Samsung Galaxy S25 FE vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: Only the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a 5G phone; the TCL 4042 S maxes out at 4G, and there's more battery in the S25 FE, 4900mAh to 1500mAh, though real-world battery life depends on more than capacity. The S25 FE has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 2.8" and sharper at 385 PPI, and the 4042 S is the lighter phone at 111g against 190g. Get the S25 FE 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, £409 less than the S25 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
|
TCL 4042 S
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 2.8" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | 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 2400 (4 nm) | UMS9117-L (T107) |
| Battery | 4,900 mAh | 1,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | |
| OS | Android 16 | 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 | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm | 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm |
| Weight | 190 grams | 111 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | Not rated |
| Contracts |
£24.54/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £429.99 | - |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 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 FE or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has the sharper display at 385 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 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 S25 FE and TCL 4042 S use?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400 (4 nm), while the TCL 4042 S uses the UMS9117-L (T107).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE or TCL 4042 S?
The TCL 4042 S is the more portable of the two: it's 79g 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 FE is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 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 FE and TCL 4042 S run?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE runs Android 16 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.