HMD has introduced its latest smartphone, the Nokia G42, with a strong emphasis on repairability. The company aims to make it easy for users to repair their devices by providing spare parts and kits in collaboration with iFixit. The purple variant of the Nokia G42, equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is now available for purchase in the UK at a price of £199 ($255). In Europe, it can be purchased for €249. Additionally, a model with 4GB of RAM will be sold in select European markets for approximately €229. Although there are currently no plans to release the device in the US, HMD is making efforts to ensure repairability is a key feature.
Similar to the Nokia G22 released earlier this year, HMD’s primary focus is on making four essential components easily replaceable: the battery, screen, charging port, and back cover. The company plans to offer spare parts for these components through iFixit for a duration of five years. Adam Ferguson, the Head of Product Marketing at HMD, confirmed this commitment.
While I have not personally attempted to repair the Nokia G42, I found it relatively easy to perform a battery swap on HMD’s previous repairable phone, the Nokia G22, during my visit to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year. Although it does not offer tool-free battery replacement like Fairphone’s smartphones, the Nokia G42 is designed to be repaired using simpler tools and fewer steps compared to other devices from major brands such as Samsung, Google, or Apple.
Enhanced Features and Performance
As its name implies, the Nokia G42 is an upgrade in terms of features and performance compared to the Nokia G22, which is priced at £149.99 (€179). The Nokia G42 now includes support for 5G networks and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus processor, a significant improvement over the Unisoc T606 processor found in its predecessor. However, similar to the Nokia G22, the Nokia G42 is expected to receive only two major Android updates (shipping with Android 13) and three years of security updates.
During a briefing, Adam Ferguson explained that the limited software support is influenced by the device’s price point and the support offered by chipset manufacturers. He stated that additional OS and security updates come with a cost, and it becomes challenging to provide extended support for devices at lower price ranges. He also mentioned that consumer feedback suggests that extended software support is not a deciding factor for many users.
The Nokia G42 has an IP52 rating, meaning it is capable of withstanding limited dust and water spray. In comparison, the Fairphone 4 boasts a slightly higher rating of IP54, indicating its ability to endure water splashes from multiple directions.
In terms of specifications, the HMD Nokia G42 features a triple rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel main lens, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. The device also includes an 8-megapixel selfie camera housed within a teardrop notch on its 6.56-inch 720p 90Hz display. Internally, it is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging up to 20W. The Nokia G42 also offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage of up to 1TB. The device is available in purple, grey, and pink, although the latter colors will be released at a later date.
HMD’s announcement of the Nokia G42 aligns with a recent vote by the European Parliament, which strongly supports the proposal to mandate user-replaceable batteries for smartphones and electronic devices sold within the European Union in the coming years. However, Adam Ferguson emphasized that HMD’s decisions are driven by consumer demands rather than impending legislation. He stated that the company’s commitment to repairability is based on current user needs and their desire to prioritize repairable devices.
The Nokia G42 serves as HMD’s latest venture into the realm of repairable smartphones. With its focus on easily replaceable components and spare parts availability, the device offers users a practical solution to address common repair issues. Additionally, the Nokia G42 presents enhanced features and performance compared to its predecessor, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking a reliable and repairable smartphone.
Leave a Reply