So Fast: With 5G connectivity you get where you want to go, fast. Very fast. Powered by none other than the Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G.
So Snappy: Nokia G42 5G comes with 11GB RAM (6GB RAM + 5GB Virtual RAM) ensuring smooth multitasking and performance.
So Clear: Capture the moment in high quality with the 50MP Triple AI camera, ready for popping portraits, wonderful vistas, and nights out with your friends.
So Reliable: With a whopping 5000 mAh battery life, your Nokia G42 5G will keep going when others run out.
So Secure: With Android 13 and up to 3 years of monthly security updates, you won’t be worrying about ‘outdated protection’ any time soon.
For and on behalf of HMD Mobile India Private Limited
Whats in the box
handset, Type C charger, Quick Start Guide, Safety Booklet
Phone Talk Time
26 Hours
Battery Power Rating
5000
Colour
Pink
Form factor
Touch
Other camera features
Rear, Front
RAM
6 GB
Device interface - primary
Touchscreen
Other display features
Wireless
Special features
Camera
GPS
True
Connectivity technologies
Bluetooth, USB
Wireless communication technologies
Cellular
Batteries
1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
Product Dimensions
16.5 x 7.6 x 0.9 cm, 194 Grams
Item Weight
194 g
3 reviews for Nokia G42 5G | Snapdragon® 480+ 5G | 50MP Triple AI Camera | 11GB RAM (6GB RAM + 5GB Virtual RAM) | 128GB Storage | 5000mAh Battery | 2 Years…
4.7out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
2
★★★★★
1
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
0
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★★★★★
Subhradip Paul –
After using for a day…!! Build quality: A typical Nokia product. In hand feel is good. The back panel looks so much good. Looks awesome. Display: It’s doesn’t look like a 720p display at all. The overall experience with a 90hz refresh rate is smooth and punchy. But content watching like videos on YouTube may feel little dull. Camera: The 50mp back camera is like 50/50. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s average. I haven’t tested the 2mp cameras. 8mp front camera is below average. Camera app has some cool features. Use GCam for a good result. Picture quality will be improved drastically especially the front camera. Speaker: The single bottom firing speaker is loud and has good level of vocal details. But misses the bass. Overall average. It has a feature call boost volume which will increase the volume upto 10%. The earpiece is top quality. Wired earphone output is good. I’ve used Nokia earphones and quality is good. Also used Noise tws and got a decent output, no issues here. Software: Clean Android 13 with some pre installed app which is uninstallable. Overall a good phone in this price range. 5G bands only n28 and n78 available. Airtel 5G is working fine, don’t know about Jio. Compass sensor is missing. I’ve also attached some shots taken with Nokia G42 5G. Charging the battery will take 1hr45mins from 20% to 100%.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Subhradip Paul –
The Nokia G42 5G is a standout product. It comes with a robust build, which is very Nokia-like. You feel it when you hold it – a premium-looking device with a premium in-the-hand feel for a not-so-premium price.
Box Contents: Nokia G42 phone, a TPU case, a 20-watt charger, USB A to USB C cable. Earphones are neither advertised nor included. I use Bluetooth earphones anyway. The only main accessory you will need is a screen protector, as sand particles can scratch Gorilla glass too.
The phone has a good weight, which gives the feel of a solid product. So, it is not the lightest phone out there, but it will feel significant to people like me, to whom a balanced weight gives the feeling of robustness.
We got the Nokia G42 in the unique-looking Purple colorway, which looks more beautiful IRL than the digital renders. The phone performs very well for the price point, and I do not have a reason to complain. Nokia used a similar CPU in some high-priced phones (like the Nokia XR20). The CPU sustains well under the load, does not heat up, and delivers consistent results without throttling.
The phone is smooth to the touch and fast & snappy to use. Almost all apps load quickly and run fine. The phone has 6GB of physical memory (RAM) and 128GB of UFS storage (some call it ROM). Nokia also offers virtual RAM up to 5GB on the Nokia G42 to keep up with the marketing trends started by the competition offering 12-16 GB RAM by using storage as RAM. However, the phone’s 6GB onboard RAM is adequate enough that you will never need to use the much slower virtual RAM. If you still need it, virtual RAM can be enabled in 2 options – 2GB or 5GB from the phone’s settings. It comes disabled OOB.
The 50MP camera on the G42 takes good photos, and I cannot complain at this price point. The camera software in this phone is significantly improved from what is seen on old Nokia phones. It comes with a lot of camera modes and even a dedicated Pro mode for people who want to control the exposure, ISO, etc. The night mode takes good photos as well, and you may not need to look for a gcam port for this device.
