The Microsoft Lumia 435 and 532 represent a bygone era of affordable Windows Phone devices. Both aimed to deliver a smartphone experience at an incredibly low price point, but they differed in key internal components. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the CPU and battery life impact the user experience, especially considering their age and current availability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit aged, Windows Phone, the Lumia 532 offers a slight edge. Its quad-core processor provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and basic app usage, outweighing the marginally better battery endurance of the 435. However, both are limited by their hardware.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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, March | 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 | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| 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) |
| 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 | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 58h
| Endurance rating 55h |
Microsoft Lumia 435
- Slightly better battery endurance (58h rating)
- Potentially lower cost (depending on current market)
- Simpler processor may be more stable for basic tasks
- Dual-core processor limits multitasking
- Slower app loading times
- Less responsive user interface
Microsoft Lumia 532
- Quad-core processor offers smoother performance
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly shorter battery life (55h rating)
- Potentially higher cost (depending on current market)
- Quad-core may generate slightly more heat
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely feature similar LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854, typical for this price segment. Detailed display specs like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but given the target market, compromises were undoubtedly made. The focus was on affordability, not visual fidelity. Bezels were likely substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but these phones were not designed for photography enthusiasts. Image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but suffer in low light. The focus is on functionality rather than quality. Any differences in camera performance are likely attributable to software processing rather than hardware improvements.
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 steps up to a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor with the Qualcomm MSM8212 Snapdragon 200. While both are based on the same architecture and clock speed, the additional cores in the 532 significantly improve multitasking capabilities. The MSM8212, while still a low-end chipset, handles app switching and basic operations with less lag. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 28nm process, meaning thermal throttling isn't a major concern given the low power draw.
Battery Life
The Lumia 435 claims an endurance rating of 58 hours, while the Lumia 532 scores 55 hours. This suggests the 435 offers slightly better battery life, likely due to the less power-hungry dual-core processor. However, the difference is marginal. Both phones will likely provide a full day of moderate use. Charging times will be slow, as neither device supports fast charging technologies. The 28nm process helps with power efficiency on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 435 if you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else and anticipate minimal multitasking. It's the better choice for users who primarily need a device for calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 532 if you prefer a more responsive user interface and plan to run multiple apps simultaneously, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of battery endurance. This is the better option for those who want a slightly more versatile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run modern apps reliably?
No. Both the Lumia 435 and 532 run older versions of Windows Phone (likely 8.1) and have limited hardware resources. Modern apps are unlikely to be compatible or perform well, if they run at all. Their age and discontinued support make them unsuitable for current app ecosystems.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 200 chipset capable of handling basic games?
The Snapdragon 200 can handle very basic 2D games and older, less demanding 3D titles. However, expect low frame rates and limited graphical settings. Modern, graphically intensive games will likely be unplayable. The 532's quad-core processor will offer a slightly better gaming experience than the 435.
❓ What kind of storage options did these phones offer, and is it expandable?
Both phones typically came with 8GB of internal storage, with a microSD card slot for expansion up to 128GB. Given the limited internal storage, a microSD card is highly recommended for storing photos, videos, and apps.
❓ Are replacement batteries readily available for these models?
Replacement batteries can be found online, but availability is becoming increasingly limited due to the age of these devices. Sourcing a reliable battery may require significant searching and could be costly.
