T-Mobile REVVL 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: A Detailed Comparison

Both the T-Mobile REVVL 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they achieve this with different chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw processing power and potentially smoother multitasking, the T-Mobile REVVL 5G emerges as the slightly better choice due to its Snapdragon 765 5G chipset. However, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G provides comparable battery endurance and a potentially more refined software experience, making it a strong contender.

PHONES
Phone Names T-Mobile REVVL 5G Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, August 27. Released 2020, September 042020, September 02
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 11
Body
Dimensions165.4 x 76.2 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.00 x 0.37 in)164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight215 g (7.58 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDSuper AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.94", 0.8µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Triple48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP20 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.78", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsNebula BlackPrism Dot Black, Prism Dot White, Prism Dot Gray
ModelsT790W, T790ZSM-A426B, SM-A426B/DS, SM-A4260, SM-A426U, SM-A426U1, SM-A426N
PriceAbout 340 EUR€ 279.99 / £ 139.10
SAR EU-1.15 W/kg (head)     1.33 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 144h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -30.1 LUFS (Below average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 324686 (v8) GeekBench: 1910 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

T-Mobile REVVL 5G

  • Potentially faster single-core performance with Snapdragon 765
  • 5G connectivity at a competitive price point
  • Likely more responsive app launching

  • Display brightness and technology details are unknown
  • Charging speed is unspecified, potentially slower than A42 5G

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

  • Measured 570 nits peak display brightness
  • 15W wired charging for faster replenishment
  • Potentially more refined software experience (Samsung One UI)

  • Snapdragon 750 may offer slightly lower peak performance
  • Reliance on a 2MP macro camera for added functionality

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 570 nits, suggesting a more visible display in direct sunlight compared to the REVVL 5G, for which brightness data is unavailable. While both feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the lack of specific display technology details for the REVVL 5G leaves the A42 5G with a clear advantage in display quality based on available data. The A42 5G's larger screen size (not specified in the data, but generally known) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the provided data lacks specifics regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. Without this information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. However, given Samsung's generally strong camera software and processing, the A42 5G likely delivers more consistently pleasing images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A42 5G (assumed based on typical Samsung A-series offerings) is unlikely to significantly impact overall camera performance, serving primarily as a novelty feature.

Performance

The T-Mobile REVVL 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 5G (7nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G employs the Snapdragon 750 5G (8nm). The 8nm process of the 750G *should* offer improved power efficiency, but the 765G's CPU configuration – with a higher clocked Kryo 475 Prime core at 2.4 GHz versus the A42’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores – suggests a potential edge in single-core performance. Both CPUs share the same 1.8 GHz Kryo core clock speed for the efficiency cores. This translates to the REVVL 5G likely handling single-threaded tasks and quick app launches more responsively, while the A42 5G may excel in sustained multi-core workloads due to its more efficient manufacturing process.

Battery Life

Both the T-Mobile REVVL 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G share an endurance rating of 144 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. The A42 5G supports 15W wired charging, while charging speed for the REVVL 5G is unspecified. This suggests the A42 5G will likely charge faster, offering a more convenient user experience, despite the identical endurance ratings. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750 in the A42 5G may contribute to slightly better power management, extending real-world battery life in certain scenarios.

Buying Guide

Buy the T-Mobile REVVL 5G if you frequently engage in demanding tasks like mobile gaming or video editing and need a phone that can handle them without significant slowdown. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G if you prioritize all-day battery life, a potentially more polished user interface, and are less concerned with achieving peak performance in resource-intensive applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Galaxy A42 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 750G is an efficient chip, sustained gaming can generate heat. However, the 8nm process and Samsung's thermal management design typically prevent significant throttling, allowing for reasonably consistent performance over extended periods. It won't match flagship-level cooling, but it's unlikely to become unusable.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A42 5G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
The 2MP macro camera is largely a marketing feature. Due to its low resolution and typically fixed focus, the resulting images often lack detail and sharpness. It can be fun for experimentation, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography.
❓ Will the T-Mobile REVVL 5G support high frame rate gaming (90fps) in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The REVVL 5G's Snapdragon 765 5G can handle PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 90fps experience is unlikely. Expect playable frame rates in the 60fps range with medium to high graphics settings. Performance will vary depending on the specific game optimization and background processes.
❓ How does the software update support compare between T-Mobile and Samsung for these devices?
Samsung generally provides more consistent and longer-term software update support for its A-series devices compared to T-Mobile's REVVL line. Expect the Galaxy A42 5G to receive more Android version updates and security patches over its lifespan.