NOKIA Lumia 1520 Pro Reviews

When the Nokia Lumia 1520 first launched here in the US through AT&T, it astounded us with its aggressive $100 on-contract cost – giving it plenty of value for the buck. Strangely enough, after looking at its existing offering through the carrier, it has been increased in price to $200, the same cost as the brand spanking new Samsung Galaxy S5. However, if we’re to look at their off-contract prices, the Lumia 1520 is lower at $585 – whereas the Galaxy S5 is set at $650. If we’re to pick up a phone with a 2-year agreement, we’d totally recommend picking up the Galaxy S5, mostly for its diversified offerings, supreme performance, and freshness to the scene. Conversely, we can honestly mention picking up either phone if we’re forgoing signing a contract. Indeed, the Galaxy S5 is priced higher than its rival, but considering that it’s significantly newer and packs some additional hardware not present with the Lumia 1520, the higher pricing is more than justified. Ultimately, though, the platform experience between these giants will play a large role in what device you should choose. Android, as a whole, has a deeper and more connected experience than Windows Phone. Throw in Sammy’s updated TouchWiz Nature UX on top of Android 4.4.2 KitKat, it only extends the experience more with its myriad of software features. It’s not to say that Windows Phone 8 is handicapped, it’s just hasn’t matured to the level of where Android is currently at. Of course, Windows Phone 8.1 will bring some additional enhancements that will no doubt bridge the gap, but Android continues to be one step ahead. Whatever your decision folks, we’re certain you won’t be disappointed in what you select. There are valid reasons why these two are highly prized in the space, but as we’ve shown in this comparison, they excel in several key areas to make them fantastic offerings you won’t regret picking up.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 offers one of the highest specification cameras currently available phablet smartphone, and produces pleasing results, with some quite unique features including the ability to zoom into photos, as well as videos. If you are not commited to the Android operating system, then the Nokia Lumia 1520 would make a good choice, however we would recommend having a look at the device in person to see if the size is something you would be happy living with particularly if you intend to use it as your main phone, as more compact alternatives are available.

The Lumia 1520 is definitely the best Windows Phone I’ve used so far. It can be a hard sell up against a seasoned contender like the Note 3, but there’s no doubting that Nokia keeps improving delivering yet another high-end quality handset.

The Lumia 1520 is the best Windows Phone we’ve ever reviewed. The only things holding it back are its large size, which will alienate many buyers, and WP8 itself. It’s a fitting end to Nokia’s phone legacy: fantastic hardware that would sell far better if it ran different software. Our hopes for an Android phone from Nokia may be dashed forever, but we’re happy to see the Finnish phonemaker go out strong. You can buy the Lumia 1520 on AT&T for $150 to $200 on contract, or $630 unsubsidized.

Innovative is something that’s profound with the LG G Flex, obviously, seeing that it’s showcasing many new technological feats we haven’t seen before in a commercialized way. People will absolutely be intrigued by its curved design, which is uncanny at first, but it truly shows the direction the industry will be moving towards in the very near future. At its core, it’s a fantastic offering that will blow away friends and colleague – but there’s a price to pay for something so special. Ultimately, the G Flex’s import cost of $940 will make people think long and hard about the investment, which is a hefty one to say the least. Well, that’s not a problem for the Nokia Lumia 1520, since it’s sporting a lower $585 off-contract price through AT&T at the moment. Better yet, its on-contract price of $100 right from the get-go makes it very difficult to pass up on. Whatever the choice, Nokia’s current pride and joy definitely proves the point that it has a whole lot of bang for the buck. Throw in the fact that it’s a high-spec’d in every category, combined with an impressive camera in the rear, the only thing that’s really holding the Lumia 1520 back is arguably Windows Phone 8, which we might add, is continually being enhanced and improved with each iteration. Yeah, the customized Android experience of the G Flex adheres to the needs of serious power users, but the decision to side with it is made most difficult by its expensive cost. Then again, it’s stuffed with some next-gen features, which justifies things a bit.

