The T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G represent compelling options in the sub-$300 5G smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with different chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw processing power and potentially better long-term software support, the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a smaller 7nm process, offers a slight edge in performance over the Samsung’s Snapdragon 750 5G, despite the A42’s brighter display.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 01 | 2020, September 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 12 | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.7 x 77.5 x 7.1 mm (6.84 x 3.05 x 0.28 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 | - | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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 MT6833 Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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 |
| Single | 16 MP | - |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 20 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.78", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black | Prism Dot Black, Prism Dot White, Prism Dot Gray |
| Models | - | SM-A426B, SM-A426B/DS, SM-A4260, SM-A426U, SM-A426U1, SM-A426N |
| Price | About 170 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 V+ 5G
- Potentially better performance due to 7nm Dimensity 700 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Likely better thermal management
- Display brightness likely lower than the A42 5G
- Less established brand recognition
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
- Brighter 570 nit display for outdoor visibility
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Established brand reputation
- 8nm Snapdragon 750 5G may throttle more under load
- Slower 15W wired charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 570 nits. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently use their phones outdoors in direct sunlight. While the REVVL V+ 5G’s display specs are not provided, the A42’s infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical AMOLED panel, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The lack of refresh rate information for either device suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz, a common feature in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both rely on similar-tier sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on many devices in this segment is likely, but its utility is questionable. Image processing will likely be a key differentiator, with Samsung’s software typically prioritizing vibrant, saturated colors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G utilizes the Mediatek MT6833 Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G’s Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G, built on an 8nm process. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz performance cores, the 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 generally translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. The A42’s Kryo 570 cores run at 1.8 GHz, slightly slower than the REVVL’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, potentially impacting multi-tasking performance.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G share an identical endurance rating of 144 hours. This suggests similar battery optimization and usage patterns. However, the REVVL V+ 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the A42 5G is limited to 15W. This means the REVVL V+ 5G will likely charge slightly faster, potentially offsetting any minor battery capacity differences (which are not specified).
Buying Guide
Buy the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G if you need a phone that can handle multitasking and light gaming with a bit more headroom. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G if you prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility and prefer the Samsung ecosystem and One UI software experience. Both phones offer comparable battery life, rated at 144 hours of endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the REVVL V+ 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings for a smooth experience. The 7nm process helps mitigate throttling, but it’s not a flagship-level chipset. Expect medium settings to provide a good balance between visual fidelity and performance.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G support VoLTE and 5G on all T-Mobile bands?
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G generally supports T-Mobile’s 5G network, but band compatibility can vary. It’s crucial to check T-Mobile’s official compatibility list for the A42 5G to ensure full support for VoLTE and 5G in your specific area. Some older firmware versions may have limited band support.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between T-Mobile and Samsung for these devices?
Samsung typically provides longer software support for its Galaxy A series than T-Mobile does for its REVVL devices. Expect at least two major Android updates and three years of security patches for the A42 5G, while the REVVL V+ 5G may receive only one major update and two years of security patches.
