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TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is the better pick for most shoppers today. It has more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), a sharper 32MP selfie camera, a 50MP main camera, NFC for tap-to-pay, and a matte NXTPAPER display that reviewers say is easy on the eyes outdoors. The Galaxy A42 5G counters with a Super AMOLED panel with deeper blacks and a Snapdragon 750G chip that handles games more smoothly. Owners of the A42 praise the screen and battery life but note it is a 2020 phone that no longer gets Android version updates.

  • Choose the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G if you want a current Android version, more RAM, NFC payments, and a display that stays readable in bright light.
  • Choose the Galaxy A42 5G if a vivid AMOLED screen and smoother gaming matter more to you than software updates and tap-to-pay.

Prices

  • TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G: $144.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)
  • Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: $134.95 at Cell2Get (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G is $10.04 cheaper than the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G at the latest prices (Nov 10)
TCL
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G 128GB

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G 128GB

2.9(9 ratings)
$144.99at eBayChecked 9 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Matte NXTPAPER screen cuts glare and is easy to read outdoors
  • 6GB RAM keeps more apps open
  • 32MP front camera for sharper selfies
  • NFC for contactless payments
  • Current Android version with security updates
Cons
  • Single SIM only
  • Processor is weaker for heavy gaming
  • NXTPAPER matte finish looks less punchy than AMOLED
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G 128GB (Unlocked) - Black

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G 128GB (Unlocked) - Black

$134.95at Cell2GetChecked 9 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Cell2Get
Pros
  • Super AMOLED display with strong contrast
  • Snapdragon 750G handles games well
  • Dual SIM support
  • Reliable two-day battery life per owners
Cons
  • Only 4GB RAM
  • No NFC
  • Stuck on an old Android version with no further upgrades
  • Older model, so replacement parts and support are harder to find

What separates them

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5GSamsung Galaxy A42 5G
Display6.78-inch matte NXTPAPER panel, 240Hz refresh rate, low glare6.6-inch Super AMOLED, deeper blacks and richer color
ProcessorOcta-core chip, fine for everyday appsSnapdragon 750G, stronger for gaming
RAM6GB4GB
Software updatesShips on a recent Android versionLaunched on Android 10; no more OS upgrades
Cameras50MP main, 32MP front, ultra-wide and macro lenses48MP main, 20MP front, ultra-wide and depth lenses
NFC and paymentsYes, supports tap-to-payNo NFC
Battery and charging5,010mAh5,000mAh with 15W fast charging
SIM and storageSingle SIM, 128GB plus microSDDual SIM, 128GB plus microSD

Price history

$229.99$134.95
Nov 1Nov 11
  • TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G: lowest $144.99 on Nov 9 at eBay; $144.99 on Nov 11.
  • Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: lowest $134.95 on Nov 11 at Cell2Get.

Prices at every store

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Good Guys Electronics

    $169.99+ $15.00 shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $199.99Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by qualitycellz

    $144.99Checked 9 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • TCL USNew

    Availability unknown

    $199.99Checked Nov 3
    Visit TCL US

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 6 stores and price history →

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

  • Cell2GetNew

    In stock

    $134.95Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Cell2Get
  • cellificationNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $143.99Checked 9 h ago
    Visit cellification
  • ElectronicsForce.comNew

    In stock

    $149.99Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit ElectronicsForce.com
  • PoshmarkNew

    Availability unknown

    $150.00Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Poshmark

Also available at

  • Cellification.comCheck price at Cellification.com
All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecTCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5GSamsung Galaxy A42 5G
Operating SystemAndroid—
CarrierUnlocked—
SIM SupportSingle SIM—
ColorBlue—
SecurityFacial Recognition, Fingerprint Scanner—
With Expandable StorageYes—
Broadband Generation5G—
Lens TypeUltra Wide Angle, Macro—
Screen Size6.78″—
Storage Capacity128 GB storage—
Rear Camera Resolution50 MP rear camera—
Front Camera Resolution32 MP front camera—
Show all 22 specsShow fewer specs
SpecTCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5GSamsung Galaxy A42 5G
RAM6 GB RAM—
Refresh Rate240Hz refresh rate—
TouchscreenYes—
Processor CoresOcta Core—
5GYes—
Built-In CameraYes—
Front CameraYes—
NFCYes—
Battery Capacity (mAh)5010—
Internal Memory Size128GB—

What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

Reviewers treat the A42 5G as a solid but unexciting budget phone. They praise the AMOLED screen and battery life, and criticise the low RAM, slow charging and average low-light photos.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners like the large Super AMOLED panel for streaming and reading.
  • BatteryPraisedThe 5,000mAh cell gets most users through a full day and often into a second.
  • PerformanceMixedEveryday apps run fine, but 4GB RAM means background apps reload and heavy games stutter.
  • ChargingCriticised15W charging takes well over an hour to fill the battery.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The Galaxy A42 5G. Its Snapdragon 750G chip and Game Booster give smoother frame rates than the TCL's octa-core processor. The TCL's extra RAM helps with multitasking, not graphics.
Which has the better screen?
It depends on use. The A42's Super AMOLED has deeper blacks and richer color. The TCL's NXTPAPER is matte, so it reflects less light and is easier to read in sunlight.
Which will keep getting updates longer?
The TCL 60 XE. It ships on a recent Android version, while the Galaxy A42 5G launched on Android 10 and no longer receives Android version upgrades.
Can I use tap-to-pay on either?
Only on the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G, which has NFC. The Galaxy A42 5G has no NFC, so contactless payments are not available.
Is the TCL worth stepping up to over the A42?
Yes for most people. You get more RAM, a newer Android version, NFC, and a sharper selfie camera. Pick the A42 only if AMOLED color and gaming performance are your priority.
Which takes better photos?
The TCL has the edge on paper with a 50MP main and 32MP front camera versus 48MP and 20MP. The A42's AMOLED screen makes photos look better when you review them.

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