Nokia G42 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
The Verdict
The Nokia G42 5G and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Nokia G42 5G is the cheaper of the two at $249 versus $1,800, a difference of about $1,551. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Nokia G42 5G stands out for three years of os updates and three years of security patches, while Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is praised for thinnest and lightest galaxy z fold ever. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nokia G42 5G if…
- →Three years of OS updates and three years of security patches
- →Repairability-focused design with easily replaceable parts
- →100% recycled plastic back for environmental sustainability
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 if…
- →Thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold ever
- →7.6-inch foldable inner display
- →S Pen support
Pros & Cons
Nokia G42 5G
Pros
- Three years of OS updates and three years of security patches
- Repairability-focused design with easily replaceable parts
- 100% recycled plastic back for environmental sustainability
- 5G connectivity at a budget $249 price
- 5000 mAh battery provides multi-day endurance
Cons
- HD+ resolution is pixelated on the 6.56-inch screen
- Snapdragon 480+ is underpowered for demanding tasks
- 2 MP macro and depth cameras are useless
- Only 20W charging is very slow for the 5000 mAh battery
- 8 MP front camera produces soft selfies
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Pros
- Thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold ever
- 7.6-inch foldable inner display
- S Pen support
- Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
Cons
- $1800 starting price
- Only 25W wired charging
- Cover display crease still visible
- 239g is heavy
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nokia G42 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193 g | 239 g |
| Material | 100% recycled plastic back, repairable design | Armor Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP52 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm | 150 x 68 x 10.9 mm (folded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Depth | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 10 MP (cover), 4 MP (under display) |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.56 inches | 7.6 inches (inner), 6.2 inches (cover) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO |
| Resolution | 1612 x 720 | 2160 x 1856 (inner) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 450 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.9 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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