The phone supports dual 5G standby, i.e., both SIM cards will connect to the 5G network at the same time for calls as well as data. While 5G works fine on the device, and I can make 5G calls (Vo5G/VoNR), the Nokia website mentions that the phone only supports 2 5G bands. The limited band support might not provide the best possible 5G experience. I have contacted Nokia, and they said, “It supports all the deployed 5G network bands in India”. So, I am not entirely sure which bands are supported; 5G on Airtel and Jio works fine. Jio can make VoNR calls, and Airtel cannot, but that’s also the case for my Samsung S23 Ultra. Airtel does not have VoNR enabled yet.
The software is clean; there are mostly Google apps pre-installed, along with 6-7 bloatware apps (like Netflix, Spotify, and Booking.com) that can be removed in 10 seconds if needed. So, there are no unwanted apps sending notifications or pre-installed to steal data. The phone is supposed to get 2 OS updates, which will eventually bring it to Android 15 over the years. The phone is also supposed to be supported with security patches every month until 08/2026. The phone sold in India is made in India.
Overall, I am very happy with the phone. 4.5 stars (half deducted for missing 5G bands) from my side for a good attempt by HMD Global after a long time. I will update the review if I find something more worth mentioning. You can buy it if you’re on the lookout for a good-performing and affordable 5G phone from a trusted brand.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Manish Badola –
I recently downgraded from Huwaei P30 pro and got my hands on the Nokia G42 5G in the stunning “So Purple” color variant, and I must say, it’s an absolute gem! This budget-friendly smartphone has impressed me in more ways than one, and I’m thrilled to share my positive experience.
**1. 5G Connectivity:** The inclusion of the Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G chipset ensures lightning-fast connectivity, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. Streaming, downloading, and browsing are a breeze with this device.
**2. Impressive Camera Setup:** The 50MP Triple Rear AI Camera is a pleasant surprise on a phone in this price range. It captures vibrant and detailed photos with ease. The AI enhancements add a touch of professionalism to every shot, making even amateur photographers like me look good!
**3. Generous RAM and Storage:** The 11GB RAM configuration (6GB RAM + 5GB RAM Extension) is more than sufficient for multitasking, and the 128GB storage provides ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos. No more worrying about running out of space!
**4. Stellar Battery Life:** The 5000mAh battery is a workhorse. It easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, and if you’re a moderate user, you might even stretch it to two days. Plus, the device supports fast charging, which means you’re back up to full power in no time.
**5. Android OS Upgrades:** Nokia’s promise of 2 years of Android OS upgrades is a significant selling point. It ensures that your phone stays up to date with the latest features and security enhancements, providing peace of mind.
**6. Stylish Design:** Let’s not forget the aesthetic appeal of the “So Purple” color variant. It’s a head-turner and adds a touch of personality to the phone. Nokia has nailed it in terms of design.
**7. Reliable Brand:** Nokia has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and reliable phones, and the Nokia G42 5G is no exception. It feels robust in hand and gives you confidence in its longevity.
In conclusion, the Nokia G42 5G in So Purple is a fantastic budget 5G smartphone that delivers on multiple fronts. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable device for everyday use, this phone offers incredible value for money. With its 5G capabilities, impressive camera, ample storage, and extended Android OS support, it’s a winning choice. Plus, the So Purple color variant adds a touch of flair to your mobile experience. Highly recommended!
Subhradip Paul –
After using for a day…!!
Build quality: A typical Nokia product. In hand feel is good. The back panel looks so much good. Looks awesome.
Display: It’s doesn’t look like a 720p display at all. The overall experience with a 90hz refresh rate is smooth and punchy. But content watching like videos on YouTube may feel little dull.
Camera: The 50mp back camera is like 50/50. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s average. I haven’t tested the 2mp cameras. 8mp front camera is below average. Camera app has some cool features. Use GCam for a good result. Picture quality will be improved drastically especially the front camera.
Speaker: The single bottom firing speaker is loud and has good level of vocal details. But misses the bass. Overall average. It has a feature call boost volume which will increase the volume upto 10%. The earpiece is top quality. Wired earphone output is good. I’ve used Nokia earphones and quality is good. Also used Noise tws and got a decent output, no issues here.
Software: Clean Android 13 with some pre installed app which is uninstallable.
Overall a good phone in this price range. 5G bands only n28 and n78 available. Airtel 5G is working fine, don’t know about Jio. Compass sensor is missing. I’ve also attached some shots taken with Nokia G42 5G. Charging the battery will take 1hr45mins from 20% to 100%.
Subhradip Paul –
The Nokia G42 5G is a standout product. It comes with a robust build, which is very Nokia-like. You feel it when you hold it – a premium-looking device with a premium in-the-hand feel for a not-so-premium price.
Box Contents: Nokia G42 phone, a TPU case, a 20-watt charger, USB A to USB C cable. Earphones are neither advertised nor included. I use Bluetooth earphones anyway. The only main accessory you will need is a screen protector, as sand particles can scratch Gorilla glass too.
