HONOR 600 Smart vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: Only the HONOR 600 Smart is a 5G phone; the TCL 4042 S maxes out at 4G, and there's more battery in the 600 Smart, 7700mAh to 1500mAh, though real-world battery life depends on more than capacity. The 600 Smart has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 2.8" and sharper at 254 PPI, and the 4042 S is the lighter phone at 111g against 180g. Only pay up for the 600 Smart if you'll use what it offers; if not, the 4042 S makes more sense.
The 4042 S is the cheaper one to own: around £188 over a typical contract, £357 less than the 600 Smart.
Prices updated 12 July 2026
HONOR 600 Smart
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TCL 4042 S
|
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.87" | 2.8" |
| Display | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1020 nits (peak) | QVGA |
| Resolution | 720 x 1592 | 240 x 320 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 254 | 143 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | N/A |
| Front Camera | 16 Megapixels | N/A |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450-AF Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 | UMS9117-L (T107) |
| Battery | 7,700 mAh | 1,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | |
| OS | Android | Mocor (RTOS) |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 78.5 x 8.3 mm | 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm |
| Weight | 180 grams | 111 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) | Not rated |
| Contracts |
£44.00/mo
£10.00 upfront |
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | - | - |
| Prices updated 12 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HONOR 600 Smart or TCL 4042 S cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the TCL 4042 S is cheaper on contract at £188.16 over the life of the deal from £7.50 per month with £0.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the HONOR 600 Smart or TCL 4042 S?
The HONOR 600 Smart has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the HONOR 600 Smart has the sharper display at 254 pixels per inch versus 143, and the HONOR 600 Smart uses a IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1020 nits (peak) panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.
Which has the better camera, the HONOR 600 Smart or TCL 4042 S?
The HONOR 600 Smart features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the TCL 4042 S has a N/A rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
What processors do the HONOR 600 Smart and TCL 4042 S use?
The HONOR 600 Smart is powered by the Qualcomm SM4450-AF Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the HONOR 600 Smart or TCL 4042 S?
The TCL 4042 S is the more portable of the two: it's 69g lighter at 111 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm, the HONOR 600 Smart is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the HONOR 600 Smart or TCL 4042 S?
The HONOR 600 Smart is rated IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes), while the TCL 4042 S is rated Not rated.
What operating system do the HONOR 600 Smart and TCL 4042 S run?
The HONOR 600 Smart runs Android and the TCL 4042 S runs Mocor (RTOS). This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.