1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Similar size, Realme C35 slightly thinner, but overall negligible difference in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 189g | Both feel similar in weight, a minor difference unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Same screen size, equally immersive for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Realme C35 has a sharper display; Text, images, and videos will look significantly clearer. |
| PPI | 266 | 401 | Realme C35's higher pixel density results in sharper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard 60Hz refresh rate, no difference in fluidity of motion. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, no difference in outdoor visibility. Note: Brightness is likely higher than 0 nits, this is missing specification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Unisoc T616 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 750 is significantly more powerful; Expect faster app loading, better multitasking and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 230,726 | A42 5G demonstrates much higher performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 619 offers superior graphics processing performance; Better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Realme C35 has slightly faster charging, resulting in less time plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme C35 has slightly higher resolution, but overall image quality depends on sensor and processing. |
| Front Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A42 5G has higher resolution selfie camera; Realme C35's wider aperture could help with low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A42 5G offers additional versatile wide angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A42 5G has a dedicated sensor for depth detection. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A42 5G has higher resolution macro lens. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme C35 has an additional monochrome camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 1080p@30fps | A42 5G can record higher resolution video. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Digital image stabilization | Realme C35 could have slightly smoother videos while recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | A42 5G gets Android version updates from Android 10 to 13; Realme C35 shipped with Android 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band, Direct | 802.11ac | A42 5G has more wifi features, but both offer similar basic wifi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, with extensive features | 5.0 LE, with EDR | A42 5G has more Bluetooth features, however, both can connect to Bluetooth accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A42 5G supports Galileo, which might provide a better GPS signal. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both come with 128 GB max storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4GB | A42 5G can have more RAM, useful for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones allow for memory expansion via SD card. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A42 5G has an additional fingerprint sensor which is more common in phones |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750 5G chipset provides much higher processing power, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience for all tasks.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the IPS LCD on the Realme C35.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens, portrait mode sensor, and a higher-resolution macro lens which makes it more versatile. It also offers higher resolution selfie camera.
- 4K Video Recording: The ability to record 4K video is a significant advantage for higher-quality videos.
- Higher RAM Options: Offers 6GB/8GB RAM for better multitasking and gaming.
- Galileo GPS: Additional support for satellite systems which can improve location accuracy.
- More comprehensive bluetooth features: more features allow better connectivity with more devices.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution screen provides significantly clearer visuals for text and images.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 18W charging is marginally faster than the 15W offered by the Samsung.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a more modern biometric unlocking method.
- Digital Image Stabilization: Can provide smoother videos while recording.
- More Recent Android OS: While A42 5G has received updates, C35 ships with a more recent version of Android.
- Monochrome Camera: Allows the user to take black and white photos with dedicated lens.
Trade-offs:
- A42 5G: Superior performance and display but older initial Android version.
- Realme C35: Sharper display and modern features, but inferior processing power and camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who value display quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks, especially for media consumption.
- Users who need a versatile camera system with a wide angle, macro, depth and higher quality video recording.
- Users comfortable with using a fingerprint reader on the display.
- Users that like more features in their phone.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos.
- Taking a variety of photos and videos in different scenarios.
Realme C35 Ideal User:
- Users who value a clear and sharp display for reading and browsing.
- Users who prioritize slightly faster charging.
- Users who prefer a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who like monochrome photography.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday usage such as social media, web browsing, and messaging.
- Users who prefer a sharper screen over a vibrant display.
- Casual photography and video recording.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers a better price-to-value ratio if you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera versatility despite it being an older device.
- The Realme C35 is better for those who value modern design and a sharper display, despite having less performance and camera versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, or is basic usage sufficient?
- Display Preference: Do you value a vibrant AMOLED display or a sharper LCD?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system or is a basic setup sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you frequently play games, edit photos or videos, or multitask heavily, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is the better choice due to its superior performance and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User): If you primarily use your phone for everyday tasks and prioritize a sharper display and slightly faster charging, the Realme C35 is a good option.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you enjoy taking a variety of photos with different lenses and shooting higher resolution videos, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is more suitable, despite it being older.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. Despite being the older of the two, its significantly superior processing power and better display would provide a much better user experience for my use case. I like to play games on my phone and also watch movies from time to time, which would be much better on the AMOLED display with its vibrant colors. I also value camera versatility, and the wide angle and depth sensors of the A42 5G are preferable to the monochrome sensor on the C35. The A42 also offers higher resolution video recording which is useful for social media. While the C35 has a sharper display, I value the more vibrant display of the AMOLED more than the sharpness of the C35, therefore the overall experience would be significantly better on the A42.
