Umidigi G2 vs Nokia G42: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and faster charging, the Nokia G42 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 480+ chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Umidigi G2’s Helio A22, and the 20W charging with PD3.0/QC3 support drastically reduces downtime. While the G2 is cheaper, the G42’s improved experience justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Umidigi G2 | 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, 12, 17, 20, 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 | 2023 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Dawn Gold | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Price | - | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Umidigi G2
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated Helio A22 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Nokia G42
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Snapdragon 480+ offers significantly better performance
- 20W fast charging with PD3.0/QC3
- Higher price than the Umidigi G2
- May still struggle with graphically intensive games
- Software updates may be less frequent than some competitors
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, the Nokia G42, being a newer release, may benefit from slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates is expected in this segment. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia G42 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 480+, offering improved image processing capabilities. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, the G42’s ISP will likely deliver better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Umidigi G2’s camera performance will likely be adequate for basic snapshots but will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G42’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi G2’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 480+ features an octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) compared to the G2’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nokia. The 8nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life under load. The G2 will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Nokia G42’s 20W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 is a major advantage. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the Umidigi G2’s slow 10W charging. Even with a similar battery capacity, the G42 will spend less time tethered to a charger, making it more convenient for daily use. The faster charging also mitigates the impact of potential power draw from the 5G modem.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G2 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and basic smartphone functionality is sufficient. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Nokia G42 if you want a more future-proof device with 5G, faster processing for smoother multitasking, and significantly quicker charging – making it ideal for users who rely on their phone throughout the day and want a more responsive experience.