If you're looking for a more premium device and can afford it, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ might be the better choice, as it offers a higher-quality camera, a more powerful processor, and more RAM, which translates into better overall performance and camera capabilities. It also has a higher resolution and higher refresh rate display which means smoother visuals. The S21+ also has a glass back compared to the A42's plastic, giving it a more high-end feel. Conversely, if battery life is a priority, the A42 has a longer battery life, and a larger screen size, but with a lower screen resolution and refresh rate. Both phones run Android, but the S21+ is a newer model and may receive updates longer. If expandable storage is important to you, the A42 has an SD card slot while the S21+ does not. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A42
Best in class battery life
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
Good for taking photos
Fair for recording videos
Very good display quality
Good performance
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
5.3/10
7.2/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 has poor overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ boasts a superior camera system, with better overall scores in essentials such as software experience, camera versatility, and low light performance, all of which contribute to its good photo dynamic range and excellent selfie quality. The Samsung Galaxy A42, while more budget-friendly, has lower performance in these areas, resulting in a less versatile camera setup and poorer selfie quality.
Photo Quality
5.3/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ produces better photos than the Samsung Galaxy A42 as it has a better software experience, enhanced dynamic range, superior low light performance, and greater camera versatility. Although both have similar selfie camera quality, the overall camera capabilities of the S21+ are superior due to its higher photo resolution and more advanced photo processing technology.
Video Quality
5.2/10
6.6/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor videos largely due to its fair performance in video resolution and framerate, poor ratings in video stabilization, dynamic range, low light performance, and mic quality. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ records good videos as it has the best marks for video resolution and framerate, along with good stabilization, dynamic range, low light capability, and mic quality.
Battery
10.7 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy A42 has 10.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 8 hours of battery life.
"I need a battery that won't care if I forget to charge it every night, and I need a nice big screen for watching my shows on the go. The 5,000mAh battery will let you get two full days out of the A42. The A42 is right up your alley as an affordable 5G phone that won't die just because you had to crash at a friend's and forgot your phone charger at home."
"All told, Samsung nailed it with the Galaxy S21 Plus. It has most of the strengths of the smaller S21 in a bigger package. It’s got a lot going for it. If you’re coming from an older device, like the Galaxy S10 series, this is a solid upgrade."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy A42 or the Samsung Galaxy S21+
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the phone team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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