Samsung Galaxy S25+ vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: Only the S25+ is a 5G phone; the TCL 4042 S maxes out at 4G, and the S25+ has the bigger battery of the two, 4900mAh against 1500mAh, though real-world battery life depends on more than capacity. The S25+ 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 190g. Get the S25+ 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, £689 less than the S25+.
Samsung Galaxy S25+
|
TCL 4042 S
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 2.8" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | QVGA |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 240 x 320 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 513 | 143 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | N/A |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | N/A |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | UMS9117-L (T107) |
| Battery | 4,900 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 | 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 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 |
£69.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £489.99 | - |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25+ 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+ or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 143, and the Samsung Galaxy S25+ uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the TCL 4042 S has a QVGA.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ 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+ and TCL 4042 S use?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-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+ 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+ is slimmer at 7.35mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or TCL 4042 S?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ 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+ and TCL 4042 S run?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ 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.