Nokia Lumia 520/521 - Hardware Questions!

[BluetoothBoy]

Ok, so my brother and I were looking at Windows phones earlier, and it turns out that you can get the Nokia Lumia 520 on the Windows Store for $59.99 and the 521 for $69.99 for a limited time (not contract required). So, I have a couple questions before I spend half my money on one.

First off, how does it compare to, say, an iPod 5th generation (which is what I'm currently using)? According the the specs sheet, it should actually outperform the iPod (1 GHz on Nokia vs. 800 MHz on iPod, both with 512mb ram, Nokia with a front facing camera, which I don't have on my iPod). This question is mainly for my brother, because he is looking to replace his 4th gen iPod (old and slow, behind in software, etc.).

Secondly, does anyone have any (good) photos they've taken with one of these two phones? I'd like to do some comparisons. I'm actually looking to use this mainly for its camera feature(s), so I'm doing a little research first. And please, don't tell me, "Just buy an actual camera for around the same price." I don't think I can edit the photos extensively or upload photos anywhere on the web with a $70 point 'n shoot.

Also, please don't derail this. This isn't meant to be a discussion of Android vs Windows 8 vs iOS, or Apple vs PC, or any of that mumbo-jumbo. Additionly, don't misinform me, please (don't talk about it like you know what you're talking about if you don't - preferably, people who have had hands-on experience would be best suited to give me some answers).

Now, as I await replies, I shall go do some more research on this phone.

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[Nonnel]

Are you just using it for texting/calling or are you expecting to use apps because windows phones are not good for that

[Night Fox]

Are you just using it for texting/calling or are you expecting to use apps because windows phones are not good for that

I'm pretty sure that, since he's getting it to replace an ipod, that he has no intention to use it for anything other than music and possibly games

[Nonnel]

then the windows phone would not be a good choice

[BluetoothBoy]

Are you just using it for texting/calling or are you expecting to use apps because windows phones are not good for that

I may possibly at some point use it as an actual phone, yes. I would be getting it mainly for the camera (and possibly phone features). My brother doesn't use his iPod for much except music and web stuff - he'd probably be ok with the limited games. But really, this isn't about the OS - we know (for the most part) of Windows 8 phone's ups and downs in terms of the OS.

[Nikolan]

although i highly dislike windows phones. the lumia 520 is pretty damn solid, but the 521 has slightly better build quality and overall performance

[Omicron Corp]

just 1 thing, the MHz thing of CPU's means almost nothing. a 800 MHz CPU could easily outperform a 1000 MHz cpu

[Nikolan]

just 1 thing, the MHz thing of CPU's means almost nothing. a 800 MHz CPU could easily outperform a 1000 MHz cpu

except you know, ipods use old apple chips vs a snapdragion s4 pro

[Georges]

One thing my bro failed to mention (although a minor detail) is that I use windows 8 on my desktop, so I think it should integrate nicely with that. :)

[Georges]

bump
anyone else have any thoughts on these phones?

[Frontrox]

The Nokias you listed don't have very good cameras, so don't expect to be doing any serious photography. None of them have front facing cameras. I think it's safe to assume that they also preform terribly in low light (They don't have flashes btw), like most phone cameras.

Basically they're just good enough for everyday "Oh that's neat" stuff.

Windows phones seriously lack in the app department, so you might want to consider that (If you care about apps) before buying a windows phone.

[Georges]

Ok. Just so long as the store has a few time waster apps (which it does), I think that's good for me. I personally like the fact that you can use the GPS without data/wifi, and I also like the FM radio as well. IDK, it just seems like it'll be an upgrade from my really slow iPod which has a hard time browsing the internet and typing in text into certain things.

As for the camera, it can't possibly be worse than the one my iPod, but I also don't care too much about that.

Edit: Also, the fact that I can use skydrive + windows office on there is quite the bonus because I often forget to bring papers and stuff to our co-op.

[Omicron Corp]

GPS without WiFi is available on like every modern smartphone so that's not really a selling point
I heard that the Nokia phones are durable but the os is stuff

[Blockzillahead]

just 1 thing, the MHz thing of CPU's means almost nothing. a 800 MHz CPU could easily outperform a 1000 MHz cpu

it's all in the OS

a 800mhz phone might outperform a 1000mhz phone because the OS is optimized better and can use the cpu correctly
there's someone online who did performance test between 2.2 and 2.1 android. 800mhz on 2.2 beat the 1000mhz on the 2.1

i benchmarked two phones with same android version, one 1000mz and other 1400mhz, the 1400mhz wins

[Georges]

GPS without WiFi is available on like every modern smartphone so that's not really a selling point
I heard that the Nokia phones are durable but the os is stuff

Oh. Lol. I've never actually had a smartphone, nor have I really done much research on them.