Ever since the OnePlus Nord made its debut back in July, the budget/ mid-tier smartphone category has been getting a lot more attention.
Apple is rumoured to be releasing a fifth, cheaper iPhone 12 4G model, while Google has the Pixel 4a, and now Samsung is stepping up to the plate with the newest addition to its 'A' series of smartphones, revealed at Galaxy Unpacked Part 2.
The Galaxy A42 5G boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, quad-camera setup, and – as the name gives away – is 5G ready. Rather than the pinhole selfie camera of the Galaxy A51, it sports a waterdrop notch on the front taking up a scooch more screen real estate.
While Samsung hasn't shared the pricing details, the Galaxy A42 5G is expected to be even cheaper that the A51's $399/ £319 launch price. That puts it firmly in the realm of the OnePlus Aurora or even the OnePlus Lemonade – one of a handful of affordable devices that OnePlus has in the works.
- OnePlus Aurora set to go head-to-head with budget rival from Motorola
- Apple Watch 6 steals this essential security feature from the iPhone
The Nord packed in some solid features for its £379 price point, including a 90Hz refresh rate that OnePlus has committed to for all of its phones going forward.
We don't know if Samsung's Galaxy A42 5G can match that, as details on the specs are scant, but OnePlus is king of the affordable smartphones right now, and any contenders are going to have their work cut out for them.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Shabana worked at T3.com as News Editor covering tech and gaming, and has been writing about video games for almost a decade (and playing them since forever). She's had bylines at major gaming sites during her freelance career before settling down here at T3, and has podcasts, streaming, and video content under her belt to boot. Outside of work, she also plays video games and should really think about expanding her hobbies. If you have any tech or gaming tips, shoot over an email or DM her on social media.
-
When is Black Friday 2024 – this Friday or next? Here's the official answer
Black Friday is on 29 November in 2024 – a week later than the year previous. But that's not stopped retailers putting on their sales...
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published