Nokia G42 2nd edition: The Nokia G42 represents a thoughtful approach to smartphone development that prioritizes longevity, repairability, and practical functionality over the relentless pursuit of cutting-edge specifications.
This device exemplifies HMD Global’s evolving strategy under the Nokia brand name, focusing on durability and sustained value rather than the increasingly homogeneous approach of annual specification improvements.
Through this distinct philosophy, the Nokia G42 establishes a compelling alternative for consumers seeking dependable performance and reduced environmental impact.
Nokia G42 2nd edition: Design Philosophy and Construction
The Nokia G42 embraces a design language that balances contemporary aesthetics with exceptional repairability—a combination rarely found in modern smartphones.
The device features a polymer composite chassis available in three distinctive colorways: So Grey, So Purple, and So Pink.
These finishes incorporate subtle texture patterns that enhance grip while effectively resisting fingerprints.
Most significantly, the G42 incorporates a revolutionary approach to construction that enables straightforward component replacement.
Through collaboration with iFixit, HMD Global has designed the device with easily removable rear panel, battery, charging port, and display assembly—components that represent the most common failure points in contemporary smartphones.
This approach directly addresses the growing right-to-repair movement while reducing electronic waste.
With dimensions of approximately 165 × 75.8 × 8.55mm and weighing 193.8 grams, the device maintains reasonable ergonomics despite incorporating substantial battery capacity and durable construction.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, providing reliable biometric authentication without requiring expensive under-display technology.
The IP52 rating offers basic protection against dust and water splashes—not matching the more comprehensive waterproofing of premium devices but providing practical resistance against everyday hazards without significantly impacting repairability.
Display Technology
The front panel houses a 6.56-inch LCD display with 1612 × 720 resolution (approximately 269 PPI).
While not matching the contrast ratios or color saturation of OLED alternatives, this display technology represents a deliberate choice aligning with the device’s repairability focus, as LCD panels typically cost significantly less to replace than OLED equivalents.
The 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animation transitions than standard 60Hz displays, enhancing the perceived responsiveness without excessive battery consumption.
Peak brightness reaches 450 nits, ensuring reasonable visibility under most lighting conditions though falling short of exceptional outdoor legibility.
Protection comes via Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering resistance against scratches and minor impacts while maintaining reasonable replacement costs.
The waterdrop notch housing the front camera minimizes display interruption while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Performance Architecture
Powering the device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, manufactured using TSMC’s 6nm process technology.
This chipset delivers balanced performance with four Cortex-A78 performance cores at 2.2GHz and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 1.8GHz.
While not challenging flagship processors, this arrangement handles everyday tasks with responsive fluidity and manages light gaming without significant thermal concerns.
Memory configurations include 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM paired with either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable via microSD.
These specifications ensure reasonable app retention in memory while providing adequate storage for applications, media, and documents.
The inclusion of expandable storage represents another practical feature increasingly abandoned in contemporary smartphones.
The thermal management system implements a straightforward yet effective passive cooling solution that maintains reasonable performance consistency while simplifying internal design—another element supporting the repairability focus.
Imaging Capabilities
Photography represents a balanced implementation appropriate to the device’s positioning.
The primary sensor is a 50MP unit with f/1.8 aperture and phase detection autofocus, capable of capturing detailed images in good lighting conditions.
This main camera delivers respectable performance for everyday documentation and social media sharing.
Supporting the main camera are two 2MP secondary sensors for macro photography and depth sensing.
While limited in standalone utility, these additional cameras enable computational photography features like portrait mode effects and close-up capabilities without significant manufacturing cost increases.
The 8MP front-facing camera handles selfie duties competently, with software-enhanced portrait capabilities. Video recording reaches 1080p at 30fps with electronic stabilization providing reasonable smoothness during casual video capture.
Battery Technology and Longevity
The device houses a 5,000mAh battery that consistently delivers multi-day usage under moderate conditions.
This substantial capacity, combined with the efficient processor and relatively undemanding display resolution, creates impressive endurance—particularly valuable for users in regions with inconsistent power availability.
Perhaps more significantly, the battery can be replaced by users with basic tools in approximately five minutes, according to HMD Global’s documentation.
This capability directly addresses one of the most common smartphone longevity limitations, as battery capacity typically degrades to approximately 80% after 500 charge cycles.
Charging capabilities include 20W wired technology—not matching the rapid charging of some alternatives but maintaining reasonable battery health through controlled charging currents.
The deliberate omission of wireless charging represents another practical decision supporting repairability and manufacturing simplicity.
Software Experience
The Nokia G42 ships with Android 13, offering a nearly stock implementation free from excessive customization or redundant applications.
HMD Global commits to two major Android version updates and three years of monthly security patches, providing reasonable software longevity.
The clean software approach contributes to both performance consistency and reduced storage consumption, while the extended security update commitment addresses growing concerns regarding digital privacy and security vulnerabilities.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Connectivity options include 5G capability across compatible bands, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments.
The 3.5mm headphone jack represents another practical retention increasingly abandoned in contemporary smartphones, providing flexible audio connectivity without requiring adapters or wireless alternatives.
The single bottom-firing speaker delivers adequate audio for casual media consumption, though lacking the immersive quality of stereo implementations.
The inclusion of FM radio functionality provides alternative entertainment options without requiring data connectivity—particularly valuable in regions with limited or expensive internet access.
Nokia G42 2nd edition:
The Nokia G42 represents a thoughtful counterpoint to prevailing smartphone development trends, prioritizing repairability, longevity, and practical functionality over specification maximization.
By implementing a user-replaceable battery, simplified internal design, and straightforward component access, HMD Global has created a device that addresses growing environmental concerns while providing dependable performance.
While lacking certain features now common in comparably priced alternatives—particularly regarding display technology and camera versatility—these omissions reflect deliberate choices supporting the device’s core philosophy rather than arbitrary cost-cutting.
For users prioritizing sustained value, reduced environmental impact, and freedom from the increasingly accelerated replacement cycle, the Nokia G42 offers distinctive advantages that establish it as a meaningful alternative in an increasingly homogenized market.
