Nokia G42 vs Huawei nova 12i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date June 28, 2023 April 16, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 107.56 cm³ 102.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.38 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 193.8 g 199 g
Height 165 mm 163.3 mm
Width 75.8 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Black
  • White
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 6.56 " 6.7 "
Resolution 720 x 1612 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.7 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 560 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 116.19 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 48.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android N/A
Initial OS Version 13 N/A
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureNokia G42Huawei nova 12iPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165 x 75.8 x 8.6163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4Nova 12i is slightly smaller and thinner.
Weight (g)193.8199Negligible weight difference in real-world use.
Display
Size (inches)6.566.7Nova 12i offers a slightly larger screen.
Resolution (px)720 x 16121080 x 2388Nova 12i has a significantly sharper display (391 ppi vs 269 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)9090Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Display TypeIPS LCDIPS LCDSimilar color accuracy and viewing angles expected.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GSnapdragon 680 4GSnapdragon 680 offers better CPU performance, but 480+ has 5G connectivity.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Nova 12i likely handles demanding tasks better.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 610Adreno 619 in G42 may offer slight advantage in some games, but overall GPU performance should be comparable.
RAM (GB)4/6/88Nova 12i offers more RAM, enabling better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)50108Nova 12i boasts higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. However, sensor size and processing are crucial for image quality, and this information is missing.
Front Camera (MP)88Similar front camera resolution.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsIdentical video recording capabilities.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacities suggest comparable battery life. Real-world usage will depend on software optimization.
Other
OSAndroid 13Not specifiedLack of OS information for Nova 12i makes comparison difficult.
5GYesNoNokia G42 offers 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds where available.
Price RangeMediumMediumPrices may vary depending on storage configuration and region.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • 5G Connectivity: Future-proofs the device for faster data speeds.
  • Potentially Wider Availability: Nokia phones often have broader global availability.

Huawei nova 12i Advantages:

  • Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution for a better viewing experience.
  • More RAM: Improved multitasking and overall performance.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potentially better image quality, but depends on sensor quality and software processing (unspecified).
  • Dual SIM: Allows using two phone numbers simultaneously.

Trade-offs:

  • G42: Lower resolution display for 5G connectivity.
  • Nova 12i: Lacks 5G, potentially limiting future network compatibility. Missing OS details hinder evaluation.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Nokia G42: Ideal for users who prioritize 5G connectivity and future-proofing, even at the cost of display sharpness. Suitable for budget-conscious buyers needing reliable performance and long-term network compatibility.

Huawei nova 12i: Suitable for users who prioritize display quality, multimedia consumption, and multitasking. Good for photography enthusiasts if the 108MP camera delivers on its potential (dependent on unspecified sensor details). Best suited for regions with strong 4G coverage and limited 5G rollout.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Is 5G crucial? If yes, the Nokia G42 is the clear choice.
  2. How important is display quality? If a sharp, high-resolution screen is paramount, the Nova 12i is preferable.
  3. What is your budget and regional network availability? Consider the price difference between storage variants and the prevailing network infrastructure in your area.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget, 5G needed: Nokia G42.
  • Multimedia Focus, Strong 4G Area: Huawei nova 12i.

My Choice: Huawei nova 12i

Reasoning: While 5G is important for future-proofing, the significantly better display and increased RAM of the Nova 12i offer a more tangible improvement in daily use for my needs. I prioritize a smooth user experience and crisp visuals for media consumption. Assuming comparable pricing and availability, the Nova 12i's superior display and performance outweigh the lack of 5G for me, especially considering the ongoing development and relatively limited availability of 5G networks in many areas. However, the lack of clear OS information for the Nova 12i is a concern. If it runs an older Android version or lacks Google Mobile Services, it would significantly impact my decision.

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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