The Microsoft Lumia 435 and Nokia Lumia 520 represent two key points in the budget Windows Phone landscape. The 520, released in 2013, was a runaway success, establishing a price point for accessible smartphones. The 435, released in 2015, aimed to continue that legacy under the Microsoft branding, offering a slight spec bump and dual-SIM functionality. This comparison dissects their differences to determine which offers the best value today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit aging, Windows Phone experience, the Microsoft Lumia 435 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 200 chipset, while not a powerhouse, provides a noticeable performance increase over the Lumia 520’s MSM8227, and the significantly improved battery endurance makes it more practical for daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-914 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-917 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, January. Released 2015, February | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm (4.65 x 2.55 x 0.46 in) | 119.9 x 64 x 9.9 mm, 75.7 cc (4.72 x 2.52 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 134.1 g (4.73 oz) | 124 g (4.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| 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 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8227 |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| | 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", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| Video | 480p | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | 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, 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 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 45 min (3G) | Up to 14 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 9 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1430 mAh, removable (BL-5J) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Orange | Yellow, red, cyan, white/black |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | 0.77 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -82.3dB / Crosstalk -81.8dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 64h |
Endurance rating 49h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 834:1 (nominal) / 1.161:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 66dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM
- Longer battery life (64h endurance)
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 200)
- Dual SIM support for added flexibility
- Still a budget device with limited performance
- Aging Windows Phone operating system
Nokia Lumia 520
- Lower price point (historically)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Established Windows Phone user base
- Shorter battery life (49h endurance)
- Slower processor (MSM8227)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 435 and 520 share the same nominal contrast ratio of 834:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 1.161:1, suggesting a similar visual experience in varying lighting conditions. However, detailed display specifications like resolution and pixel density are missing. Given the target market, both likely utilized LCD panels with similar characteristics. The 435’s display size is likely slightly larger, but without specific data, it’s difficult to quantify the difference. The shared contrast ratio indicates a similar level of black depth and color vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature basic photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given their budget positioning, image quality is likely similar – adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions but struggling in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image stabilization relies solely on software processing. Without megapixel counts or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible, but the 435 likely benefits from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to its newer chipset.
Performance
The Microsoft Lumia 435’s Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200, a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, represents a clear upgrade over the Nokia Lumia 520’s Qualcomm MSM8227, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz processor. The 200ms increase in clock speed, coupled with the newer Snapdragon architecture, translates to snappier app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 200 is built on a 28nm process, offering improved power efficiency compared to the MSM8227, contributing to the 435’s superior battery life. While neither chipset is capable of demanding tasks, the 435 provides a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
The Microsoft Lumia 435 boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance, achieving a rating of 64 hours compared to the Lumia 520’s 49 hours. This 30% improvement is attributable to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 200 chipset and potentially a slightly larger battery capacity (though specific mAh figures are unavailable). The 435’s longer endurance translates to a full day of moderate use without needing a recharge, while the 520 may require more frequent top-ups. While charging wattage isn’t specified for either device, the improved efficiency of the 435’s chipset is the key differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM if you prioritize longer battery life and slightly improved performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light app usage. The dual-SIM capability is also a significant advantage for travelers or those managing multiple numbers. Buy the Nokia Lumia 520 if you are looking for the absolute cheapest entry point into the Windows Phone ecosystem and are willing to accept shorter battery life and slower performance. Its contrast ratio, while not exceptional, is identical to the 435, offering a similar visual experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the dual-SIM functionality on the Lumia 435 useful for international travel?
Yes, the dual-SIM capability is particularly beneficial for international travelers. It allows you to use a local SIM card for data and calls while retaining access to your primary SIM for essential services, avoiding expensive roaming charges.
❓ Will the Lumia 435 receive future Windows 10 Mobile updates?
Unfortunately, official support for Windows 10 Mobile on these devices has ended. While community-driven efforts may exist, relying on them is not guaranteed. Both devices are effectively stuck on the last official update they received.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 200 in the Lumia 435 handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Snapdragon 200 is sufficient for running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-rich content. It's not designed for demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
