Samsung Galaxy A27 vs TCL 4042 S

Our Verdict: The decision tilts toward Samsung Galaxy A27 if you care most about the larger 6.7" screen and the sharper 385 PPI display. TCL 4042 S is the better match for buyers who would rather have a lighter 111g body. The cheapest listed contract favours TCL 4042 S. Samsung Galaxy A27 is the one to shortlist first for features, while TCL 4042 S deserves a look if its strengths match your habits.

Over a full contract, the 4042 S works out around £188 all-in, about £165 less than the A27.

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
12 Megapixels N/A
Chipset
Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) UMS9117-L (T107)
Battery
5,000 mAh 1,500 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB
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
5.1, A2DP, LE, ASHA 5.0
Dimensions
162.8 x 78.2 x 7.8 mm 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm
Weight
200 grams 111 grams
Water Resistance
IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) Not rated
Contracts
£12.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £7.50/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£229.00 -

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy A27 Samsung Galaxy A27 TCL 4042 S 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 12 Megapixels N/A
Chipset Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) UMS9117-L (T107)
Battery 5,000 mAh 1,500 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB
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 5.1, A2DP, LE, ASHA 5.0
Dimensions 162.8 x 78.2 x 7.8 mm 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm
Weight 200 grams 111 grams
Water Resistance IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) Not rated
Contracts £12.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £229.00 -
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A27
Samsung Galaxy A27

24 Months

128GB

Black

30GB

Data

£12.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

TCL 4042 S
TCL 4042 S

24 Months

128MB

Dark Night Grey

0.5GB

Data

£7.50 per month, with FREE phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A27 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 A27 or TCL 4042 S?

The Samsung Galaxy A27 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy A27 has the sharper display at 385 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Samsung Galaxy A27 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A27 or TCL 4042 S?

The Samsung Galaxy A27 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 A27 and TCL 4042 S use?

The Samsung Galaxy A27 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm), while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A27 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 A27 is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A27 or TCL 4042 S?

The Samsung Galaxy A27 is rated IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes), while the TCL 4042 S is rated Not rated.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A27 and TCL 4042 S run?

The Samsung Galaxy A27 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.