Nokia Lumia 1520 Review

Back in April, reports began circulating that the Windows Telephone viii operating organization would receive support for large, high resolution displays after in the yr. Android has had such support for a long fourth dimension, and Samsung's success with its Milky way Note line suggests that consumers want big screens, no thing what the tradeoffs. This Friday, November 22nd, Nokia and AT&T are finally firing back with the first 1080P Windows Phone: the Lumia 1520.

Make no mistake, it's a massive phone with a 6-inch display and support for a powerful new processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. The question is, is information technology likewise unwieldy to use for the average consumer? How practiced is it and perchance more than chiefly, who's it designed for?

Windows Phone Fundamental answers these questions in more in our comprehensive look at the colossal Nokia Lumia 1520.

Outstanding Hard disk drive display in the familiar Lumia blueprint, the Lumia 1520 also features a winning 20 MP PureView camera, that makes it highly appealing to gamers, movie watchers, photographers and people who demand to do work. The 2.2 GHz Quad-Core CPU pushed the device to new speeds.

AT&T debuts the Lumia 1520 with just 16 GB of internal storage and removes Qi-wireless charging to make the device less spectacular. No stylus limits productivity and the six-inch display may be likewise much for some consumers.

The Lumia 1520 is nevertheless another outstanding Windows Telephone from Nokia, in fact it may be their last with the 'Nokia' name. It'due south a larger, powerful Windows Phone that offers cutting edge technology, including a Quad-Cadre CPU, 1080P 6-inch brandish, 2 GB RAM and an splendid 20 MP PureView camera. Although the device has a nuanced audience, it finally offers a solid 'phablet' feel for Windows Phone fans or converts.

Specifications

• Windows Telephone 8 (Build 10517)
• Lumia Black firmware (Build 1343)
• 6" full Hard disk 1080p IPS LCD, ClearBlack, Sunlight readability, Super sensitive touch, Gorilla Glass ii
• Pixel density: 368 ppi
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Quad-Core processor, two.2 GHz
• ii GB RAM
• 16 GB internal storage (32 GB variant coming shortly)
• Bluetooth four.0
• 3400 mAh internal battery (optional wireless charging for AT&T version)
• micro SD expansion
• nano SIM
• Photographic camera: 20 MP PureView, ZEISS eyes, OIS, 2x lossless zoom, oversampling, dual LED flash
• Size/Weight: 162.8 mm x 85.four mm x 8.vii mm; 206 g
• Colors: Yellow, white, blackness, glossy red

On paper, the Lumia 1520 finally matches the competition in terms of back up for the latest hardware. For example, the Snapdragon 800 is state-of-the-art for modern processors. The full HD 1080P display is also where the current high-finish hardware sits. The battery is 1 of the largest found in any smartphone today and the 20 MP PureView camera is only second to the Lumia 1020's 41 MP monster.

While the Lumia 1520 may non be for everyone due to its large size, the hardware spec canvass marks the first time that a Windows Phone runs equal with the competition. Permit united states of america consider this a turning betoken for Microsoft, whose hardware support has up until at present lagged behind the latest mobile innovations.

In add-on to the above raw-specs, the Lumia 1520 continues Nokia's tradition of hardware refinements with the following:

• (New) Assertive Brandish algorithm made past Apical, runs at an individual pixel level to make the screen more than readable
• PureMotion Hard disk+ - Loftier display refresh rate for smooth scrolling
• ClearBlack – A dual-layer polarizer that helps filter reduce glare and make colors more pure
• Sunlight Readability – The brandish ramps up to overdrive when in straight sunlight
• Super Sensitive Bear on – The power to use the touchscreen when wearing gloves
• Rich Sound Recording – Quad HAAC microphones, stereo recording
• Nokia Glance – On screen clock, notifications

Look And Feel

Although big in the hand, the Lumia 1520 is manageable

When it comes to the design of the Lumia 1520, Nokia sticks to what works. The layout is virtually identical to previous Lumias with the volume, power and camera buttons all falling on the right side, micro USB port on the bottom and the 3.5mm headphone jack in the middle on tiptop. The powerful speaker is on the lower back, falling on the curve of the device and giving information technology aplenty clearance.

