Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V)’s Lumia handsets may offer a good choice for consumers who can’t afford to spend a lot on a smartphone. ZDNet contributor Matthew Miller notes that the Windows 8 experience is fairly consistent across the Lumia handsets, unlike with other devices.
Low-End Lumias Vs. Older IPhones, Low-End Android
He compared Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V)’s low-end Lumia 521 with the iPhone 4, which is currently Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s lowest priced handset. He said iOS users will miss out on some of the functions that are available on newer phones. In addition, there are some limitations to the apps that are available on earlier versions of the iPhone, so consumers who opt for an older iPhone 4 as a way to save money on a smartphone may be disappointed.
Another place where the Nokia Lumia shines is in performance. According to Miller, there are few low-end Android devices which run Jelly Bean, the 2012 version of the Android software. Most of them run Ice Cream Sandwich, the previous version. Some are even still running on Gingerbread, an even older version of Android.
Consistence In The Nokia Lumia
He also points out that while the Lumia 920 and 928 both have upgraded hardware specs like a better camera, the low-end Lumias still have the same user interface and software experience as the high-end models.
In Miller’s view, Windows Phone is still “lacking apps and functionality,” but having just purchased a Lumia 920 myself to replace my iPhone 4S, I haven’t found this to be the case. Thus far there’s only been one app that I would like to have that’s not available on Windows Phone, but it takes time to build up an app portfolio that’s the size of Apple’s and Android’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if the app I’m looking for shows up in the next several months.