Nothing particularly ground-breaking, just a very, very competent Windows Phone phablet

A big, beautiful smartphone with a superb display and camera and good battery life – but it's pricey

When we think of Windows Phones, there’s only one single name that comes to mind in an instant – Nokia. As we’ve seen countless times, the Finnish company has seemingly propelled Microsoft’s platform time-after-time with its diverse set of Lumia smartphones. In this particular comparison, we continue to see their commitment in expanding the platform’s reach, as both the Lumia 1020 and 1520 are lovable devices that have earned a lot of adulation from consumers and critics. Throughout it all, value is something that remains to be the driving force for everything. As we keep that in mind, it becomes obvious that the Lumia 1520 is the one to really capitalize on that front, seeing that right now it’s blessed with an impressive, yet super affordable on-contract price point of $99.99. Furthermore, it’s the first Windows Phone to be fitted with hardware befitting of a high-end device. Although it’s most known for its impressive camera, the Lumia 1020 is harder to like at the moment due to its higher on-contract price point of $199.99, which is down from its initial $300 offering, but still not enough to outclass the 1520 for having the most bang for the buck. Throw in the fact that it’s packing hardware that’s regarded as dated at this point, it’s really hard to recommend the 1020 over the 1520 – though, if snapping photos is more your kind of thing, then it’s an obvious decision to side with the 1020. If not, you’re better off saving some money in the process and picking up the 1520 instead.

Pricing is such a huge win for the Nokia Lumia 1520, to the point that people will really fall head over feet for its value for the buck. At $99.99 with a 2-year contract, it’s undoubtedly showing the LG G2 that it’s aggressive and not messing around. Heck, it’s even more amazing knowing that it’s outfitted with nearly the same cutting-edge hardware that’s under the hood of the mighty LG G2. So why would anyone decide to go with the more expensive LG G2, especially when it’s being sold normally right now for $199.99 on-contract? The obvious reason is that it’s a well-balanced performer that hits the high marks in several departments, but out of everything, it’s comprehensive and enhanced software experience of the G2 that shows off its value.

Affordable, that’s the name of the game with these two high-end smartphone. They’re trying dearly to change that perception that lower priced phones can still compete with those more expensive ones, with no major compromises in the included hardware. As we’ve seen throughout this comparison, these two handsets have a lot of value to offer, but it’s so hard to argue which one actually has the more bang for the buck deal. And why’s that? Well, it’s simply because they approach it from two different sides. Now if you’re looking to pick up something with a contract, then it’s a no-brainer decision to stick with the Nokia Lumia 1520. Brandishing a 2-year contract price of $99.99, the Lumia 1520 undercuts many of the flagship smartphones that saturate the market – more so knowing that it’s a phablet, one with a fantastic camera and high-end specs. Certainly, the biggest thing holding it back is arguably the platform itself, but it is what it is. On the flip side, the Google Nexus 5 is best recommended for those who prefer to pick up a device outright; without signing a contract. At $349.99 for the base model, it’s easily a bigger savings when compared to the full $549.99 cost attached to the Lumia 1520. Throw in the fact that its pure Android 4.4 KitKat experience is so diverse, from its comprehensive functionality to its rich selection of apps, there’s no shortage of giving power users everything they need at their disposal. We can go both ways with this one, so it ultimately comes down on what route you plan on taking. If you’re not afraid of signing a contract, the Lumia 1520 is going to be the best option for you, especially when more savings is at hand with it. If not, then the obvious choice is going to be the Nexus 5.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 has got so many things right including build quality, a great camera and a good looking screen. It's the best Windows Phone yet but software is still lacking and we just wish the darn thing was smaller because it's severely off putting.

