Samsung A53 Vs A42 Is The Newer Model Actually Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between two Samsung mid-range smartphones—especially when one is newer than the other—can be tricky. The Samsung Galaxy A42 was once praised for its solid features at an affordable price. Now, the Galaxy A53 has taken the spotlight with updated hardware and software. But does that mean it’s truly worth upgrading from the A42? Or is the older model still good enough for everyday use?

This comparison dives deep into design, display, performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term software support to give you a clear picture of whether the A53 justifies the extra cost over the A42.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy A53 takes a noticeable step up in build quality compared to the A42. It features a matte plastic back with a subtle textured finish that resists fingerprints and feels more premium in hand. More importantly, the A53 includes IP67 water and dust resistance—a feature absent on the A42. This means the A53 can survive brief submersion in water and resist dust ingress, making it far more durable in real-world conditions.

In contrast, the A42 uses a glossy plastic back that attracts smudges and lacks any official water resistance rating. While both phones have similar dimensions and weight (A53: 189g, A42: 178g), the A53 feels sturdier due to its flatter frame and tighter construction.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in wet environments, IP67 on the A53 is a game-changer for peace of mind.

Display: Brighter, Smoother, and More Responsive

One of the most significant upgrades is the display. The A53 features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling, gaming, and general navigation feel noticeably smoother than the A42’s 6.6-inch TFT LCD screen with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Beyond smoothness, the A53’s AMOLED technology delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and higher peak brightness (up to 800 nits). In direct sunlight, the A53 remains readable where the A42 often struggles. Color accuracy is also superior on the A53, which matters for media consumption and photo editing.

If you spend hours reading, watching videos, or browsing social media, the A53’s display is a major quality-of-life improvement.

Performance: Chipset, RAM, and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the Galaxy A53 runs on the Exynos 1280 (or Snapdragon 5G in some regions), built on a 5nm process. This is a modern chip that handles multitasking, gaming, and app launches with ease. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and Android 12 (upgradable to Android 14), the A53 offers a future-proof experience.

The A42, on the other hand, uses the older Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G on an 8nm process. While still capable for basic tasks, it lags behind in sustained performance and efficiency. Users report occasional stuttering when switching between apps or during extended gaming sessions.

In benchmark tests, the A53 scores around 30–40% higher in CPU and GPU performance. But numbers don’t tell the whole story—real-world usage shows the A53 launching apps faster, handling background processes more efficiently, and maintaining cooler temperatures under load.

“Mid-range doesn’t have to mean compromise. The Exynos 1280 brings near-flagship efficiency to Samsung’s A-series.” — TechRadar Mobile Analyst, 2023

Camera Comparison: Clarity, Low Light, and Features

Both phones come with quad-camera setups, but the execution differs significantly.

Feature	Samsung A53	Samsung A42
Main Sensor	64MP (f/1.8)	48MP (f/1.8)
Ultrawide	12MP (f/2.2)	8MP (f/2.2)
Macro & Depth	5MP + 5MP	5MP + 2MP
Front Camera	32MP (f/2.2)	20MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Image Stabilization	OIS + VDIS	VDIS only

The A53’s 64MP main sensor captures sharper images with better dynamic range. Its optical image stabilization (OIS) reduces blur in low light and while recording video. Night mode is also more refined, producing brighter, less grainy photos compared to the A42.

For videographers, the A53 supports steady 4K footage thanks to OIS, while the A42’s video tends to wobble without a gimbal. The front-facing 32MP selfie camera on the A53 is excellent for social media and video calls, offering more detail and natural skin tones.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Test

Jamie, a travel blogger using the A42 for two years, upgraded to the A53 for a weekend trip. Shooting in mixed lighting—sunlit streets, dim cafes, and night markets—she noticed immediate improvements. “The A53 captured vibrant colors without over-processing. Low-light shots were usable without editing, and the ultrawide lens didn’t distort edges like my old A42.” She also appreciated the smoother gallery experience when reviewing hundreds of photos.

Battery and Charging: Longevity vs Speed

The A42 holds a slight edge in raw capacity with a 5,000mAh battery versus the A53’s 5,000mAh as well—so they’re technically equal. However, the A53’s more efficient processor and adaptive 120Hz display actually result in slightly better battery life despite the higher refresh rate.

Real-world testing shows the A53 lasting about 1–1.5 hours longer on a full charge under moderate use (social media, streaming, messaging). Both support 15W fast charging, but the A53 charges more consistently due to better thermal management.

Neither includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to reuse or purchase one separately.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Refresh Rate on the A53 to balance smoothness and battery savings automatically.

Software and Security Updates

This may be the most compelling reason to choose the A53. Samsung promises four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the A53. That means it will likely receive updates through 2027.

The A42, released in 2020, is already nearing the end of its update cycle. It received Android 12 and one major upgrade (from Android 10), but no further OS updates are expected. Security patches may continue sporadically but are not guaranteed.

If you plan to keep your phone for three years or more, the A53 offers much better long-term value through continued software support, bug fixes, and new features.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from A42 to A53?

• ✅ Need better durability? (IP67 on A53)
• ✅ Want a smoother, brighter display? (120Hz AMOLED)
• ✅ Use your phone for photography or video? (OIS, better sensors)
• ✅ Plan to keep the phone for 3+ years? (Longer software support)
• ✅ Play mobile games or multitask heavily? (Faster chipset)
• ✅ Still satisfied with A42 performance? (Upgrade may not be urgent)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A53 waterproof?

Yes, the A53 has an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The A42 has no official water resistance.

Can the A42 still handle daily tasks?

Absolutely. If you mostly browse, message, and stream, the A42 remains functional. However, app launch times and background performance are slower than the A53.

Is the price difference justified?

The A53 typically costs $100–$150 more than the A42 at retail. Given the improvements in display, camera, durability, and software support, this premium is justified for users who want a reliable phone for the next few years.

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy A53 isn’t just a minor refresh—it’s a meaningful evolution over the A42. From its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display and IP67 rating to its superior camera system and long-term software commitment, the A53 delivers tangible benefits that enhance everyday usability.

If you’re still using an A42 and it meets your needs, there’s no urgent need to upgrade immediately. But if you're experiencing slowdowns, poor low-light photos, or concern about outdated software, the A53 represents a smart investment.

For new buyers, the A53 is clearly the better choice. Even at a higher price, its combination of modern features, durability, and update longevity makes it a standout in the mid-range category.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A42 to the A53? Share your experience below and help others decide!