Likewise for the overall design, which features polish, curved edges and at least on the white version, a matte polycarbonate unibody pattern.

In the well-nigh bones sense, the Lumia 1520 is literally a larger Lumia 720. That'south a skillful pick by Nokia in my opinion, as the 720 has 1 of the nearly counterbalanced designs of all the Lumias. In practice, while the Lumia 1520 is very large, its relative thinness makes it comfortable to handle. Information technology's also lighter than you would expect upon start glance. Having said that, information technology's still heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Notation three (206g versus 168g).

The buttons match the color of the device, instead of contrasting, which is a change. They're as well a chip flatter and less detectable by touch when hunting for them, especially when compared to the Lumia 1020, which has more prominent keys. They practise 'click' when utilizing them, withal I practise wish they were more conspicuous (once again, the likeness to the Lumia 720 holds here besides).

But Is It Likewise Big?

If information technology fits...

Smartphones that autumn in to the 6-inch category are naturally divisive. While Nokia has enjoyed success with the 4.5-inch range, jumping to 6-inches is not exactly trivial. Because of that, some people may shy away from something that large. Nokia besides has a reputation for big, somewhat bulky phones, albeit well-congenital ones. Then is the Lumia 1520 too ungainly?

The reply is of course dependent on the private, but I tin can say from the few days that I've had the Lumia 1520, I didn't find it awkward. It does depict attending, since pulling such a phone from your pocket, especially in white, yellow or red, is an obvious practise. But using it as phone, emailing, or even carrying it around was not problematic. "Odd", "different" and even a tad funny, yeah, but it was not prohibitive.

Battle of the titans: Lumia 1520 (left) versus Lumia 1020 (correct)

The Lumia 1520 also passes our pocket test. That test involves me placing the device in my forepart pocket and walking around. I'thou thorough like that. The 1520 does pop out a bit from my absolutely shallow pant pocket, but it wasn't too strange. From my experience, it'south more than uncomfortable to have a bulging phone than a large, flat but thin device. Using cargo pants can likewise help. Tossing on a cover though, and y'all will make things more than hard.

Young man Windows Phone Central author Seth Brodeur served as a mini-experiment with the device. At first he recoiled at its size, chuckling at its large spread, but over a few hours he grew to enjoy the benefits of its enormous display. He was non necessarily convinced about using it as a phone, simply in deciding over it versus an 8-inch Windows 8 tablet, he was leaning towards the Lumia 1520.

And that's the big allure with the Lumia 1520, its display.

Six Inches of HD Celebrity

An first-class display

The main attraction to the Lumia 1520 is its massive screen. Perfect for watching video (it came preloaded with Hulu Plus), gaming or getting work done, there is little argue that the 1520's brandish is drool worthy.

That huge 1920 ten 1080 display is an IPD LCD with Gorilla Drinking glass two, forth with Nokia's ClearBlack polarizer for deep blacks and low reflectivity in light. I'm non going to pull any punches here, information technology'southward definitely the all-time brandish I've seen on a smartphone and bests any Windows Phone out there. The screen is bright, colors are vibrant and the viewing angle is amazing (tipping the device at 180 degrees, you tin nevertheless read the display).

Since Nokia opted for IPS LCD (east.g. Lumia 920) over AMOLED (eastward.g. Lumia 925 and 1020), colors are not too saturated or overpowering. I'thousand not going to pick which technology is better, as it is often a personal preference, but I do discover myself leaning towards the more natural look of IPS LCD  this fourth dimension around over AMOLED, mostly because annihilation more than intense would be besides much on the eyes. AMOLED previously had the advantage of deep blacks and less air gap betwixt the display and glass. Merely IPS LCD has caught upward in terms of high-angle visibility and reduction in air gaps while retaining its hallmark natural advent.

Though a broad device, the 1520 is quite thin

Playing games on the 1520 of course is amazing because you lot but have more room for on-screen controls. When giving this "screen with a telephone" to a friend, I watched equally her face glowed when playing Jetpack Joyride. Gamers: you at present take what is substantially a gaming machine with a phone attached. Of course with AT&T neutering the device with only xvi GB of storage, that could be a problem likewise (more than on that below). Although current gaming titles are not built around 1080P graphics, there were no bug for appearance or gameplay.

