Microsoft now has a new group of affordable and entry level Lumia smartphones to try to entice users, the Lumia 525, 530, and 535. But the flip side of choice is indecision — which one is the right for you? While we won’t know that until the 535 actually sees some action, here are the basics of the three choices.
Nokia Lumia 525
The 525 features a 4 inch 800 x 480 (235 ppi) display and is powered by a Dual Core 1GHz Snapdragon S4 processor. It comes with 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and supports up to 64GB microSD card. It has a 5MP rear camera, and no front facing camera. You can grab one on Amazon for $150.99 USD.
Nokia Lumia 530
The 530 (read our review here) features a 4 inch 854 x 480 (246 ppi) 16:9 display and is powered by a Quad Core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 200 processor. It comes with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, and supports up to 128GB microSD card. It has a 5MP rear camera, and no front facing camera. You can grab one on Amazon for $149.97 USD.
Microsoft Lumia 535
The Lumia 535 features a 5 inch qHD 960 x 540 (220 ppi) display and is powered by a Quad Core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 200 processor. It comes with 1GB RAM, 8GB of storage, and supports up to 128 microSD card. It has a 5MP rear camera, and a 5MP front facing camera. It is estimated to cost 110 Euros ($136.67 USD straight converted, likely to be tweaked, however).
So?
All three of these phones are really similar, however they have certain distinctions. If you want a front-facing camera, go with the 535. And really, the 535 (expectedly) promises to easily be the best phone out of the three. It is only 110 Euros, and available in a multiple colors as well.
The other phones aren’t bad, but for similar prices they don’t make sense. Neither the 525 nor the 530 have front facing cameras, the 525’s dual core processor is dated (but dual core shouldn’t be a deal breaker by itself), and the 530’s 512MB of RAM is concerning.
Lastly, these phones are competing with the $180 USD Moto G (2014), which features a 1.2 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, support of up to 32GB microSD, 5 inch 720p (294 ppi) display, and 8MP camera (2MP front facing). From a hardware perspective, the Moto G has a better display and camera for about $30 USD more.
So which of the three devices is the better option? Clearly the Lumia 535.
