Samsung Galaxy A26 vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A26 supports 5G while the TCL 4042 S tops out at 4G, and the A26 has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 2.8" and sharper at 385 PPI. The 4042 S is the lighter phone at 111g against 200g, and only the A26 has a water-resistance rating (IP67); the 4042 S has none. The A26 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.
Over a full contract, the 4042 S works out around £188 all-in, about £136 less than the A26.
Prices updated 10 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A26
|
TCL 4042 S
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 2.8" |
| Display | Super AMOLED | QVGA |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 240 x 320 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 143 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | N/A |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | N/A |
| Chipset | 5nm Exynos 1280 | UMS9117-L (T107) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | - |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | |
| OS | Android | Mocor (RTOS) |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | - |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm | 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm |
| Weight | 200 grams | 111 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | Not rated |
| Contracts |
£12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £239.00 | - |
| Prices updated 10 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 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 Samsung Galaxy A26 or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy A26 has the sharper display at 385 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 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 Samsung Galaxy A26 and TCL 4042 S use?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is powered by the 5nm Exynos 1280 , while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or TCL 4042 S?
The TCL 4042 S is the more portable of the two: it's 89g lighter at 111 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is slimmer at 7.7mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the TCL 4042 S is rated Not rated.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and TCL 4042 S run?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 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.