Motorola Edge 40 vs Nokia G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date May 4, 2023 June 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 86.68 cm³ 107.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.92 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 167 g 193.8 g
Height 158.4 mm 165 mm
Width 72 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Eclipse Black
  • Nebula Green
  • Viva Magenta
  • Lunar Blue
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 90.8 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 560 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 102.56 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.76 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4400 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Mali-G77 MC9 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 15 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Edge 40Nokia G42Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)158.4 x 72 x 7.6165 x 75.8 x 8.6Nokia G42 is larger and thicker. Edge 40 is more pocketable and feels premium due to its slim profile.
Weight (g)167193.8Nokia G42 is noticeably heavier. Edge 40 offers a more comfortable one-handed usage experience.
Display
Display TypeP-OLEDIPS LCDEdge 40's P-OLED offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. Nokia G42's LCD may be more readable in direct sunlight.
Display Size (inches)6.556.56Negligible size difference.
Resolution1080 x 2400720 x 1612Edge 40 has a significantly sharper display (402 ppi vs 269 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Refresh Rate144Hz90HzEdge 40 provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience due to the higher refresh rate.
Performance
ChipsetDimensity 8020 (6nm)Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm)Edge 40 offers significantly better performance in demanding tasks and gaming due to its more powerful CPU and GPU.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz A78 & 4x2.0 GHz A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Edge 40's CPU architecture provides a superior balance of performance and efficiency.
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 619Edge 40 has a more powerful GPU, translating to smoother gaming and faster graphics rendering.
RAM8GB4GB/6GBEdge 40's 8GB RAM allows for better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps open.
Camera
Main Camera50MP (OV50A)50MPWhile both have 50MP main sensors, the Edge 40 uses a larger sensor with a wider aperture (f/1.4), potentially resulting in better low-light performance. We lack detailed sensor information for the Nokia G42 to make a definitive comparison.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps1080p@30fpsEdge 40 offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution and frame rates.
Battery
Capacity4400 mAh5000 mAhNokia G42 has a larger battery capacity, likely resulting in longer battery life. However, Edge 40's more efficient display could offset this.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Edge 40 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Significantly sharper, smoother, and more vibrant due to P-OLED technology and 144Hz refresh rate.
  • Significantly Better Performance: More powerful chipset, CPU, and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
  • Superior Camera Features: Higher resolution and frame rate video recording capabilities. Potentially better low-light photography due to a brighter aperture on the main lens.
  • Sleeker and Lighter Design: More premium feel and easier one-handed use.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery Capacity: Potentially longer battery life.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Edge 40: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and a premium design. Ideal for gaming, media consumption, and multitasking.

Nokia G42: Users who prioritize battery life and affordability. Suitable for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming. Budget-conscious buyers.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The Edge 40 is more expensive.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming and media consumption favor the Edge 40. Basic tasks and long battery life favor the G42.
  3. Which features are most important to you? Prioritize display and performance? Choose the Edge 40. Prioritize battery life and affordability? Choose the G42.

My Choice: Motorola Edge 40

While the Nokia G42 offers a larger battery, the Motorola Edge 40 provides a significantly superior user experience in almost every other aspect. The sharper display, smoother performance, more capable camera, and sleeker design make it the clear winner for me. The price difference is justified by the substantial upgrade in quality and features. I value a responsive and enjoyable user experience, and the Edge 40 delivers that in spades. The slightly smaller battery is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the overall superior package.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.