SeppelPower. · 19/09/2023
Unboxing · first impressions and first camera look
Nokia G42 5G looks fine so far, but the cameras and LCD screen raise some doubts.
Likes- Striking pink design
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Large 5000 mAh battery
- Software updates promised for several years
Dislikes- LCD panel instead of OLED
- Mono speaker only
- Doubts about the secondary cameras
Cmonavis 🇫🇷 · 09/09/2023
Hands-on review · several days of use
Nokia G42 5G is a solid smartphone for the price, though the missing charger and case hold it back.
Likes- Clean Android with few extra apps
- Sustainable build developed with iFixit
- Very good value for the price
- Distinctive purple colour
Dislikes- Charger not included in the box
- Slow 20 W charging, about two hours for a full charge
- Mono speaker, sound from one side only
- Sponsored apps keep installing games after setup
Ciasti Tech · 01/11/2023
Hands-on review · DIY teardown and camera tests
Nokia G42 5G is not the fastest phone, but it is easy to repair yourself with affordable parts.
Likes- Easy DIY repair with affordable replacement parts
- Good daytime photos for a mid-range phone
- Adaptive 90 Hz display
- Recycled materials and clear repair guides
Dislikes- Not a top performer
- Night photos lose a lot of detail
- Bezels are visible on the IPS panel rather than AMOLED
- Video limited to 1080p at 60 fps
Emanuele Iafulla · 25/10/2023
Review with real-use tests · battery, software and camera
Nokia G42 5G feels outdated and is not worth buying, with better alternatives available at a similar price.
Likes- Easy to repair at home
- Near-stock software that can be tuned
- Daytime photos are pleasant
- Large 5000 mAh battery
Dislikes- Battery lasts about a day and a half, not three
- Security patches arrive about every two months, not monthly
- Night photos show digital noise
- Video stabilisation only at 1080p 30 fps
Revot3ch · 15/10/2023
Hands-on review · unboxing, software, performance and camera tests
Nokia G42 5G is interesting at its price, with some lag and limited mono audio, but it is generally fluid.
Likes- Generally fluid system with smooth app opening
- Good daytime results from the main camera
- Repairable with the iFixit kit and removable back cover
Dislikes- Hardware is not high-end, with some lag and slowdowns
- Mono audio gives a limited sound range
- Google Play system update kept failing to install
Miky Ancona · 30/08/2023
Hands-on review · repairability and everyday use
Nokia G42 5G is good for a durable, easily repaired everyday phone, though many better alternatives exist at this price.
Likes- Easy to repair at home with affordable parts
- Good battery life for moderate use
- Near-stock Android with a long update promise
- Good daytime photos
Dislikes- No stereo speakers
- Low HD Plus display resolution
- Night mode is only just adequate
- Many better alternatives at this price
SmartWorld · 16/08/2023
Hands-on review · repairability, display and performance
Nokia G42 5G is a sustainable, easy-to-repair budget phone at a fair price, but the display and performance hold it back.
Likes- Repairable with official parts at low cost
- Sustainable build and packaging
- Around two days of battery life with moderate use
- 5G connectivity at an entry-level price
Dislikes- Screen resolution and LCD panel feel dated
- Slight delay when touching the screen
- Entry-level performance with clear limits
CMAG · 01/08/2023
Hands-on review · about 10 days of use
Nokia G42 5G is a clear positive, with strong performance and battery life for its class, though it has some compromises.
Likes- Performance above expectations for its class
- Good battery life
- Photos hold up well in daylight and night mode
- Stock Android with few customisations
Dislikes- Some display details could be better
- Fine detail drops at full digital zoom
- Clear compromises against top-end phones
Smartphonology · 05/07/2023
Hands-on review · unboxing, battery and camera tests
Nokia G42 5G is not perfect yet, but it is a pleasant, convincing budget phone, held back mainly by its display.
Likes- Around two days of battery life in real use
- Good daytime and night camera photos
- Smooth performance for everyday tasks and games
- Repairable with iFixit parts and a removable battery
Dislikes- Display is not top quality
- Mono audio with a limited sound range
- No triple card slot
- Camera app shows Finnish text in some modes