The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G and Galaxy A14 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena. Both offer 5G connectivity and Samsung's reliable software, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy F42 5G edges out the A14 thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering noticeably better performance. While the A14 has a slightly better display, the F42 5G's processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 29 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1152p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Aqua, Matte Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 240 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- Generally better performance
- Large Display
- Slightly less vibrant display (potentially)
- 15W charging is slow
- Availability may vary
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Potentially better display quality
- More established device (potentially wider availability)
- Large Display
- 50MP Main Camera
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
- Slower performance
- 15W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the A14 generally has a slightly better panel with potentially higher brightness and color accuracy. The F42 5G's display is adequate but may not be as vibrant. Resolution is likely to be FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The F42 5G typically features a 50MP main camera, while the A14 has a 50MP main camera as well. Image quality is likely to be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the F42 5G's processor might offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance will depend on software optimization.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the F42 5G is significantly faster than the Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) in the A14. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the F42 5G. The A14's performance is adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. However, the F42 5G's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in real-world usage. Both phones support 15W charging, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance and 5G connectivity on a budget. The Galaxy A14 is a good option for those who value a slightly better display and a more established, potentially more readily available device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A14 more readily available?
Generally, the Galaxy A14 has wider availability, especially in certain regions, as it's a more established model.
❓ Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A14 support 5G connectivity.