Motorola Moto G 17 vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: The Motorola Moto G 17 packs the bigger battery, 5200mAh against 1500mAh, though real-world battery life depends on more than capacity, and the Moto G 17 has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 2.8" and sharper at 392 PPI. The TCL 4042 S is the lighter phone at 111g against 203g, and only the Moto G 17 has a water-resistance rating (IP64); the 4042 S has none. The Moto G 17 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the 4042 S is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The 4042 S is the cheaper one to own: around £188 over a typical contract, £113 less than the Moto G 17.
Prices updated 11 July 2026
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 11 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.