Umidigi G9A vs Nokia G42: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Nokia G42 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 480+ chipset, built on an 8nm process, delivers significantly better performance and 5G capabilities than the Umidigi G9A’s older Unisoc SC9863A. While the G9A is cheaper, the G42’s faster charging and superior processing power justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Umidigi G9A | 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 | 2024, September | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% 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 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | 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 | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Lake Green | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Price | - | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
Umidigi G9A
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- May offer longer battery life due to less powerful processor (though charging is slow).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Nokia G42.
- Outdated Unisoc chipset limits future software updates.
- Slow 10W charging is inconvenient.
Nokia G42
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Snapdragon 480+.
- Faster 20W charging with PD3.0 and QC3.
- Better 5G connectivity and future-proofing.
- Superior image processing capabilities.
- Higher price compared to the Umidigi G9A.
- May not have the absolute longest battery life due to more powerful processor.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s ability to drive the UI smoothly. The G9A’s weaker GPU will likely struggle with more demanding visual tasks, impacting scrolling and animations. While both will likely have 720p+ resolutions, the G42’s more powerful processor will ensure a more fluid experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Snapdragon 480+’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is far more capable than the Unisoc SC9863A’s, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect the Nokia G42 to produce sharper, more detailed photos with more accurate colors. The G9A will likely rely heavily on software processing to compensate for its weaker hardware, potentially leading to over-sharpened or artificial-looking images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G42’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi G9A’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 – offers a noticeable performance boost over the G9A’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Nokia G42. The G42 also benefits from Qualcomm’s integrated 5G modem, offering superior 5G connectivity compared to the G9A.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nokia G42’s 20W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster charging times compared to the Umidigi G9A’s slow 10W charging. A full charge on the G9A could take well over 3 hours, while the G42 could potentially reach 100% in under 2 hours. The faster charging is particularly beneficial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9A if you need a functional, ultra-budget smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are willing to accept slower performance and limited future upgrade potential. Buy the Nokia G42 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster 5G speeds, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The G42 is better suited for users who want a phone that will remain usable for longer.