The phone has a good weight, which gives the feel of a solid product. So, it is not the lightest phone out there, but it will feel significant to people like me, to whom a balanced weight gives the feeling of robustness.
We got the Nokia G42 in the unique-looking Purple colorway, which looks more beautiful IRL than the digital renders. The phone performs very well for the price point, and I do not have a reason to complain. Nokia used a similar CPU in some high-priced phones (like the Nokia XR20). The CPU sustains well under the load, does not heat up, and delivers consistent results without throttling.
The phone is smooth to the touch and fast & snappy to use. Almost all apps load quickly and run fine. The phone has 6GB of physical memory (RAM) and 128GB of UFS storage (some call it ROM). Nokia also offers virtual RAM up to 5GB on the Nokia G42 to keep up with the marketing trends started by the competition offering 12-16 GB RAM by using storage as RAM. However, the phone’s 6GB onboard RAM is adequate enough that you will never need to use the much slower virtual RAM. If you still need it, virtual RAM can be enabled in 2 options – 2GB or 5GB from the phone’s settings. It comes disabled OOB.
The 50MP camera on the G42 takes good photos, and I cannot complain at this price point. The camera software in this phone is significantly improved from what is seen on old Nokia phones. It comes with a lot of camera modes and even a dedicated Pro mode for people who want to control the exposure, ISO, etc. The night mode takes good photos as well, and you may not need to look for a gcam port for this device.
The phone supports dual 5G standby, i.e., both SIM cards will connect to the 5G network at the same time for calls as well as data. While 5G works fine on the device, and I can make 5G calls (Vo5G/VoNR), the Nokia website mentions that the phone only supports 2 5G bands. The limited band support might not provide the best possible 5G experience. I have contacted Nokia, and they said, “It supports all the deployed 5G network bands in India”. So, I am not entirely sure which bands are supported; 5G on Airtel and Jio works fine. Jio can make VoNR calls, and Airtel cannot, but that’s also the case for my Samsung S23 Ultra. Airtel does not have VoNR enabled yet.
The software is clean; there are mostly Google apps pre-installed, along with 6-7 bloatware apps (like Netflix, Spotify, and Booking.com) that can be removed in 10 seconds if needed. So, there are no unwanted apps sending notifications or pre-installed to steal data. The phone is supposed to get 2 OS updates, which will eventually bring it to Android 15 over the years. The phone is also supposed to be supported with security patches every month until 08/2026. The phone sold in India is made in India.
Overall, I am very happy with the phone. 4.5 stars (half deducted for missing 5G bands) from my side for a good attempt by HMD Global after a long time. I will update the review if I find something more worth mentioning. You can buy it if you’re on the lookout for a good-performing and affordable 5G phone from a trusted brand.
Manish Badola –
I recently downgraded from Huwaei P30 pro and got my hands on the Nokia G42 5G in the stunning “So Purple” color variant, and I must say, it’s an absolute gem! This budget-friendly smartphone has impressed me in more ways than one, and I’m thrilled to share my positive experience.
**1. 5G Connectivity:**
The inclusion of the Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G chipset ensures lightning-fast connectivity, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. Streaming, downloading, and browsing are a breeze with this device.
**2. Impressive Camera Setup:**
The 50MP Triple Rear AI Camera is a pleasant surprise on a phone in this price range. It captures vibrant and detailed photos with ease. The AI enhancements add a touch of professionalism to every shot, making even amateur photographers like me look good!
**3. Generous RAM and Storage:**
The 11GB RAM configuration (6GB RAM + 5GB RAM Extension) is more than sufficient for multitasking, and the 128GB storage provides ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos. No more worrying about running out of space!
**4. Stellar Battery Life:**
The 5000mAh battery is a workhorse. It easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, and if you’re a moderate user, you might even stretch it to two days. Plus, the device supports fast charging, which means you’re back up to full power in no time.
**5. Android OS Upgrades:**
Nokia’s promise of 2 years of Android OS upgrades is a significant selling point. It ensures that your phone stays up to date with the latest features and security enhancements, providing peace of mind.
**6. Stylish Design:**
Let’s not forget the aesthetic appeal of the “So Purple” color variant. It’s a head-turner and adds a touch of personality to the phone. Nokia has nailed it in terms of design.
**7. Reliable Brand:**
Nokia has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and reliable phones, and the Nokia G42 5G is no exception. It feels robust in hand and gives you confidence in its longevity.
In conclusion, the Nokia G42 5G in So Purple is a fantastic budget 5G smartphone that delivers on multiple fronts. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable device for everyday use, this phone offers incredible value for money. With its 5G capabilities, impressive camera, ample storage, and extended Android OS support, it’s a winning choice. Plus, the So Purple color variant adds a touch of flair to your mobile experience. Highly recommended!