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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For a budget-friendly option, both the Google Pixel 6a and Samsung Galaxy A42 offer good value, but they have their differences. The Pixel 6a takes better still photos and videos, making it superior if the camera is a priority. However, the Galaxy A42 has a larger screen and a longer battery life, which can be better for media consumption and less frequent charging. Both have plastic backs, OLED displays, and do not support microSD cards. The Pixel 6a is the newer of the two and should offer a more modern experience in terms of software and overall performance. If you prioritize camera quality and performance, the Pixel 6a is a strong choice; if you favor screen size and battery life, consider the Galaxy A42. 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 6a
- Good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
- Good display quality
- Good performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A42
- Best in class battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.6
5.3
The Google Pixel 6a has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 has poor overall camera quality.
The Google Pixel 6a delivers a superior photography experience compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42 due to its excellent photos software, better dynamic range, and stronger low light performance, while also providing high-quality selfies, reflecting its very good selfie camera quality. However, for video, even though Pixel 6a generally surpasses the A42 with better stabilization, dynamic range, and low light performance, both offer decent mic quality for audio capture.
Photo Quality
7.4
5.3
The Google Pixel 6a takes good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor photos.
The Google Pixel 6a captures very good photos due to its stronger overall camera performance, including superior photo software experience and better performance in dynamic range and low light conditions. The Samsung Galaxy A42, while offering fair photo quality, falls short primarily because of its weaker photo software and poorer outcomes in dynamic range and low light environments.
Video Quality
7.2
5.2
The Google Pixel 6a takes good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes poor videos.
The Google Pixel 6a provides a superior video recording experience compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42 because it boasts higher ratings in resolution and framerate, stabilization, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Additionally, the Pixel 6a's microphone quality is better, which is important for clear audio alongside your video.
Battery
7.6 Hours
10.7 Hours
The Google Pixel 6a has 7.6 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A42 has 10.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 6a has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Samsung Galaxy A42 is 6.6 inches.
Cost
$400
$360
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Google Pixel 6a has a price of $400 and the Samsung Galaxy A42 costs $360.
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How the Google Pixel 6a and the Samsung Galaxy A42 compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel 6a | Samsung Galaxy A42 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$400 | $360 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | ||
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 21, 2022 | November 11, 2020 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 1600 x 720 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 429 | 266 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Tensor | SD750 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 64 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 6 GB | 4 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide, Macro | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12.2 megapixels + OIS | 48 megapixels | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.6 Hours | 10.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4410 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | No | No | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 0 W | 0 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | No | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.99" x 2.83" | 6.47" x 2.99" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.28 oz | 6.81 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | 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 | Chalk, Sage, Charcoal | Black, Gray, White | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | Yes | |
Shopping
Google Pixel 6a
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Dig into reviews and images
Ars Technica
Ron Amadeo | July 2022
"it's very hard to find fault with the Pixel 6a. It has a processor that, in the US at least, blows away other Android phones in this price range. The design is great, the camera is fine, and the price is right. What's not to like?"
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 6a 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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Why trust us
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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Phones evaluated
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Recommendations made
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
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