Nokia 4.2 to give US buyers another Android One option

Much of the attention in smartphone news these days is unsurprisingly poured on high-end and expensive phones like the Galaxy S10, the Huawei P30, and especially the Galaxy Fold. That sadly alienates a large chunk of the market that may have no need for all those bells and whistles. Some just need a solid and reliable mobile companion that won't break their wallet. Fortunately, HMD Global is bringing the Nokia 4.2 to the US exactly for that purpose.

If you simply look at the hardware or even the design, the Nokia 4.2 will hardly impress. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, at least one of the latest from the chip maker's lower mid-range selection, and, at least for the US model, has 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. There are two cameras on the back, a 13 megapixel shooter assisted by a 2 megapixel depth sensor, and an 8 megapixel camera on the front.

Design-wise, the Nokia 4.2 has a 5.71-inch screen with "edge-to-edge" display. But while it does have a notch on top, it's not completely bezel-less. In fact, it has quite the chin with enough room for a somewhat obnoxious Nokia branding.

The selling point of the Nokia 4.2 will be its software and its price. The former is thanks to Android One, which not only comes with a clean and light Android experience but also the promise of updates for up to two years. Fortunately, HMD Global has been quite good at keeping that promise.

As for the price, the Nokia 4.2 will sell for $189, a bargain when you consider other mid-range phones of its kind. Available in Black and Pink Sand colors, the phone starts pre-order today from Amazon and Best Buy and will ship on May 14. Starting June 9, it will also be available in select Best Buy stores.