The Microsoft Lumia 435 and 535 represent Microsoft’s attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices run Windows Phone and utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 platform, but key differences in CPU core count and potentially other unseen optimizations create a divergence in performance and user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Lumia 535 is the clear winner. Its quad-core processor provides a noticeable performance uplift over the 435’s dual-core configuration. However, the 435 remains a viable option for those on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need basic smartphone functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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, March | 2014, November. Released 2014, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm (4.65 x 2.55 x 0.46 in) | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 134.1 g (4.73 oz) | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% 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 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 302 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB 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 | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 64 h | Up to 78 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 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Orange | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 58h
| - |
Microsoft Lumia 435
- Excellent battery endurance (58h rating)
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower performance due to dual-core processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Potentially slower app loading times
Microsoft Lumia 535
- Improved performance with quad-core processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- More responsive user interface
- Likely shorter battery life than the 435
- Potentially higher price
- Increased heat generation under load
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the price points, both devices likely feature similar LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on the overall user experience, which is impacted by the processing power needed to render the interface. Bezels were likely substantial on both models, typical for this era of budget smartphones.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided beyond the device models themselves. Given the market segment, both likely feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots. Image processing quality would have been heavily reliant on Microsoft’s software algorithms. It’s reasonable to assume both cameras would struggle in low-light conditions. Without further data, a meaningful comparison is impossible, but the 535’s increased processing power *could* translate to slightly faster image processing times.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU configuration. The Lumia 435 utilizes a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor built on Qualcomm’s MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 chipset. The Lumia 535 steps up to a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, also on the Snapdragon 200. While both are based on the same architecture and clock speed, the additional cores in the 535 significantly improve multitasking capabilities and overall system responsiveness. The 28nm manufacturing process is consistent across both, meaning thermal efficiency is comparable, but the 535 will likely generate more heat under sustained load. This translates to a smoother experience when switching between apps or browsing the web on the 535.
Battery Life
The Lumia 435 boasts an endurance rating of 58 hours. While the Lumia 535’s battery capacity and endurance rating are not provided, the quad-core processor will inherently consume more power than the dual-core chip in the 435. Therefore, while the 535 offers a performance advantage, it’s likely to have slightly shorter battery life under similar usage conditions. The 58-hour rating for the 435 suggests a focus on maximizing battery longevity for basic tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 435 if you need a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, and are willing to accept potentially slightly reduced battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 535’s quad-core processor make a noticeable difference in everyday use?
Yes, the quad-core processor in the Lumia 535 will provide a significantly smoother experience when multitasking, browsing the web, and launching apps compared to the dual-core processor in the 435. While both phones run Windows Phone, the 535 will feel more responsive and less prone to lag.
❓ If I primarily use my phone for calls and texts, is the Lumia 535 worth the extra cost?
If your usage is limited to calls and texts, the Lumia 435 is likely sufficient. Its dual-core processor can handle these basic tasks without issue, and its superior battery life will be beneficial. The 535’s extra processing power won’t be fully utilized in this scenario.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 200 chipset in either phone support modern app updates?
Given the age of these devices and the Snapdragon 200’s limited capabilities, support for modern app updates is highly unlikely. Many apps may no longer be compatible or may run poorly due to hardware limitations. This is a significant consideration for potential buyers.
