OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Nokia G42: In-Depth Comparison
Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 165 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Nord is noticeably more compact and pocket-friendly |
| Weight | 170g | 193.8g | Nord is 24g lighter (about 14% lighter) - more comfortable for long use |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | G42 has better drop/shock protection |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | G42's sensor may be more ergonomic |
Display Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.56" | G42 offers slightly more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 720x1612 (269 PPI) | Nord has sharper text/media (52% more pixels) |
| Panel Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Nord has superior contrast, blacks, and colors |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Not specified | Nord much better in sunlight |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling |
Performance & Storage
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G | Snapdragon 480+ | Similar Antutu scores (~1% difference) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Identical gaming capabilities |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 4/6GB | Nord offers better multitasking options |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128GB | Nord has higher capacity options |
Camera Systems
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nord captures more detail in good light |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | None | Nord wins for landscape/group shots |
| Selfie | 16MP | 8MP | Nord better for video calls/selfies |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Nord superior for content creation |
| Special Features | Night Mode, EIS | 2MP depth/macro | Nord better in low light; G42 has gimmicky extras |
Battery & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G42 lasts longer on a charge |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 20W | Nord charges ~33% faster |
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | G42 better for future-proofing |
| SIM Slots | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Nord better for travelers/work separation |
Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Dominates When:
- Display quality matters (AMOLED vs LCD is night and day)
- Camera versatility is important (ultrawide + better main sensor)
- You need faster charging or dual SIM functionality
- You prefer a lighter, more compact device
Nokia G42 Wins When:
- Battery life is the top priority (11% larger capacity)
- You want slightly better durability (Gorilla Glass 3)
- Future WiFi 6 support matters for your home network
- You prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Surprising Findings:
- Despite the Nokia using a "lesser" chipset (480+ vs 750G), real-world performance is nearly identical
- The Nord's AMOLED display makes it feel like a more premium device
- Nokia's "triple camera" is misleading - the extra 2MP sensors add little value
User Profiles & Recommendations
For Power Users:
- Choose Nord CE 5G - The extra RAM options (up to 12GB) and better display make it superior for multitasking and media consumption.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers:
- Base your decision: If you find the Nord at a similar price, it's the better value. If the G42 is significantly cheaper, it's worth considering.
For Photographers:
- Nord CE 5G is clearly better - The 64MP main sensor + ultrawide + 4K video capability outclasses the G42's camera system.
For Long Battery Life Seekers:
- Nokia G42 wins - The 500mAh extra capacity translates to noticeably longer usage between charges.
Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
What's my top priority - display quality or battery life?
- AMOLED vs LCD is a major differentiator in daily use
- 500mAh is about 1-2 hours extra screen time
How important are cameras to me?
- Nord's camera system is more versatile and higher quality
- G42's extra 2MP sensors are mostly marketing fluff
Do I need dual SIM functionality?
- Nord supports dual active SIMs
- G42 is single SIM only
My Choice: OnePlus Nord CE 5G
While both phones have merits, I'd choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G for three key reasons:
The display difference is transformative - AMOLED's perfect blacks and 410 PPI make everything from reading to video watching noticeably better. The 700-nit brightness ensures usability in all lighting conditions.
Camera versatility - Having an actual usable ultrawide camera (not just low-res filler lenses) plus 4K video capability makes this a much better device for content creation.
Future-proofing - With options for up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, the Nord will handle app demands better over time. The dual SIM support is also increasingly valuable.
The Nokia G42's larger battery is tempting, but the Nord's 30W charging largely compensates. Unless you absolutely need every last hour of battery life or find the G42 at a significant discount, the Nord CE 5G delivers more premium experiences where it matters most.
