Nokia G42 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Nokia G42 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 39/100 (a 45-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 477,542); the Nokia G42 is noticeably lighter (193g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nokia G42
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Nokia G42 better?
- Lighter: 193g vs 214g
- Better portability (57/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 477542
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 746
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 1816
- Faster charging: 60W vs 20W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 90Hz
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 41/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 30/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 43/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 44/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Nokia G42 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 45 points higher (84/100 vs 39/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 41/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 43/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (96/100 vs 41/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (88/100 vs 44/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (86/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Nokia G42 (61/100 vs 43/100). In the "portability" category, the Nokia G42 is a bit better (57/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Nokia G42 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 477542 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 746 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1816 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.6" IPS LCD | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 720x1612 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 20W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 560 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 165.0×75.8×8.6 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 193 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | — | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Nokia G42
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Front: 8MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Nokia G42
- 6.6" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1612
- Refresh rate: 90 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Nokia G42
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 20W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Nokia G42 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Nokia G42 by 86.2% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Nokia G42
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (96/100 vs 41/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (88/100 vs 44/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (86/100 vs 30/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Nokia G42 (61/100 vs 43/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Nokia G42 is a bit better (57/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nokia G42 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 by 45 points (84/100 vs 39/100).
What is the rating of the Nokia G42 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Nokia G42 has a MobileRank rating of 39/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nokia G42 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 30/100).
Which is more powerful: the Nokia G42 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 41/100).
Should you choose the Nokia G42 over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.