Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Nokia G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 June 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 107.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 168 g 193.8 g
Height 146.3 mm 165 mm
Width 70.9 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 560 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Adreno 740 Adreno 619

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 17 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23Nokia G42Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6165 x 75.8 x 8.6S23 is significantly more compact and pocketable. G42 is larger and may feel bulky.
Weight (g)168193.8S23 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
BuildMissingMissingBuild quality and materials impact durability and premium feel. This information is missing.
Display
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCDS23 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors due to AMOLED technology.
Display Size6.1"6.56"G42 has a larger screen, providing more immersive content consumption but impacting one-handed usability.
Resolution1080 x 2340720 x 1612S23's higher resolution delivers sharper text and images, noticeable in everyday use. G42's lower resolution might appear pixelated.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzS23's higher refresh rate results in smoother animations and scrolling, making interactions feel more fluid.
Peak Brightness1750 nits560 nitsS23 offers significantly better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 480+ 5GS23's flagship processor offers significantly faster performance in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. G42's processor is designed for basic usage.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)S23's CPU architecture provides superior single-core and multi-core performance.
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 619S23 offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and visually demanding applications.
RAM8GB4GB/6GBS23's larger RAM allows for smoother multitasking and app switching. G42 might experience slowdowns with multiple apps open.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.8While both have the same megapixel count, sensor size and image processing significantly impact image quality. Specific sensor details are missing for the G42.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsS23 offers significantly higher video resolution and frame rates, crucial for content creation.
Battery
Capacity3900 mAh5000 mAhG42 has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, actual battery life depends on various factors like software optimization and display usage.
Charging25W wired, 10W wireless20W wiredS23 supports faster wired and wireless charging. G42 does not include a charger in the box.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Significantly higher performance: Superior for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Brighter and more vibrant display: Better outdoor visibility and multimedia experience.
  • More compact and premium design: Easier to handle and potentially better build quality (information missing).
  • Faster charging: Less downtime.
  • Superior camera capabilities: Higher resolution video recording and potentially better image quality.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Lower price: More budget-friendly option.
  • Larger display: More immersive for media consumption.

Trade-offs:

  • S23: Smaller battery capacity for superior performance and display. Higher price.
  • G42: Lower performance and display quality for longer battery life and lower price.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Users who prioritize performance, a premium experience, a compact form factor, and excellent camera capabilities. Ideal for power users, gamers, and content creators.

Nokia G42: Users who prioritize battery life and affordability over performance and premium features. Suitable for basic usage like calling, texting, browsing, and social media.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming, content creation, or basic usage?
  3. Do you prioritize performance and a premium experience or battery life and affordability?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user, gamer: S23
  • Budget-conscious user with basic needs: G42
  • Content creator: S23

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the Nokia G42 offers a larger battery and lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the superior choice for me. The significantly faster performance, brighter and sharper display, more compact form factor, and superior camera capabilities outweigh the battery size difference. I prioritize a smooth and premium user experience, and I'm willing to pay more for it. The S23's faster charging also mitigates concerns about the smaller battery. The lack of detailed camera sensor information for the G42 makes a thorough camera comparison difficult, but the S23's 8K video recording capability alone puts it far ahead for content creation. Ultimately, the S23 offers a more future-proof and versatile device for my needs.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.