Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5
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Galaxy A42 5G
Starting at
£118.91£322.00 new
Galaxy Xcover 5
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy A42 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5?
Galaxy A42 5G vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Xcover 5 starts at £60, £58.91 less than the Galaxy A42 5G. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) on the Galaxy A42 5G, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5.
- The Galaxy A42 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The Galaxy A42 5G has a bigger screen: 6.6 inch vs 5.3 inch.
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 specs
The Galaxy A42 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 differ in a few key areas that will suit different types of users. The Galaxy A42 5G offers a larger, higher resolution Super AMOLED screen and a bigger battery, making it a good choice if you want a phone that is spacious for media and lasts longer between charges. It also supports 5G and has a higher megapixel count on both front and main cameras, suited for sharper photos and video calls. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a smaller, more compact screen with a PLS LCD display and a lighter design, plus a removable back cover. It runs Android 11 and has a simpler chipset with 4G connectivity, fitting users who want a straightforward, durable phone that is easier to hold and operate with one hand.
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, operating system, and the release year context. The Galaxy A42 5G has a much larger battery capacity, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 runs on Android 11. These differences affect how each phone performs over days of use and software experience.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A42 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the Galaxy Xcover 5's 3000 mAh. This means the Galaxy A42 5G can generally last longer between charges, which is ideal for users who spend a lot of time away from power sources or use their phone heavily throughout the day.
Operating System
This may provide a slightly newer user experience and possibly longer support for updates, which could appeal to those who prioritise software features and security.
Battery
Foldable
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 performance
Performance depends largely on the processor, RAM, and storage. Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, but they differ in chipset and storage options, which influences the speed and space available for apps and files.
Processor
The Galaxy A42 5G uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G chipset built on an 8 nm process, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 has an Exynos 850 chipset. Users looking for a phone with 5G connectivity and a chipset designed for everyday multitasking will find the Galaxy A42 5G suitable. The Galaxy Xcover 5 offers reliable performance for everyday use with its Exynos chipset.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy A42 5G is stocked with 128 GB of internal storage, twice the 64 GB offered by the Galaxy Xcover 5. This larger storage is better for users who store many apps, photos, or media on their device without relying heavily on SD cards.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content and interact with your device. Differences in size, resolution, and screen technology affect the experience of watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A42 5G has a 6.6 inch screen with a resolution of 720 x 1600, offering a larger and slightly sharper display compared to the Galaxy Xcover 5's 5.3 inch screen at 720 x 1480. This suits users who prefer more screen space for media, reading, or multitasking.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A42 5G features a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 uses a PLS LCD display. Users who prioritise richer colours and contrast may prefer the Galaxy A42 5G, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 provides a clear and functional screen in a smaller format.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 camera
Audiovisual features are important for capturing and sharing photos and video calls. The front and main camera megapixels differ notably between these two models.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A42 5G has a 20 megapixel front camera, which offers higher detail for selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy Xcover 5's 5 megapixel front camera. This suits users who value clearer video chats or self-portraits.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the Galaxy A42 5G captures more detail in photos than the Galaxy Xcover 5's 16 megapixel main camera. This makes the Galaxy A42 5G a better fit for those who take photos often and want sharper images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, network compatibility, and storage expandability. These influence comfort, connectivity, and how you use the phone day to day.
Mobile Network
The Galaxy A42 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 connects to 4G networks. If you want access to 5G, the Galaxy A42 5G is the option to consider.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A42 5G is larger and heavier, measuring 164.4 mm by 75.9 mm by 8.6 mm and weighing 193 g. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is more compact at 147.1 mm by 71.6 mm by 9.2 mm and lighter at 172 g. This makes the Galaxy Xcover 5 easier to hold and carry for users who prefer smaller phones.
Carrier and Storage Expansion
Both phones are unlocked and support physical SIM cards and microSDXC cards for extra storage. This flexibility suits anyone who wants freedom to choose their network or expand their storage with a memory card.
Depth
The Galaxy Xcover 5 is slightly thicker at 9.2 mm compared to the Galaxy A42 5G's 8.6 mm. While subtle, this may affect pocket fit or how the phone feels in hand.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A42 5G or Galaxy Xcover 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A42 5G if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.6 inch vs 5.3 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the Galaxy Xcover 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £58.91 less than the Galaxy A42 5G
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 193 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A42 5G often looks like new or better than expected even when described as fair condition. They appreciate its fast performance and good battery life, with many mentioning the phone runs quickly and has a good screen and camera. Some users note it can be slow or apps may close on their own, but overall, satisfaction is high. The phone is praised for its quality and value, with buyers happy to have a device that looks spotless and works perfectly.
Users of the Galaxy Xcover 5 highlight its toughness and reliability, often saying it looks excellent and works well. Many customers like the size and ease of use, with some noting the removable back cover and the phone's suitability for everyday tasks. It is seen as a good choice for those who want a straightforward phone that handles basics well. A few mention minor scratches or wish for clearer information on included accessories, but overall satisfaction is strong.
The Galaxy A42 5G suits users who want a larger, more feature-rich phone for media, photography, and faster networks, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 fits those who prefer a smaller, durable, and easy-to-use device for everyday communication and simple apps.
Galaxy A42 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 FAQs
Galaxy A42 5G vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) on the Galaxy A42 5G, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5. The Galaxy A42 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £118.91 for the Galaxy A42 5G.
The Galaxy A42 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy A42 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 16 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A42 5G ended in Jun 2024. We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Xcover 5.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 adds a lighter build (172 g vs 193 g). Refurbished, it costs £58.91 less (from £60 vs £118.91).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A42 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy Xcover 5 in 64GB.
