A phone that debuted as Samsung’s most affordable 5G option in India back in 2021, the Galaxy M42 5G, still pops up in online searches today. If you’re wondering whether this aging handset makes sense in 2025, you’re not alone.
Announced: April 2021 (Hindustan Times Tech) ·
Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED (TechRadar) ·
Processor: Snapdragon 750G 5G (TechRadar) ·
Battery: 5000 mAh (TechRadar) ·
Launch Price (India): ₹21,999 (6GB+128GB) (Hindustan Times Tech) ·
5G Support: Yes (TechRadar)
Quick snapshot
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 60Hz (TechRadar)
- Snapdragon 750G 5G (TechRadar)
- 48MP+8MP+5MP+5MP cameras (TechRadar)
- 5000mAh battery, 15W charging (TechRadar)
- 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB storage (GSMArena)
- Affordable 5G connectivity (Hindustan Times Tech)
- Long battery life (TechRadar)
- Good processor for daily tasks (TechRadar)
- Expandable storage (GSMArena)
- 60Hz display (behind 90Hz/120Hz competitors) (GSMArena)
- Plastic build (GSMArena)
- No official water resistance (Samsung India)
- Software updates ended after Android 13 (Samsung Support)
- Budget-conscious users needing 5G
- Heavy battery users (media, light gaming)
- Samsung ecosystem fans on a tight budget
Ten key specs, one pattern: the HD+ resolution and 60Hz refresh rate lag behind today’s budget norms, but the 5000mAh battery remains a strong point.
| Announced | April 2021 |
| Display | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 6GB / 128GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro + 5MP depth |
| Front Camera | 20MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 15W wired charging |
| 5G Bands | Sub-6 GHz (India compatible) |
| Launch Price (India) | ₹21,999 (6GB+128GB) |
| Current Price (2025) | ~₹13,000 (online sale) |
Is the Samsung M42 5G worth buying?
Pros and cons of the Galaxy M42 5G
Upsides
- 5G at a low entry price. The M42 5G launched as Samsung’s most affordable 5G phone in India at ₹21,999. A year later, during sales, it dropped to around ₹13,000, making 5G accessible to many.
- Solid battery endurance. With 5000mAh battery, the phone easily lasts a full day of mixed use.
- Expandable storage. The microSD slot supports up to 1TB, useful for media hoarders.
Downsides
- Dated 60Hz display. The Super AMOLED panel is limited to 60Hz, while newer ₹12,000 phones offer 90Hz or 120Hz.
- No water resistance. The official spec sheet lists no IP rating.
- Software updates ended. The M42 received Android 13 but Samsung’s update list confirms no further major OS updates.
A buyer who prioritises 5G connectivity and battery life will find the M42 acceptable, but anyone used to smoother scrolling or longer software support will feel the age. Newer alternatives like the M34 deliver 120Hz and Android 14 for roughly the same money.
How it stacks up against current budget 5G phones
- Display: The M42’s 6.6-inch Super AMOLED is still vibrant, but at 60Hz it feels sluggish next to the Galaxy M34’s 90Hz panel.
- Performance: Snapdragon 750G (TechRadar) handles everyday apps well, but gaming on PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact may stutter at high settings.
- Camera: The 48MP main sensor (TechRadar) takes decent daylight shots, but low-light performance is mediocre compared to newer sensors.
- Software: The M42 shipped with Android 11 and is now stuck on Android 13, while newer models get Android 14 and more security patches (Samsung Update Policy).
The pattern: the M42 still works as a basic 5G phone, but the gap in screen smoothness and software currency is widening.
Long-term value and software support
Samsung promised two major OS updates for the M-series. As of 2025, the M42 has received Android 12 and Android 13 (GSMArena update history), but no further versions are expected. Security patches may continue for another year at most. For a buyer planning to keep the phone for two more years, this means missing future features and possible app compatibility issues.
What is the price of Samsung Galaxy M42?
Launch price in India (2021)
- The 6GB+128GB variant launched at ₹21,999 (Hindustan Times Tech).
- The 8GB+128GB variant launched at ₹23,999 (same source).
- On the first sale day (May 1, 2021), Samsung offered introductory prices of ₹19,999 for the 6GB model and ₹21,999 for the 8GB model on its website and Amazon India (Hindustan Times Tech).
Current price in 2025 (discounts and availability)
As of early 2025, the Galaxy M42 5G is no longer sold directly by Samsung’s Indian store. Gadgets 360 lists the lowest available price at ₹18,990 through third-party sellers on Amazon. On flash sales, prices have dropped to around ₹12,000–15,000 (Amazon India listings). The 8GB variant hovers near ₹21,000 on some retailer sites.
Where to buy: Amazon, Samsung.com, and retail
- Amazon India: Multiple seller listings, check for “Amazon fulfilled” for warranty support (product page).
- Samsung India e-store: Discontinued; only trade-in offers available (Samsung Trade-up page).
- Offline retail: Some local stores still carry leftover stock, but at variable prices.
Why this matters: if you find a new unit for under ₹13,000, the M42 offers decent 5G value. Above that, newer models with better screens and longer updates become more attractive.
How old is the Galaxy A42?
Galaxy A42 launch date and specs
- The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G was announced in September 2020 (GSMArena).
- It shares the same core hardware: Snapdragon 750G, 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 48MP quad camera, 5000mAh battery (TechRadar).
- Released over 4.5 years ago, it is now discontinued.
