Nokia G42 5G- Indian smartphone market has become one of the most exciting battlegrounds for brands, with every company trying to pack more features into phones that cost less. Among all the big names, there is one brand that still carries the nostalgia of millions of Indians—Nokia. For many of us, Nokia was the very first phone we ever used, and even today the name brings back memories of unmatched durability, simple design, and long-lasting battery life. Now, Nokia is back with a fresh approach to the budget 5G segment, and its latest launch, the Nokia G42 5G, is a strong reminder that the company still knows how to win hearts.
Priced at ₹14,999, the Nokia G42 5G comes with features that can easily compete with some of the most popular budget smartphones today. It offers a 50MP AI-powered camera, a huge 5000mAh battery, a smooth 90Hz display, and 13 5G bands for future-proof connectivity. The combination makes it one of the most practical phones for users who want a device that performs well in daily life without burning a hole in their pocket.
Nokia G42 5G First Impression: A Phone That Feels Familiar Yet Fresh
When you unbox the Nokia G42 5G, you immediately notice that it doesn’t try too hard to be flashy. Instead, it strikes a balance between style and simplicity. The phone comes in So Grey and So Purple shades, each of which feels refreshing. The purple variant, in particular, is bold and vibrant, giving it a modern edge that is rare in budget smartphones.
The back panel is made of polycarbonate, which has been given a matte finish to prevent fingerprints and smudges. It feels sturdy in hand and reassures you that this is a phone designed to last. At 194 grams, it is not too heavy, and its 8.55 mm thickness makes it comfortable for one-handed use. The slightly curved edges on the back add to the comfort factor, making it easy to grip even during long hours of use.
What makes the Nokia G42 5G stand out from many of its competitors is its IP52 certification, which offers protection against dust and water splashes. While this does not mean you can take the phone for a swim, it does ensure that the device won’t easily be damaged by accidental spills or light rain—something many budget phones miss out on.
Nokia G42 5G A Display That Balances Smoothness and Practicality
The Nokia G42 5G features a 6.56-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. While on paper, many might expect a Full HD+ display at this price, Nokia has chosen to keep things balanced. In everyday use, the display feels crisp enough, and what really elevates the experience is the 90Hz refresh rate.
Scrolling through Instagram, browsing the web, or just navigating the phone feels smooth and fluid. Even in this price segment, not all phones manage to provide a refresh rate this high, making the Nokia G42 5G feel more premium in day-to-day tasks.
The brightness levels are also quite decent, with 560 nits of peak brightness, which makes the display usable under sunlight without too much struggle. Watching YouTube or Netflix is enjoyable, though if you are someone who always watches content in Full HD resolution, you might find the HD+ limitation noticeable. However, for the average user, the display does the job well and doesn’t disappoint.
Nokia G42 5G Performance That Matches Everyday Needs
Powering the Nokia G42 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G processor, built on the 8nm process. This chipset is not meant to be a gaming beast but rather a balanced performer that focuses on efficiency and stability.
In everyday usage, the phone handles apps smoothly. Social media, video streaming, calling, and even multitasking with several apps open in the background work without noticeable lags. The phone comes with 6GB RAM and an additional 5GB of virtual RAM through memory expansion, ensuring that switching between apps remains smooth. The internal storage is 128GB, which can be expanded up to 1TB via microSD card.
When it comes to gaming, titles like Free Fire Max, Asphalt 9, and Call of Duty Mobile run comfortably at medium settings. Heavy games like BGMI also run but require reducing graphics for smoother performance. This makes it a practical device for casual gamers but not the best pick for heavy mobile gaming enthusiasts.
The Adreno 619 GPU handles graphics well for a budget device, and the overall performance feels stable, which is exactly what most users in this segment expect.
Nokia G42 5G Camera That Brings Back the Joy of Photography
The Nokia G42 5G features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP primary lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro shooter. The highlight here is clearly the 50MP AI-powered sensor, which captures sharp and detailed images in daylight conditions. Colors come out natural and not overly saturated, which is something many users prefer over artificially boosted tones.
Portrait shots are enhanced by the depth sensor, and while it may not be perfect, the edge detection is decent enough to produce pleasing results. The macro sensor, though not very high in resolution, allows close-up shots that are fun for casual photography.
