Nokia G42 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

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

Physical

Volume 107.56 cm³ 113.98 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.38 "/g 3.18 "/g
Weight 193.8 g 239 g
Height 165 mm 153.5 mm
Width 75.8 mm 132.6 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 5.6 mm
Foldable Design No Yes
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Black
  • White
  • Navy
  • Pink
  • Silver Shadow

Display

Screen Size 6.56 " 7.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1612 1856 x 2160
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.7 % 90.5 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 374 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 560 nits 2600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 116.19 mAh/in² 76.18 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 38.6 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) 8-core (1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.1GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 14 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureNokia G42Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm (folded)Z Fold6 is significantly more compact when folded, enhancing portability. However, it's wider when unfolded.
Weight193.8 g239 gG42 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Z Fold6's weight is understandable given its foldable design and larger screen.
FoldableNoYesZ Fold6's folding capability offers unique versatility, transforming from a phone to a mini-tablet.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDDynamic AMOLED 2XZ Fold6's AMOLED display offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
Display Size6.56"7.6" (main), 6.3" (cover)Z Fold6 provides a much larger main display for immersive content consumption and multitasking. The cover display offers convenient one-handed use.
Resolution720 x 16122160 x 1856 (main), 2376 x 968 (cover)Z Fold6 boasts much sharper displays with higher pixel density, resulting in significantly clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzZ Fold6's higher refresh rate delivers smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced content.
Peak Brightness560 nits (peak)2600 nits (peak)Z Fold6 offers vastly superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Z Fold6's flagship processor provides significantly faster performance, enabling seamless multitasking and demanding gaming.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.39 GHz & 3x3.1 GHz & 2x2.9 GHz & 2x2.2 GHz)Z Fold6's CPU architecture offers a considerable performance advantage in complex tasks and applications.
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB12GBZ Fold6's larger RAM allows for more apps to run in the background without performance degradation, enabling smoother multitasking.
Camera
Rear Camera50MP Main, 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth50MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP TelephotoBoth phones have capable main cameras, but Z Fold6 offers more versatile options with ultrawide and telephoto lenses.
Video Recording1080p@30fps8K@30fpsZ Fold6 supports significantly higher resolution video recording.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh4400 mAhG42 has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world usage will depend on factors like display usage and processing demands.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.
  • Potentially Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Advantages:

  • Foldable Design: Unique versatility and larger screen real estate.
  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM.
  • Higher Quality Display: Brighter, sharper, and more vibrant AMOLED display.
  • More Versatile Camera System: Ultrawide and telephoto lenses.
  • Higher Resolution Video Recording: Up to 8K.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Nokia G42: Budget-conscious users prioritizing basic functionality, long battery life, and affordability. Suitable for calling, texting, web browsing, and light media consumption.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6: Power users and tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge technology, top-tier performance, a large and immersive display, and a versatile camera system. Ideal for multitasking, content creation, gaming, and media consumption.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
  2. Performance Needs: Do you require top-tier performance for demanding tasks or is basic functionality sufficient?
  3. Form Factor: Do you value portability and a large screen or a traditional smartphone design?

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

While the Nokia G42 offers excellent value for its price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 aligns better with my personal needs and preferences. I prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and the unique versatility of a foldable device. The Z Fold6's larger screen enhances productivity and media consumption, and the powerful processor ensures smooth multitasking. Although the price is significantly higher, the innovative form factor and flagship features justify the premium for me. The ability to have a tablet-like experience in a pocketable device is highly appealing. The superior camera system and future-proof specifications also contribute to its long-term value. While battery life might be a concern, I am willing to compromise for the significant advantages offered by the Z Fold6.

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.