Nokia G42 vs Samsung Galaxy M35 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date June 28, 2023 May 24, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 107.56 cm³ 116.09 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.38 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 193.8 g 222 g
Height 165 mm 162.3 mm
Width 75.8 mm 78.6 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Gray
  • Light Blue
  • Dark Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.56 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1612 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.7 % 83.8 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 560 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 116.19 mAh/in² 137.74 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 51.69 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G68 MP5

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 14
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureNokia G42Samsung Galaxy M35Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165 x 75.8 x 8.6162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1M35 slightly shorter and narrower, but thicker. Negligible difference in everyday use.
Weight (g)193.8222G42 noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without material information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDSuper AMOLEDM35 offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency due to AMOLED technology.
Display Size (inches)6.566.6Negligible difference in screen real estate.
Resolution720 x 16121080 x 2340M35 significantly sharper and more detailed due to higher resolution (FHD+ vs. HD+). Impacts clarity of text, images, and videos.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120M35 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in gaming.
Peak Brightness (nits)560 (peak)1000 (HBM)M35 offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GExynos 1380M35 boasts a significantly more powerful processor built on a smaller node (5nm vs. 8nm). Expect considerably faster performance and better efficiency on the M35.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)M35 has faster and more powerful CPU cores, leading to better multitasking and app loading speeds.
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G68 MP5M35 offers significantly better graphics performance, beneficial for demanding games and applications.
RAM4/6/8 GB6/8 GBBoth offer ample RAM for multitasking, though the specific RAM variant for comparison isn't clear. More RAM improves performance and app switching speed.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050Similar megapixel count, but sensor quality and processing significantly impact image quality. Missing details on sensor size and other specifics hinder detailed comparison.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@30fps with EIS, 720p@480fpsM35 offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smoother videos. Slow-motion recording at 480fps is a major advantage.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50006000M35 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer usage time on a single charge. Actual battery life depends on usage patterns and software optimization.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Lighter: Easier to hold and use for extended periods.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on the specific RAM/storage configuration.

Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:

  • Significantly Better Performance: Faster processor, GPU, and higher refresh rate display provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
  • Superior Display: AMOLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Larger Battery: Potential for longer battery life.
  • Advanced Camera Features: Higher resolution video recording, EIS, and slow-motion capabilities.
  • Dual SIM: Supports two SIM cards simultaneously for greater flexibility.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Nokia G42:

  • Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability over high-end features.
  • Basic smartphone users: Primarily using the phone for calling, texting, and light browsing.

Samsung Galaxy M35:

  • Power users: Demanding performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
  • Content consumers: Enjoying high-quality multimedia content, including videos and games.
  • Photography and videography enthusiasts: Utilizing the advanced camera features for capturing memories.

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? Basic tasks vs. demanding applications and multimedia consumption.
  3. How important is display quality and performance? The Samsung M35 significantly outperforms the G42 in these areas.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy M35

While the Nokia G42 offers a lighter weight and potential cost savings, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the clear winner for me. The significantly superior performance, stunning AMOLED display, larger battery, and advanced camera features outweigh the minor advantages of the G42. The M35 provides a much more enjoyable and future-proof smartphone experience. The smoother 120Hz display and powerful Exynos 1380 are compelling for both everyday tasks and demanding applications. Even if the M35 is slightly more expensive, the value proposition is significantly higher.

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.