I should too betoken out that this is a mostly 2-hand device. Information technology is only impossible to hold the Lumia 1520 in one hand and grab a Tile in the upper corner. That'south just a fact of life on whatsoever six-inch telephone every bit yous utilize information technology differently than a traditional smartphone. Is it bad? Not at all, every bit I've more often than not used my phones like that in the by, only your mileage may vary.

When it comes to typing, I'm happy (and embarrassed) to say that I can finally type unconstrained with the Lumia 1520. That'southward more of a confession virtually my ungainly phalanges than the Lumia 1520, but I can at to the lowest degree say typing on information technology was not only easy but a pleasance.

Lumia 1520 (matte white) with optional CP-623 case

One complaint? The display may exist a smidgen besides bright, or rather information technology could stand to have its 'low mode' exist even lower for indoor usage. Currently, the six-inch display slightly overwhelms. Lowering it could also salve some battery power too.

As expert every bit the 1520 is for gaming or media, Nokia is non fishing the Lumia 1520 for that and then much as a device for business. That may seem an odd sell, but working on a spreadsheet or an Office Word certificate on a 1080P brandish with half-dozen inches at your disposal is a fascinating experience. Indeed, once you to real work on this matter, whatever phone smaller will feel…well tiny. It'southward akin to how Windows Phone users feel when banging out a text on the iPhone's measly 4 inch display, except it now applies to your previously roomy Lumia 920.

Be forewarned: once you make the spring to a six-inch brandish, information technology may exist hard going back to anything less.

Phone

Colorful tiles

Making calls on the Lumia 1520 is interesting. It does feel a bit odd to put such a broad device to your brain cage, just size is relative and all in all, information technology wasn't bad. I suppose that using a Bluetooth headset would be one way to become around the 1520's large size, notwithstanding I find using Bluetooth headsets fifty-fifty more aberrant than using a 1520 for calls.

I did cease up using two hands on occasion because honestly, stretching i hand across the brandish to dial a number would be a challenge. At least Windows Phone has a relatively good voice control system (Tell Me) to make calling your preloaded contacts a breeze.

Vibration for incoming calls and alerts was decent merely I would take expected it to exist a little more intense.

Audio was on par with previous Lumias, that is, first-class. As far as the speakerphone…

One Cranking Speaker

A near excellent speaker

I unremarkably don't focus as well heavily on audio, merely I tin can't help but notice how loud the Lumia 1520 can be for music or general sound. I guess when Nokia was done cramming the device with a massive 3400 mAh bombardment they had some room to spare, because the speaker, located on the lower bottom, is really, actually loud. As a point of reference, keeping the Lumia 1520 on 65% book, fifty-fifty for music, was more than enough. Cranking to 100%, while remaining distortion gratis, will rival a laptop or tablet easily.  It's really loud.

Once again, if you were thinking of using this for movies, Idiot box, music or gaming, the Lumia 1520 gets a check marker here.

Nokia did a worthy job on speaker placement besides. Since the 1520, like the 720, has rounded edges, Nokia could not put the speaker on the edge of the device (like the Lumia 920). Simply because the 1520 is so large, they were able to place it where the device rounds off on the back. That'south a great design selection considering laying the phone on its back won't obscure the speaker, instead information technology has just plenty clearance to blast away unimpeded. Likewise, I didn't discover myself muffling the speaker with my hand when gaming.

The twenty MP PureView Photographic camera

With the Lumia 1520, Nokia is introducing some new camera technology. Instead of using the same 8.7 MP camera found in the Lumia 920/925 or the massive 41 MP shooter institute in the Lumia 1020, Nokia has gone for something in between: 20 megapixels.

The Lumia 1020 famously has a rather large 1/one.5 inch sized sensor, while the Lumia 920 has a much smaller 1/3 inch version. The Lumia 1520 falls in betwixt with a 1/2.5 inch. Granted, that's not a massive shift but anyone familiar with photography will opt for the larger sensor each and every time, particularly if yous cram more pixels on to it.

