Samsung Galaxy M42 5GvsUlefone Armor 27T

Samsung Galaxy M42 5G

Ulefone Armor 27T

Samsung Galaxy M42 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M42 5G is the most affordable smartphone in the entire Samsung lineup to get 5G support, priced at ₹21,999. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, which is also used in direct competitors like Xiaomi Mi 10i and Moto G5G. The phone comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB. The biggest letdown, however, is the HD+ display, which seems outdated given the price tag. While it's punchy and has adequate brightness for indoor use, outdoor visibility could be better. On a positive note, the phone features an in-display fingerprint scanner and supports fast charging at 15W. In terms of performance, the Galaxy M42 5G handles everyday tasks with ease and is capable of gaming, although it does get warm to the touch after extended usage. The phone runs One UI 3.1 on top of Android 11, but has some pre-installed bloatware that can be uninstalled. The quad-camera setup features a 48MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 5MP macro camera, all housed in a compact module. The camera app is quick to recognize subjects, but the ultra-wide-angle camera has lower resolution and inferior details compared to the primary camera. Low-light landscape shots have average detail, while selfies are decent with beautification enabled by default. The phone's battery lasts for over 22 hours of HD video playback and supports fast charging, although it takes around an hour to charge from empty to full. Overall, while the Galaxy M42 5G is a capable device, its subpar display and bloatware hold it back from being a top contender in this segment.

Ulefone Armor 27T

The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is a rugged powerhouse that builds upon its predecessor's design cues from the Doogee V20 Pro. The phone's tank-like build makes it resistant to dust and water, with IP68/IP69K certification and MIL-STD-810G standards ensuring it can withstand rough handling. The 6.78-inch IPS LCD display has a 120Hz refresh rate but lacks AMOLED brightness. While decent for general use, 4K content is downscaled to 1080p. The phone's audio capabilities are limited to a single bottom speaker, which may not be sufficient for media or gaming enthusiasts. The camera setup consists of a 50MP main sensor, 64MP night vision camera, and 32MP front camera. While good for casual shots, low-light performance requires a steady hand. The night vision camera is particularly useful, allowing up to 20 meters visibility in complete darkness with infrared lighting. The thermal imaging feature, which uses a FLIR sensor, operates at a lower 9Hz refresh rate compared to the predecessor's 25Hz. While this results in more accurate temperature readings, it may not provide the smoothest video experience. The phone's battery is large, with a 10,600mAh capacity that can last 4-5 days of heavy use or weeks on light usage. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip provides decent performance for everyday tasks but feels dated for more demanding activities like gaming. With 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD), the phone's real-world performance is solid, although not ideal for heavy apps or games at max settings. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro excels in its thermal imaging accuracy, rugged durability, and long-lasting battery. Its price point of around $300 makes it a great value if you prioritize these features over top-tier gaming performance.