Low-light photography is where the phone shows its limitations, as pictures tend to have noise. However, the Night Mode helps improve results by brightening images and balancing shadows.
On the front, the phone packs an 8MP selfie camera that does a good job for video calls and social media uploads. It captures skin tones fairly well, and for the price segment, the selfies look quite impressive.
Video recording is supported at 1080p 30fps. While stabilization isn’t on par with higher-end devices, it is good enough for casual recording, vlogging, and sharing clips online.
Nokia G42 5G Battery Life That Keeps You Going
Battery life has always been a strong point for Nokia phones, and the G42 5G is no different. The device packs a 5000mAh battery, which Nokia claims can last up to three days on a single charge. In real-world usage, it comfortably lasts for two days with moderate use and about a day and a half with heavy use.
The battery is complemented by 20W fast charging, which can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in around 45 minutes. While this is not as fast as the 65W or 100W chargers we see in more expensive phones, it strikes a balance between speed and long-term battery health.
Nokia has also included AI-powered battery optimization, which learns your usage habits and manages power consumption accordingly. This ensures that the battery not only lasts longer per charge but also maintains its health over extended use.
Nokia G42 5G Software Experience: Stock Android with Long-Term Support
One of the biggest advantages of buying a Nokia smartphone is the software experience. The Nokia G42 5G runs on Android 13 out of the box, offering a clean and stock Android interface. This means there are no unnecessary pre-installed apps, no ads, and no complicated skins that slow down the phone.
For users who value simplicity, this is a big win. The interface feels smooth, navigation is easy, and the absence of bloatware makes the device run faster. Nokia also promises two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates, ensuring that the phone remains up to date and secure for years to come.
This commitment to long-term software support is something that not all brands offer in the budget segment, making Nokia stand apart.
Nokia G42 5G Connectivity Features That Make It Truly 5G Ready
The Nokia G42 5G doesn’t just carry the 5G branding for the sake of it. It supports 13 different 5G bands, making it one of the most future-proof budget devices in India. With the rollout of 5G networks gaining speed across the country, this ensures that users will be able to experience fast download speeds, low latency, and stable connections.
In addition to 5G, the phone comes with all the essential connectivity options including dual SIM support, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. For those who still prefer wired headphones, Nokia has also included the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is slowly disappearing from many devices.
The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is responsive and works consistently, while face unlock offers an alternative for those who prefer quicker access.
Table: Key Specifications of Nokia G42 5G
| Specification | Nokia G42 5G |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56-inch HD+ with 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 20W fast charging |
| RAM and Storage | 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage (Expandable to 1TB) |
| Operating System | Android 13 with 2 years OS upgrades |
| 5G Bands | 13 |
| Weight | 194 grams |
| Price | ₹14,999 |
Nokia G42 5G Everyday Experience: What It Feels Like to Use
Using the Nokia G42 5G in real life is where it really shines. The smoothness of the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and swiping a joy. The clean software interface means no interruptions from unwanted notifications or bloatware. Call quality is crisp, and Nokia’s OZO audio technology makes conversations clearer by reducing background noise.
The battery gives you peace of mind that the phone won’t die on you in the middle of the day, while the cameras provide consistent performance for social media, casual photography, and video calls. The build feels solid, and the IP52 rating adds a sense of durability that many phones in this range lack.
Why the Nokia G42 5G Stands Out
In a crowded budget smartphone market, the Nokia G42 5G stands out for its balanced approach. Instead of trying to wow users with flashy specs that may not matter in the long run, it focuses on what really counts—durability, clean software, strong battery life, and reliable performance.
It is also one of the few phones in its price segment that offers such wide 5G band support, ensuring it remains relevant as India continues to expand its 5G networks. Add to this Nokia’s promise of regular updates, and you have a phone that is not just affordable but also reliable for the long term.
Final Verdict: Nokia G42 5G
The Nokia G42 5G proves that budget smartphones don’t need to compromise on essential features. With a 50MP camera, a 90Hz display, a 5000mAh battery, and future-proof 5G connectivity, it delivers an experience that feels far more premium than its ₹14,999 price tag suggests.
It may not have the flashiest specs or the fastest charging in its category, but it more than makes up for it with stability, clean software, long-term updates, and solid build quality. For anyone looking for a phone under ₹15,000 that will serve well for the next few years, the Nokia G42 5G is a choice worth considering.