Nokia 4.2 review

Added by on 02.26.19 | Last update 01.19.22
Nokia 4.2 review

There is a niche in the smartphone market dedicated to compact devices. They are cute, well-made and have a good screen. They also offer NFC, and at an affordable price. Are you ready to meet the Nokia 4.2? This model has a lot to offer without claiming excellence. Apart from the extra features, it impresses by running pure Android and going with voice assistant. 

As part of the Android One program, the Nokia 4.2 doesn't have an overloaded operating system. It receives regular updates, which instills you with more security about the safety of your data on the device. What else? We say right away: 

Nokia 4.2 Specifications

  • Release date: 2019, February
  • Colors: Black, Pink Sand
  • Dimensions: 149 x 71.3 x 8.4 mm.
  • Weight: 161 g.
  • Screen: 5.71" in, 720 x 1520, IPS LCD
  • Camera : Dual, 13MP
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm)
  • CPU: Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 6x1.45 GHz Cortex A53)
  • Memory: 32 GB, 3 RAM 16 GB, 2 GB RAM
  • Battery: 3000,  Non-removable Li-Ion
  • Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
  • Operating system: Android 9.0 (Pie); Android One
  • Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity

If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Nokia 4.2 Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.

Design 

We look at the Nokia 4.2 and immediately realize that it's been crafted in the spirit of current trends in the smartphone world. The front panel of the device features a 5.71-inch display with a 19:9 aspect ratio and 2.5D protective glass. Above it is a teardrop-shaped notch for the front-facing camera, which blends into the bezel running along the entire screen parameter. The side bezels and the top one in the Nokia 4.2 are noticeably smaller than the bottom one. On it, you'll see the company's logo.

The side edges of the model are made of glossy aluminum. This material has made the phone sturdier. The back side, on the other hand, is made of glass. The fingerprint scanner is located on it. Sunk into the body, it is easy to remember. 

Overall, the craftsmanship of the Nokia 4.2 inspires confidence and makes a good impression. The smartphone lives up to its price class. Its casing is slightly slippery, which makes it necessary to arm yourself with a suitable case in due course. It will also save you from collecting fingerprints on the housing.

The weight of the Nokia 4.2 is 161 grams. Considering the materials used and other features that we will reveal to you in a second, it is justified. 

As for the ergonomics of the Nokia 4.2, the smartphone features conveniently positioned volume and power control buttons.

Fingerprint scanner and facial recognition 

Where to go these days without a system to protect your device from prying eyes? To improve safety, several methods of owner recognition are used in Nokia 4.2. The first is the fingerprint scanner, which is located on the back of the device. Its work does not provoke criticism. It works quickly and its accuracy can be estimated as 8 out of 10. Since it is slightly "immersed" in the housing, its detection with fingers is very easy.

The second way to unlock Nokia 4.2 is through facial recognition. This system takes longer to work than the fingerprint scanner. In bad light it doesn't work as well as you would like. For facial recognition, the Nokia 4.2 only uses the camera. According to experts, this is not the safest way to protect yourself as the camera can be tricked using a photo or perhaps a video. 

Display 

In this Nokia model, we see a 5.71-inch a-Si TFT screen whose resolution is 1520 x 720 pixels. The aspect ratio is 19:9. Pixel density - 295. You should know that the manufacturer has not provided additional screen settings, which automatically means that you have to make do with the factory calibration. At her the picture is slightly "cold".

In normal daylight, the brightness of the Nokia 4.2 screen ensures comfortable user operation. However, if it is sunny outside, it will not be enough to read the information on the screen with ease. At night, the minimum brightness does not strain the eyes. This is good news if you have the habit of working with the smartphone at these times of the day. 

Considering the price of the model, the display is not bad. Of course, there could have been an option to adjust the color rendering. 

Performance 

In the Nokia 4.2, we see an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor with an operating frequency of 960 MHz to 2.16 GHz. The power is enough to perform everyday tasks. With games, however, things are not so. Don't expect this model to be suitable for gamers. On the Nokia 4.2 you can play undemanding arcades without a problem. In some dynamic games, just lower the graphics settings. The RAM in the smartphone is 3 GB. Thanks to the pure Android 9, the device runs satisfactorily fast. 

The internal storage is 32 GB. You can increase it by using a memory card with another 32 GB. 

Camera

There are several cameras in Nokia 4.2. The main one is a 13-megapixel camera with f/2.2 aperture. The additional one is 2-megapixel and is designed to create a bokeh effect. It also has an f/2.2 aperture. This is the time to clarify that the main camera shoots as much as you have footage. This is a feature that matches the results of cameras from most budget models on the market. With the Nokia 4.2, the good news is that we find an advanced shooting mode. It allows you to adjust the sensitivity, tweak the white balance and has a focus mode.

The additional camera allows the user to take pictures with the recently popular background blur effect. 

As for the front camera, it is an 8-megapixel camera with f/2.0 brightness. The photos turn out not bad, and the only criticism can be made regarding the contrast. 

Autonomous operation 

For the Nokia 4.2 model, the manufacturer has opted for a 3000 mAh battery. Tests show that with it the smartphone works around the clock in moderate use - navigation, Internet, phone calls, etc. If you add games to them, the charge will run out sooner. 

If you use your Nokia 4.2 as a second phone for making calls and social networking, you can count on more battery life - up to two days, for example.

Conclusion 

Finally, it's time to say a few words as an overall assessment of the model. Nokia 4.2 is a budget smartphone with a pure Android operating system. For its category, it offers good workmanship and choice of materials, a not bad display, NFC and performance that is sufficient for performing undemanding tasks. The model is an ideal acquisition for children and people who do not use their phone as a source of entertainment. 

Pros:

  • Quality craftsmanship;
  • NFC;
  • Quick fingerprint scanner; 
  • Beautiful and pleasing design;
  • Compact size;
  • Android One. 

Cons: 

  • Slippery casing;
  • Mediocre autonomous performance;
  • This model is not for fans of phone photography. 

Nokia 4.2 video review

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Nokia 4.2 and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Nokia.

Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor

Hello, I am Richard Taylor, a technology expert and journalist from the UK. I have a degree in Computer Science from the University of Birmingham. My passion is the latest technology, especially smartphones. That's why I chose to test, analyze, and write expert reviews about them. My technical expertise, combined with a deep passion for technology and years of experience, has made me a trusted source of information. Over the years, I have written reviews for various sites, but for quite some time now, I have been writing exclusively for PhonesData. You can see more about me here or read all my smartphone reviews here.

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