The Galaxy F42 5G, aka the Galaxy M42 5G (SM-E426B), is all but confirmed for market release, as the device has just received certification from yet another international standards body. The documentation describes a decisively mid-range smartphone with 5G New Radio capabilities, but one lacking much in the way of close-range communications. Meaning no Wi-Fi 6.
Many might rightfully consider advanced home networking to be a much more compelling smartphone feature in 2021. At least compared to the fifth generation of mobile networks. Alas, it's going to be a while until we might see a smartphone specification that says yes to Wi-Fi 6 but no to 5G. Assuming that ever even happens.
Do you want your next phone to have Wi-Fi 6 support? What about 5G? Either?
Either way, this is all signaled by a regulatory green light from the Wi-Fi Alliance, spotted earlier this week. As for why we are so sure that this is the same device as the Galaxy M42 5G, Google took guesswork out of that equation several weeks ago.
On the subject of Wi-Fi, the upcoming device will at least offer support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Allowing for some respectable single-channel throughputs, if you care about that sort of thing. The rest of the Galaxy F42 spec sheet should include Qualcomm's Snapdragon 750G, 6/8GB of RAM, 128GB of flash storage, a 6.6-inch HD+ panel, and a quad-camera setup led by a 48-megapixel module. Sitting on the opposite end will be a 20-megapixel selfie camera, and you can also expect a price tag in the ballpark of $300.
