Samsung Galaxy A56 vs TCL 4042 S

Our Verdict: For shoppers comparing Samsung Galaxy A56 and TCL 4042 S, the Samsung has the more concrete screen size advantages: a larger 6.7-inch screen, a sharper 385 PPI display, and a Super AMOLED display. The alternative case for the TCL rests on a lighter 111g body, giving it a clearer role for portability. On these fixed specifications, the Samsung is the more persuasive option for screen size, with the TCL aimed at portability.

Over a full contract, the 4042 S works out around £189 all-in, about £350 less than the A56.

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

Exynos 1580 (4 nm) UMS9117-L (T107)

Battery

5,000 mAh 1,500 mAh

Storage

128GB, 256GB

Android 14 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/6 -

Bluetooth

5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0

Dimensions

162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm

Weight

198 grams 111 grams

Water Resistance

IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) Not rated

Contracts

£20.00/mo (£9.00 upfront) £7.50/mo (£0.00 upfront)

SIM-free

£229.99 -

Deals Deals

	Samsung Galaxy A56	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	Exynos 1580 (4 nm)	UMS9117-L (T107)
Battery	5,000 mAh	1,500 mAh
Storage	128GB, 256GB
OS	Android 14	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/6	-
Bluetooth	5.3 with A2DP, LE	5.0
Dimensions	162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm	137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm
Weight	198 grams	111 grams
Water Resistance	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)	Not rated
Contracts	£20.00/mo £9.00 upfront	£7.50/mo £0.00 upfront
SIM-free	£229.99	-
	Deals	Deals

Cheapest Deals

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A56 or TCL 4042 S cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the TCL 4042 S is cheaper on contract at £189.08 over the life of the deal from £7.50 per month with £0.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or TCL 4042 S?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy A56 has the sharper display at 385 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or TCL 4042 S?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56 and TCL 4042 S use?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or TCL 4042 S?

The TCL 4042 S is the more portable of the two: it's 87g lighter at 111 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A56 or TCL 4042 S?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56 and TCL 4042 S run?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 runs Android 14 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.