The TCL 20 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded budget 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver next-generation connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer identical 144-hour endurance ratings, the Snapdragon 750 5G provides a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 690 in the TCL 20 5G, justifying the small price difference for those who multitask or game.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 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 |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 07 | 2020, September 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 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· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| 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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Gray, Placid Blue | Prism Dot Black, Prism Dot White, Prism Dot Gray |
| Models | T781, T781K, T781H | SM-A426B, SM-A426B/DS, SM-A4260, SM-A426U, SM-A426U1, SM-A426N |
| Price | About 300 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) |
TCL 20 5G
- Faster charging with QC4 support (18W)
- Potentially lower price point
- Solid 5G connectivity
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 690)
- Display brightness likely lower than A42 5G
- Limited camera details available
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 750)
- Brighter display (570 nits)
- Samsung's typically refined software experience
- Slower charging (15W)
- Potentially higher price
- Identical battery endurance to TCL 20 5G
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 570 nits, compared to the TCL 20 5G, for which brightness data is unavailable. This difference translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term indicating deep blacks typical of OLED or AMOLED panels (though panel type isn't specified). The lack of high refresh rate information for either device suggests standard 60Hz panels, which is common in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of Samsung typically prioritizes camera performance, suggesting potentially better image processing algorithms and software features on the A42 5G. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either phone suggests reliance on digital stabilization, which can introduce artifacts in videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the TCL 20 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G features the Snapdragon 750 5G. The 750, built on the same 8nm process, has faster CPU cores (2.2 GHz Kryo 570 vs 2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold) and a slightly faster GPU. This translates to a more responsive experience when running multiple apps or playing graphically intensive games. While both use 8nm fabrication, the 750's architectural improvements provide a performance advantage. The TCL 20 5G's Snapdragon 690 is still capable for everyday tasks, but will show its limitations more readily.
Battery Life
Both the TCL 20 5G and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G achieve an endurance rating of 144 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life. However, the TCL 20 5G supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) technology, offering faster charging speeds than the A42 5G’s 15W charging. This means the TCL 20 5G can replenish its battery more quickly, a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20 5G if you prioritize quick charging with its QC4 support and are looking for the absolute lowest price point for 5G connectivity. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G if you value a smoother overall user experience, slightly faster processing speeds for demanding apps, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750 in the A42 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 750 5G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Snapdragon 690 in the TCL 20 5G, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates, but don't anticipate maxing out all graphics settings.
❓ Does the TCL 20 5G's Quick Charge 4 support work with any USB-C charger, or do I need a specific one?
The TCL 20 5G supports Quick Charge 4 (QC4), but to achieve the full 18W charging speed, you'll need a USB-C charger that also supports the QC4 standard. Using a standard USB-C charger will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate. Check the charger's specifications to confirm QC4 compatibility.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the Snapdragon 690 and Snapdragon 750 in real-world usage?
Both chipsets support 5G, but the Snapdragon 750 generally offers slightly faster 5G speeds and better network aggregation capabilities. This translates to more consistent and reliable 5G connectivity, particularly in areas with weaker signal strength. However, the actual difference in speed will depend heavily on your carrier and location.
