Nokia has taken a major step in making 5G accessible to the masses with the launch of its cheapest 5G smartphone to date. The Nokia G42 5G is a budget-friendly device that promises to bring the power of next-gen connectivity to users who are looking for an affordable option without compromising on essential features.
This move aligns with Nokia’s strategy to capture a larger share of the growing budget 5G market and cater to a wide range of customers in emerging markets, including India and other regions where budget smartphones dominate.
Nokia G42 5G: A New Benchmark for Affordable 5G Devices
The Nokia G42 5G is priced to make 5G technology accessible to more consumers, and at an expected price of ₹14,999 (INR) in India, it offers an incredibly competitive package. With its modern features and Nokia’s legacy of reliability, the G42 5G aims to challenge other entry-level 5G smartphones from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung, which have dominated the budget segment in recent years.
Nokia has focused on providing value without cutting corners. The G42 5G delivers an exceptional balance of performance, design, and durability, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade to a 5G device without breaking the bank.
Design and Display: Premium Look with Durability
One of the key selling points of the Nokia G42 5G is its solid build quality, a trademark of the Nokia brand. The phone comes with a polycarbonate body that offers durability and an attractive glossy finish. The back panel is designed with a unique texture, reducing fingerprints and giving the device a premium feel despite its budget-friendly price tag.
In terms of display, the Nokia G42 5G sports a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a refresh rate of 90Hz. While not as sharp as more expensive AMOLED screens, the HD+ resolution offers crisp visuals, and the 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. This is a notable feature in the budget segment, as many smartphones in this range typically feature lower refresh rates.
The device also features a punch-hole camera cutout at the top center, maintaining a clean and modern design. Whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or scrolling through social media, the display will offer an immersive experience for the price point.
Performance: Smooth 5G Experience for Budget Users
Under the hood, the Nokia G42 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G processor, which is a solid choice for entry-level 5G devices. The chipset supports 5G connectivity, ensuring that users will be able to experience faster internet speeds as the network expands. The Snapdragon 480+ is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, with support for a microSD card for additional storage expansion up to 512GB.
The device is designed to handle daily tasks with ease, such as social media browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. While it may not be a powerhouse for heavy gaming or multitasking, the Nokia G42 5G delivers a smooth and responsive experience for users who primarily need a reliable, fast, and affordable 5G phone.
Camera Setup: Decent Performance for Casual Photography
On the camera front, the Nokia G42 5G features a dual-camera setup. The primary sensor is a 50MP f/1.8 lens, which is capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos in well-lit conditions. The secondary camera is a 2MP depth sensor, which helps with portrait photography, creating blurred backgrounds for more professional-looking shots.
The phone also comes with a 5MP front camera, which is great for selfies and video calls. While the camera specifications are not groundbreaking, they are more than adequate for users who want a simple, no-fuss camera experience. Nokia has incorporated several AI-driven features to enhance the overall photo quality, including night mode and AI portrait mode.
For a budget 5G smartphone, the camera performance of the Nokia G42 5G is commendable, offering users a good balance of quality and value.
Battery Life: All-Day Performance
The Nokia G42 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade over many devices in this price range. The large battery ensures that the phone lasts all day with moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, and media consumption. With the 5G network becoming more widespread, users often worry about battery drain, but the Nokia G42 5G handles the power demands efficiently thanks to its optimized software and energy-saving technologies.
The phone supports 20W fast charging, which allows users to quickly top-up their battery when needed. Though it may not be as fast as flagship models, this charging speed is competitive in the budget segment, where many devices come with slower charging capabilities.
Software and Features: Clean Android Experience
Running on Android 13, the Nokia G42 5G offers a clean, near-stock Android experience. Nokia has made a name for itself by providing a bloat-free version of Android, which makes the phone feel faster and more responsive. Additionally, the device is part of the Android One program, meaning users will receive regular software updates and security patches for at least two years, ensuring longevity for the device.
The Nokia G42 5G also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security, along with face unlock for quick access. Nokia continues to offer solid after-sales service and reliability, ensuring users feel confident in their purchase.
Price and Availability: Budget-Friendly 5G Power
At a launch price of ₹14,999, the Nokia G42 5G offers incredible value for money. This price point makes it one of the most affordable 5G smartphones in India, a market where budget-conscious consumers are rapidly adopting 5G as the network expands. The phone will be available for purchase through online retailers and Nokia’s official website, as well as through offline channels in select markets.