The Microsoft Lumia 532 and Nokia Lumia 520 represent two key moments in the budget Windows Phone space. The 520 was a landmark device for affordability, while the 532 aimed to build on that success with a newer processor. This comparison dissects the differences to determine which offers the best value, even years after their release.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit aging, Windows Phone, the Microsoft Lumia 532 is the better choice. Its quad-core processor and slightly improved battery endurance offer a noticeable performance boost over the dual-core Lumia 520, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 118.9 x 65.5 x 11.6 mm (4.68 x 2.58 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 | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 136.3 g (4.80 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 (~58.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8212 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8227 |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide) | 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 61 h | Up to 61 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 528 h (2G) / Up to 528 h (3G) | Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (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 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -82.3dB / Crosstalk -81.8dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 55h |
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 532
- Faster quad-core processor for improved performance
- Slightly better battery life (55h endurance)
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 200)
- Display size not specified, potentially smaller than 520
- Camera specifications are unknown
Nokia Lumia 520
- Proven reliability and established user base
- Good display contrast ratio for the price
- Potentially lower price point due to age
- Slower dual-core processor
- Shorter battery life (49h endurance)
- Older chipset (MSM8227)
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 532 and 520 share the same display contrast ratio of 834:1 (nominal) and 1.161:1 (sunlight). This suggests a similar viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, the Lumia 532’s display size is not specified, while the 520 featured a 4-inch display. This difference in size, even if small, impacts usability for media consumption and typing. The shared contrast ratio indicates neither phone excels in display quality, typical for this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a basic photo/video camera setup, but specific details regarding sensor size or megapixel count are absent. Given their market positioning, image quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. The focus here is on functionality rather than photographic excellence. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests similar limitations in low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Lumia 532 boasts a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU built on Qualcomm’s MSM8212 Snapdragon 200 (28nm) chipset. This is a significant upgrade over the Lumia 520’s dual-core 1.0 GHz CPU on the Qualcomm MSM8227. The 28nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 200 also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to the older MSM8227. This translates to a more responsive user interface and better multitasking capabilities on the 532, particularly noticeable when launching apps or browsing the web.
Battery Life
The Lumia 532 edges out the Lumia 520 in battery endurance, achieving a rating of 55 hours compared to the 520’s 49 hours. While both offer respectable battery life for basic usage, the 532’s more efficient processor and potentially optimized software contribute to the improvement. The difference of 6 hours, while not massive, is noticeable for users who heavily rely on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 532 if you prioritize a smoother user experience and slightly longer battery life, even if it's for basic tasks. The quad-core processor provides a tangible advantage. Buy the Nokia Lumia 520 if you value a proven track record of reliability and are content with a more basic level of performance, potentially finding it at an even lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the performance difference between the Snapdragon 200 and MSM8227 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the quad-core Snapdragon 200 in the Lumia 532 provides a tangible performance improvement over the dual-core MSM8227 in the Lumia 520. You'll experience faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and better multitasking capabilities, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Given the age of these phones, are software updates still available?
No, both the Lumia 532 and 520 are no longer officially supported by Microsoft with software updates. They are running older versions of Windows Phone and may have security vulnerabilities. Using these devices requires accepting this risk.
❓ Which phone is better for playing basic mobile games?
The Lumia 532 is the better choice for gaming, albeit limited to simple titles. The quad-core processor provides more processing power, resulting in smoother gameplay compared to the Lumia 520. However, neither phone is suitable for demanding 3D games.
