1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Realme 9 Pro+ is more compact and pocketable, Samsung A42 5G is larger and might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 193g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | Samsung A42 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a significantly sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 266 | 411 | Realme 9 Pro+ offers noticeably higher pixel density, leading to a more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 9 Pro+ has smoother animations, improving the overall user experience (scrolling, gaming). |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, though the actual usable brightness and outdoor visibility aren't indicated by the spec. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro+ has a more powerful, newer chipset with better efficiency, resulting in faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 496,970 | Realme 9 Pro+ is significantly faster for app loading and general usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, but the Realme 9 Pro+'s Mali-G68 MC4 offers better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP | 50MP | Slightly higher resolution on Realme 9 Pro+, though difference might not be noticeable in most cases. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Realme 9 Pro+ has a larger sensor, enabling better light capture, improving low-light photos and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 20MP | 16MP | Samsung A42 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more details in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung A42 5G has a wider aperture for brighter selfie photos. |
| Wide Angle Res. | 5MP | 8MP | Realme 9 Pro+ captures wider shots with more detail compared to Samsung A42 5G. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP | None | Samsung A42 5G has a dedicated depth camera for portraits. |
| Macro Camera Res. | 5MP | 2MP | Samsung A42 5G has a higher resolution macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps | Realme 9 Pro+ has superior video recording capabilities with multiple frame rate options and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). |
| Camera Features | PDAF | OIS, EIS, Night Mode, RAW | Realme 9 Pro+ has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for less blurry photos and videos, with extra manual control through RAW capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung A42 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 60W | Realme 9 Pro+ has significantly faster charging, getting you back to full power much quicker. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Max Version | Android 13 | Android 13 | Both will receive the same Android version updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Realme 9 Pro+ supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more stable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Realme 9 Pro+ has newer Bluetooth version for better performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme 9 Pro+ has better satellite support for more accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | Realme 9 Pro+ offers a larger 256GB storage variant for users needing more space. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both have similar options for RAM, suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Realme 9 Pro+ offers superior audio quality with enhanced features for a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 Pro+ offers much better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 9 Pro+ additionally features: Heart Rate. Samsung Galaxy A42 5G additionally features: Compass |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh provides potentially better battery life compared to the Realme 9 Pro+'s 4500mAh.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 20MP front-facing camera captures more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
Higher Resolution Macro Camera: 5MP macro camera compared to Realme's 2MP.
Practical Implications: The Samsung A42 5G might be preferred by users who prioritize battery life, selfie quality, and portrait and macro photography.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: The MediaTek Dimensity 920 offers substantially better performance.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 90Hz refresh rate leads to smoother scrolling and overall better user experience.
- Higher Resolution and Pixel Density Display: Sharper and more detailed display due to higher resolution and pixel density.
- Faster Charging: 60W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor captures more light and detail, improving image quality.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) & Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Reduces blur in photos and videos.
- More advanced Video Recording Capabilities: Better quality video at various frame rates along with EIS.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a superior audio experience.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Supports newer standards, resulting in improved wireless performance.
Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection: Better protection against scratches and drops.
Practical Implications: The Realme 9 Pro+ is better suited for users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera quality, fast charging and a better audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a slightly larger battery, but the Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster, so the Realme will be charged and back in use quicker.
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits and a better macro lens, while the Realme 9 Pro+ has better overall image quality and video features.
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G has a slightly bigger display but the Realme 9 Pro+ has a higher resolution display, which is more important for a better visual experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize longer battery life.
- Those who take frequent selfies and use portrait mode often.
- Users with less demanding tasks who prioritize basic smartphone functions.
Budget-conscious consumers who need a basic phone with 5G.
Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, basic photography, extended battery usage on a single charge.
Realme 9 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Those who value a high-quality display with smooth scrolling.
- Users who prioritize faster charging times.
- Mobile photographers and videographers seeking better camera capabilities.
Users who enjoy immersive audio experiences.
Use Cases: Gaming, video streaming, high-quality photography, content creation, fast charging on the go.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 9 Pro+ offers a significantly better price-to-value ratio due to its superior performance, display, camera, and fast charging.
- The Samsung A42 5G might be a good option for users on an extremely tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget and are both within reach? If one is drastically more expensive, the decision is made easier.
- What are my primary use cases? If it's gaming or media consumption, the Realme 9 Pro+ is a better choice. If it's basic usage with a focus on selfies and potentially longer battery life, the A42 5G could be considered.
- How important is charging time? If quick charging is a priority, the Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W fast charging is a standout feature.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its superior performance and smoother display.
- Scenario 2: Basic Usage and Battery Life: The Samsung A42 5G could work, but the Realme 9 Pro+ is still the better option.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its better main camera sensor, OIS, EIS, and video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious: If budget is the absolute priority, the A42 5G may be sufficient. Otherwise, the Realme 9 Pro+ will offer the best performance for a slight premium.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 9 Pro+. While the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers a slightly larger battery and higher-resolution front and macro cameras, the Realme 9 Pro+’s advantages in almost every other crucial area are too compelling to ignore. The Realme has a much more powerful processor, a superior display with a 90Hz refresh rate, significantly faster charging, better main camera sensor with OIS and EIS, better video capabilities, and enhanced audio features.
The primary benefits of the A42 5G are its slightly larger battery and better selfie and macro cameras, but these features cannot compete with the Realme’s overall performance and quality of experience. The Realme 9 Pro+ is a better all-around device and offers much better value for most users. The differences in display resolution, performance and charging speeds are the biggest advantages for me and these far outweigh the marginal gains offered by the Samsung.
