Motorola ThinkPhone vs Nokia G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date January 29, 2023 June 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 98.06 cm³ 107.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.5 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 188.5 g 193.8 g
Height 158.8 mm 165 mm
Width 74.4 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Carbon Black
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 399 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 560 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.78 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.99 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Adreno 730 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola ThinkPhoneNokia G42Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3165 x 75.8 x 8.6ThinkPhone is slightly smaller and thinner, making it potentially more pocketable.
Weight (g)188.5193.8Negligible weight difference in practical use.
BuildBuild materials not specified for either phone, limiting comparison.
Display
Display TypeP-OLEDIPS LCDThinkPhone's P-OLED offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better power efficiency. Nokia G42's IPS LCD might offer better visibility in direct sunlight.
Display Size (inches)6.66.56Virtually identical screen sizes.
Resolution1080 x 2400720 x 1612ThinkPhone's significantly higher resolution (399 ppi vs 269 ppi) results in sharper text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)14490ThinkPhone's 144Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling compared to the G42's 90Hz.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1Snapdragon 480+ 5GThinkPhone boasts a flagship-level processor, significantly outperforming the G42's budget-oriented chipset in demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)ThinkPhone's CPU architecture is superior, offering faster processing speeds and better multi-tasking capabilities.
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 619ThinkPhone's GPU provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and visually demanding applications.
RAM8GB4GB/6GBThinkPhone offers more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance with memory-intensive applications.
Camera
Main Camera50MP (Omnivision OV50A)50MP (ISOCELL)Sensor model differences could impact image quality, but detailed sensor specs for G42 are missing.
Video RecordingUp to 8K @ 30fpsUp to 1080p @ 30fpsThinkPhone offers significantly higher video resolution and frame rate options.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Identical battery capacities. Real-world battery life will depend on software optimization and usage patterns.
Fast Charging68W20WThinkPhone supports much faster charging, minimizing downtime. Nokia G42 doesn't include a charger in the box.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and higher RAM provide a vastly superior performance experience for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior display: P-OLED technology with a higher resolution and refresh rate results in a more visually appealing and responsive experience.
  • Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging time compared to the Nokia G42.
  • Higher Quality Video Recording: Provides more versatility for content creation.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on the specific configuration, the G42 is likely to be more affordable.
  • Potentially better battery life in some scenarios: The lower resolution display and less powerful processor might contribute to longer battery life with light usage.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola ThinkPhone: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, fast charging, and multimedia capabilities. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, content creation, and a premium user experience.

Nokia G42: Best suited for budget-conscious users with basic smartphone needs like calling, texting, web browsing, and light social media use. Good for users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The ThinkPhone is positioned in a higher price bracket.
  2. What are your primary smartphone use cases? Demanding tasks and gaming benefit from the ThinkPhone's power, while basic usage might not necessitate such high performance.
  3. Which features are most important to you? Prioritize display quality, performance, charging speed, or affordability based on individual needs.

My Choice: Motorola ThinkPhone

While the Nokia G42 offers a budget-friendly option, the Motorola ThinkPhone's superior performance, display, and fast charging make it the clear winner for me. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides a future-proof experience, ensuring smooth performance for years to come. The vibrant P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a noticeable improvement in daily use. While price is a factor, the long-term value and superior user experience of the ThinkPhone outweigh the cost savings of the G42 for my needs. I prioritize a smooth, responsive, and enjoyable user experience, which the ThinkPhone delivers in spades. The significantly faster charging is also a huge benefit in my fast-paced life.

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.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.