Samsung Galaxy S25 vs TCL 4042 S
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S25 supports 5G while the TCL 4042 S tops out at 4G, and there's more battery in the S25, 4000mAh to 1500mAh, though real-world battery life depends on more than capacity. The S25 has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.2" against 2.8" and sharper at 416 PPI, and the 4042 S is the lighter phone at 111g against 162g. Get the S25 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the 4042 S covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the 4042 S works out around £189 all-in, about £456 less than the S25.
Samsung Galaxy S25
|
TCL 4042 S
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.2" | 2.8" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | QVGA |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 240 x 320 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 416 | 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 | 4,000 mAh | 1,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 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 | 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm | 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65 mm |
| Weight | 162 grams | 111 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | Not rated |
| Contracts |
£10.00/mo
£389.00 upfront |
£7.50/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £409.99 | - |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
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 6.2" compared to the TCL 4042 S's 2.8", the Samsung Galaxy S25 has the sharper display at 416 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 51g 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 7.2mm 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.