Nokia 4.2 review

Build Quality

Dewdrop notch display

The Nokia 4.2 has a superb screen that is great for watching videos while keeping the phone compact. The screen is a 5.71-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen. The HD+ display has a resolution of 295 pixels per inch or 720 x 1520 pixels.

The selfie lens is housed within a small dewdrop notch at the very top of the display. This coupled with the thin bezels gives you an almost uninterrupted view which is ideal for watching videos or seeing more when browsing web pages.

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Durable design

Nokia phones are known for being able to withstand the rigors of everyday use and the Nokia 4.2 is no exception. This durable phone features a curved 2.5D glass front and back with a plastic frame. Measuring just 8.4mm and weighing in at 161g, the Nokia 4.2 is lightweight and is easy to use one-handed. The phone is available in Black or Pink Sand colour options. 

Octa-core processor

The Nokia 4.2 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core processor with up to 3GB RAM. This 12nm Process chip delivers excellent multitasking even if using demanding apps or games. The processor handles phone efficiency so you can use multiple apps and enjoy entertainment and it will manage battery consumption effectively.

Phone Set Up

Fingerprint sensor

The phone unlocks quickly and easily using the fingerprint sensor. The reader is located on the back of the phone where you would naturally place your finger when picking the phone up. You can set up multiple fingers or users for allowing access to other people.

If you prefer to use other security options then you can choose between a pattern, PIN code or password to unlock the phone. The Nokia 4.2 is responsive and easy to use so anyone familiar with Android OS devices will easily get the hang of this phone.

Face Unlock

The Nokia 4.2 has a face unlock option too, a feature usually saved for more expensive devices. The front-facing 8MP camera quickly scans your face to unlock the phone. Advanced algorithms include eye-open detection and it even allows the phone to recognise you in low-light. 

Features

Android One

The Nokia 4.2 is an Android 9.0 smartphone and this has been refined further with the Android One setup. Android One is designed to be a more simple and streamlined OS. This makes the phone perform more efficiently and handles battery consumption more effectively.

Some of the highlights of the Android One include:

• Adaptive brightness - the screen brightness will automatically adjust to your activities or environment. You can use the manual slider to choose brightness settings and the phone will learn your preferences.
• Adaptive battery - AI-technology will learn which apps you use and how you use the phone. Apps are pre-loaded or background apps shut down to maximise battery efficiency.
• App actions - shortcuts and app integrations are adapted to suit your behaviour on the phone
• Digital wellbeing tools - these features will help you have downtime and limit screen use as needed. App Timers, Wind Down Mode and the Dashboard will all help with your digital wellbeing.

Google Assistant button

The Google Assistant has become an integral part of the Android OS over the years. More and more features and actions have been added and the Nokia 4.2 has a dedicated button to launch the feature. Some of the things the Google Assistant can help you with include:

• Manage tasks - set reminders, check emails and send a text
• Plan your day - make dinner reservations, check flight times or find the nearest coffee shop
• Entertainment - control music, watch videos or listen to podcasts
• Photos - launch the camera or search the phone gallery
• Web searches - get the latest weather reports, traffic information or translations
• Smart home - use the Google Assistant to control your smart home technology

Camera & Video

Dual camera

The camera on the Nokia 4.2 has two lenses which are:

• 13MP main lens
• 2MP depth sensor

There is plenty of software and AI technology helping you capture professional-looking photos. Post-shot editing options allow you to add creative touches. Use Bokeh to blur parts of the photo or use advanced editing to refine the shot.

Some of the Nokia 4.2 camera features include:

• 1080p video recording
• Phase Detection Autofocus
• Time-lapse
• Video Editor
• Panorama
• HDR
• Bokeh 

8MP selfie camera 

The selfie camera delivers great photo results when snapping a selfie or group photo. The wide-angle lens has a 74-degree field of view so you can capture more of your surroundings or get more people in the shot. AI technology includes a number of different beauty options so you can brush up the image before posting it online.

Battery Life

Long-lasting battery

The Nokia 4.2 has a long-lasting 3,000mAh battery and while that may not be as big as some other phones, the intelligent power management features make sure you always have power. AI features and Adaptive Battery technology manages apps and power consumption to keep the phone powered until you can plug in for a recharge.

Next: Samsung Galaxy M30 review

Written by: Carmel Brown