Nokia G42 vs realme 8 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia
realme 8
Realme

General

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

Physical

Volume 107.56 cm³ 105.85 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.38 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 193.8 g 191 g
Height 165 mm 162 mm
Width 75.8 mm 75.1 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.7 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Fluid Silver
  • Razor Green

Display

Screen Size 6.56 " 6.78 "
Resolution 720 x 1612 1264 x 2780
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.7 % 91.8 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 450 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1600 nits
Peak Brightness 560 nits 6000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 116.19 mAh/in² 119.65 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 51.96 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 732

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 G42realme 8Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165 x 75.8 x 8.6162 x 75.1 x 8.7Nokia G42 is slightly taller and wider. Negligible difference in thickness.
Weight (g)193.8191Virtually identical weight; no noticeable difference in hand.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without more information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDLTPO AMOLEDrealme 8 offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency due to AMOLED technology.
Display Size (inches)6.566.78realme 8 has a larger display, providing more immersive content consumption.
Resolution720 x 16121264 x 2780realme 8 has a much sharper display with higher pixel density (450 ppi vs 269 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120realme 8 offers smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the higher refresh rate.
Peak Brightness560 nits (peak)6000 nits (peak)realme 8 will be significantly more visible in direct sunlight.
Color DepthNot specified1B colorsrealme 8 supports a wider color gamut, leading to more vibrant and accurate colors.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GSnapdragon 7+ Gen 3realme 8 boasts a significantly more powerful processor, resulting in much faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520)The realme 8's CPU architecture is newer and more powerful, offering substantial performance gains.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 732realme 8 has a much more capable GPU, enabling smoother gaming and faster graphics rendering.
RAM4/6/8GB12GBrealme 8 offers more RAM, allowing for better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps open.
Storage128/256GB512GBrealme 8 provides significantly more storage space for apps, photos, and videos.
Camera
Rear Camera50MP Main + 2MP Depth + 2MP MacroNot specifiedCannot compare rear camera quality without realme 8's specifications.
Front Camera8MPNot specifiedCannot compare front camera quality without realme 8's specifications.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@60fps with OIS/EISrealme 8 offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and stabilization.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005500realme 8 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world usage will depend on other factors like display and processor efficiency.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Potentially Lower Price: While exact prices aren't provided, the specifications suggest the Nokia G42 is a more budget-friendly option.
  • Repair Focus: Nokia phones often prioritize repairability.

realme 8 Advantages:

  • Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and 12GB RAM offer a vastly improved user experience for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Much Better Display: The LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and brighter peak brightness provides a premium visual experience.
  • More Storage: 512GB storage offers ample space for apps and media.
  • Advanced Video Recording: 4K@60fps with OIS and EIS enables high-quality video capture.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Nokia G42: Suitable for users on a tight budget who prioritize basic functionality like calling, texting, and web browsing. Good for users who value repairability and longer software support cycles (though this is not guaranteed).

realme 8: Ideal for users who demand high performance for gaming, media consumption, and multitasking. Suitable for photographers and videographers who need high-quality camera capabilities. Good choice for users who prioritize a premium display and smooth user experience.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Nokia G42 is likely a more affordable option.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? For basic tasks, the G42 may suffice. For demanding tasks and gaming, the realme 8 is far superior.
  3. How important is display quality to you? The realme 8 offers a dramatically better display experience.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget, Basic Usage: Nokia G42
  • Power User, Gamer, Media Enthusiast: realme 8

My Choice: realme 8

While lacking some camera details, the realme 8 is the clear winner based on the available information. The significantly more powerful processor, vastly superior display, larger storage, and advanced video recording capabilities offer a dramatically better user experience. While potentially more expensive, the realme 8 provides substantially more value for users who prioritize performance, media consumption, and a premium overall experience. The Nokia G42, while likely more affordable, is significantly outclassed in key areas that impact daily usage.

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.