Nokia Unveils G42: A Repairable 5G Smartphone with Affordable Fixes and Long Battery Life

Following the launch of the G22 earlier in 2023, HMD Global, the owner of the Nokia brand, has announced the Nokia G42, the latest in its series of repairable smartphones. The G42 continues Nokia’s mission to make at-home smartphone repairs easy, accessible, and affordable. The standout feature of this new release is the inclusion of 5G connectivity, which was absent in the G22.

The Nokia G42 features repairable and replaceable parts, including the screen, battery, and charging port. To facilitate these repairs and provide necessary parts, Nokia has maintained its partnership with the global repair community iFixit.

Nokia’s goal with the G42 and its predecessor, the G22, is to allow owners to continue using their phones as if they were new, long after the warranty expires.

In addition to its repairable features, the Nokia G42 boasts a 50MP camera. Combined with the company’s latest imaging AI technology, it aims to deliver clear and detailed photos, competing comfortably with other phones in its price range.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G processor, which is also used in many affordable phones like the Motorola Moto G53 5G. While it may not be the fastest processor, it brings 5G connectivity to customers at a more accessible price point.

Despite the brand being under new ownership and sporting a new-look logo, the G42 upholds the Nokia tradition of long battery life, claiming up to three days on a single charge. The company states that the battery will retain around 80% health after 800 full charging cycles. If the battery health declines, users can easily replace it with a new one.

The G42 is available in the UK for £199 and will launch in Australia in late July for AU$449. There is no information yet on US availability. When the G22 was first released, retailing for £150 / AU$349, it was considered one of the best cheap phones of 2023, and the same could be said for the G42. At-home Fix Kits and replacement parts start at AU$42.99 in Australia, with UK pricing yet to be announced.

The G42 is offered in a single configuration with 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD. The phone features a 6.56-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 560 nits with brightness boost. It comes in two colors: So Grey and So Purple. Nokia has also promised three years of monthly security updates and two years of OS updates for the G42.

Nokia G42 5G Specifications

• Dimensions: 165 x 75.8 x 8.55mm
• Weight: 193.8 grams
• Main display: 6.56-inch HD+ with 90Hz refresh rate
• Chipset: Snapdragon 480 Plus
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB with microSD expansion up to 1TB
• OS: Android 13
• Primary camera: 50MP (f/1.8)
• Depth camera: 2MP
• Macro camera: 2MP
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Charging: 20W (wired)
• Colors: So Gray, So Purple

Analysis: Is Nostalgia the Future?

For those old enough to remember, Nokia phones once dominated the market with their unique designs, interchangeable cases, and durable build. They were the go-to phones for longevity. Under HMD Global’s ownership, the Finnish company seems keen to tap back into Nokia’s roots by offering phones that last longer than current smartphones.

The ability to replace the screen at home by following simple steps is particularly appealing. Dropping a phone and cracking the screen is a common issue, and replacing it can be costly. With the Nokia G42, a new screen costs AU$89.99 (UK pricing is yet to be confirmed), which is much more affordable than buying a new phone.

The repairability feature not only extends the phone’s lifespan but also empowers users to carry out repairs themselves, fostering a deeper connection with their devices. This approach could lead to a broader adoption of repairability in high-end devices, reducing the number of smartphones we each own, decreasing e-waste, and benefiting the environment.