Samsung Galaxy F42 5GvsUlefone Power Armor 16S

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G

Ulefone Power Armor 16S

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G

The Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is an affordable mid-ranger that offers impressive features at a price point of ₹17,999. The device's design is decent, with a matte aqua color and an all-plastic body. Although it's a bit thick (9mm) and heavy (203 grams), the weight is well-balanced and feels good in the hand. The phone boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display that offers bright and vibrant colors, suitable for viewing in direct sunlight. However, the bezels are quite thick, especially at the bottom, and the teardrop notch looks dated. The rear camera setup is a triple sensor array with a 64MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary sensor takes sharp and colorful photos with well-balanced HDR. I appreciate that Samsung chose an ultra-wide sensor over a low-resolution macro lens, but wish it had higher resolution images from the ultra-wide sensor, which sometimes lack detail in brightly lit conditions. The depth sensor enables good portrait mode results outdoors, while a dedicated night mode performs well in low-light situations. The phone's performance is adequate, with minimal issues in day-to-day usage and acceptable gaming experiences. However, there can be some lag when switching between camera sensors or apps like the camera app. The 5000mAh battery provides more than a day's usage, but charging takes over two hours. Overall, the Galaxy F42 5G offers a strong 64MP camera, long battery life, and smooth performance, making it a solid choice for those who prefer Samsung's user-friendly interface and want a phone that promises future-proof 5G capabilities.

Ulefone Power Armor 16S

The Ulefone Power Armor 16S is a rugged smartphone that delivers impressive performance without sacrificing its durability. Its 5.93-inch HD Plus display may not be the sharpest on the market, but it's more than sufficient for everyday use and can even handle outdoor activities under direct sunlight. Built to withstand harsh environments, the phone meets IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards, making it dustproof, waterproof up to 1.5M for 30 minutes, and shockproof. However, this rugged protection comes at a cost - the device is bulky (18.3mm thick) and weighs 405g. Under the hood, the Power Armor 16S packs an Unisoc T616 processor clocking at 2GHz, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. While this setup handles day-to-day tasks smoothly, gaming performance is decent but not exceptional, and photography capabilities are limited due to the mediocre camera performance. One standout feature is the massive 9600mAh battery, which offers up to several days of use on a single charge. The phone also supports 18W fast charging. Additionally, it features a super loud 122dB speaker that's perfect for calls or media playback in noisy environments. The Power Armor 16S runs on Android 13 and offers a clean and smooth user experience. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, its rugged build, decent performance, and massive battery make it an excellent option for those who need a tough and reliable phone that can handle the elements.