Best Windows Phones: Holiday 2014
by Brett Howse on December 3, 2014 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- HTC
- Microsoft
- Mobile
- windows phone
- Blu
Mid-Range Device: Nokia Lumia 830
The Lumia 830, which we just reviewed, is at the top end of the Nokia mid-range smartphone lineup. Armed with the same SoC as the other mid-range devices, it trumps them with a more premium feel and a surprisingly decent PureView camera. The five inch display also has the mid-range specs of 1280x720, and it has LTE support.
The one major downside to the Lumia 830 is the SoC though, which is underpowered compared to other devices in this price range. It does not stop Windows Phone from being quick to respond and fluid in motion, but it can hamper app loading times and performance within apps. The Lumia 830 has seen a quicker than normal worldwide availability though, which is a bonus. Prices can vary from region to region, from $0 to $100 on-contract pricing. Off-contract pricing can vary as well, but it is available at or around $360 outright from the right retailers. There are a couple of variants, so be sure to get the one that supports your local frequencies if purchasing from anyone other than your cellular provider.
| Nokia Lumia 830 | |
| SoC | MSM8926 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 |
| RAM/NAND | 1 GB LPDDR2, 16 GB NAND + microSD 128 GB |
| Display | 5.0” 1280x720 IPS ClearBlack LCD Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Network | GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSPA/LTE up to 150 Mbps |
| Dimensions | 139.4 x 70.7 x 8.5 (mm) |
| Weight | 150 grams |
| Rear Camera | 10MP, 1.1 µm pixels, 1/3.4" 16x9 CMOS, f/2.2, 26 mm focal length, LED Flash |
| Front Camera | 0.9MP wide angle, f/2.4, 1280x720 video resolution |
| Battery | BV-L4A 2200 mAh, 3.8 V, 7.04 Wh |
| OS | Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim Firmware |
| Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n + 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 |
If you are not someone who craves the latest and greatest SoC, the Lumia 830 is a great choice with a good in-hand feel, a thin body, and light design. The removable back also has Qi wireless charging and gives access to the replaceable battery and microSD slot.
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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.