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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a high-quality camera, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is superior with better photo and video quality, and has a larger array of camera features like a telephoto lens. It also has a more premium build with a glass back, a higher resolution and larger screen, and better overall performance due to more RAM and a more advanced processor. However, it's more expensive compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42, which has a plastic back and lower camera quality. If you're looking for a more affordable option with decent performance and 5G connectivity, the Galaxy A42 might be suitable, but you'll compromise on camera capabilities and screen quality. 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 Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Very good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
- Best in class display quality
- Good performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A42
- Best in class battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
8.0
5.3
The Google Pixel 6 Pro has very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 has poor overall camera quality.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro offers superior selfie quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42, underlining a considerable advantage in aspects such as photo resolution, photo software experience, dynamic range, and versatility. Moreover, the Pixel 6 Pro performs better in low light conditions for both photos and videos, which, along with its higher video resolution and more advanced software experience, sets it apart from the Galaxy A42 in camera performance.
Photo Quality
8.0
5.3
The Google Pixel 6 Pro takes very good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor photos.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro captures very good photos partly due to its superior photos software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes fair photos with lower dynamic range, underwhelming low light capabilities, and less advanced photos software experience.
Video Quality
7.3
5.2
The Google Pixel 6 Pro takes good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor videos.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro delivers higher quality video capture with excellent stabilization, dynamic range, low light performance, mic quality, and video resolution/frame rate, ensuring smoother and more detailed footage in a variety of conditions. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A42's video capture capabilities are limited, with lower scores in the same categories, resulting in less clear, stable, and detailed videos, especially in challenging lighting or action scenarios.
Battery
6.7 Hours
10.7 Hours
The Google Pixel 6 Pro has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A42 has 10.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$309
$360
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Google Pixel 6 Pro has a price of $309 and the Samsung Galaxy A42 costs $360.
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Key similarities
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 6 Pro has a screen size of 6.71 inches and the Samsung Galaxy A42 is 6.6 inches.
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How the Google Pixel 6 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A42 compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel 6 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A42 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$309 | $360 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | ||
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 28, 2022 | November 11, 2020 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.71" | 6.6" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 1600 x 720 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 512 | 266 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Tensor | SD750 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 64 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 12 GB | 4 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 8.1/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Super Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Macro | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 50 megapixels + OIS | 48 megapixels | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.7 Hours | 10.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 5003 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | No | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 23 W | 0 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | Yes (5 watts) | No | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.45" x 2.99" | 6.47" x 2.99" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.41 oz | 6.81 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | No | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 5 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | Yes (Except Verizon Models) | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny | Black, Gray, White | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | Yes | |
Shopping
Google Pixel 6 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
James Peckham | August 2022
"The Google Pixel 6 Pro has one of the best screens you’ll find on a smartphone, and you’ll get a bright and bold picture no matter what you’re doing. That’s a big deal for many, and for some it may be reason enough to buy this phone. Its main sensor is fantastic, the telephoto is strong and there are new exciting software features too."
Samsung Galaxy A42
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Ara Wagoner | July 2021
"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."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel 6 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy A42
About Google
Google can be considered a relatively new player in the smartphone industry, joining as late as 2016 with their phone, the Google Pixel. Since then, the Pixel lineup has undergone many changes, but it has always been characterized by a focus on photography and clean software, by providing a pure Android experience. By virtue of Google being the creator of the Android operating system, Pixels are known for receiving timely software updates and for being supported with updates for a long time. Additionally, over the past few generations of devices, Google started designing their own processors. This allowed for the implementation of unique software features that are not present in any other phone, such as automatic call screening and unique voice transcribing capabilities.
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.
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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.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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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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