Choosing a new Samsung phone can be tough, especially with so many options. The Galaxy F42 5G and Galaxy A52 are both mid-range contenders, but they offer different strengths. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A52 generally edges out the F42 5G thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and slightly more refined software experience. However, the F42 5G offers 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users prioritizing 5G.
| 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 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 29 | 2021, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2021, March 26 |
| 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) | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, 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 |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1152p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Aqua, Matte Black | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-A525F, SM-A525F/DS, SM-A525M, SM-A525M/DS |
| Price | About 240 EUR | C$ 699.00 / £ 129.99 / € 169.89 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 105h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 261282 (v8)
GeekBench: 5865 (v4.4), 1577 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Large Display
- Modern Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Competitive Price
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Less Refined Software
Samsung Galaxy A52
- Brighter Display (794 nits)
- Faster Charging (25W)
- Better Performance (Snapdragon 720G)
- Excellent Battery Life (105h Endurance)
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Older Design
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A52 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 794 nits peak brightness, making it easier to view outdoors. The F42 5G's display is adequate but lacks the same vibrancy and outdoor visibility. The A52's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deeper blacks, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the A52 likely has a slight edge in image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. The A52's camera software is also generally considered more refined. Both offer Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the F42 5G is a capable chipset, but the Snapdragon 720G in the A52 generally offers slightly better performance in everyday tasks and gaming. While both are octa-core, the Kryo cores in the Snapdragon often provide a smoother experience. The 8nm process of the A52's chipset also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A52 shines here with an impressive endurance rating of 105 hours. The F42 5G's battery life is respectable, but not as exceptional. The A52's 25W charging is also faster than the F42 5G's 15W wired charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G? Users seeking a budget-friendly 5G phone with a large display. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A52? Users prioritizing a brighter display, faster charging, and a more polished overall experience, even if it means sacrificing 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G worth buying if I need 5G?
Yes, the F42 5G is a good option if 5G connectivity is a priority and you're on a budget. However, consider if the trade-offs in display brightness and charging speed are acceptable.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A52 has significantly better battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 105 hours compared to the F42 5G's respectable but lower rating.
