In the world of budget smartphones, the Nokia G42 5G stands out as a device that blends affordability, durability, and sustainability. Priced under ₹17,000 in India, this model brings 5G connectivity, a robust battery, and a 50 MP camera to the masses—all wrapped in an eco-conscious package. With its clean Android experience and repair-friendly design, the G42 5G is shaping up to be a compelling choice for users who value practical, long-lasting tech.
Design & Build Quality
The G42 features a sleek, modern aesthetic with a 65% recycled plastic back available in eye-catching So Purple, So Grey, and So Pink. Weighing in at 193.8g, the textured finish resists fingerprints and offers a satisfying grip. Its ergonomic dimensions — 165 × 75.8 × 8.55mm — ensure comfortable usage.
Although crafted primarily from plastic, the device feels more premium than its price tag suggests, with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the 6.56‑inch display. The rear houses a clean camera layout and a side-mounted fingerprint reader, providing both usability and functionality.
Repairability & Sustainability
Nokia’s commitment to longevity shines through its partnership with iFixit. Users can easily replace key components—battery, screen, charging port, and rear cover—with readily available parts. This “QuickFix” design ensures longer device life and reduces electronic waste.
Complementing the physical repairability, the G42 boasts a 3‑year security update policy and 2 years of OS upgrades, offering extended software relevance. Proudly packaged in plastic-free, FSC‑certified materials, the phone represents a meaningful shift toward sustainable consumer electronics.
Display & Visual Performance
Equipped with a 6.56‑inch IPS LCD screen delivering HD+ (720×1612) resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate, the G42 excels in smooth scrolling and efficient visuals. While it may not match the crispness of Full HD panels, the display remains bright with good color contrast.
However, reviewers note that color accuracy, especially in videos, is not its strongest point (“Colors not the best when streaming video content”). For everyday social media and messaging, though, it offers a pleasing visual experience.
Performance & Connectivity
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 480+ chipset delivers reliable performance for daily tasks, from browsing to light gaming. Paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage (expandable via microSD up to 1TB), multitasking remains smooth.
Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring 5G, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, FM radio, GPS, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack—something rare these days. For everyday users and students, this setup offers robust, future‑proof functionality.
Camera Setup: Capture the Moment
The rear camera system includes a 50 MP f/1.8 main sensor, accompanied by 2 MP macro and depth sensors. Image quality is solid for mid-range expectations—detailed and reliable in daylight, though it struggles in dim light.
Selfies are handled by an 8 MP front-facing camera. While not remarkable, it meets social media standards. Video-focused users may find it adequate but not standout.
Battery Life & Charging
One of the G42’s biggest strengths is its 5,000 mAh battery, rated to last up to three days on light use. Endurance tests clock nearly 26 hours of continuous video playback—impressive under any standard .
Support for 20W fast charging allows a full charge in about two hours. Though it lacks the rapid charging speeds of flagship competitors, it meets the needs of average users. Over 800 charge cycles, it retains roughly 80% battery capacity—a testament to its sustainability.
Software & UI Experience
Running near-stock Android 13, the G42 delivers a clean, bloatware-free UI with intuitive controls and timely notification management. Nokia’s promise of two OS upgrades and three years of security patches adds long-term appeal.
Reviews praise the simplicity and ease of use—the perfect companion for both tech-savvy users and newcomers .
Comparison with Competitors
Comparisons against rivals like the Moto G53, Samsung Galaxy M14, and iQOO Z6 Lite highlight the G42’s distinctive advantages:
- Battery life: surpasses most peers with a nearly 26-hour video endurance.
- Repairability & sustainability: unparalleled in its segment.
- Clean software: less UI lag than Samsung; more polished than iQOO.
While it lags behind in charging speed and display clarity, its eco-conscious persona and long-term usability make it a unique proposition in the sub‑₹15,000 category.
Pricing & Availability
Launched at ~₹12,599 for the 6GB/128GB variant and ₹16,999 for the 8GB/256GB model, the G42 sits competitively against its rivals. Internationally, it debuted in the UK at £179 and Australia at AU$449.
Currently, it is available in India through various e-commerce platforms, poised to attract budget-conscious but quality-focused buyers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 3-day battery life with durable performance | Only HD+ resolution—lacks crispness |
| Easy DIY repairability via iFixit support | Low-light camera performance is average |
| Clean, upgradable Android interface with long update cycle | 20W charging is slower than modern fast chargers |
| Eco-friendly materials & packaging | Modest color accuracy for avid media consumers |
| 5G, NFC, Wi‑Fi 6, headphone jack—all included | GPU performance fine for casual gaming, not heavy 3D |
Conclusion
The Nokia G42 5G is a standout in the budget segment: a phone built to last, easy to fix, and kind to the planet. Its blend of 5G readiness, robust battery, clean software, and repairability makes it ideal for thoughtful consumers who want value without compromise.
If you’re after dazzling display blacks or flagship-level photography, this may not be your first choice. But if you value practical longevity, eco-efficiency, and a no-nonsense smartphone experience, the G42 offers more than just cost-saving—it’s a philosophy in your pocket.