The Microsoft Lumia 535 Dual SIM and the Nokia XL represent distinct approaches to the entry-level smartphone market. Released around the same time, they both aimed to provide affordable connectivity, but differed significantly in their underlying hardware and software philosophies. This comparison dissects their specifications to reveal which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance, battery life, or display quality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Microsoft Lumia 535 Dual SIM emerges as the better choice. Its quad-core Snapdragon 200, while still entry-level, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nokia XL’s dual-core Snapdragon S4 Play, despite the Nokia XL’s superior battery endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-1090 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-1092 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, November. Released 2014, December | 2014, February. Released 2014, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) | 141.4 x 77.7 x 10.9 mm, 109 cc (5.57 x 3.06 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~187 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 71.2 cm2 (~64.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 203 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), X platform 1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 5 MP, f/2.8, 32mm (standard), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 78 h | Up to 37 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h | Up to 720 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 16 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable (BN-02) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue | Bright green, orange, cyan, yellow, black, white |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.49 W/kg (head) 0.44 W/kg (body) | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.07 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.67 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 44h |
Endurance rating 62h
|
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 874:1 (nominal), 1.204 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 71dB |
Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 76dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 535 Dual SIM
- Faster processor for smoother multitasking
- Quad-core CPU offers better app responsiveness
- Dual SIM functionality for added convenience
- Shorter battery life compared to Nokia XL
- Camera specifications are unknown and likely basic
Nokia XL
- Superior battery endurance for extended use
- Good display contrast for outdoor visibility
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Slower dual-core processor limits performance
- Camera specifications are unknown and likely basic
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 535 and Nokia XL share a similar display contrast ratio of 874:1 (nominal) and 1.204 (sunlight). This suggests comparable visibility in bright conditions. However, the context data lacks resolution and panel type information. Given the price points, both likely utilized TFT LCD panels. The Nokia XL’s contrast ratio, while numerically identical, might translate to slightly more vibrant colors in real-world use, but without further data, this remains speculative. The absence of information regarding screen size and pixel density makes a definitive display quality assessment impossible.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having a 'Photo' camera, which is insufficient for a meaningful comparison. Without megapixel counts, sensor sizes, or aperture information, it’s impossible to assess image quality. Given their market segment, both cameras likely produced acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggled in low light. The lack of any mention of features like autofocus or flash further limits any comparative analysis. It's safe to assume neither device was designed for serious photography.
Performance
The core performance difference lies in the CPUs. The Lumia 535 boasts a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor built on a 28nm process, while the Nokia XL features a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 processor with the Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play chipset. The Cortex-A7 architecture is a step up from the A5, offering improved instruction set efficiency. The quad-core configuration of the Lumia 535 further enhances its multitasking capabilities. While both chipsets are entry-level, the Lumia 535’s processor should deliver a smoother experience when running multiple apps or navigating the user interface. The 28nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 200 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the S4 Play.
Battery Life
The Nokia XL holds a clear advantage in battery endurance, boasting a rating of 62 hours compared to the Lumia 535’s 44 hours. This 18-hour difference suggests the Nokia XL can last significantly longer on a single charge, likely due to the less demanding dual-core processor and potentially a larger battery capacity (though the exact mAh is not provided). While the Lumia 535’s Snapdragon 200 is more power-efficient than older chipsets, it cannot overcome the Nokia XL’s inherent advantage in this area. The Nokia XL is the better choice for users who prioritize long battery life and infrequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 Dual SIM if you need a phone capable of handling basic multitasking and app usage with a bit more fluidity, and if dual SIM functionality is a priority. Buy the Nokia XL if maximizing battery life is paramount, and you primarily need a device for calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Nokia XL’s display contrast also offers a slight advantage for outdoor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon S4 Play in the Nokia XL capable of running modern apps?
The Snapdragon S4 Play is an older chipset and will struggle with demanding modern applications. It's best suited for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Expect noticeable lag when running more complex apps.
❓ How does the dual SIM functionality on the Lumia 535 benefit users?
The Lumia 535’s dual SIM support allows users to manage two separate phone numbers on a single device. This is particularly useful for those who want to separate work and personal calls, or for travelers who need a local SIM card in addition to their primary number.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who frequently travels and needs long battery life?
The Nokia XL is the clear winner for travelers prioritizing battery life. Its 62-hour endurance rating ensures it can last through a full day of heavy use, even with frequent calls and data usage, without needing a recharge.
❓ Can either of these phones be upgraded to a newer operating system?
Neither the Lumia 535 nor the Nokia XL received significant operating system updates after their initial releases. The Lumia 535 was limited by Microsoft’s support for Windows Phone, while the Nokia XL ran an older version of Android and is unlikely to receive further updates.
