Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Realme 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | Realme 8 is more compact and comfortable for one-handed use. A42 5G may feel bulky in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 193g | 177g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | A42 5G offers a slightly larger screen, which might be preferable for media consumption, but it might feel less comfortable in the hand |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 8 provides a significantly sharper and clearer viewing experience, with much more detail and text clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 411 PPI | Realme 8's higher pixel density results in a much crisper display, making images and text appear significantly less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but Realme 8's higher resolution will still look better. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rate, which is common for basic use but is not suitable for competitive mobile gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 8 is drastically better in outdoor visibility, which will be a noticeable difference in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G | Helio G95 | Both are midrange chipsets; Snapdragon 750 5G provides good balance of performance and power efficiency while Helio G95 provides higher graphical power |
| Antutu Score | 392,400 | 409,874 | Performance is similar; both handle daily tasks smoothly but might struggle slightly with high-end games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Similar graphical performance, adequate for modern mobile games but might have variations in specific titles. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 64MP f/1.79 | Realme 8 captures higher-resolution photos with a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | Samsung A42 5G has higher resolution front camera with a wider aperture which results in better selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.25 | Realme 8 offers higher resolution for wide-angle shots with a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP f/2.4 | None | Samsung A42 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh in portrait mode, while Realme 8 relies on software algorithms. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Samsung A42 5G provides higher resolution macro shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme 8 has an additional black and white sensor lens |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/480fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Realme 8 has additional 1080p@60 and 120 fps recording features which allows for better video recording, Both record in 4k@30 fps |
| Camera Features | PDAF, Continuous, Panorama | EIS, Ultra Stable | Samsung A42 5G has better autofocus, while Realme 8 has digital image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, offering similar battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast | 30W Fast | Realme 8 charges significantly faster, reducing charging time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Realme 8 has newer Android out of the box but doesn't have an official future updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities, Both have: Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Realme 8 additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Realme 8 has a newer version with better efficiency and connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both have 128 GB storage, but only the Realme 8 has a 64GB variant |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both come with sufficient RAM for multitasking, but more RAM helps with heavy applications and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio | Realme 8 provides higher quality audio playback for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Motion | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Both phones have basic motion sensors with small differences in available sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.6" screen can be preferred for media consumption or users who like a bigger viewing area.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for potentially better selfie photos and videos.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The dedicated depth sensor contributes to better bokeh effects in portrait mode.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): PDAF provides faster and more accurate autofocus, beneficial for photography.
- Continuous shooting and Panorama features: Additional features on the camera.
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a much better visual experience, with sharper text and images.
- Higher Display Brightness: 1000 nits brightness makes it much more usable in direct sunlight compared to the Galaxy A42 5G.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging significantly reduces the time it takes to charge the phone.
- Better Standard Camera: 64MP standard camera for higher resolution photos and videos with slightly wider aperture for low light.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Better efficiency and connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 LE.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better audio playback for audiophiles.
- Black & White lens: additional black & white sensor lens.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A42 5G: Has a larger screen but lower resolution and display brightness. It has a better selfie camera but has slower charging speeds and a basic audio feature.
- Realme 8: Has a sharper screen, but it is smaller than the Samsung A42. It has a better standard camera but a lower resolution and narrower aperture selfie camera. It has a faster charging, but no dedicated depth sensor, and also no expandable storage
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and don't mind the lower resolution display. Those who take lots of selfies and are interested in the additional features.
- Use Cases: Watching movies and videos, browsing the web, and social media. Users who appreciate having PDAF.
- Price-to-Value: Might be a good value for users needing a larger display and who prioritize the camera, but it might be outclassed by the Realme 8 for the same price.
Realme 8:
- Ideal User: Users who value display quality, fast charging, and better camera for its price. Those who prefer a lighter and more compact phone.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography, video consumption, and regular use in bright sunlight. Users who appreciate the fast charging and the better audio features.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for users wanting a balanced smartphone with a great screen, good main camera, and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Priority: Do you prioritize display size, or is a higher resolution and brightness more important?
- Camera Needs: Do you take lots of selfies or prefer to focus on the main camera and its ability in low light?
- Charging Habits: Do you need fast charging, or do you prefer battery life with normal charging speeds?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Outdoor Use): If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Realme 8 is the clear winner due to its much higher screen brightness.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption): If a larger display is crucial for watching content, the Samsung A42 5G is the better choice. However, the lower resolution may be a concern.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you prioritize higher standard camera quality and faster charging, the Realme 8 is the better choice. If you take a lot of selfies, the Samsung A42 5G may be more suitable.
- Scenario 4 (Budget-Conscious Shopper): The Realme 8 generally offers a better value due to its superior display, faster charging and better standard camera.
- Scenario 5 (Smooth Performance): Both phones offer similar performance for basic tasks and games. However, the Realme 8 has a slight advantage in the display and a slightly better main camera.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 8. Here's why:
- Superior Display: The significantly higher resolution and brightness of the Realme 8 make it much more enjoyable for daily use, especially for browsing, watching videos, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: The 30W fast charging is a huge convenience, ensuring I can quickly top up the phone before heading out.
- Balanced Performance: While both have similar benchmarks, the practical combination of a better display and faster charging is something I prioritize.
- Better Standard Camera: The standard camera resolution is better than the Samsung A42 5G and is something I prioritize over the selfie camera since I don't use it as much.
- Hi-Res Audio: As someone who likes listening to music, Hi-Res audio is a big plus.
While the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a larger display, the lower resolution and brightness are significant drawbacks for me. The Realme 8 offers a more well-rounded package with its focus on display quality, charging speed, and main camera performance. The differences in other features between the two devices such as the software and additional sensors are not enough to sway my decision between the two devices.
