Nokia G42 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Nokia G42 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 39/100 (a 35-point difference). Key differences: the Nokia G42 has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 477,542); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 193g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nokia G42
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Nokia G42 better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Longer battery life (43/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 477542
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 746
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 1816
- Faster charging: 25W vs 20W
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 90Hz
- Lighter: 162g vs 193g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 41/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 30/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 44/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Nokia G42 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 35 points higher (74/100 vs 39/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 41/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Nokia G42 leads (43/100 vs 31/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (89/100 vs 41/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (81/100 vs 44/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (77/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Nokia G42 is a bit better (43/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (89/100 vs 57/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Nokia G42 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 477542 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 746 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1816 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.6" IPS LCD | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 720x1612 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 20W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 193 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | — | $799 |
Camera comparison
Nokia G42
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Front: 8MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Nokia G42
- 6.6" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1612
- Refresh rate: 90 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Nokia G42
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 20W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Nokia G42 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Nokia G42 by 83.1% 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 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (89/100 vs 41/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (81/100 vs 44/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (77/100 vs 30/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Nokia G42 is a bit better (43/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 (89/100 vs 57/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nokia G42 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Nokia G42 by 35 points (74/100 vs 39/100).
What is the rating of the Nokia G42 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Nokia G42 has a MobileRank rating of 39/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nokia G42 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 30/100).
Which is more powerful: the Nokia G42 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 41/100).
Should you choose the Nokia G42 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.