Nokia G42 vs Motorola Moto G85 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date June 28, 2023 June 25, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 107.56 cm³ 89.95 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.38 "/g 3.9 "/g
Weight 193.8 g 171 g
Height 165 mm 161.9 mm
Width 75.8 mm 73.1 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Olive Green
  • Urban Grey
  • Magenta

Display

Screen Size 6.56 " 6.67 "
Resolution 720 x 1612 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.7 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 560 nits 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 116.19 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 55.59 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 619

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 Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureNokia G42Motorola Moto G85Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165 x 75.8 x 8.6161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6Moto G85 is slightly shorter, narrower, and thinner, making it potentially more pocketable.
Weight (g)193.8171Moto G85 is noticeably lighter, improving one-handed use and reducing fatigue.
Build MaterialNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without this information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDP-OLEDP-OLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and potentially better power efficiency.
Display Size (inches)6.566.67Moto G85 has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution720 x 16121080 x 2400Moto G85 boasts significantly higher resolution, resulting in sharper text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120Moto G85's higher refresh rate delivers smoother scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness (nits)560 (peak)1600 (peak)Moto G85 is much brighter, ensuring better visibility outdoors.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GSnapdragon 6s Gen 3Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 offers significantly better CPU and potentially GPU performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Moto G85's CPU architecture is more modern and powerful.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619Although both use the same GPU, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 may offer slightly better performance due to architectural improvements.
RAM4/6/8 GB8/12 GBMoto G85 offers more RAM in its configurations, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
Camera
Main Camera50 MP50 MPSimilar resolution, but Moto G85 has a wider aperture (f/1.79 vs f/1.8) potentially allowing for better low-light performance. Moto G85 also has OIS for sharper images and videos.
Selfie Camera8 MP32 MPMoto G85 has a much higher resolution selfie camera.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fpsMoto G85 offers 60fps recording for smoother video.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity, but real-world battery life will depend on factors like software optimization and display power consumption.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: P-OLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness provides a vastly improved visual experience.
  • Significantly Better Performance: Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and more RAM deliver smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and improved gaming.
  • Enhanced Camera Features: Higher resolution selfie camera, wider aperture on the main camera, OIS, and 60fps video recording.
  • More Ergonomic Design: Lighter and slightly smaller.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on specific configurations, the Nokia G42 may be more affordable.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Nokia G42: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and 5G connectivity. Suitable for:

  • Casual web browsing
  • Social media
  • Light gaming

Motorola Moto G85: Users seeking a well-rounded experience with a great display, smooth performance, and capable cameras. Suitable for:

  • Mobile gaming
  • Content consumption (video streaming, photo editing)
  • Users who value a premium feel

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Nokia G42 likely offers a lower price point.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? The Moto G85 is better suited for demanding tasks.
  3. How important is display quality? The Moto G85's OLED display is a significant advantage.

My Choice: Motorola Moto G85

While the Nokia G42 offers a more budget-friendly option, the Motorola Moto G85 provides a significantly better overall experience due to its superior display, performance, and camera features. The lighter and more compact design is also a plus. The price difference is likely worth the investment for the noticeable improvements in daily usability and long-term satisfaction. The improved performance, brighter display, and better camera system of the Moto G85 outweigh the potential price difference for me. While I don't know the exact price delta, the Moto G85 offers a tangible upgrade in almost every aspect of the user experience.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.