Samsung review
Galaxy A42 5G (A426 2020)
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers exceptional multi-day battery life and practical connectivity, though its low-resolution screen and aging hardware reflect its budget roots.
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers exceptional multi-day battery life and practical connectivity, though its low-resolution screen and aging hardware reflect its budget roots.
Pros
- +Massive 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts two days of moderate use
- +Super AMOLED panel delivers excellent contrast and deep blacks
- +Snapdragon 750 5G holds up well for everyday daily tasks
- +Plastic back construction is resilient against drop shatters
- +Expandable microSD storage offers flexible capacity expansion
Cons
- −Low HD+ (720p) resolution shows slight soft edges on a 6.6-inch panel
- −Glossy plastic back easily collects micro-scratches without a case
- −Primary cameras struggle in low-light environments
- −Official software updates have concluded at Android 13
Overview
Released in late 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G (A426) served as an accessible entry point into sub-6GHz 5G networking. By combining a power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G chipset with a large 5,000 mAh battery and a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen, Samsung focused heavily on long endurance and solid connectivity over high-end performance.
In today's landscape, the Galaxy A42 5G occupies a role as a dependable secondary phone or budget utility device. While official system updates have concluded with One UI 5 on Android 13, the underlying hardware continues to manage web browsing, messaging, video streaming, and basic navigation with ease.
Design and build
Samsung used a layered geometric finish on the back of the device, dubbed "Glasstic." While designed to mimic the reflection of glass, the rear panel is entirely polycarbonate. From an ownership perspective, this construction brings practical advantages: unlike glass-backed devices that shatter upon impact, plastic absorbs drop forces far better, minimizing catastrophic rear damage. However, polycarbonate is softer than glass, meaning micro-abrasions and scuffs accumulate quickly if used without a protective cover.
The overall footprint is substantial due to the 6.6-inch display, yet at 193 grams, it feels manageable in hand. Physical buttons provide positive feedback, while the optical in-display fingerprint scanner offers acceptable, if slightly deliberate, unlock speeds.
Everyday performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G processor alongside 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the Galaxy A42 5G handles baseline daily workloads fluidly. Web pages render without major delays, media apps load promptly, and background multitasking remains stable for lighter applications.
The display hardware presents a trade-off. While Samsung opted for a Super AMOLED matrix—granting excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and deep black levels—the resolution is capped at HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels). On a 6.6-inch screen, pixel density falls under 300 ppi, meaning fine text lacks the razor-sharp rendering of 1080p panels. Nonetheless, for video streaming and simple viewing, the vivid AMOLED punch helps compensate for the lower resolution.
Battery, durability, and longevity
The defining strength of the Galaxy A42 5G is its 5,000 mAh lithium-polymer battery. Pair this capacity with an 8nm Snapdragon chip and a low-resolution 720p screen, and energy draw remains remarkably low. Many owners report achieving two full days between charges under routine usage patterns.
As the device ages, lithium-ion health naturally declines after hundreds of charge cycles. Fortunately, the plastic construction and moderate internal adhesive layout make hardware maintenance more accessible compared to glass-sandwich flagship phones, extending the total service life of the chassis.
Common issues owners hit
While the Galaxy A42 5G is mechanically robust, long-term ownership eventually uncovers standard wear-and-tear areas:
- Battery Degradation: Reduced runtime per charge or unexpected voltage drops under heavy demands after multiple years of service.
- Worn Charging Port: Inconsistent fast charging or loose USB-C cables resulting from port wear or debris accumulation.
- Front Glass Damage: Cracks or touch responsiveness issues following accidental drops, requiring a complete front panel swap.
- Rear Panel Scuffs: The glossy plastic back panel showing visible scratches and oil retention without a case.
If you are evaluating hardware behavior or troubleshooting performance, checking our dedicated device page and reviewing the problems hub offers deeper insight into common component wear.
Who it's for
The Galaxy A42 5G is ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly secondary device, a long-lasting phone for light daily use, or a dependable travel unit with 5G connectivity. Buyers who prioritize high-refresh-rate displays, sharp 1080p text, or extended software update roadmaps should look toward newer generations, but those who value battery life above all else will find plenty of utility here.
Bottom line
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G strikes a pragmatic balance between long battery endurance and accessible performance. To explore maintenance tips and keep your equipment operating efficiently over time, feel free to consult our technical guides.
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Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G remains a practical budget workhorse, driven by remarkable battery endurance and modest overall hardware that satisfies fundamental everyday tasks.
