The Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM and Nokia Lumia 625 represent distinct points in the Windows Phone era. The 435, released under Microsoft’s ownership, aimed for ultimate affordability, while the 625, a Nokia product, offered a slightly more premium experience with a larger screen. This comparison dissects their core differences, focusing on performance, display, and battery life to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, low-cost Windows Phone, the Nokia Lumia 625 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 400 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the 435’s Snapdragon 200, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive. While the 435 boasts dual SIM functionality, the 625’s superior processing power offers a more enjoyable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 7, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, January. Released 2015, February | 2013, July. Released 2013, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm (4.65 x 2.55 x 0.46 in) | 133.3 x 72.3 x 9.2 mm, 87.6 cc (5.25 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 134.1 g (4.73 oz) | 159 g (5.61 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~199 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 62.9 cm2 (~65.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| 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 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Video | 480p | - |
| 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 90 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 504 h (2G) / Up to 504 h (3G) | Up to 552 h |
| Talk time | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 45 min (3G) | Up to 24 h (2G) / Up to 15 h 10 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable (BP-4GWA) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Orange | Orange, Bright green, Yellow, Black and white |
| Models | - | RM-943, RM-941 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | 0.66 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.3dB / Crosstalk -82.5dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 64h | - |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1205:1 (nominal) / 1.371:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 68dB |
Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM functionality for managing multiple numbers.
- Longer battery endurance due to the Snapdragon 200.
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Lumia 625.
- Likely a lower-quality display experience.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Nokia Lumia 625
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Snapdragon 400.
- Potentially better display quality and outdoor visibility.
- More enjoyable user experience for everyday tasks.
- Lacks dual SIM functionality.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Lumia 435.
- Slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
The Nokia Lumia 625 features a display with a contrast ratio of 1205:1 (nominal) and 1.371:1 in sunlight, suggesting good visibility even outdoors. While the Lumia 435’s display specifications are not provided, its lower price point likely indicates a less refined panel. The 625’s larger screen size (implied by its positioning) would also contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The contrast ratio figures suggest both displays are IPS-based, but the 625’s higher sunlight contrast indicates better outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are absent. Given the market positioning, it’s unlikely either phone boasts a particularly impressive camera system. The Lumia 625, being slightly more premium, *may* have a marginally better sensor or image processing algorithm, but without further specifications, it’s difficult to ascertain. Focusing on the core hardware, the Snapdragon 400 in the 625 offers a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) which could translate to slightly better image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lumia 435 utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, designed for basic smartphone functions. The Lumia 625, however, is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400, featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait CPU. The Krait architecture is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Cortex-A7, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved overall responsiveness on the 625. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 28nm process, but the architectural improvements in the Snapdragon 400 provide a clear performance advantage.
Battery Life
The Lumia 435 boasts an endurance rating of 64 hours, suggesting respectable battery life. However, the Snapdragon 200’s lower power consumption contributes to this longevity. The Lumia 625’s battery life is not explicitly stated, but the more powerful Snapdragon 400 will naturally consume more power. Despite this, the 625’s larger size likely accommodates a larger battery capacity, potentially mitigating the increased power draw. The 435’s endurance rating suggests it prioritizes maximizing battery life over raw performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM if you absolutely require dual SIM functionality on a very tight budget and prioritize long standby time over snappy performance. Buy the Nokia Lumia 625 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even if it means sacrificing dual SIM support, and value a slightly better display experience for media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 625 handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 400 in the Lumia 625 provides sufficient processing power to run social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. The Krait architecture is a substantial improvement over the Cortex-A7 in the Lumia 435, resulting in a more fluid user experience.
❓ Is the dual SIM functionality of the Lumia 435 useful for international travelers?
Absolutely. The dual SIM capability of the Lumia 435 allows you to use a local SIM card while traveling internationally, avoiding expensive roaming charges. You can keep your primary SIM active for receiving important calls and texts while utilizing the local SIM for data and local calls.
❓ Can either phone be upgraded to a newer version of Windows?
Unfortunately, neither the Lumia 435 nor the Lumia 625 received official updates beyond Windows Phone 8.1. Microsoft discontinued support for Windows Phone, meaning these devices will not be upgraded to Windows 10 or any subsequent operating systems.
