Nokia has made a solid comeback in the mid-range smartphone segment with its newly launched 5G smartphone that blends elegant design, strong build quality, a clean Android experience, and an impressive 50MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization. The phone that perfectly fits this description is the Nokia G42 5G (2024 Edition), a device designed for users who want long-term durability, smooth software, and dependable performance in a well-balanced package.
As the competition heats up in the affordable 5G smartphone category, Nokia has once again focused on its core strengths durability, clean user experience, and practical features that enhance daily usage. The latest Nokia G42 5G stands out in a market full of flashy phones by offering something meaningful and reliable, backed by the trust the Nokia name has always carried.
Refined Design with Strong Build Quality
One of the most impressive aspects of the Nokia G42 5G is its design and construction. Unlike many plastic-feel smartphones in its price range, this device brings in a sturdy and well-structured build. It features a unibody polycarbonate back that feels premium in hand and resists fingerprints well. The back panel is made from recycled materials, which not only makes it environment-friendly but also adds to its solid grip and appeal.
The phone comes in bold and classy color options like So Purple, So Grey, and So Pink, which add a refreshing visual identity to the device. Despite its solid construction, the phone manages to maintain a comfortable weight and thickness, making it easy to use with one hand. Nokia has also paid special attention to durability by using Gorilla Glass protection on the front, which adds resistance against everyday scratches and minor drops.
The rear camera module is neatly placed, with minimal branding, allowing the design to feel modern yet clean. For users who prefer a device that looks professional and feels robust, the Nokia G42 5G checks all the right boxes.
Pure Android Experience with Long-Term Support
In a time when many Android smartphones come with heavily modified skins filled with ads and bloatware, Nokia remains committed to delivering a pure Android experience. The Nokia G42 5G runs on Android 13 out of the box, with a promise of 2 years of OS upgrades and 3 years of monthly security updates a rare and valuable offering in the budget and mid-range category.
This clean UI means you get a clutter-free interface, smooth transitions, and zero unwanted apps. It not only improves performance but also provides a more secure and user-friendly environment, especially for users who want simplicity and stability.
The absence of ads and bloatware also means the system runs lighter, which directly enhances battery performance and multitasking. Everything from app launching to switching between apps feels fluid and consistent.
50MP OIS Camera for Crystal Clear Photography
One of the biggest highlights of the Nokia G42 5G is its camera. It comes equipped with a 50MP main camera that features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This feature, often found in higher-end smartphones, is a major advantage for photography lovers, especially in low-light conditions or while shooting moving subjects.
OIS helps stabilize the lens and reduce blur caused by shaky hands, allowing for sharper images and smoother videos. Whether you’re clicking pictures during the day or capturing memories at night, the Nokia G42’s camera performs reliably across various lighting situations. The colors are natural, details are well-preserved, and dynamic range is quite impressive for its class.
The phone also supports AI enhancements that help detect scenes and adjust settings accordingly. Portrait shots come out with good edge detection, and the macro camera adds versatility for close-up photography. On the front, the selfie camera is good enough for social media usage and video calling, offering clean results with skin tone accuracy.
Dependable 5G Performance and Daily Usage
Powering the Nokia G42 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G processor, which may not sound like the fastest chip on paper, but it delivers consistent and stable performance for daily tasks. Whether you’re browsing, watching videos, using social apps, or doing some light gaming, the phone handles everything smoothly.
With 6GB or 8GB RAM options and 128GB storage, the phone provides enough power for multitasking. It also supports virtual RAM expansion, which helps improve performance during heavy usage. The chipset is efficient in battery usage as well, which is essential for all-day usage.
Being a 5G-enabled phone, the Nokia G42 supports multiple 5G bands in India, ensuring fast and future-ready connectivity. You can stream high-definition videos, download large files, and enjoy smooth video calls without interruptions in supported areas.
Long-Lasting Battery with Fast Charging
The Nokia G42 5G houses a 5000mAh battery, which is now the standard in most smartphones but still very effective. With its power-efficient processor and clean UI, the phone easily delivers more than a day of battery life on moderate to heavy usage.
Whether you’re attending video calls, playing games, or simply browsing through social media, you won’t have to worry about running out of power midway through the day. The phone also supports 20W fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly when needed. While not the fastest charging in its segment, it’s dependable and safe, aligning with Nokia’s focus on long-term reliability over flashy specs.
A Good Option for Long-Term Users
Nokia has always targeted users who prefer practical, long-lasting devices over feature-packed but fragile phones. The Nokia G42 5G is no different. It’s a smartphone that puts everyday performance, durability, clean software, and camera quality above unnecessary gimmicks.
For students, working professionals, or even elder users who need a dependable device that won’t slow down over time, this phone is a strong candidate. It avoids complications and delivers what truly matters in real-world use.
Even more impressively, Nokia has made this model easily repairable, meaning you can replace parts like the battery and screen easily through their self-repair program. This is ideal for those who want to keep their phone running for several years.
Final Thoughts
The Nokia G42 5G is a well-balanced smartphone that proves you don’t need flashy gimmicks to stand out. With its strong build quality, clean Android experience, and a camera that punches above its price segment thanks to Optical Image Stabilization, it delivers on all the promises made in the title.
It may not appeal to hardcore gamers or users who want the most aggressive specs on paper, but for the average Indian smartphone buyer looking for reliability, smooth software, and stylish design with substance, the Nokia G42 5G is one of the best choices in the sub-₹15,000 to ₹17,000 range.