Best Windows Phones: Holiday 2014
by Brett Howse on December 3, 2014 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- HTC
- Microsoft
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- windows phone
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Phablet: Nokia Lumia 1520
Although the Lumia 1520 has been out for over a year now, there still is no real competition to it if you are after a Windows Phone phablet. The 6 inch behemoth still packs a punch too with the Snapdragon 800 SoC inside, which we found transformed the Windows Phone experience when we reviewed the Lumia 930. Also shared with the Lumia 930 is the excellent 20 megapixel 1/2.5” camera coupled with optical image stabilization and a six element lens with Zeiss optics.
The six inch display has a 1080p LCD with Glance support, a ClearBlack polarizer layer, and per pixel Content Adaptive Backlight Control for superior outdoor visibility. With 368 pixels per inch, it does not quite reach the insane 500+ ppi of some devices, but should still provide a crisp clear image. Nokia also includes Super Sensitive Touch, which allows the touchscreen to be operated with gloves on – a great idea at this time of year.
| Nokia Lumia 1520 | |
| SoC | MSM8974VV 2.2 GHz Snapdragon 800 |
| RAM/NAND | 2 GB LPDDR3, 32 GB NAND + microSD 128 GB |
| Display | 6.0” 1920x1080 IPS ClearBlack LCD Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Network | GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSPA/LTE up to 150 Mbps |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 85.4 x 8.7 (mm) |
| Weight | 209 grams |
| Rear Camera | 20MP, 1.1 µm pixels, 1/2.5" CMOS, f/2.4, 26 mm focal length, Dual LED Flash |
| Front Camera | 1.2 MP wide angle, f/2.4, 1280x720 video resolution |
| Battery | BV-4BW 3400 mAh, 3.8 V, 12.92 Wh |
| OS | Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Cyan Firmware |
| Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac + BT 4.0, USB2.0, DLNA, FM Radio |
| Location Technologies | Cellular and Wi-Fi network positioning, A-GPS, A-GLONASS, BeiDou |
| SIM Size | Nano SIM |
The 1520 has 32 GB of internal NAND, and support for an additional 64 GB through microSD if you find yourself craving additional storage.
The large form factor allows Nokia to pack a 3400 mAh 3.8 V battery into the 1520 as well, so all day computing on your smartphone should be no problem at all.
If you want a phablet, and you want Windows Phone, this is the device to get, and you can find it for less than $500 now.
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tolgerias - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I currently have a Lumia 920 and have been waiting for the next flagship. Although the M8 looks gorgeous, I really like having a physical camera shutter button, glance screen and wireless charging. I don't really game on my phone, so the 830 looks like the best option for me if I were to buy today. But my 920 still works great so I think I will just wait to see what 2015 brings.Stephen Barrett - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I'm in the same boat. agree on all countsLaxaa - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
Seconded. My 920 still holds up(even after several drops on concrete), but I'm eager to see whats next for Lumia. Either that or the successor to the HTC M8(I guess it'll be the M9)LarsBars - Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - link
I had a 920 since launch, and bought a Lumia 1520.3 off contract. I really like it, but I think you have to be willing to deal with the size.jrs77 - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
The best Windows-Phone currently is the Lumia 530, which can be bought without a contract for €70 incl VAT.Gunbuster - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
You should not link out to that 1520 on Amazon. The unlocked model with the correct US LTE bands is the 1520.3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...LarsBars - Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - link
I bought mine here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1036818-REG/...But it was cheaper and not back ordered.
BMNify - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
Lumia 535 and 730 with dual sim are the best low-end and mid-range phones respectively, Both can be bought in India fro $130 and $220 respectively. Lumia 730 or 735 is now available globally in loads of countries and 535 will also be widespread within a month.Mugur - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
I have also to vouch about 730/735. Around $200 including VAT in my country (possibly 200 EUR without any discount :-) ). Same SoC as 830, 4.7" with 720p Amoled, Gorilla Glass 3, nice design. I got one for my wife (previously she used an HTC One Mini) and she's very happy with it. 730 is dual micro SIM/HSPA+ and 735 is 4G LTE with 1 nano SIM. Both have uSD and removable battery (2200 mAh).IMHO 830 is too expensive for what it offers.
cbf - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
In the US, unless you're on AT&T, there really is no mid-range Windows Phone option. And even if you're on AT&T, they want far too much ($450) for the Lumia 830.Note that the Lumia 830 RM-984 at Expansys linked to in this article support most (or any?) US LTE frequencies. And the price is too high -- it is not competitive with a comparably priced Nexus 5.
If Microsoft wants to know why Windows Phone is doing so poorly in the US, the answer is simple -- it's by and large simply not available for purchase.