Samsung Galaxy A42 5G smartphone

Photo: Striker9498 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

November 11, 2020 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is a mid-range Android smartphone offering 5G connectivity, a large Super AMOLED display, and a versatile quad-camera system. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor and features a substantial 5000 mAh battery, making it a solid option for users seeking affordable 5G and long endurance.
Display6.6" Super AMOLED, 720x1600 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 750G
Main Camera48MP Quad Camera
Battery5000 mAh with 15W Fast Charging
Starting from $90

💰 Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Price

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G lowest price is $90, based on current retailer listings.

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED, Infinity-U Display
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)
FeaturesIn-display optical fingerprint scanner

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
GPUAdreno 619
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5

Memory

RAM4GB, 6GB, 8GB
Internal Storage128GB UFS 2.1
Card SlotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot), up to 1TB

Main Camera

Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF; 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide); 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro); 5 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR, Scene Optimizer, Flaw Detection
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
FeaturesSelfie Focus, Smart Beauty, AR Emoji, AR stickers
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Charging15W wired fast charging

Body

Dimensions164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
ColorsPrism Dot Black, Prism Dot White, Prism Dot Gray

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFCYes
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedSeptember 2, 2020
StatusAvailable. Released November 11, 2020
OS at LaunchAndroid 10, One UI 2.5

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Offers 5G connectivity at a competitive mid-range price point.
  • Exceptional battery life from its 5000 mAh capacity.
  • Large and vibrant Super AMOLED display for media consumption.
  • Storage is expandable via microSDXC card up to 1TB.
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature often omitted in newer phones.
  • Versatile quad-camera setup for different photography needs.

Cons

  • The display resolution is only HD+ (720p), which can result in noticeable pixelation.
  • Performance can be sluggish for demanding tasks or heavy multitasking.
  • Camera performance is considered unimpressive by some users compared to competitors.
  • The plastic build is prone to smudges and scratches.
  • Audio quality from the single loudspeaker is mediocre.
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G earns a solid rating for its accessible 5G, impressive battery life, and vibrant display, though its lower resolution screen and occasional performance lags prevent a higher score.

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing 5G connectivity and long battery life. Its large Super AMOLED screen is great for media, but be aware of the HD+ resolution if crispness is a top priority. The quad-camera system offers flexibility for everyday photos, though serious photographers might seek more advanced options. This phone excels as a daily driver for browsing, social media, and light gaming, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It's a practical device for those who value endurance and future-proof connectivity without breaking the bank.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Handset
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • 15W Power Adapter
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card

Samsung typically provides a one-year limited warranty for its smartphones, covering manufacturing defects.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G was officially released on November 11, 2020, following its announcement on September 2, 2020.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G support 5G connectivity?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G fully supports 5G connectivity, including LTE, mid-band 5G, and mmWave, making it one of Samsung's more affordable 5G-enabled devices at its launch.

What kind of display does the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G have?

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G features a large 6.6-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-U Display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+).

How many cameras does the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G have?

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is equipped with a versatile quad-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 48 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, a 5 MP macro camera, and a 5 MP depth sensor. It also has a 20 MP front-facing camera.

What is the battery capacity of the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G comes with a substantial 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, supporting 15W wired fast charging.

Is the storage on the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G expandable?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers expandable storage via a microSDXC card slot, allowing users to increase storage by up to 1TB. This slot is hybrid, meaning it shares space with the second SIM card.