Let’s cut to the chase, these two are no doubt the best phablet performers in their respective platforms. However, as we’ve compared the two, it’s very apparent that the Note 3 has several advantages over the newcomer in the space. Sure, they’re blessed with almost the same set of hardware under the hood, but it’s just the enhancements we see in the customized Android experience of the Note 3 that takes it up a notch over the Lumia 1520. Don’t get us wrong, Windows Phone 8 is constantly growing and developing, but as a whole, it still has yet to reach the milestones we’ve seen out of Android. On top of that, the Note 3 further complements the experience by including several neat/redundant features to its package. Even though the Note 3 is arguably the preferred choice for power users, we can’t help but stress the fact that it’s attached with a premium price point – one that’s still viewed as being hefty in this day and age. Well, considering the enhancements we see from its customized experience, combined with its inclusion of an IR blaster and S-Pen, its $300 on-contract price is more than justified. Knowing that, we’re just amazed to see that the Lumia 1520 is sporting an impressive on-contract price of $100. Heck, that price alone undercuts many flagship devices in the space, giving it a whole lot of value. If you’re looking to save a whole lot of money, while still being given a device that doesn’t make compromises in the specs and performance departments, the Lumia 1520 is going to be the device for you. Sure, Windows Phone 8 might not be on the same level as its rival, but as we’ve seen, each iterative update brings forth enhancements and features that diversify its functionality. On the other end of the spectrum, if money isn’t a concern, we’d recommend the Note 3 for its deeper functionality, excellent performance, and all around performer.

Pricing, it’s the deciding factor for many people, as some people are more inclined to go with a device which will save them some much-needed cash in the process. So far, the trend seems as though phablets are graced with higher-than-normal prices, but that’s where the Nokia Lumia 1520 comes screeching onto the scene, as it impresses us with its aggressive on-contract price of $99.99 through AT&T. That’s some serious savings folks, especially knowing that it’s packing a newer piece of silicone under the hood, and a beefier camera that’s meant to capture the moment. On the other end of the spectrum, the HTC One max is being made available through a couple of US wireless carriers right now for $299.99 with a 2-year contract. Then again, the software experience really shows its worth, as Android as a whole has certain advantages that adheres to the needs of power users. Ultimately though, if you want a high-spec’d smartphone that won’t cost you an arm or a leg, then the Nokia Lumia 1520 will absolutely suffice. If money isn’t a concern, you can still get by with the HTC One max – though, the date piece of silicon under the hood, combined with its underwhelming photo snapping performance might make some people reconsider.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 feels as though Nokia has spent the past year compiling a list of every negative comment that someone has made about its smartphones. It's fairly obvious that Nokia then set to work erasing those complaints and tidying up a few other things just in case more issues arrived. As a result, the Lumia 1520 is the best that Nokia has to offer for anyone who can put up with an extra-large phone. Windows Phone 8 is better off than it was a year ago, Nokia is still making great smartphone cameras, and the large display is truly something to marvel at in many cases. The only problem is that it might literally be too much to handle.

There’s a big market for big phones. Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 and its predecessors have shown us that, and the gradually increasing size of the average flagship handset’s display suggests the rest of the market has caught on. The Lumia 1520 has seen Nokia jump ahead in terms of screen real-estate, and the display itself is a real winner.Pair that with a reliable camera, a fair degree of style, and the ease of use of Windows Phone, and you should have a winner on your hands. Our lingering concern is an echo of how we felt about the 5.9-inch HTC One max: part of the phablet compromise is that you accommodate a big phone in your pocket but also get extra functionality above and beyond smaller devices. Without a trick stylus and faced with the merely moderate tweaks to the latest version of the OS, we’re left with a feeling that Nokia hasn’t quite made the most of its excessive scale. For the moment, there’s no other Windows Phone that offers the same power and display resolution as the Lumia 1520. Give it some time, though, and other devices will catch up, leaving the key reason to opt for the 6-inch Nokia being its vast screen. Some will consider that reason enough to buy, but anybody hoping for the flexibility of a true phablet may discover the Lumia 1520 is simply a bigger version of handsets that came before it, not necessarily a better one.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 is a gigantic smartphone with an excellent camera, but it's just plain too much phone for most people.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 has to be the best Windows Phone 8 handset on the market. It's certainly the best Lumia we've used to date. That's not just thanks to the reassuringly high quality build, but also thanks to the new Black OS. The OS version we've seen is missing one or two components, but it's still a definite step forward. Accompany that with an ever growing selection of apps, and the first Nokia phablet is a genuinely capable mobile OS. The battery life is also plentiful - but on a device we'd expect nothing less.The camera and its accompanying apps also make up one of the best smartphone solutions on the market. You could spend a lot of time playing with these features and thanks to Instagram - which hasn't arrived in the Store just yet - sharing will be easy once the 1520 hits the shelves. Here Maps is also a fantastic native service that adds huge value to the OS and the 1520 - downloading maps and data-free navigating, even when driving, is hugely valuable. And organising photos on a map is a great idea. There are a few niggles though. First this is a phablet, so it's huge. It's an inherent thing with the format, but it will be far too big for some people to desire or handle. The keypad, too, feels giant on this new scale. We'd also like to see quick access settings, like on Android and now iOS, and yet more apps - indeed, in our test, things like BBC iPlayer were not responsive If a large handset is for you, and you are keen on Windows Phone - if you're new then be prepared to get used to a slightly new way of doing things, if you're an existing user then be excited at an improved way of doing things - then the Lumia 1520 is a fantastic smartphone that sits proudly in among its phablet peers.