Aperture on the 1520 is only an f/2.iv, higher than the Lumia 1020 (f/two.2) and the Lumia 920 (f/two.0). Aperture reflects how much light can land on the sensor and by and large speaking, the lower the f-stop, the more than light.

Lumia 1520 sample photograph

Pushing the specs aside though, how does the Lumia 1520 off-white? Right between the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925, exactly equally you would wait. That'due south existence a chip disingenuous though, every bit I would rate the 1520 very loftier, closer to the 1020 in terms of raw paradigm quality.

Do you recall how people complained about 'softness' on the Lumia 920? Images are sharp as a tack with the 1520. Bokkeh, or the blurriness in the background, was smooth. Color balance was even, fairing on the conservative side (pregnant not over-saturated) and fifty-fifty focusing for macro shots was splendid, unlike the Lumia 1020, which famously has a longer altitude threshold for close-up shots.

The 2.2 GHz Quad-Cadre processor likewise helps with prototype processing. While the Lumia 1020 notoriously lags for shutter and treatment, the Lumia 1520 is closer to the standard Lumia PureView feel. In fact, I tin can definitely say from my tests that the Lumia 1520 is about 50% faster for launching the photographic camera and processing the image than the Lumia 1020.

Office of that issue is due to the processor rendering far fewer pixels (41 megapixels versus simply xx), but that Snapdragon 800 with its two extra cores clearly plays a role too. In a way, it's a shame that the Lumia 1020 had to go with the slower and older Snapdragon S4, as clearly the speed and cadre boost would help with that device tremendously.

Lumia 1520 sample photo

The Lumia 1520 does benefit from the same processing engineering science constitute in the high-stop Lumia 1020, specifically oversampling. Although taking a 20 MP photo on a phone is useful, since y'all tin can re-crop later and zoom in for more details, sharing such a huge photo could be problematic. As a solution to this problem, the Lumia 1520 creates a second, oversampled 5 MP image (effectually 2 MB) for sharing. That image is essentially a actually high quality v MP photograph, and as you tin come across from my samples, information technology does not disappoint.

Lumia 1520 sample photo

The flash on the Lumia 1520 is dual LED instead of the more coveted xenon found on Nokia's Lumia 928 and Lumia 1020. It'due south a practiced flash though, by which I mean it maintains the appropriate whites as opposed to a xanthous or pinkish hue common with LED flashes. The syncing is likewise good with accurate rest when used as a make full-flash. A fill up wink is for situations where a flash is not required, but instead fills in shadows created from external lite sources. The 1520 seems to blast this way of flash work better than whatever other Lumias, making me reconsider my habit of generally fugitive flash photography.

Lumia 1520 sample photo

Speaking of raw image quality, due to the inclusion of the 'Lumia Black' firmware, the Lumia 1520 supports RAW image (DNG) format. This is an choice found under settings and it is aimed at hobbyist and pro photographers. RAW images includes data direct from the sensor before any JPEG algorithms are engaged. This allows deeper manipulation of the image information on a PC using Adobe Photoshop or other professional image editing programs.

RAW files (DNG) take upwards a lot of space

Information technology'due south a delightful feature but be cautioned on data: each DNG image is around 21 MB in size. That's coupled with the oversampled 5 MP image for sharing (2 MB), resulting in each unmarried photo costing you around 23 MB in data. This is why opting for a microSD card is probably a requisite should yous chose to shoot in this manner.

'Lumia Black' photographic camera with RAW (DNG) support

Also go on in mind that you have a few options for shooting on the Lumia 1520, including just a 5 MP oversampled image, the 20 MP version (xvi MP high resolution + 5 MP oversampled) and the ultimate, JPEG (5 MP) and DNG (16 MP).

Lumia 1520 sample photograph

All in all, I'm very happy with the Lumia 1520's camera. It's the same story with Nokia as they continue innovating and improving upon the last, peculiarly when it comes to photography. Luckily for Lumia owners, the processing tweaks and DNG back up establish on the Lumia 1520 volition exist coming to all Lumia 92x and 1020 devices early next year with the 'Lumia Blackness' firmware update.

