Nokia G42 5G- When it comes to smartphones in India, we are always looking for the perfect balance between price, performance, and reliability. Nokia, one of the most trusted names in the mobile industry, has made an impressive comeback with its Nokia G42 5G. Packed with a 50MP AI-powered triple camera, a massive 5000mAh battery, and a 90Hz HD+ display, this phone is setting new standards in the budget 5G smartphone segment at just ₹14,999.
Nokia G42 5G Design and Build Quality: A Modern yet Durable Nokia Touch
The Nokia G42 5G brings back what Nokia has always been known for — durability and practicality. The phone sports a sleek polycarbonate back with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. Available in bold purple and classic gray, it stands out without being flashy.
Despite its large battery, the phone remains comfortable to hold, weighing just under 194 grams. With a thickness of 8.55 mm, it feels well-balanced in the hand. The slightly curved edges make one-handed use easier, which is essential for everyday users.
Nokia has also added IP52 water and dust resistance, ensuring that accidental splashes and dust exposure don’t damage your phone. For a device under ₹15,000, this is a valuable addition.
Nokia G42 5G Display: Smooth 90Hz HD+ Panel for Everyday Use
One of the biggest highlights of the Nokia G42 5G is its 6.56-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. In a world where smoother scrolling and fluid animations matter, this display ensures an excellent user experience.
- The screen resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels may not be Full HD, but Nokia has optimized it for crisp visuals.
- With a 20:9 aspect ratio, it’s great for social media browsing, video streaming, and gaming.
- The 90Hz refresh rate ensures lag-free navigation, making it feel faster than many competitors.
The brightness levels are decent at 450 nits typical and 560 nits peak, ensuring good outdoor visibility. Watching YouTube, Netflix, or scrolling through Instagram feels smooth and enjoyable on this panel.
Nokia G42 5G Performance: Snapdragon 480+ 5G with Optimized Multitasking
Under the hood, the Nokia G42 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset, an efficient processor built on an 8nm architecture. While not a flagship processor, it is tailor-made for budget 5G phones and balances power efficiency with reliable performance.
- CPU: Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
- GPU: Adreno 619
In day-to-day tasks like calling, browsing, messaging, and video streaming, the phone runs smoothly. With up to 6GB RAM (expandable with 5GB virtual RAM) and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD card up to 1TB), multitasking is seamless.
Gaming is where it shows its budget nature — casual games like BGMI, Free Fire, and Subway Surfers run well, but heavy graphics games require lowering the settings for smooth play. Still, for the price, the performance is reliable and stable.
Nokia G42 5G Camera: 50MP AI Triple Camera for Stunning Photos
Photography lovers will appreciate the 50MP triple rear camera setup on the Nokia G42 5G.
Rear Camera Setup:
- 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8 aperture) – captures detailed and sharp images in good lighting.
- 2MP depth sensor – improves portrait shots with background blur.
- 2MP macro lens – allows close-up photography.
The camera uses AI imaging algorithms that enhance color tones, sharpen details, and improve low-light shots. Portrait mode is surprisingly good for the price, and daylight photography offers vibrant results.
Front Camera:
On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie shooter, which is more than capable for video calls, selfies, and social media uploads.
The phone can also record 1080p videos at 30fps, with decent stabilization. While not the best for professional videography, it works well for casual content creators.
Nokia G42 5G Battery: 5000mAh Powerhouse with 20W Fast Charging
One of the strongest features of the Nokia G42 5G is its long-lasting 5000mAh battery. Nokia claims up to 3 days of battery life, and in real-world usage, the phone comfortably lasts two days on moderate use.
Charging:
The phone supports 20W fast charging, which can charge from 0 to 50% in about 45 minutes. While not as fast as 65W or 100W flagships, it strikes a good balance between charging speed and battery longevity.
Thanks to AI-powered battery optimization, the device adapts to your usage pattern, helping extend the overall battery health.
Nokia G42 5G Software: Clean Android 13 Experience
Unlike many competitors that overload their devices with custom skins, Nokia offers a clean Android 13 experience on the G42 5G.
- No unnecessary bloatware or ads.
- Smooth and clutter-free interface.
- Regular security updates guaranteed for 3 years.
- 2 years of OS upgrades, meaning you’ll get Android 14 and Android 15 in the future.
This makes the device ideal for users who prefer a stock Android feel without unnecessary clutter.
Nokia G42 5G Connectivity: True 5G with 13 Bands
The Nokia G42 5G doesn’t just put “5G” in its name for marketing — it supports 13 5G bands, ensuring wider compatibility with Indian telecom providers.
- Dual SIM 5G
- Wi-Fi 802.11 ac
- Bluetooth 5.1
- USB Type-C 2.0
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
This wide range of connectivity options makes it future-ready for the upcoming 5G expansion across India.
Comparison Table: Nokia G42 5G Key Specs
| Feature | Nokia G42 5G |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56-inch HD+ 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 480+ 5G |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 20W fast charging |
| RAM & Storage | 6GB + 128GB (expandable) |
| OS | Android 13 (2 years OS upgrades) |
| 5G Bands | 13 |
| Weight | 194g |
| Price | ₹14,999 |
Nokia G42 5G Real-World Usage: Does Nokia G42 5G Deliver?
In our testing, the Nokia G42 5G proved to be an all-rounder in the budget category. Everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media are smooth. The phone feels snappy due to the 90Hz refresh rate and optimized software.
The camera captures natural-looking photos without excessive post-processing, and the battery backup is one of the best in this segment. Call quality is strong, thanks to Nokia’s OZO Audio technology, which ensures clear voice pickup and noise cancellation.
While the display is only HD+ and gaming is limited to mid-level performance, the overall experience feels polished for the price point.
Why Nokia G42 5G is the Perfect Budget 5G Smartphone
At ₹14,999, the Nokia G42 5G strikes an excellent balance of 5G connectivity, a powerful 50MP camera, stock Android, and long-lasting battery life.
It stands out in a crowded market because of:
- Durability and clean software experience.
- Future-ready 5G support with 13 bands.
- Reliable battery life and charging.
- Three years of security updates and OS upgrades.
For users who want a no-nonsense smartphone with long-term usability, the Nokia G42 5G is one of the strongest contenders under ₹15,000.
Final Verdict: Nokia G42 5G
The Nokia G42 5G is not trying to be flashy. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters: durability, clean software, future-proof connectivity, and dependable performance. For Indian users seeking an affordable 5G phone with a big battery, sharp camera, and smooth display, this device is a solid investment.
With Nokia’s reputation for reliability and its promise of long-term updates, the G42 5G emerges as one of the best value-for-money smartphones under ₹15,000 in India.