Nokia has just launched their budget Windows Phone 8 smartphone, the Lumia 620. Just 2 months later, MWC unveiled their new budget offering namely the Lumia 520. Naming convention suggests that the Lumia 520 is one step lower than the Lumia 620 in the hierarchy. However, the confusing specifications will easily leave a potential buyer confused. So here's how to decide which phone to buy among the two. But before that, a quick look at what both the phones pack.
Nokia Lumia 620 Full Specifications
We have previously covered news on the Lumia 620 here.
Nokia Lumia 520 Specifications
We have previously covered news on the Lumia 520 here.
Showdown: Nokia Lumia 620 v/s Lumia 520
Let's get straight down to the specs.
Chipset
The chipset used by both phones is identical, namely Qualcomm's lowest end chipset that packs dual core Krait CPU, clocked at 1.0 GHz. What's especially good about this chipset is that it comes with a more than capable Adreno 305 GPU (enough for the WVGA resolution). In addition, both phones pack the same amount of RAM, namely 512 MB. Expect near identical performance for the two phones.
Display
The display of both phones is very different. From their make to their size, both the displays are different. For the Lumia 620, you got a smaller 3.8 inch display. The WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) resolution packing display is of ordinary TFT make, but has Nokia's Clearback technology on top that enhances outdoor legibility. We have seen Nokia displays with Clearback technology on them, and their performance is impressive indeed.
The Lumia 520 goes for a larger 4.0 inch display. This 4 incher packs the same number of pixels (WVGA i.e. 800 x 480 pixels) and hence has a slightly lower ppi (pixels per inch, pixels density which is 233 ppi for the Lumia 520 compared to 246 ppi for the Lumia 620). Also, the Lumia 520 packs a IPS LCD display. IPS displays are known for their really good viewing angles, and we expect nothing less from the Lumia 520.
Phone Design
The Lumia 620 is a thick device. At 11 mm thickness, it is obvious that Nokia wasn't really looking to make a sleek phone. The Lumia 520 on the other hand is only 9.9 mm thick. In addition, it packs a very Lumia 800 ish design, whereas the Lumia 620 strays from that path and goes for a phone with a big bezel on the bottom, and around as well.
Overall, we like the Lumia 520's more industrial design, but that is a personal choice anyways.
Camera & Expected performance
Both phones pack 5 mega pixel sensors, however of different make most probably). Expect the Lumia 620 snaps to be much better than the Lumia 520 ones (unless the same sensor is used. The review over at Hexus.net confirms the Lumia 620 to be packing a capable camera sensor).
In addition, the Lumia 520 lacks front camera, as well as a flash at the back which could be a deal breaker for some, while making no difference at all to many.
Battery
While the Lumia 620 packs a 1300 mAh battery, the Lumia 520 packs a larger 1430 mAh unit. Battery life should be comparable considering the higher battery pack on the Lumia 520 is added with the larger display size. However, we are still inclined to believe that the Lumia 520 will offer better life.
Conclusion
While both phones seem brilliant, each has it's own strength and weaknesses. The Lumia 620 leads in the camera segment, while the Lumia 520 seems to do better in everything else (leaving Phone Design apart). That being said, the Lumia 520 will end up cheaper (around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 13,000) compared to the Lumia 620, which has already been listed for Rs. 15,199 on Flipkart (pre-order).
Either way, things are looking good for Nokia's latest Lumias, and choosing between the 2 devices really boils down to personal choice. Happy buying!
Nokia Lumia 620 Full Specifications
- Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 chipset
- 1 GHz dual core Krait CPU
- Adreno 305 GPU
- 512 MB of RAM
- 3.8″ WVGA (800×480) Clearback display
- 8 GB of internal storage
- upto 64 GB of expandable storage, micro SD card
- 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
- 720p video @ 30 fps
- VGA front facing camera
- 1300 mAh Li-Ion battery
- 127 grams weight, 11 mm thick
- Microsoft Windows Phone 8
We have previously covered news on the Lumia 620 here.
Nokia Lumia 520 Specifications
- Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait
- 1 GHz dual core CPU
- Adreno 305 GPU
- 512 MB of RAM
- 4″ WVGA (800 x 480) IPS LCD display
- 5 MP camera, auto focus
- 720p HD video recording @ 30 fps
- 8 GB internal storage
- expandable storage up to 64 GB (SDXC)
- 9.9 mm thick, 124 grams weight
- 1,430 mAh battery
- Microsoft Windows Phone 8
We have previously covered news on the Lumia 520 here.
Showdown: Nokia Lumia 620 v/s Lumia 520
Let's get straight down to the specs.
Chipset
The chipset used by both phones is identical, namely Qualcomm's lowest end chipset that packs dual core Krait CPU, clocked at 1.0 GHz. What's especially good about this chipset is that it comes with a more than capable Adreno 305 GPU (enough for the WVGA resolution). In addition, both phones pack the same amount of RAM, namely 512 MB. Expect near identical performance for the two phones.
Display
The display of both phones is very different. From their make to their size, both the displays are different. For the Lumia 620, you got a smaller 3.8 inch display. The WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) resolution packing display is of ordinary TFT make, but has Nokia's Clearback technology on top that enhances outdoor legibility. We have seen Nokia displays with Clearback technology on them, and their performance is impressive indeed.
The Lumia 520 goes for a larger 4.0 inch display. This 4 incher packs the same number of pixels (WVGA i.e. 800 x 480 pixels) and hence has a slightly lower ppi (pixels per inch, pixels density which is 233 ppi for the Lumia 520 compared to 246 ppi for the Lumia 620). Also, the Lumia 520 packs a IPS LCD display. IPS displays are known for their really good viewing angles, and we expect nothing less from the Lumia 520.
Phone Design
The Lumia 620 is a thick device. At 11 mm thickness, it is obvious that Nokia wasn't really looking to make a sleek phone. The Lumia 520 on the other hand is only 9.9 mm thick. In addition, it packs a very Lumia 800 ish design, whereas the Lumia 620 strays from that path and goes for a phone with a big bezel on the bottom, and around as well.
Overall, we like the Lumia 520's more industrial design, but that is a personal choice anyways.
Camera & Expected performance
Both phones pack 5 mega pixel sensors, however of different make most probably). Expect the Lumia 620 snaps to be much better than the Lumia 520 ones (unless the same sensor is used. The review over at Hexus.net confirms the Lumia 620 to be packing a capable camera sensor).
In addition, the Lumia 520 lacks front camera, as well as a flash at the back which could be a deal breaker for some, while making no difference at all to many.
Battery
While the Lumia 620 packs a 1300 mAh battery, the Lumia 520 packs a larger 1430 mAh unit. Battery life should be comparable considering the higher battery pack on the Lumia 520 is added with the larger display size. However, we are still inclined to believe that the Lumia 520 will offer better life.
Conclusion
While both phones seem brilliant, each has it's own strength and weaknesses. The Lumia 620 leads in the camera segment, while the Lumia 520 seems to do better in everything else (leaving Phone Design apart). That being said, the Lumia 520 will end up cheaper (around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 13,000) compared to the Lumia 620, which has already been listed for Rs. 15,199 on Flipkart (pre-order).
Either way, things are looking good for Nokia's latest Lumias, and choosing between the 2 devices really boils down to personal choice. Happy buying!
Buying a new phone? Or a tablet? Need help with something everyday-tech related? Ask me and I'm sure to help!
— Preetam Nath (@hipreetam93) April 18, 2013
— Preetam Nath (@hipreetam93) April 18, 2013