Choosing between Samsung's Galaxy F and M series can be tricky. Both offer 5G connectivity and attractive features, but cater to slightly different budgets and priorities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M33 emerges as the stronger contender thanks to its superior Exynos 1280 chipset, faster charging, and reverse charging capabilities. While the F42 5G is a decent budget option, the M33 offers a more premium experience overall.
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 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, 66, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 29 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2022, April 08 |
| 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) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 198 g (Global) / 215 g (India) (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired
4.5W reverse wired |
| 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 | Green, Blue, Brown |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-M336B, SM-M336B/DS, SM-M336BU, SM-M336BU/DS, SM-M336K |
| Price | About 240 EUR | £ 299.00 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 1.04 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- Affordable price
- Large 6.6-inch display
- 5G connectivity
- Large battery capacity (6000mAh)
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Potentially less refined camera performance
- No reverse charging
Samsung Galaxy M33
- More powerful Exynos 1280 chipset
- Faster charging speed (25W)
- Reverse wired charging (4.5W)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Slightly more premium feel
- Slightly higher price
- Similar display size to F42 5G
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.6-inch FHD+ display, likely with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate (further research needed to confirm exact refresh rate for F42 5G). The M33's display might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to the Exynos chipset's better image processing capabilities. However, the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a quad-camera setup (further research needed to confirm exact megapixel counts), the M33's Exynos 1280 chipset should provide better image processing, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in low-light conditions. Expect improved video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
The Exynos 1280 in the M33 is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 700 in the F42 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M33. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Exynos 1280 provide a noticeable boost over the Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 700.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 6000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. However, the M33's 25W wired charging is considerably faster than the F42 5G's 15W charging. The M33 also boasts 4.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a large display. The Samsung Galaxy M33 is a better choice for those seeking better performance, faster charging, and a more refined overall experience, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G good for gaming?
While it can handle casual games, the F42 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset might struggle with demanding titles. The M33 offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M33 charge other phones?
Yes, the M33 supports 4.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices using a USB-C cable.