May 30, 2019 saw the launch of the latest Android device by Nokia, Nokia 4.2, in Dhaka. Meeting the consumers’ needs of affordability and top-notch features, this device fills the criteria of becoming the go-to Android device for a large portion of the population.
Nokia 4.2 - a slim, 8.4mm phone with a glass-sculpted design - has a number of features worth mentioning. With a 5.71 inch selfie-notch display, the device is handy, while the glass adds a rich feel to it. It is currently available in 2 colours: a classic black, and a new tone called ‘Pink Sand’.
There is a designated Google Assistant button on the left hand side of the device, making accessing it and carrying out commands a much simpler task, while the standard volume and power buttons are housed on the right. But the power button is more than standard. It has a special feature – a breathing notification light around it. This serves as a gentle reminder to check your phone when there is a notification.
The Nokia 4.2 is said to be a ‘mini-flagship’ device, owing to the multiple flagship features it offers at a much more reasonable price. It is one of the first Nokia smartphones with the face unlock feature, paired with the fingertip sensor placed conveniently at the back, right underneath the dual cameras. The rear cameras include a main 13MP sensor next to a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8MP. Furthermore, Nokia 4.2 includes advance photo editing options, for an improved photo-taking experience. The long battery life of the phone also makes it ideal for gaming and heavy usage throughout the day.
Additionally, this phone includes a feature known as the ‘Digital well-being’ – which reduces phone usage based on regular activities. Another element worth noting is the ‘wind down mode’, which ensures better rest of the user at a designated time of day, by turning the screen to grayscale and disabling all vibrations and sounds.
With a variety of features fit for a flagship device, the Nokia 4.2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 octa-core processor, and bloatware-free, stock Android 9 Pie - all for the price of Tk13,999.
According to a review on TechRadar, the Nokia 4.2 “offers great value for money with a stylish design, solid performance and a clean Android interface”, while The Verge says it feels “like a premium – and expensive – device”, for an affordable price.
“Bangladeshi consumers want affordable phones, and they usually opt for Chinese brands,” said Iffat Zahur, Marketing Lead, HMD Global Bangladesh. HMD Global manufactures all Nokia phones and owns the brand.
“The issue with most Chinese brands is a lack of durability, which forces many consumers to start looking for alternatives within a year or two of usage. Nokia 4.2 ensures durability, as it covers security and Android updates for the next 2 years,” Zahur said.
Farhan Rashid, Head of Business, HMD Global Bangladesh says there are many good reasons to choose Nokia over other competing Android smartphones.
“When Nokia first came out with Android phones 2 years ago, it came with Nougat 8.1, a version of Android that no other phone had at the time. Nokia phones have maintained this practice of updated Android versions. In addition, due to Nokia’s affiliation with Google, all Nokia devices will receive direct and frequent security updates for the next two years, ensuring that they are up-to-date and secure from all kinds of malware and hacking. Pair with these the slim and easy to hold body of the device, good camera, smooth touch, and the other modern features - the Nokia 4.2 is, I would say, the most competitive device in the Android market, in terms of price, features and security,” said Rashid.
