PhoneLifespan

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$140
sold mainly in India; USD-equivalent of INR launch price (Rs 20,999)
$252 at launch

How long will it last?

Our estimate

Supported until October 2025 · Buy-by October 2023

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2021◆ Buy-by Oct 20232025

Apple doesn't publish an end date, but iPhones have a consistent ~4-year update track record — on that basis the Galaxy F42 5G should be supported until around October 2025. Buying it today still gets you about -0.7 years of safe use (Apple's written legal minimum is 5 years).

Source: Samsung's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this

Our verdict

A 12-band 5G phone with a 64MP camera and a big battery, but with its update window now closing.

Pros

  • Broad 12-band 5G support for wide network coverage
  • 64MP main camera
  • 5000mAh battery with a 90Hz display

Cons

  • Slow 15W charging
  • Software support reached Android 13 and is now ending
Best for: Used-market buyers wanting wide 5G band coverageBest for: Battery-focused users on a budgetAvoid if: You need fast charging or future updatesAvoid if: You want an AMOLED panel

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.6-inch IPS LCD, 1080x2400 (FHD+), 90Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 700
RAM6GB / 8GB
Storage128GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main64MP
ultra-wide5MP
macro2MP
front8MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery5,000 mAh
Charging15W wired
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions164.2 × 75.9 × 9.0 mm
Weight203 g
Materialsplastic frame and back
Water resistanceNone
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 11 with One UI 3.1 at launch
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, GPS
Update policy~2 years of updates (our estimate from Samsung's track record — written minimum is 5 years)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the Galaxy F42 5G get updates?

Launched in late 2021 with two OS upgrades, it reached Android 13 as its last major update and its security support is now winding down.

How many 5G bands does the Galaxy F42 5G support?

It supports 12 5G bands, which Samsung highlighted for broad network compatibility at launch.

What chipset powers the Galaxy F42 5G?

It uses the MediaTek Dimensity 700, an entry-level 5G chip suited to everyday tasks.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-12.