The Samsung Galaxy M42 5G: A Budget 5G Challenger or Just Another Me-Too?
Samsung’s Galaxy M42 5G arrived with a bang, promising to bring 5G connectivity to the masses at an enticing price point. But with a plethora of affordable 5G phones already in the market, does the Galaxy M42 5G have what it takes to be a standout contender? Stepping beyond the marketing hype, we delve into the key features and specifications to find out.
Galaxy M42 5G Price in India
The Samsung Galaxy M42 5G is available in two configurations: a base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage priced at Rs. 21,999, and a higher variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage priced at Rs. 23,999. This aggressive price strategy places the M42 5G firmly in the budget 5G segment, attracting potential buyers who are looking for 5G capabilities without breaking the bank.
Galaxy M42 5G Design
The Galaxy M42 5G sports a familiar design language, strikingly similar to the Galaxy A42 5G, which although not yet launched in India, lends a sense of freshness to the M42’s appearance. It boasts a large 6.6-inch display with a dewdrop notch at the top, adding to its overall size. Build quality feels robust, with a polycarbonate back that Samsung calls "Glasstic," although this glossy finish is prone to smudges and fingerprints.
The M42 5G comes in two color options: Prism Dot Gray and Prism Dot Black. Our review unit, the latter, features a color block finish with a solid black top quarter that gradually transitions to lighter shades towards the bottom. The lower three-quarters also exhibit an iridescent pattern when exposed to light. While this might appeal to some, others may find it overly flashy, highlighting the need for more subtle color options.
Samsung’s omission of a protective case in the box exacerbates the fingerprinting issue, making frequent wiping necessary. The square camera module housing four sensors protrudes very slightly from the back, making it unlikely to cause any issues. Button placement is well-executed, easily accessible even when holding the phone, thanks to the curved back panel. The device is relatively slim at 8.6mm thick and weighs 193g, with a well-distributed weight for comfortable handling.
Galaxy M42 5G Specifications
Under the hood, the Galaxy M42 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, a familiar chipset found in direct competitors like the Motorola Moto G 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 10i. This makes for intriguing comparisons, especially considering the price point. The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with an HD+ resolution is a bit of a surprise, particularly at this price range, considering the growing preference for FHD+ displays. Nevertheless, the in-display fingerprint scanner is conveniently located and responsive. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering a degree of scratch resistance.
The front camera boasts a 20-megapixel sensor housed within the dewdrop notch. On the rear, a quad-camera system comprises a 48-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultrawide angle camera, a 5-megapixel macro camera, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor.
The Galaxy M42 5G comes in 6GB and 8GB RAM variants, both offering 128GB of storage. Storage expansion is possible via a hybrid dual-SIM tray, offering up to 1TB expansion, but at the cost of using a second SIM. Here, Samsung could have incorporated a dedicated slot for storage expansion or offered higher storage variants.
The 5,000mAh battery, while bigger than average, falls short of the massive 7,000mAh battery found in the Galaxy M51. The phone supports 15W fast charging and comes bundled with a 15W charger.
On the software front, the Galaxy M42 5G runs OneUI 3.1 (not OneUI Core) built on top of Android 11. It was shipped with the March Android security patch but promptly received an update to the April version. The familiar OneUI interface feels smooth and polished, comparable to the experience on the Galaxy A52. However, there’s pre-installed bloatware which users would be wise to uninstall after setup.
Early Impressions and Conclusion
The Galaxy M42 5G sits in a competitive space, offering 5G connectivity at an appealing starting price. While the Snapdragon 750G processor promises decent performance, the HD+ display seems out of place given the price. Samsung’s decision to offer a hybrid dual-SIM slot for storage expansion, while convenient, comes at the cost of the second SIM, potentially hindering the user experience, especially in a phone with a single storage option.
The 5,000mAh battery and 15W fast charging are a welcome addition, albeit not as impressive as the 7,000mAh battery in the Galaxy M51. The OneUI 3.1 interface provides a refined user experience.
The Galaxy M42 5G has a lot going for it, but its design choices and some questionable specifications may raise concerns about compromises made to achieve the competitive price point. Our full review, which will delve into performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, will determine if the Galaxy M42 5G is a worthy contender in the budget 5G segment.
