Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is slightly taller and thinner; A42 5G is a bit bulkier. Impact on pocketability and handling may be noticeable but minimal. |
| Weight | 193g | 190g | Both are similar in weight; negligible difference for daily carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Both have virtually identical screen sizes; very little difference in terms of visible screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Very similar resolutions; minor difference unlikely to be noticeable in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 264 PPI | Very similar pixel density, leading to nearly identical perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, also more power-efficient, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience; 120Hz is a noticeable upgrade for visual smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No info available, thus no comparison in brightness can be made. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Realme 12x's chipset is slightly more efficient and powerful on paper, leading to slightly better performance, and improved battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 442,599 | Realme 12x shows better performance in benchmarks, leading to slightly smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, both can handle daily tasks, but Realme 12x's GPU scores better in benchmarks, implying marginally better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 12x has slightly higher resolution; however, the specific sensor model and pixel size are not provided so a true comparison cannot be made. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.1 | Samsung A42 5G captures more detailed selfies; Realme 12x has wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | Not Available | Samsung A42 5G has a dedicated ultra-wide camera, allowing for more flexible and creative photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm pixel size | Samsung A42 5G captures more detailed portrait shots; Realme 12x has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm pixel size | Not Available | Samsung A42 5G has a dedicated macro camera for taking close-up shots, adding photographic versatility. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A42 5G records higher resolution videos, a notable feature for content creators and vloggers; Both offer slow-motion, but with different frame rates. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, implying comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Charging times should be similar; slower charging compared to phones with higher wattage. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12x has the latest Android version, potentially offering more features and better security. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12x offers substantially more storage, beneficial for storing media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more RAM, for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion through microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x offers higher quality audio output for an improved audio listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally more reliable and quicker than a basic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED display offers better contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency compared to the Realme 12x's IPS LCD.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features an ultra-wide and dedicated macro camera, offering more creative options and flexibility.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 20MP front camera captures more detailed selfies than the Realme 12x.
- Higher Video Resolution: Supports up to 4K video recording, crucial for users who prioritize video quality and content creation.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Offers more Bluetooth profiles for wider device compatibility and functionality
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate results in a much more fluid user experience, especially for scrolling and gaming.
- More Powerful Chipset: The Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ offers better overall performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 750 5G.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, which is superior to Android 10 (upgradable to 13) of Galaxy A42 5G. This could provide a better user experience, enhanced security and longevity.
- Significantly More RAM: The 12GB of RAM allows for better multitasking and smoother performance in demanding apps.
- Significantly More Storage: Comes with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, offering more space for media and apps compared to the Samsung's 128 GB.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Provides a better audio experience with higher quality audio and a more immersive soundstage.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Scanner: Features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that is usually faster and more reliable.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Better display and camera versatility, at the cost of an older chipset, less RAM, slower refresh rate, and less storage.
- Realme: Better performance, smoother display, and more storage, at the cost of an IPS display and a less versatile camera setup.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: Users who value the versatility of having multiple cameras, including ultra-wide and macro lenses.
- Content creators: Those who need good quality video recording for vlogging and social media content.
- Users who value display quality: Users who prefer vibrant colours, deep blacks and the best display quality.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos of landscapes, architecture, and close-ups.
- Vlogging or recording videos in 4k.
- Consuming multimedia content (movies, social media).
Realme 12x Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prefer smoother gaming experiences, better performance, and faster refresh rates.
- Multitaskers: Users who juggle multiple apps and need smooth performance without slowdowns due to RAM bottlenecks.
- Media Consumers: Users who prefer higher quality audio and stereo speakers for a more immersive experience.
- Users who need more storage: User who require more storage for larger files, higher quantity of photos/videos etc.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games that require high performance and frame rates.
- Switching between multiple apps simultaneously without slowdowns.
- Enjoying music or movies with enhanced audio quality and stereo sound.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 12x offers better performance, RAM, storage, and a smoother display for a potentially similar price, making it the better value proposition for performance-oriented users.
- The A42 5G is a good option for users who want a better camera and display quality for a better price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Photography/videography, gaming, multimedia consumption, or productivity)
- How important is display quality and smoothness to you? (Do you prioritize AMOLED for vibrant colors and contrast, or a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth animations)
- How much storage and performance do you need? (Are you comfortable with 128GB of storage and slightly lower performance, or do you need more storage, RAM, and processing power).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Photography and Content Creation Focus: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G due to its superior camera system and 4K video capabilities. The AMOLED display is a bonus for vibrant and accurate colour reproduction.
Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance Focus: Choose the Realme 12x for its better processing power, higher refresh rate, more RAM, and storage. The superior audio setup is also a good feature.
Scenario 3: Balanced Use and Modern Features: Choose the Realme 12x for its newer OS, better audio experience, smooth display, increased storage, better chipset, more RAM, and better performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 12x. While the AMOLED display on the Samsung A42 5G is appealing, the overall package of the Realme 12x makes it a more compelling device for me. Specifically:
- The 120Hz refresh rate would significantly improve my daily experience with smoother scrolling and animations.
- The improved performance with the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and the substantial 12GB of RAM is crucial for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing the phone.
- The larger internal storage is a must for my media and app usage.
- I also appreciate the inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and Hi-Res Audio.
I acknowledge that some users might value the AMOLED display of the Samsung A42 5G more than the Realme's advantages, but for my priorities, the Realme 12x offers the best combination of performance, user experience, and modern features.