Nokia came to compete in the extra-large smartphone space, and that it does, bringing top-notch specs and attractive hardware to an increasingly crowded field. Competitively priced at $200 retail with a two-year AT&T agreement, the large, slim, fast Lumia 1520 comes in $50 cheaper than Sprint's 5.9-inch HTC One Max and $100 less than Samsung's Galaxy Note 3, sold on multiple carriers. (The phone has a premium price tag of $750 off-contract.) However, monster megapixel camera aside, the 1520 lacks the other phones' flashier window dressing: the Max's fingerprint scanner and the Note 3's stylus. The Windows Phone operating system itself is also more simplistic. While there's NFC, lock-screen shortcuts, and some slick-but-subtle touch screen controls, the OS just can't compete with Android and iOS on voice assistance, mapping, integration with Google services, and a wider variety of content you can buy, rent, and download from a native store. The Windows Phone interface, though clean and useful with the additional third Start screen column, is also the least visual OS overall. If all that sounds about right to you, then buy the Lumia 1520 -- it delivers large, clear screen; competent camera; and slimness for the on-contract price of a smaller-screen phone.

Holy smokes people! When it was officially announced to arrive on AT&T a couple weeks ago, we were already impressed to hear that it would be priced at $200 with a 2-year contract – a price point that seems to undercut other phablets in the space. However, things didn’t end there, as Nokia went on an aggressive stance by dropping its price down lower to $99.99 on-contract. And with that folks, we have to gladly say that it’s so darn attractive. Indeed, AT&T’s version of the Nokia Lumia 1520 gets its internal storage capacity cut in half to 16GB, while also losing built-in wireless charging, but when we factor in its impressive hardware specs, amazing still image quality from its camera, and gigantic size screen, it’s hard to not fall in love with this beastly smartphone. It might not offer the water resistant properties of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, nor does it have the rich organizational features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, but the Lumia 1520 creates a niche spot of its own, thanks in part to the aforementioned qualities we’ve mentioned already. On the other side of the spectrum, for those who are contemplating on picking this up without a contract, its $584.99 price point still seems pretty good in comparison to other phablets – though, there’s no arguing that its on-contract cost absolutely gives it more bang for the buck. At the end of the day, there’s plenty to like about the 1520, as it’s no doubt the best Windows Phone out right now. For a long time there, Windows Phones in general just seemed underpowered in comparison to those premier Android smartphones. Thankfully though, that’s no longer the case going forward, seeing that the Nokia Lumia 1520 gives Windows Phone something to shine about. Ultimately, the Lumia 1520 is one rock hard device that gives the competition something to worry about.

In some ways (not least of which is that we’ve not got our hands on the 1520) it’s too early to give concrete buying advice. However, on the other hand, the fact that the Note 3 runs Android is a big advantage over the Lumia 1520 which runs Windows Phone 8. Both phablets have good cameras, but each has different strengths and weaknesses. With very similar processors, neither will disappoint when it comes to performance. We’ll update this review once we’ve fully tested out the Lumia 1520.