A Nokia like the old days: The G42 5G is robust and runs for three days
3.7.2023
Translation: machine translated
Nokia relies on proven brand quality for the new G42 5G for 240 francs or euros: The smartphone is robust, you can repair it yourself and the battery should last three days.
The smartphone market is a tough place. Sales are stagnating and the big brands dominate. Samsung, Apple and Xiaomi, for example, sold almost 80 per cent of all smartphones in Europe in the first quarter of 2023.
For smaller manufacturers such as HMD Global with the Nokia brand, this means that they need to clearly differentiate themselves from the competition. This is the only way they will be recognised - and can position themselves as a worthwhile alternative.
Nokia is doing this with the new G42 5G in two areas in particular: repairability and battery life. The G42 is available to order now for 240 francs or euros.
Sturdily built and self-repairable
The new entry-level smartphone should remain in use for as long as possible. Nokia is working on various levels to achieve this. The phone is sturdily built, protected against everyday impacts and less susceptible to drops thanks to the plastic back.
The battery is designed to retain 80 per cent of its original capacity even after 800 charging cycles. The updates are also important for use over several years. Nokia promises an upgrade to Android 14 and 15 as well as three years of monthly security updates. This is now standard, but not necessarily in the price range below 300 francs.
And if something does break, you can repair the Nokia G42 yourself. The Finns have teamed up with the specialists at iFixit for this purpose. You can buy repair kits on their website and find step-by-step instructions.
How to replace the battery, display, USB-C charging port and back cover. The battery, USB-C and back cover each cost 25 to 30 francs - including the tools required. The price of the display is 55 francs.
Source: Screenshot iFixit
Long battery life and entry-level features
You can't change the battery as quickly as before, but you can still replace it if necessary. In terms of battery life, the manufacturer is trying to build on the old days when mobiles could run for weeks without recharging. Of course, this is no longer possible with the built-in screen, network connections and processors. But the battery in the G42 is supposed to last three days.
Source: Nokia
This battery life is not only guaranteed by the battery, which is quite large at 5000 mAh. But also the rest of the hardware, which helps to save power. The LCD screen is 6.56 inches in size and only has a resolution of HD+ - that's 1600 by 720 pixels. At least you get a refresh rate of 90 hertz.
Nokia has opted for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor with 6 GB of RAM. This should be energy-efficient - but doesn't deliver too much performance either.
Also exciting: Nokia has opted for a headphone jack and memory card slot. Two features that are often missing from other manufacturers. However, you have to decide with the G42: Either you use two SIM cards or then a SIM card and a microSD card.
A little water protection, a little economy
Despite the headphone jack and the open design, Nokia manages to guarantee basic protection against dust and water. Namely according to the IP52 standard, which means protection against dust in damaging quantities and protection against dripping water. The device should therefore survive a downpour.
In comparison to more expensive mobiles, Nokia has probably saved on the cameras. There is a main camera with 50 megapixels, which is supported by AI algorithms. A test will have to show how good it is. There are also two 2-megapixel sensors for depth measurements and macro. The 8-megapixel selfie cam sounds like basic equipment.
One real flaw in the spec sheet: Nokia skimps on glass quality. The Nokia G42 only comes with Gorilla Glass 3, but there are now four newer generations that offer even better protection against drops and scratches.
Overall, Nokia has managed to emphasise some interesting aspects with the G42. The phone with basic functions is intended for all those who are looking for an inexpensive, durable device that does not prioritise top technical performance.
Cover photo: Nokia
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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