The LG K42 and Nokia C32 represent the lower end of the Android smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users seeking a basic, reliable smartphone experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the LG K42 is the better choice. While both phones offer a similar user experience, the K42’s Mediatek Helio P22, built on a smaller 12nm process, provides a more efficient and generally smoother performance than the Nokia C32’s Unisoc SC9863A1, which is fabricated on a larger 22nm node.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 - Europe | LTE |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 21 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink |
| Models | LMK420, LM-K420, LMK420H, LM-K420H, LMK420E, LM-K420E, LMK420Y, LM-K420Y | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 |
LG K42
- More efficient processor (Helio P22 12nm)
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Likely better battery life
- LG’s software support is uncertain
- Basic camera system
Nokia C32
- Nokia’s reputation for software updates
- Clean Android experience (potentially)
- Affordable price point
- Less powerful and efficient processor (Unisoc SC9863A1 22nm)
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications for these models. Assuming typical LCD panels for this price bracket, the display experience will likely be similar. Expect 720p resolution and standard color accuracy. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is standard for this segment. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, image quality will likely be similar, with both struggling in low-light conditions. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Helio P22 likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities than the SC9863A1, potentially resulting in marginally better photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG K42’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This 12nm fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency compared to the Nokia C32’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The C32 utilizes a split octa-core configuration with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the A55 cores are architecturally more efficient than the A53, the larger 22nm process negates much of that advantage. The K42 will likely exhibit smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The K42's CPU clock speed is also 66% higher than the fastest core on the Nokia C32.
Battery Life
Both the LG K42 and Nokia C32 support 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Mediatek Helio P22 in the K42 will likely translate to longer battery life in real-world usage. The 22nm process of the Unisoc chip in the C32 will consume more power, reducing overall uptime between charges. Expect approximately 2.5-3.5 hours to fully charge both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K42 if you prioritize slightly better overall performance and a more efficient processor for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Buy the Nokia C32 if you prefer the Nokia brand’s reputation for software updates and a potentially cleaner Android experience, understanding that you’ll be making a trade-off in raw processing power. Both are suitable for basic communication and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Nokia C32 struggle with demanding apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Nokia C32 can run basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, the Unisoc SC9863A1’s lower processing power and less efficient architecture may result in noticeable lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using these apps extensively. The LG K42, with its Helio P22, will handle these tasks more smoothly.
❓ How does the 22nm process of the Unisoc chip affect the Nokia C32’s battery life compared to the LG K42?
The 22nm fabrication process of the Unisoc SC9863A1 means it consumes more power than the LG K42’s Helio P22, which is built on a 12nm process. This translates to a shorter battery life for the Nokia C32, requiring more frequent charging even with similar battery capacities.
❓ Is the LG K42 likely to receive Android updates?
LG has largely exited the smartphone market, so long-term software support for the K42 is uncertain. While it likely launched with a relatively recent version of Android, don’t expect frequent security patches or major OS upgrades. This is a potential downside compared to Nokia, which generally provides better software support for its budget devices.
