minor benefits.
