Samsung Galaxy M42 5GvsUlefone Power Armor 16S

Samsung Galaxy M42 5G

Ulefone Power Armor 16S

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 The biggest letdown, however, is the HD+ display, which seems outdated given the price tag.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 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.