Umidigi G100 vs Nokia G42: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G42 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 480+ chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and 5G connectivity. While both offer 20W charging, the G42’s support for PD3.0 and QC3 adds versatility.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Umidigi G100 | Nokia G42 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, December | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December 28 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171 x 77.6 x 8.1 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.32 in) | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Rock Black, Interstellar Blue, Lake Green, Starry White | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Price | About 110 EUR | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Umidigi G100
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- 20W wired charging
- Less powerful Unisoc T615 chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Less efficient 12nm process
Nokia G42
- Faster Snapdragon 480+ chipset
- 5G connectivity
- PD3.0 and QC3 charging support
- Slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly better display
- Battery life dependent on capacity
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies under the hood. The Umidigi G100’s Unisoc T615 chipset will likely drive a 60Hz panel, while the Nokia G42’s Snapdragon 480+ has the headroom to potentially support a smoother 90Hz experience, though this isn't confirmed. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon also allows for more efficient display power consumption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing. The Snapdragon 480+’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more advanced than Unisoc’s, leading to better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses, but the G42’s ISP will likely extract more detail and clarity from the main sensor. Expect the G42 to perform better in low-light conditions.
Performance
This is where the G42 pulls ahead significantly. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) features Kryo 460 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Unisoc T615’s (12nm) Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. The smaller node size and higher clock speeds translate to a demonstrably faster and more responsive user experience. The Snapdragon’s integrated 5G modem is a major advantage, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. The G100’s Unisoc chipset, while capable, is geared towards basic tasks and will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 20W wired charging, but the Nokia G42 gains an edge with support for Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0) and Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3). This compatibility allows for faster charging with compatible chargers and broader accessory support. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 480+’s 8nm process is more power-efficient than the Unisoc T615’s 12nm process, potentially resulting in longer battery life on the G42 despite similar capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G100 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Buy the Nokia G42 if you value smoother multitasking, 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and broader charging compatibility, even if it means spending slightly more.