The Microsoft Lumia 1330 and 535 represent different ends of the budget Windows Phone spectrum. While both aimed to deliver affordable access to the platform, they differed significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the core performance implications of the Snapdragon 400 in the 1330 versus the Snapdragon 200 in the 535, and who each phone best serves.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Microsoft Lumia 1330 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 400, despite having fewer cores, leverages a more efficient architecture (Krait 300) resulting in a smoother user experience than the quad-core Cortex-A7 in the Lumia 535.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2014, November. Released 2014, December |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | - | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~258 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | ClearBlack display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8930AB Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 302 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | To be confirmed | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 14 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 78 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 552 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion, non-removable | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow, white, black, red | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
Microsoft Lumia 1330
- More powerful CPU architecture (Krait 300)
- Potentially better camera sensor
- Likely larger battery capacity
- Potentially higher price point
- May consume more power under heavy load
Microsoft Lumia 535
- Lower price point
- More power-efficient CPU at idle
- Quad-core processor for multitasking
- Less powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A7)
- Potentially lower camera quality
- May struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Given the context data focuses solely on the chipset, we can infer both likely utilized LCD panels common in this price bracket. The 1330, being a slightly larger device, may have offered a marginally better viewing experience, but without specific resolution or brightness data, it's difficult to quantify. Bezels were likely substantial on both, typical of the era. Color accuracy would have been standard for budget phones, prioritizing cost over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive statement. However, given the market positioning, it's reasonable to assume the Lumia 1330 likely featured a slightly better camera module. The 1330's larger size could accommodate a larger sensor, leading to improved low-light performance. Image processing would have been similar across both devices, relying on Microsoft’s software algorithms. The presence of any Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is unlikely on either model.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lumia 1330’s Qualcomm MSM8930AB Snapdragon 400, with its dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 CPU, benefits from a more advanced architecture than the Lumia 535’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. While the 535 has more cores, the Krait 300’s individual core performance is significantly higher. This translates to better single-threaded performance, crucial for many everyday tasks. The 28nm process node is shared, meaning thermal efficiency is comparable, but the 1330 will likely handle sustained loads better due to the more efficient CPU design. The 535's Cortex-A7, while power-efficient, will struggle with more complex operations.
Battery Life
Again, lacking specific battery capacity data, we can only infer. The Lumia 1330, being a larger phone, likely housed a larger battery. However, the Snapdragon 200 in the 535 is more power-efficient at idle. Real-world battery life would depend heavily on usage patterns. The 1330’s more powerful processor would consume more power under load, potentially negating the benefit of a larger battery for power users. Charging wattage was likely similar on both, resulting in comparable 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 1330 if you need a device capable of handling more demanding tasks, even if only moderately, and value a slightly more responsive experience. It's suited for users who occasionally use multiple apps or want a phone that feels less sluggish over time. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize affordability above all else. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 1330 handle Windows Phone apps better than the 535?
Yes, the Snapdragon 400's Krait 300 architecture provides a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 200's Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive overall experience, especially when running multiple apps.
❓ Is the quad-core processor in the Lumia 535 better than the dual-core in the 1330 for multitasking?
While the Lumia 535 has more cores, the individual core performance of the Snapdragon 400 in the 1330 is superior. Multitasking performance isn't solely about core count; it's about how efficiently each core handles tasks. The 1330 will likely handle multitasking more smoothly due to its more powerful CPU.
❓ Which phone is better for playing basic mobile games?
Both phones can handle basic mobile games, but the Lumia 1330 will provide a more consistent and enjoyable gaming experience. The Snapdragon 400's GPU is more capable than the one in the Snapdragon 200, resulting in higher frame rates and fewer stutters.
