Nokia G42

The Nokia G42 comes in three variants, each with different RAM and storage configurations. The 4GB RAM + 128GB storage model is priced at QAR 659, the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage version costs QAR 699, and the top-tier 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is available for QAR 799.

Nokia G42 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.56 inches, 720 x 1612 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G
RAM	4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB, expandable up to 1TB
Main Camera	50MP (Wide) + 2MP (Macro) + 2MP (Depth)
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	20W Fast Charging
OS	Android 13
Dimensions	165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm
Weight	193.8 g
Release Date	June 28, 2023

 

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia G42 boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its budget-friendly price tag. With dimensions of 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm, it strikes a balance between screen size and pocketability. The device weighs 193.8 grams, which is relatively light for a smartphone with a 5000mAh battery. The phone’s body is made of plastic, which helps keep costs down while still providing a durable feel.

Available in two attractive colors – Meteor Grey and Lavender – the Nokia G42 offers a touch of style to suit different preferences. The back panel features a subtle texture that not only enhances grip but also resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping the phone looking clean throughout the day.

One of the standout features of the Nokia G42’s design is its IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. This added protection gives users peace of mind when using the device in various environments, making it more durable than many other budget smartphones in the market.

Display

The Nokia G42 comes equipped with a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. While this resolution might not be the highest in its class, it still provides a decent viewing experience for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media apps.

One of the highlights of the display is its 90Hz refresh rate, which is a welcome feature in this price range. The higher refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience. The display also boasts a peak brightness of 560 nits, making it readable even in bright outdoor conditions.

Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the screen offers decent resistance against scratches and minor impacts. While it may not be the latest version of Gorilla Glass, it still provides a good level of protection for a budget device.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the Nokia G42 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset. This octa-core processor is designed to deliver reliable performance for everyday tasks while also enabling 5G connectivity. With clock speeds of up to 2.2 GHz, the Snapdragon 480+ can handle most applications and light gaming without significant lag or stuttering.

The device comes in three RAM configurations: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB. The higher RAM options provide better multitasking capabilities and smoother overall performance. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, with the ability to expand storage up to 1TB using a microSD card. This flexibility in storage is a significant advantage for users who need extra space for photos, videos, and apps.

Camera System

The Nokia G42 features a triple camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main 50MP camera uses pixel binning technology to produce detailed 12.5MP images with improved low-light performance. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it can capture good quality photos in well-lit conditions.

The 2MP macro lens allows users to take close-up shots of small objects, while the 2MP depth sensor aids in creating a bokeh effect for portrait mode shots. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera that’s suitable for video calls and social media selfies.

The camera app comes with various features and modes, including Night mode, Portrait mode, and AI enhancements. Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps for both the rear and front cameras.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Nokia G42 is its large 5000mAh battery. This capacity allows for extended use without the need for frequent charging. Most users should be able to get through a full day of moderate to heavy use on a single charge.

The device supports 20W fast charging, which, while not the fastest in the market, still provides reasonably quick top-ups. It’s worth noting that the 20W charger is included in the box, which is becoming increasingly rare in the smartphone market.

Software and User Experience

The Nokia G42 runs on Android 13 out of the box, offering the latest features and security updates from Google. Nokia has a good track record of providing timely updates and has promised two years of major OS updates and three years of security patches for the G42.

The user interface is close to stock Android, which means a clean, bloatware-free experience. This approach not only provides a smooth user experience but also helps in conserving system resources and battery life.

Connectivity and Additional Features

As a 5G-capable device, the Nokia G42 is future-proof in terms of cellular connectivity. It supports various 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with most 5G networks worldwide. The device also includes Wi-Fi 6 support, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments.

The phone features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which doubles as the power button, providing quick and secure access to the device. There’s also face unlock available for those who prefer an alternative biometric authentication method.

Comparison with Other Nokia Models

When compared to its predecessor, the Nokia G22, the G42 offers several improvements. The most significant upgrade is the inclusion of 5G support, making the G42 more future-proof. The G42 also features a slightly larger display with a higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz), a more powerful processor, and faster charging capabilities.

The Nokia C32, another budget offering from the brand, falls short of the G42 in several areas. The G42 offers 5G connectivity, a more powerful processor, and a higher refresh rate display. However, the C32 does have a higher resolution main camera (50MP vs 13MP) and a slightly larger battery.

Compared to the older Nokia G20, the G42 represents a significant leap forward. It offers 5G support, a much more powerful processor, a higher refresh rate display, and faster charging. The G42 also has a higher resolution main camera and more RAM options.

Comparison with Competitors

In the budget 5G smartphone segment, the Nokia G42 faces competition from devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers a higher resolution AMOLED display (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a more powerful Snapdragon 695 5G processor. It also features a higher resolution 108MP main camera and faster 67W charging. However, the Nokia G42 has the advantage of a cleaner, near-stock Android experience and potentially longer software support.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is closer in specifications to the Nokia G42. It features a similar 6.6-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and runs on the Exynos 1330 chipset. The Galaxy A14 5G has a higher resolution 50MP main camera but lacks the macro and depth sensors found on the Nokia G42. Samsung’s device also comes with a smaller 5000mAh battery and slower 15W charging.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Affordable 5G smartphone
2. Large 5000mAh battery
3. 90Hz refresh rate display
4. Clean, near-stock Android experience
5. Promised software updates
6. Expandable storage up to 1TB
7. IP52 dust and splash resistance

Cons:

1. Low resolution display (720 x 1612 pixels)
2. Plastic build may feel less premium
3. Camera performance may be average in low light
4. 20W charging is relatively slow compared to some competitors

Who Should Buy the Nokia G42?

The Nokia G42 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want to experience 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for:

1. First-time smartphone buyers looking for a reliable, future-proof device
2. Users who prioritize long battery life and clean software experience
3. Those who want a durable phone with some water and dust resistance
4. Consumers who value timely software updates and security patches
5. People who need expandable storage for their media and apps

Who Should Consider Alternatives?

While the Nokia G42 offers good value for money, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Consider alternatives if you:

1. Prioritize display quality and want a higher resolution screen
2. Are a heavy gamer and need more processing power
3. Want the best possible camera performance in this price range
4. Prefer faster charging speeds
5. Need a more premium build quality with glass or metal construction