Samsung Galaxy F42 5G vs Galaxy A34: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing a new Samsung phone can be tough, especially with so many options. The Galaxy F42 5G and Galaxy A34 both offer compelling features at competitive prices. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and more.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A34 emerges as the stronger contender, boasting a brighter display, faster charging, and a more powerful chipset. While the F42 5G offers 5G connectivity, the A34's overall package provides a better user experience and future-proofing.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy F42 5G	Samsung Galaxy A34

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2021, September 29	2023, March 14
Status	Available. Released 2021, October 03	Available. Released 2023, March 24

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)	161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	203 g (7.16 oz)	199 g (7.02 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT LCD, 90Hz	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G68 MC4
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5	Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
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, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video	1152p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)	13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio, recording	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	15W wired	25W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Ion 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Matte Aqua, Matte Black	Lime, Graphite, Violet, Silver
Models	SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS	SM-A346E, SM-A346B, SM-A346B/DS, SM-A346B/DSN, SM-A346E/DS, SM-A346E/DSN, SM-A346M, SM-A346M/N, SM-A346M/DSN, SM-A3460
Price	About 240 EUR	€ 169.99 / $ 175.00 / £ 164.99 / ₹ 23,999
SAR	0.47 W/kg (head)	-
SAR EU	0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body)	0.55 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 133h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 472126 (v9) GeekBench: 2316 (v5.5), 2518 (v6) GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G

5G Connectivity
Decent Display
Affordable Price

Slower Charging (15W)
Less Powerful Chipset
Lower Brightness Display

Samsung Galaxy A34

Brighter Display (1009 nits)
Faster Charging (25W)
More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 1080)
Generally Better Camera Performance

Potentially Higher Price
Infinite Contrast Ratio (Nominal - needs verification)

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A34 takes a clear lead in the display department. Its 1009 nits max brightness is significantly higher than the F42 5G, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors on the A34. While the F42 5G has a decent display, it lacks the vibrancy and brightness of the A34.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. However, the Galaxy A34 generally has a reputation for better camera performance within its price range, likely due to software optimization and potentially better sensors. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.

Performance

The Galaxy A34's Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset (6nm) outperforms the F42 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). The A34's Cortex-A78 cores offer a noticeable speed boost for demanding tasks and gaming. Both phones have 6x Cortex-A55 cores, but the A34's overall architecture is more efficient and powerful.

Battery Life

Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 133h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Galaxy A34's 25W wired charging is significantly faster than the F42 5G's 15W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G? Users prioritizing 5G connectivity on a tight budget. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A34? Those seeking a brighter display, better performance, faster charging, and a more refined overall experience.