Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Nokia G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date April 21, 2023 June 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 110.79 cm³ 107.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.96 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 227 g 193.8 g
Height 163.2 mm 165 mm
Width 74.6 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • White
  • Orange
  • Olive Green
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.73 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.8 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 522 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness 1300 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2600 nits 560 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 110.39 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.13 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 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 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi 13 UltraNokia G42Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.2 x 74.6 x 9.1165 x 75.8 x 8.6Xiaomi is slightly smaller and thinner.
Weight (g)227193.8Nokia G42 is noticeably lighter for more comfortable one-handed use.
BuildBuild materials not specified for either phone, limiting comparison.
Display
Display Type6.73" LTPO AMOLED6.56" IPS LCDXiaomi offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency due to LTPO. Nokia's LCD might be more readable in direct sunlight.
Resolution1440 x 3200720 x 1612Xiaomi boasts significantly sharper visuals due to much higher resolution (QHD+ vs HD+).
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzXiaomi will deliver smoother animations and scrolling.
Peak Brightness2600 nits560 nitsXiaomi will be far more visible in bright outdoor conditions.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 480+ 5GXiaomi features a flagship chipset, resulting in dramatically faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (up to 3.2 GHz)Octa-core (up to 2.2 GHz)Xiaomi has a more powerful CPU architecture for significantly faster processing.
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 619Xiaomi provides a much stronger GPU, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM12/16GB4/6GBXiaomi offers significantly more RAM for better multitasking and app performance.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, 1" Sony IMX989 sensor50MPXiaomi uses a much larger sensor, promising superior low-light performance and dynamic range. Details on Nokia's sensor are lacking.
Other Cameras50MP Ultrawide, 50MP Telephoto (2x), 50MP Periscope Telephoto (5x)2MP Depth, 2MP MacroXiaomi offers versatile zoom capabilities and higher resolution secondary cameras. Nokia's secondary cameras are likely of limited practical use.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsXiaomi provides significantly higher video resolution and frame rate options.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh5000 mAhSimilar battery capacity, but real-world battery life will depend on software optimization and display efficiency.
Charging SpeedNot specifiedNot specifiedUnable to compare charging speeds due to missing information.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi 13 Ultra Advantages:

  • Flagship Performance: Significantly faster and more powerful due to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, ample RAM, and superior GPU.
  • Stunning Display: Higher resolution, refresh rate, and AMOLED technology deliver a vastly superior visual experience.
  • Versatile Camera System: Leica-tuned lenses, larger sensor, and multiple zoom options offer greater photographic flexibility and image quality.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, catering to budget-conscious consumers.
  • Potentially Longer Software Support (unconfirmed): Nokia has a reputation for providing longer software updates for its devices, though this is not guaranteed for the G42.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Ideal for power users, photographers, videographers, and mobile gamers who demand top-tier performance, a premium display, and a versatile camera system. Excellent for content creation and consumption.

Nokia G42: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication, web browsing, and light media consumption. A good option for those seeking a reliable and affordable device without demanding high performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a premium flagship, while the Nokia G42 is a budget-friendly option.
  2. What are your primary use cases? For demanding tasks, multimedia, and gaming, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is superior. For basic communication and web browsing, the Nokia G42 is sufficient.
  3. How important are camera quality and display quality to you? The Xiaomi significantly outperforms the Nokia in both areas.

My Choice: Xiaomi 13 Ultra

While significantly more expensive, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offers a substantial leap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. As someone who values a smooth user experience, a vibrant display, and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, the Xiaomi's advantages far outweigh the price difference for me. The Nokia G42 is a solid budget option, but the compromises in performance and features are too significant for my personal needs. I prioritize a fluid, responsive device with a top-tier camera and display, making the Xiaomi 13 Ultra the clear winner.

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.