Motorola Moto G 17 vs TCL 4042 S

Our Verdict: The clearest advantage belongs to Motorola Moto G 17 on screen resolution, where it offers 1080 x 2400 resolution rather than 240 x 320, plus 5,200 mAh compared with 1,500 mAh. Choose TCL 4042 S instead if you want the lighter phone, particularly because it has a 111g body against 203g. The better choice is Motorola Moto G 17 for a higher-resolution display, unless a lighter handset matters more to you.

The 4042 S is the cheaper one to own: around £188 over a typical contract, £113 less than the Moto G 17.

Screen

6.72" 2.8"

Display

IPS LCD QVGA

Resolution

1080 x 2400 240 x 320

Pixels Per Inch

392 143

Rear Camera

50 Megapixels N/A

Front Camera

8 Megapixels N/A

Chipset

Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm) UMS9117-L (T107)

Battery

5,200 mAh 1,500 mAh

Storage

128GB

Android Mocor (RTOS)

SIM Type

Nano SIM Nano SIM

Connectivity

Up to 4G Up to 4G

Wi-Fi

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac -

Bluetooth

5.4, A2DP, LE 5.0

Dimensions

165.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm

Weight

203 grams 111 grams

Water Resistance

IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) Not rated

Contracts

£12.00/mo (£0.00 upfront) £7.50/mo (£0.00 upfront)

SIM-free

- -

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Deals Deals

	Motorola Moto G 17	TCL 4042 S
Screen	6.72"	2.8"
Display	IPS LCD	QVGA
Resolution	1080 x 2400	240 x 320
Pixels Per Inch	392	143
Rear Camera	50 Megapixels	N/A
Front Camera	8 Megapixels	N/A
Chipset	Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm)	UMS9117-L (T107)
Battery	5,200 mAh	1,500 mAh
Storage	128GB
OS	Android	Mocor (RTOS)
SIM Type	Nano SIM	Nano SIM
Connectivity	Up to 4G	Up to 4G
Wi-Fi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	-
Bluetooth	5.4, A2DP, LE	5.0
Dimensions	165.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm	137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm
Weight	203 grams	111 grams
Water Resistance	IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes)	Not rated
Contracts	£12.00/mo £0.00 upfront	£7.50/mo £0.00 upfront
SIM-free	-	-
Prices updated 27 July 2026
	Deals	Deals

Cheapest Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Motorola Moto G 17 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 Motorola Moto G 17 or TCL 4042 S?

The Motorola Moto G 17 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Motorola Moto G 17 has the sharper display at 392 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Motorola Moto G 17 uses a IPS LCD panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.

Which has the better camera, the Motorola Moto G 17 or TCL 4042 S?

The Motorola Moto G 17 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 Motorola Moto G 17 and TCL 4042 S use?

The Motorola Moto G 17 is powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm), while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Motorola Moto G 17 or TCL 4042 S?

The TCL 4042 S is the more portable of the two: it's 92g lighter at 111 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm, the Motorola Moto G 17 is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Motorola Moto G 17 or TCL 4042 S?

The Motorola Moto G 17 is rated IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes), while the TCL 4042 S is rated Not rated.

What operating system do the Motorola Moto G 17 and TCL 4042 S run?

The Motorola Moto G 17 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.