Nokia G42 5G – If you’re on the hunt for a budget 5G phone that’s reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t bombard you with ads or unnecessary apps, the Nokia G42 5G might just be what you need. It keeps things simple but does it well — with a solid camera, smooth display, and fast charging, all packed into a clean and sturdy design.
What Makes the G42 Special?
Nokia launched the G42 5G in India back in September 2023, and since then, it’s been refreshed with new colors like So Pink and new storage variants. While most brands are all about packing in flashy features, Nokia focuses on the stuff that really matters: long-term durability, easy repairs, and a clean software experience.
The G42 stands out thanks to Nokia’s promise of 2 years of Android OS updates and 3 years of security patches — something you rarely see in this price range.
Design and Build: Simple but Solid
The phone has a practical, no-nonsense design with a textured plastic back made from 65% recycled materials. It feels sturdy in hand and doesn’t attract fingerprints easily. The QuickFix repairable design is a big plus — you can replace things like the screen or battery yourself using iFixit guides, which is rare for budget phones these days.
It comes in three colors: So Grey, So Purple, and the latest So Pink. At around 194 grams, it feels comfortable to hold — not too heavy, not too light.
Display: Smooth but Not Full HD
You get a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel smooth and responsive. While the resolution is only 720p and not Full HD, it’s still perfectly usable for everyday tasks like watching videos, browsing, or social media. The brightness goes up to 450 nits — okay for indoors, but a bit hard to see under strong sunlight.
Cameras: Gets the Job Done
The rear setup includes a 50MP main camera, along with 2MP depth and macro lenses. It takes decent photos in good lighting, and the 8MP front camera is good enough for selfies and video calls. Low-light shots and night photography aren’t its strong points, and there’s no ultrawide lens — but again, it’s solid for the price.
Battery and Charging: Two-Day Champ
One of the best things about the G42 5G is its 5,000 mAh battery. It easily lasts up to two days with moderate use, even with the 90Hz display turned on. It charges via USB-C using a 20W fast charger, which gets you about 50% in 40 minutes and a full charge in around 90 minutes.
Smooth, Clean Software
The phone runs on Android 13 with a completely clean UI — no bloatware, no ads, no weird skins. It feels light and smooth to use, and everything just works out of the box. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to deal with unnecessary clutter or complicated settings.
Nokia also promises two years of Android updates and three years of security updates, which is a big deal in this segment.
Everyday Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 480+ 5G chip, the G42 handles day-to-day stuff like YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and browsing without any hiccups. You can even do some light gaming, though it’s not meant for heavy-duty apps or intense multitasking. There’s also a virtual RAM feature that lets you add up to 5GB of extra RAM from storage if needed.
Price and Variants
Here’s what the G42 5G costs in India right now:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹11,499 (after discounts)
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹12,499 (limited-time offers)
With deals and bank offers, you can often get it at near entry-level pricing — making it one of the most affordable and dependable 5G options around.
How It Compares
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Lava Blaze 5G: Slightly cheaper and has a sharper Full HD+ display, but lags behind in software updates.
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Samsung Galaxy M14: Better battery, familiar UI, but heavier and packed with Samsung’s bloat.
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iQOO Z6 Lite: Faster processor, but lacks that clean, stock Android experience.
Final Thoughts
The Nokia G42 5G is a great pick for anyone looking for a no-fuss, reliable smartphone under ₹15,000. It’s not trying to be flashy or overdo the specs — instead, it focuses on what really matters: clean software, good build quality, solid battery life, and long-term usability.
If you’re tired of phones with annoying ads, unremovable apps, or fragile bodies, the G42 offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a phone that just works — and keeps working.