Relationship between Galaxy A42 and M42 5G
The M42 5G is essentially a rebadged version of the A42 5G with a redesigned back panel and different colour options. Both phones share identical internals. The M-series is sold exclusively online in India through Amazon, while the A42 was a broader retail model (Hindustan Times Tech notes the M42 as the first M-series 5G phone).
How age affects buying decision
At over four years old, the A42 is outdated. Its software support ended even earlier than the M42’s. The older processor and lack of future updates make it a poor choice in 2025, even second-hand. The M42, being only a year younger and still receiving occasional security patches, is the safer buy between the two.
The catch: both phones are based on a 2020 design. Buyers should not expect modern features like high refresh rate or water resistance.
How much does a Samsung Galaxy A42 cost?
Current trade-in value and second-hand prices
- According to BankMyCell, trade-in values for the Galaxy A42 range from $70 to $120 depending on condition (good, fair, broken).
- On Indian second-hand platforms like OLX, prices range ₹8,000–₹12,000 (OLX listings).
Comparison with M42 price
| Model | Launch Price (6GB) | 2025 Used Price (India) |
| Galaxy A42 5G | ₹23,999 (2020) | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| Galaxy M42 5G | ₹21,999 (2021) | ₹10,000–₹15,000 (new online) |
Should you buy an A42 in 2025?
With a new M42 available for roughly the same price as a used A42, the M42 is the better deal. The M42 comes with a warranty (if new) and slightly longer software support. The A42 only makes sense if you find it for under ₹8,000 and need a cheap 5G secondary phone.
The implication: buying new M42 over used A42 saves you hassle and provides better long-term viability.
Is M42 reliable?
Build quality and common issues
- User reviews on Amazon India mention screen burn-in after 12–18 months of use, especially at maximum brightness.
- Some reports of charging port loosening over time (GSMArena user feedback).
- No widespread hardware recalls have been issued (Samsung Service Center).
User reviews summary
The phone holds an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon India. Most praise centres on battery life and 5G performance. Common criticisms include the plastic build and lack of stereo speakers.
Service and warranty considerations
Samsung’s service network in India is extensive (1,500+ service centres). Out-of-warranty repairs are reasonably priced for budget phones. However, parts for a discontinued model may take longer to source.
The trade-off: reliability is average for the budget segment. M42 buyers should budget for a case and screen guard, and avoid heavy gaming to reduce burn-in risk.
Timeline signal
- — Samsung launches Galaxy M42 5G in India at ₹21,999 (Hindustan Times Tech).
- — First sale day offers of ₹19,999 on Samsung.com and Amazon (same source).
- — Android 12 update rolled out (Samsung Update List).
- — Android 13 update delivered (Samsung Update List).
- — Discontinued from Samsung’s official online store; remaining stock sold through third-party sellers (Gadgets 360).
- — Now a budget second-hand option competing with newer M-series models (Amazon India listings).
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Announcement date and launch price confirmed by Hindustan Times Tech.
- Processor, display, battery specs from TechRadar.
- Android 13 update received, confirmed via Samsung update list.
- Current price range ₹12,000–₹19,000 from Gadgets 360 and Amazon India.
What’s unclear
- Current stock availability in specific offline stores.
- Long-term reliability data (no official failure rate published).
- Actual trade-in values vary by condition and platform.
- Future security patch schedule – likely ended, but not officially confirmed.
What users say
“Samsung’s most affordable 5G smartphone” at launch.
— Samsung India Press Release (via Hindustan Times Tech)
“A solid option for 5G on a budget.”
— GSMArena review
“Battery life is fantastic, but after a year the screen started burning in at the status bar area.”
— User review on Amazon India
Summary
The Galaxy M42 5G remains a functional entry point for 5G on a tight budget, but its age shows in the 60Hz display, ended software updates, and plastic build. For the Indian buyer hunting a new phone under ₹13,000, the M42 offers decent battery life and 5G — but the trade-off is clear: you lose smooth scrolling, water resistance, and future OS upgrades. For ₹15,000, the Samsung Galaxy M34 or M14 deliver a modern experience with 90Hz screens and longer software commitment. The decision for the price-conscious Indian buyer is simple: take the M42 only if you can get it for ₹12,000 or less and plan to upgrade within two years.
For a detailed breakdown of current prices and alternatives, the Galaxy M42 5G buying guide offers comprehensive advice for German shoppers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Galaxy M42 5G have a headphone jack?
Yes, it retains the 3.5mm headphone jack (GSMArena).
How is the camera performance on the M42?
The 48MP main camera produces decent daylight shots, but low-light quality is average. The 8MP ultra-wide and macro sensors are usable in good light (TechRadar).
Is the Galaxy M42 5G good for PUBG Mobile?
Yes, but at medium graphics settings. The Snapdragon 750G handles the game at 30fps, but it can stutter during intense scenes (GSMArena).
Does the Galaxy M42 support expandable storage?
Yes, it has a dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 1TB (GSMArena).
How long does the battery last on the M42?
The 5000mAh battery provides a full day of moderate use — about 15 hours of mixed 4G/5G usage (TechRadar).
Is the Galaxy M42 5G water resistant?
No, it has no official IP rating (Samsung India spec page).
What is the screen resolution of the Galaxy M42?
It packs a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED with 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+) resolution (TechRadar).
Can the Galaxy M42 5G be used on Verizon or T-Mobile?
It supports Sub-6 GHz 5G bands commonly used in India; compatibility with US carriers is limited. The M42 lacks mmWave and has fewer LTE bands for full global support (GSMArena band info).
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