Choosing between two similar Samsung phones can be tricky. The Galaxy F42 5G and Galaxy M42 5G both offer 5G connectivity and a large display, but key differences in their processors and features might sway your decision. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is the better fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M42 5G edges out the F42 5G thanks to its Snapdragon 750G chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While both have similar battery life and charging speeds, the M42 5G's superior processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 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, 28, 40, 41, 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 | 2021, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2021, May 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 20 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, 720p@480fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Aqua, Matte Black | Prism Dot Black, Prism Dot Gray |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-M426B, SM-M426B/DS |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.69 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- Large 6.6-inch display
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- 15W charging is slow
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy M42 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Better performance and efficiency
- Smoother multitasking
- Likely slightly better camera processing
- Slightly higher price
- Still uses 15W charging
- Large size may not suit everyone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. Expect a comfortable viewing experience for media consumption and gaming, though neither is a flagship-level display. The panel type is likely an AMOLED on both, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, potentially a 48MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Image quality should be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Snapdragon 750G's image signal processor (ISP) in the M42 5G might offer slightly better processing and low-light performance. Both likely have a 20MP front camera.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Snapdragon 750G in the M42 5G is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Dimensity 700 in the F42 5G. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the M42 5G. The Dimensity 700 is adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. Expect all-day usage with moderate use. However, the Snapdragon 750G's efficiency could give the M42 5G a slight edge in real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and 5G connectivity but aren't as concerned about raw performance. The Samsung Galaxy M42 5G is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, justifying the slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G good for gaming?
The F42 5G can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates due to its less powerful chipset. The M42 5G is a better choice for serious mobile gamers.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones are Samsung devices and will likely receive similar software updates and security patches, though the M42 5G might get updates slightly sooner due to its more recent release.
