👍 Pros
- Reliable 5G connectivity (Snapdragon 750G)
- Excellent battery life (5000 mAh)
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Decent main camera for its class (48 MP)
- Expandable storage via microSDXC
👎 Cons
- Low display resolution for 2021 (720p)
- Slow 15W charging speed
- Outdated design language in 2026
- Limited software update longevity from 2021
- Mediocre ultrawide and macro cameras
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
In a world saturated with cutting-edge flagships and aggressively priced budget contenders, where does a phone like the Samsung Galaxy M42 5G from 2021 even begin to fit in, especially here in 2026?
The Best Features
Despite its age, the Galaxy M42 5G still holds a few cards. Its Super AMOLED display, while not high resolution, still delivers Samsung’s signature vibrant colors and deep blacks. For media consumption, that’s a tangible win over many LCD panels, even newer ones. The 5000 mAh battery is a true workhorse; even after years of use, it likely still offers respectable endurance, pushing through a full day for most users. This was a phone built for longevity in terms of power, and that design choice pays dividends. And crucially, the Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset ensured it had access to next-gen network speeds back in 2021, a feature that remains relevant today, even if the chip itself is showing its age. The 48 MP main camera, under good lighting, could still snap some surprisingly decent photos, offering a solid primary lens experience.
Performance & Daily Usage
Navigating the One UI 5.1 (its last official update) on the M42 5G in 2026 is an exercise in patience. The Snapdragon 750G was a mid-ranger then, and it’s certainly not zippy now. Basic app switching is fine. Social media scrolls are generally smooth. Heavy multitasking? Forget about it. Gaming? Only the lightest titles are playable without significant frame drops. Thermal management was never a major issue given the chip’s efficiency, but don’t expect it to stay cool under any sustained load. The 720p display resolution, a major bottleneck, means the GPU isn’t working as hard, but the overall system still feels sluggish compared to modern devices. UI responsiveness is acceptable for casual use, but power users will be frustrated.
The Compromises
Oh, where to begin? The most glaring compromise is undoubtedly that 720p Super AMOLED panel. In 2021, it was already a significant drawback for a phone in its price bracket. In 2026, it’s almost an anachronism. Everything looks less sharp, less refined. Then there’s the charging speed. A glacial 15W for a 5000 mAh battery? That’s a long wait at the power outlet. The secondary cameras—the 8 MP ultrawide and 5 MP macro—were mediocre at launch and are practically unusable by today’s standards, producing soft, noisy images. Furthermore, the plastic build, while durable, lacks any premium feel. And with Android 13 being its final stop, software support has long since dried up, meaning no new features or critical security patches, which is a major concern for any device in 2026.
Is It Worth Buying?
Considering we’re in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy M42 5G, released in 2021, is unequivocally not worth buying new. Its outdated software, low-resolution display, slow charging, and aging processor make it a poor value proposition against any current budget phone. Even as a used device, its lack of ongoing software support and diminishing performance severely limit its viability for today’s user.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 720p resolution on a 6.6-inch screen results in a low pixel density (~266 ppi), making text and images appear noticeably less sharp and detailed compared to the 1080p+ displays that have been standard for years. It's a significant visual downgrade that impacts everything from browsing to media consumption.
While the Snapdragon 750G 5G was a decent mid-range chip in 2021, in 2026 it struggles with modern, graphically intensive applications and games. Light social media and web browsing are manageable, but anything more demanding will result in noticeable lag, slow loading times, and a generally frustrating experience.
The primary concern is the complete lack of ongoing software updates. Having topped out at Android 13, the phone no longer receives critical security patches, leaving it vulnerable to new threats. It also misses out on new features and UI enhancements found in current Android versions, leading to a dated user experience.