Battery Life

micro USB for charging (lesser)

To match the massive brandish, the Lumia 1520 comes with a considerable bombardment, weighing in at a respectable 3400 mAh. Nokia rates that at 24 hours of talk time on 3G and 11 hours of maximum Wi-Fi browsing time.

I've only had the device for a few days, so a thorough battery test was difficult to achieve. However, from my limited feel, I'd say the battery life was skilful, just non astonishing. In other words, while 3400 mAh is a large battery, when coupled with a 1080P, vi-inch display and a Quad-Core ii.2 GHz CPU, that extra 1400 mAh over other Lumias seems to be a wash.

Using the device's congenital in estimates (constitute under Settings > Battery saver), the phone reads 15 hours remaining when at 100% (it later on hopped to ii days at 98%, then 1 day 12 hours at 95%). That's swell, but it'south far from world shattering either. Communication: don't plan to remain likewise far away from a power source.

Windows Phone 8 Update 3

The Nokia Lumia 1520 comes with Windows Phone 8 Update iii. We've detailed this release in the past and every bit of Nov 2022, information technology is the latest version of the Bone from Microsoft. It will besides be the terminal update to Window Phone 8 earlier the expected 8.one update due in the spring, which the Lumia 1520 is anticipated to receive.

Besides the support for Hard disk displays and Quad-Core processors, Update 3 offers better Bluetooth functionality, Driving Mode to manage calls and text letters in the auto, screen orientation lock, customized alerts for e-mail or text messages, and the ability to shut apps running the background.

The All-time Co-Pilot You lot've Always Had

Lumia 1520 + GPS

When it comes to using in the car, the Lumia 1520 is cipher short of 1000. The vi-inch display and congenital in Hither Drive+ for GPS navigation piece of work exceptionally well, allowing you to conspicuously see and utilise the device with little fuss. Windows Phone viii Update iii and Bluetooth 4.0 should permit the phone to work with any car setup, and if not, the phone'south own speaker is more than than satisfactory.

I can land that without whatsoever example or cover, the Lumia 1520 does work with the Nokia CR-200 wireless car charger. Information technology'south a tight fight and the clamps don't even need to be engaged, but the 1520 will slide in and hold without effect. Of grade, the AT&T version does not have wireless charging congenital in and if you add a wireless charging cover, you lot will have to trim the clench pads downwardly to make it work. It's viable just not ideal.

All the same, if you drive a lot, using the Lumia 1520 as a GPS navigator is about every bit good as it gets.

Accessories

The Lumia 1520 is excellent for video

The Lumia 1520 comes with a USB wall charger in the box.

A Protective Cover (CP-623), used to protect the corners of the device and the brandish, is optional and tin can be purchased from Microsoft or AT&T for around $forty. It comes in yellow, white, reddish or black. That flip cover can roll into a kickstand, allowing the Lumia 1520 to be used to watch videos with ease.

The Nokia CP-623 flip cover rolling up into a stand

The CP-623 is a decent accessory, certainly protecting the device from adventitious low-level drops. However, the flip cover flops around, unable to be latched and it feels a tad flimsy. It does not human action as a wireless cover shell.

For wireless charging, Incipio is offering a $49 PMA wireless charging cover. It is not compatible with the previous Qi-enabled charging pads and accessories from Nokia.

More accessories for the Lumia 1520 can exist found in the WPCentral Store dedicated to this device.

AT&T'southward Sterilization of the Lumia 1520

AT&T almost ruins the feel

In the by, I've either overlooked or rolled my eyes at some decisions AT&T have made in regards to Windows Telephone. They are the best carrier for Microsoft phones in the US. They are too the worst. And to exist clear, they are hurting Nokia and the Lumia 1520 by their pronouncement.

To understand this problem, AT&T endorses the PMA (Power Matters Alliance) and Nokia uses Qi. They are two competing wireless standards and customers are caught in between both of them. What's worse, AT&T previously allowed the Qi-enabled Lumia 920 to exist sold merely have since reneged support on the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 1520. And then while the international version of the Lumia 1520 will take this feature built in, AT&T customers will go without due to that visitor'southward disharmonize of interest.

