Choosing between two Samsung phones can be tough, especially when they're in a similar price range. The Galaxy F42 5G and Galaxy M32 both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy F42 5G takes the lead thanks to its superior chipset and 5G connectivity. However, the M32's faster charging (in international versions) and potentially better display (depending on region) make it a strong contender. Ultimately, 5G and performance are key differentiators.
| 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 - International |
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 29 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| 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) | 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm (Global) or 9.3 mm (India) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 180 g (Global) / 196 g (India) (6.35 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 (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.9% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (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, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired (International)
15W wired (India) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Ion 5000 mAh (Global)· Li-Ion 6000 mAh (India only) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Aqua, Matte Black | Black, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-M325FV, SM-M325FV/DS, SM-M325F/DS, SM-M325F |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- Superior Performance (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- AMOLED Display
- Good Camera Quality
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Design may be less premium
Samsung Galaxy M32
- Faster Charging (International Version - 25W)
- Potentially Brighter Display (Region Dependent)
- Good Value for Money
- Weaker Performance (Helio G80)
- No 5G
- LCD Panel in some regions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, likely with a 90Hz refresh rate. However, panel technology (AMOLED vs LCD) and peak brightness can vary by region for the M32. The F42 5G consistently uses an AMOLED panel. Expect vibrant colors and good viewing angles on both, but the F42 5G generally offers a slightly better visual experience.
Camera Comparison
The F42 5G typically features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The M32 boasts a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens, plus a 5MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the F42 5G's newer sensor and image processing often result in slightly better image quality, especially in low light.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the F42 5G is significantly more powerful than the Helio G80 in the M32. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the M32 (international version) supports 25W fast charging, while the F42 5G is limited to 15W. The Indian variant of the M32 is limited to 15W charging as well. This difference in charging speed can be a significant factor for some users.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want to future-proof their purchase with 5G. The Galaxy M32 is a good choice for those who value faster charging (international models) and a potentially brighter display, and don't necessarily need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and better performance are important to you, then yes. The Dimensity 700 offers a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G80.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life. The difference lies in charging speed, with the international M32 charging significantly faster.
❓ What is the difference in display quality?
The F42 5G consistently uses an AMOLED display, while the M32's display type can vary by region (AMOLED or LCD).