The Microsoft Lumia 435 and 532 represent a bygone era of Windows Phone, but remain relevant for those seeking ultra-affordable, dual-SIM capable devices. Both phones target the entry-level market, but diverge in their core strengths: the 435 prioritizes slightly longer battery life, while the 532 aims for a performance boost with a quad-core processor. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, dual-SIM smartphone, the Microsoft Lumia 532 is the better choice. Its quad-core processor provides a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks, offsetting the slightly reduced battery endurance compared to the Lumia 435. The performance difference is more impactful than the 4-hour difference in endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, January. Released 2015, February | 2015, January. Released 2015, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm (4.65 x 2.55 x 0.46 in) | 118.9 x 65.5 x 11.6 mm (4.68 x 2.58 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 134.1 g (4.73 oz) | 136.3 g (4.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8212 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 302 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.7, 36mm (standard), 1/5.0" | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Video | 480p | 480p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | A-GPS, GLONASS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 64 h | Up to 61 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 504 h (2G) / Up to 504 h (3G) | Up to 528 h (2G) / Up to 528 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 45 min (3G) | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Orange | Black, White, Green, Orange |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 64h |
Endurance rating 60h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo |
Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM
- Slightly longer battery life (64h endurance)
- Simple and functional design
- Dual SIM capability
- Dual-core processor limits performance
- Basic camera capabilities
- Low-resolution display (assumed)
Microsoft Lumia 532 Dual SIM
- Quad-core processor for improved performance
- Dual SIM capability
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly shorter battery life (60h endurance)
- Basic camera capabilities
- Low-resolution display (assumed)
Display Comparison
Neither the Lumia 435 nor the 532 are known for their display prowess. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given their market segment, both likely feature low-resolution LCD panels. The focus here is on functionality over visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting the design trends of the time. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for budget displays.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having a 'Photo' camera, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or megapixel count. Given the budget nature of these phones, image quality is expected to be basic. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests that low-light performance will be limited. While a megapixel count isn't provided, it's unlikely to be a significant differentiator. The camera is best suited for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Lumia 435 utilizes a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor powered by the Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 chipset. The Lumia 532, however, steps up to a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor with the Qualcomm MSM8212 Snapdragon 200. While both chipsets are based on the same 28nm process, the additional cores in the 532 significantly improve multitasking and responsiveness. This translates to faster app loading times and a smoother overall user experience, particularly noticeable when switching between applications. Both devices likely share similar RAM configurations, meaning the CPU is the primary bottleneck.
Battery Life
The Lumia 435 boasts an endurance rating of 64 hours, while the 532 achieves 60 hours. This 4-hour difference, while measurable, is unlikely to be dramatically noticeable in real-world usage. Both phones offer respectable battery life for basic usage patterns. The 28nm Snapdragon 200 chipset in both devices contributes to relatively efficient power consumption. Charging speeds are not specified, but are likely to be slow given the lack of fast charging technology in this price segment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM if you absolutely prioritize maximizing battery life and are primarily using the phone for basic communication – calls and texts. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 532 Dual SIM if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and anticipate using the phone for light web browsing or social media. The 532 is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 532 struggle with modern apps, even basic ones?
While the Snapdragon 200 is a very old chipset, the quad-core configuration of the 532 allows it to handle basic apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing reasonably well. However, demanding apps or multitasking with many apps open simultaneously will likely result in slowdowns. It's important to manage expectations given the phone's age and hardware.
❓ Is the dual SIM functionality truly useful on either of these phones?
Yes, the dual SIM functionality is a key feature for travelers or individuals who want to separate work and personal calls. Both the Lumia 435 and 532 allow you to use two SIM cards simultaneously, offering flexibility and cost savings.
❓ Can either of these phones be upgraded to a newer operating system?
No. Both the Lumia 435 and 532 originally shipped with Windows Phone 8.1 and received the Windows 10 Mobile update. However, Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 Mobile, meaning neither phone will receive further operating system updates or security patches.
