The TCL 4042 S is an ultra-basic phone built for calls and texts at a very low price. It has a small screen and minimal hardware, aimed at buyers who want the simplest possible handset rather than a full smartphone… Read more >
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TCL 4042 S, Dark Night Grey
TCL 4042 S, Dark Night Grey
TCL 4042 S, Dark Night Grey
TCL 4042 S, Dark Night Grey
TCL 4042 S, Dark Night Grey
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Contract deals — price snapshot
Zero-upfront plans are widely available for this model.
Deals are currently available on Tesco Mobile.
Last updated: 01 Sep 2026 from 5 live offers
The TCL 4042 S is an ultra-basic phone built for calls and texts at a very low price. It has a small screen and minimal hardware, aimed at buyers who want the simplest possible handset rather than a full smartphone.
The 2.8-inch QVGA display has a 240 x 320 resolution, enough to show contacts, menus and call information clearly.
This is a tiny, low-resolution screen suited to calls and texts rather than reading or media.
There is a single 2MP main camera with an LED flash for the occasional snap.
Image quality is very low by design, so photography is not a reason to buy this phone.
The 1,500mAh battery is small, but with only a tiny screen and basic features to power, it lasts well for light use.
No charging speed is listed in the manufacturer specification, so a standard charge is the safe assumption.
At 137.48 x 57.5 x 13.65mm and just 111g, the 4042 S is small, thick and very light, in a Dark Night Grey finish.
It uses a nano-SIM, there is no Wi-Fi, and connectivity is limited to Bluetooth 5.0.
A Unisoc UMS9117-L chip running at 1GHz handles calls, texts and simple menus.
This is minimal hardware for the essentials only, with no Wi-Fi and no 5G, so it works as a basic phone rather than a smartphone.
Buy the TCL 4042 S as a very simple phone for calls and texts, a basic backup, or for someone who wants the easiest possible handset. Buyers who want apps, a bigger screen and a usable camera should step up to a basic Android phone such as the TCL 501. Buyers comparing upfront prices will find current deals in the table above.
Specifications are provided by the manufacturer and may vary by region.
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