NOKIA Lumia 2520 Pro Reviews

The 2520's 4G support is fantastic if you need it, but Windows RT is still a stumbling block

A high-quality tablet with an incredible screen and integrated 4G, but the Surface 2 is more practical

Some caveats still apply to Windows RT devices, but if you want an alternative to iPad and Android for a consumption device, the Lumia 2520 is that. It's well built, a great performer and - in red at least - it offers a stylish difference to the usual black slates.

Oh boy is this one a tough call, harder knowing that the hardware and software are nearly identical with these two. From the surface, we really need to look at the pricing between them, as they’re separated by a mere $50. Undercutting its competition, the Surface 2 is priced reasonably at $450, which is especially attractive considering that it’s sporting a kickstand and handy full-sized USB 3.0 port to extend its worth. Conversely though, the $500 cost attached to the Lumia 2520 is justified in the way that it’s sporting one attractive design, produces better results with its camera, and that it’s preloaded with various Nokia-branded apps that deepens the experience out of the box. At the end of the day, it’s merely a matter of personal preference. For the savings, the Surface 2 is the obvious choice, but if you prefer something that’s fresh on the scene combined with on-the-go 4G LTE connectivity, then the Lumia 2520 will be the right decision for you.

We like the Nokia Lumia 2520. Its colourful looks are great and it performs well: there's that really bright screen, built-in LTE for on-the-go connectivity and an affordable price tag out in the States. How that will translate into UK pricing we're yet to see, but fingers crossed it's competitive compared to the Surface 2. The Microsoft sort-of competitor Surface 2 may have a kickstand and more USB ports at a slightly better price, but it doesn't offer the same mobile connectivity. That said, Nokia’s first Windows RT 8.1 tablet would be even better if it wasn't 16:9 ratio for better reading in portrait format, weighed less or had its own kickstand, or at least the keyboard came included. All nitpicking aside, the Lumia 2520 is probably the best thing on the market for people looking to buy a tablet that doubles as a laptop. Be warned: you'll still need the Power Keyboard, and even then it's still not the perfect solution for hopeful hybrid users. That's largely because of Window's app ecosystem, but there's enough in there for the core stuff to get you by and we think casual business users will find it worthy. Don't expect any successor to the Lumia 2520 to be the answer you're looking for either. With Microsoft acquiring Nokia, the chances of seeing another Windows RT 8.1 from Nokia are pretty slim. Maybe we'll get luminescent Surface devices in 2014 instead.

Aggressive is a word that best describes Nokia’s strategy of late. And now that they’ve entered the tablet scene with a pretty good contender in the Lumia 2520, it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here. The sky is the limit, right? As for the tablet itself, it’s no doubt a serious offering that captures the essence of what it means and takes to be a high-end thing. From its distinctive and attractive deign, to its excellent overall performance, the Nokia Lumia 2520 is everything that a company wants in an initial product that’s entering new territory. At $500 for the outright cost, it’s right there at the thick of things with other prized tablets in the space. Sure, you can pick it up for $400 with a 2-year contract when it goes on sale with AT&T and Verizon, but we don’t feel it’s at a deep enough discount to pick up over the outright cost. Heck, that $500 includes 4G LTE connectivity, which is a rarity with Windows RT tablets in general. For all of its worth, we’re wondering in the back of our mind why people would pick this up over other cheaper Windows 8.1 (not RT) tablets, which offer more versatility – thanks in part to their support for legacy software. Generally speaking, Windows RT has received flack for being a limiting platform, but it serves its purpose in many different ways. Well, if you want something with an all-day battery life, combined with a meaningful productivity software set, the Lumia 2520 is an option to think about, amongst other things obviously.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 is a very nice looking, well-made tablet, but it has some flaws, which, combined with the drawbacks of Windows RT, make it hard to recommend.

I really like a lot of what Nokia has done with the Lumia 2520, it’s a well-made, great performing tablet, with an excellent screen and really attractive price tag. Though the Surface 2 offers some more attractive options, such as the built-in kickstand, USB ports, and better and slimmer keyboard covers, I enjoyed using the 2520 much more due to its wireless connectivity and snappier performance. I didn’t have to rely on flaky coffee shop Wi-Fi, I didn’t have to nag friends and family for their Wi-Fi passwords if I was at their homes, and I didn’t have to deal with trying to tether my phone’s internet connection to the tablet. Having a fast internet connection that requires no hassle or work on my part can’t be overstated. Nokia’s first tablet is not perfect – it could stand to lose a few ounces and the widescreen display is not great for reading in portrait – but it’s a really good device that is mostly held back by Microsoft’s still-growing mobile platform. Windows RT has come a long way since the original Surface – its performance issues are gone, and many of the niggling software complaints have been addressed – but it’s still not nearly as mature as other tablet software on the market. The massive market for third-party keyboards for Apple’s iPad line has shown that people want to be able to do more with their tablets than just watch video and play with apps, and the 2520’s addresses that to some extent. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to replace your laptop that you can use virtually anywhere, the 2520 is the closest thing yet, but it’s not quite fully there. Unfortunately, given Microsoft’s impending acquisition of Nokia, I’m not sure we’ll see another 2520 — Nokia may not ever get the chance to address its shortcomings. The 2520 is the closest direct competitor the Surface 2 has, and it’s hard to think that Microsoft won’t want to protect its baby. That’s a shame too, because on the path to the perfect all-in-one tablet / laptop device, the 2520 is few steps ahead of the Surface 2.

Nokia needed a tablet. It took its time with the Lumia 2520, and in many places that consideration shows. The decisions to go with a more usable display and a fast-charging system do make sense for what’s billed as a tablet for work and play, and while the absence of a WiFi-only model does mean there’s no low-cost model, you have to give Nokia some credit for sticking to its connectivity guns.Would we opt for the Lumia 2520 instead of the Surface 2? Microsoft’s tactile metal chassis is nice, but Nokia’s standard LTE and the extra work it has put into apps like Video Director, HERE Maps, and Nokia Storyteller all make the Lumia more usable out of the box. We’ve deliberately avoided considering the keyboard covers both can be outfitted with, since we need to spend proper time with the Nokia’s Power Keyboard first. The problem Nokia faces is one any Windows RT slate does, however. Apple’s 2013 iPad range is its best yet, and the standard of Android tablets – not to mention the number of Android tablet apps – has improved too. Meanwhile, full Windows 8.1 tablets from Dell, ASUS, and others offer the flexibility of a complete version of the OS at a strongly competitive price. The Nokia Lumia 2520 is a complete package when viewed in isolation, but the tablet market is a competitive one and it lacks that must-have feature to distinguish it.

Nokia has done an amazing job in releasing a 10-inch Windows RT 8.1 tablet that bears no resemblance to the Surface 2.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 suffers from a yellowish screen, an uncomfortable keyboard accessory, and a body that feels way too thick for a tablet with no kickstand or full USB port. Now, combine that with unimpressive cameras and a Windows key with too small a hitbox, and the overall superiority of the Surface 2 becomes readily apparent. The Surface 2 by comparison houses a screen that's more color accurate, good games performance, and includes a much better front camera than the Lumia. Not to mention the aforementioned kickstand and full USB port. The 32GB Lumia 2520 is $499 for the off-contract model and $399 if you sign up with either Verizon or AT&T. The Wi-Fi-only Surface 2 is $449 for 32GB. The Lumia isn't a bad tablet, but with a better RT tablet available, it makes little sense -- unless you require a cell connection -- to purchase it over the Surface 2.