The Samsung Galaxy A42 might launch in 4G and 5G flavors

5G is a feature of Samsung's Galaxy A series of smartphones, but only among its higher-end echelons such as the A71 and A51. However, a new leak suggests that the OEM is extending this feature to the next tier down in 2021. In other words, the next generation on from the A41 will reportedly support these bands.

This might require a rather substantial upgrade from the existing phone's MediaTek Helio P65 SoC to pan out, however. On the other hand, the same chipmaker is currently linked to increasingly affordable 5G platforms itself: therefore, the putative Galaxy A42 could have something like the Dimensity 720, 600 or even the rumored 400 and work out pretty cheap.

On the other hand, it is also speculated that the same potential 2021 Samsung phone could also come with a 4G-only variant in any case. There is little else circulating around this hypothetical phone, save a mysterious component allegedly certified by the company with the Chinese regulator 3C.

It is a battery with the model number EB-BA426ABY, which is close enough to the name A42 to raise an eyebrow. However, it is listed as having a 4860mAh capacity, which may be seen as a little underwhelming for a 5G phone in this day and age, especially in light of the same OEM's rumored imminent step up to 7000mAh smartphones.

Therefore, presuming it does indeed correspond to the "Galaxy A42", it may be for a possible 4G SKU; alternatively, Samsung has some measures to make 5G more power-efficient in its back pocket to show off next year.