Also for the internal storage, which is capped at 16 GB. While sixteen GB plus micro SD expansion is probably adequate for many, when y'all are either ownership an expensive device or committing to a 2-twelvemonth contract, you want the most for your money. AT&T and Nokia take since stated that a 32 GB version is coming "in the futurity" but let's face information technology, AT&T botched this launch by offering a piffling now and more afterward on. I suspect that near customers won't know this fact and they will purchase a sixteen GB version but to regret not waiting for the 32 GB variant.

The Lumia 1520 every bit information technology stands is withal an astonishing addition to the Lumia family, simply AT&T'due south meddling into the vision that Nokia has for this phone is quite bluntly baffling and infuriating.

Who's Information technology For?

And then who is the Lumia 1520 designed for? Equally far as I can tell, these three groups will benefit the almost from the 1520'southward behemothic display:

• Gamers
• Movie and Tv set fans
• Business

For gamers, we suggest you wait for the 32 GB version. Windows Phone premium games are increasingly coming in at 1 GB or more for storage space. Considering that the Lumia 1520 just has about 11.five GB of actual storage available on the 16 GB version, gamers will speedily fill up that up with some big name titles. There's no discussion on when that 32 GB variant will arrive for AT&T, but it'due south not expected to be too long.

People who watch Television (Hulu Plus) or Movies (Netflix) will exist fine with a 16 GB device, every bit nigh media is streamed these days. Xbox Video for Windows Telephone, which will exist available very soon, should hopefully permit video to be stored on the micro SD card, which tin can handle up to 64 GB of data. The aforementioned goes for music lovers, who tin can store their tunes on the same card.

For those in concern or those who need to do work, the 16 GB version should be adequate. The Lumia 1520 comes with Microsoft Office built in, including Word, One Note, SkyDrive and Office 365 intendance. There are also 3rd party apps similar InNote for note taking.

Odds and Ends

iii.5mm headphone jack (top)

Although I have been mostly positive well-nigh the Lumia 1520, there is room for improvement. Hither are a couple of other negatives:

• AT&T limitations (noted above)
• No support for a stylus, which is considered to be one of the major selling points for the Galaxy Notation
• The display occasionally turns on from Glance Background beta (maybe and odd bug)
• Device keys are piffling too flush
• Vibration is weaker than expected
• Nano SIM – Users volition have to get a new SIM to employ it and utilise an adapter if they want to switch to another phone
• Yellow is limited in availability

None of those are deal breakers, unless you absolutely need wireless charging or 32 GB of internal storage.

Last Thoughts

The Nokia Lumia 1520 is a big device, not just literally but it serves every bit a turning point for the Windows Telephone hardware ecosystem. It's the 2d instance of a Lumia breaking out from the middle-of-the-road devices of the by to more extreme, specific devices that button boundaries.

Phones like the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 1520 are not meant for everyone, but they instead cater to specific demographics of customers who desire either a really powerful camera or a giant, HD display. The fact that Nokia can turn its attention to delivering more than nuanced devices for customers is a bully matter, even if this phone isn't for y'all.

There'southward too no reason to convince you lot or others if yous "need" a 6-inch Windows Telephone. Nigh of you already know that answer. The question for those who do want ane is: Is this skillful enough? The answer, with a few caveats mentioned above, is yep.

Between the remarkable 1080P display, the top-in-its-class xx MP PureView camera and the overall build quality, the Lumia 1520 continues the tradition of excellent, high quality devices from Nokia. It's a joy to do some actual work on, churn out an email, take (and view) first-rate photos and it makes an excellent GPS navigator.

The Lumia 1520 may exist extreme for some, and that'due south fine, just for what it sets out to practice, it accomplishes that goal admirably.

The Nokia Lumia 1520 volition be available from AT&T on Friday, Nov 22nd for $99 on a ii-year contract (express fourth dimension offering); $199 normal or $584 off-contract. Information technology can be ordered from AT&T (online and retail) or from Microsoft Stores (online and retail).

Nokia is besides offering a $twenty voucher for the Windows Phone Store for those who purchases a new Lumia.

Have questions most the Lumia 1520? Want to discuss it more? Head into our Lumia 1520 forums right now: forums.wpcentral.com/nokia-lumia-1520

Video credit: Mark Guim, Windows Phone Cardinal

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