Samsung's budget 5G lineup offers compelling options, but choosing between the Galaxy F42 5G and A22 5G can be tricky. Both phones pack a punch for their price, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A22 5G edges out the F42 5G due to its superior battery life and slightly better display brightness. While both share the same Dimensity 700 chipset, the A22's endurance and screen make it a more well-rounded package for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 29 | 2021, June 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2021, June 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 |
| 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, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1152p@30fps | 1152p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Aqua, Matte Black | Gray, White, Mint, Violet |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-A226B, SM-A226B/DS, SM-A226B/DSN, SM-A226BR, SM-A226BR/N, SM-A226L, SC-56B |
| Price | About 240 EUR | £ 92.00 / € 125.99 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.73 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 118h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.5 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 242155 (v8), 223188 (v9)
GeekBench: 6913 (v4.4), 1719 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- Potentially lower price
- Modern design
- 5G connectivity
- Lower battery life
- Likely lower display brightness
- 15W charging is slow
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Brighter display
- 5G connectivity
- Good value for money
- Design might feel slightly dated
- 15W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, offering a large viewing area. However, the A22 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 385 nits, providing better visibility outdoors compared to the F42 5G's likely lower brightness. The contrast ratio is similar at 1631:1, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not explicitly provided, but both phones likely offer a versatile quad-camera setup. Expect a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, macro lens, and depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable, with Samsung's image processing algorithms playing a key role.
Performance
Under the hood, both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and an Octa-core CPU. Performance will be largely similar for everyday tasks, browsing, and social media. Demanding games might require lower graphics settings on both phones.
Battery Life
This is where the A22 5G truly shines. It boasts an impressive endurance rating of 118 hours, significantly outperforming the F42 5G. While both have 15W wired charging, the A22 5G's larger battery capacity translates to longer usage times between charges.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G? Users prioritizing a slightly more modern design and potentially a lower price point (depending on regional availability) might find the F42 appealing. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G? Those seeking exceptional battery life and a brighter display for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions will benefit from the A22 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both phones share the same Dimensity 700 chipset, so gaming performance will be similar. Expect to play most games, but you might need to lower graphics settings for demanding titles.
❓ Is 15W charging fast enough?
15W charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours for both phones.