Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: Only the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a 5G phone; the TCL 4042 S maxes out at 4G, and the S25 Edge packs the bigger battery, 3900mAh against 1500mAh, though real-world battery life depends on more than capacity. The S25 Edge has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 2.8" and sharper at 513 PPI, and the 4042 S is the lighter phone at 111g against 163g. Get the S25 Edge if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the 4042 S covers the basics for less.
The 4042 S is the cheaper one to own: around £189 over a typical contract, £326 less than the S25 Edge.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
|
TCL 4042 S
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 2.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | QVGA |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 240 x 320 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 513 | 143 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | N/A |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | N/A |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | UMS9117-L (T107) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 1,500 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | |
| OS | Android 15 | 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/6e | - |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm | 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm |
| Weight | 163 grams | 111 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | Not rated |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£129.00 upfront |
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £479.99 | - |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 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 S25 Edge or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge features a 200 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 S25 Edge and TCL 4042 S use?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge or TCL 4042 S?
The TCL 4042 S is the more portable of the two: it's 52g lighter at 111 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is slimmer at 5.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the TCL 4042 S is rated Not rated.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and TCL 4042 S run?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge runs Android 15 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.