Nokia 4.2

The Nokia 4.2 was part of Nokia’s revamped lineup under the stewardship of HMD Global. Launched in 2019, the Nokia 4.2 was positioned as a budget offering with a touch of premium features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 4.2:

Overview:

The Nokia 4.2 aimed to provide a blend of decent hardware, a clean software experience, and some premium design elements, all at an affordable price point. With its compact form factor and Android One certification, it targeted users who value software purity and timely updates.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) as part of the Android One program, ensuring regular updates.
2. Display: 5.71-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439.
4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
6. Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, dedicated Google Assistant button, NFC (in some regions), and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

1. Software Experience: Being an Android One device, it offered a near-stock Android experience with the promise of regular updates.
2. Design: The device featured a glass back, giving it a premium feel in its price segment.
3. Dedicated Assistant Button: The inclusion of a dedicated button for Google Assistant was a unique touch, providing quick access to voice commands.
4. Compact Form Factor: The 5.71-inch display made the device relatively compact and easy to handle compared to many of its contemporaries.

Cons:

1. Performance: The Snapdragon 439, combined with 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM, was modest and not suited for heavy multitasking or gaming.
2. Camera Performance: While adequate for basic photography, the camera setup wasn’t particularly impressive, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was decent but not outstanding, especially for power users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Nokia 4.2 faced competition from:

• Redmi 7: Offering a 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.
• Samsung Galaxy A10: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
• Realme C2: With its 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 4.2 was announced in February 2019 and became available in various markets in the months that followed.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Performance Hiccups: Users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or using more demanding applications.
2. Camera Quality: The camera, especially in low-light conditions, left a lot to be desired.
3. Storage Limitations: The base variant with 16 GB of storage could quickly run out of space, making a microSD card almost essential.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 4.2 was a budget offering that tried to blend a touch of premium design with a clean software experience. Its Android One certification was a significant selling point, ensuring timely software updates and a bloat-free experience. While it had its set of challenges, especially in terms of performance and camera quality, it was a solid option for those looking for a clean Android experience in the budget segment. For users who prioritize software updates and a compact form factor, the Nokia 4.2 was a worthy consideration. However, those looking for better performance and camera capabilities had other options to consider in the same price range.