Looking for an honest Nokia G42 vs Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) comes out ahead 40/100 to 58/100 — a 18-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) undercuts the Nokia G42 by 25% ($199.99 vs $249), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) clearly outperforms the Nokia G42 in the smartphones category, especially in performance, scoring 58 vs 40. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) over Nokia G42 means trading these off.
$249
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Nokia G42 | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025)W |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.56" | 6.7"✓ |
| Display Type | LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Exynos 1380 |
| CPU | — | Octa-core 2.4 GHz |
| GPU | — | Mali-G68 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
| Storage Options | — | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Aperture | — | f/1.8 |
| Video | — | 4K@30fps |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 32MP✓ |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 18W | 25W✓ |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| USB | — | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Dimensions | — | 158.5 x 74.8 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 185g✓ | 210g |
| Colors | Black, Purple | Black, White, Blue, Pink |
| Price | 249$ | 199.99$✓ |
Buy Nokia G42 if…
The Nokia G42 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) clearly outperforms the Nokia G42 in the smartphones category, especially in performance, scoring 58 vs 40. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) scores higher (83 vs 40).
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is cheaper at $199.99 vs $249 for the Nokia G42.
The Nokia G42 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Both have the same 5000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has the larger display (6.7" vs 6.56").
Nokia G42 is lighter at 185g vs 210g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.