The Nokia G42 5G stands out in the crowded smartphone market with its distinctive design and a unique emphasis on repairability. The So Purple variant adds a touch of individuality, reminiscent of Nokia’s colourful legacy. However, while the phone deserves praise for its commitment to repairability, there are areas where improvement is needed, earning it a rating of 3.5/5.
Design: Aesthetic Appeal Meets Repairability
Draped in a plastic build, the G42 5G’s So Purple variant offers a premium feel, setting it apart in the budget-friendly segment. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a nod to tradition, catering to those who appreciate wired audio. What truly distinguishes the phone is its commitment to repairability, allowing users to replace essential components like the screen, battery, and charging port, a rare feature in today’s smartphone landscape.
Cameras: Nifty Night Mode and Decent Performance
The 50MP main camera showcases Nokia’s expertise in colour reproduction, delivering vibrant and true-to-life colours. The macro lens outperforms rivals, though the bokeh mode struggles with edge detection, leaving room for improvement. The phone’s commitment to offering a diverse range of bokeh options is commendable, but refinements in precision are needed.
Display: Size Matters, but Resolution Disappoints
With a sizable 6.5-inch display, the G42 5G offers ample screen real estate. However, the choice of an HD+ 720p display and a 90Hz refresh rate raises questions, especially in a market where competitors provide full HD 1080p displays with 120Hz support. The compromise in display quality becomes apparent, particularly during video streaming with darker scenes.
Audio: 3.5mm Legacy and OZO Playback
The phone impresses with a robust down-firing mono speaker, delivering rich volume and a pristine frequency spectrum. While lacking a stereo setup, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack enhances audio versatility. OZO Playback elevates the audio landscape, showcasing Nokia’s commitment to refining user engagement.
Performance: Budget-Friendly, 5G Enabled
Powered by the Snapdragon 480+ chipset, the G42 5G offers smooth navigation and fast wake-up times. However, limitations become apparent with graphically intensive tasks, leading to occasional slow loading of web pages. The near-stock Android experience enhances overall usability, standing out in a market cluttered with heavily customised interfaces.
Battery Life: Longevity Champion with a Trade-off
With an impressive 5,000mAh battery, the G42 5G provides over a day of usage on a single charge. However, the trade-off is a slow charging time of nearly two hours to reach full capacity with the 20W in-box charger.
A Solid Contender with Room for Growth
The Nokia G42 5G brings commendable intentions, aiming to establish itself as a sustainable and repairable option. The So Purple colour variant and the camera’s performance contribute to its appeal. However, the lack of a full HD display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an ageing processor hinder its competitiveness in 2023. While repairability is a commendable feature, the G42 might benefit more from a flagship-like overhaul to match contemporary user expectations.
The Nokia G42 5G offers a budget-friendly blend of style and repairability. For users valuing individuality and DIY repairs, this handset presents a unique option. While some aspects leave room for improvement, the G42 stands as a solid contender in the ever-expanding world of smartphones, promising a balance between sustainability and user experience.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 165 x 75.8 x 8.55mm
- Weight: 193.8g
- Display: 6.56in 20:9 HD+ (720 x 1612) 90Hz with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Chipset: Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G
- RAM: 6GB (4GB in select EU markets)
- Storage: 128GB + microSD up to 1TB
- OS: Android 13 (2 future OS upgrades promised)
- Rear Camera: 50MP (main) + 2MP (depth) + 2MP (macro)
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Audio: OZO 3D Playback
- Battery: 5,000mAh, QuickFix replaceable battery
- Charging: 20W wired
- Colours: So Purple, So Grey
In conclusion, the Nokia G42 5G stands as a solid contender in the budget-friendly smartphone market, combining style with repairability. While it has commendable features, there’s room for growth, especially in addressing display quality and processor performance to match contemporary expectations.
