Both the Microsoft Lumia 535 and Nokia Lumia 730 Dual SIM represent Microsoft’s attempt to capture the budget smartphone market with Windows Phone 8.1. While visually similar, a key differentiator lies under the hood: the chipset. This comparison dissects the performance implications of the Snapdragon 200 in the 535 versus the Snapdragon 400 in the 730, helping you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia Lumia 730 Dual SIM is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 400 provides a noticeably smoother experience, particularly with multitasking and more demanding applications, justifying the potential price premium. The dual-SIM functionality further enhances its versatility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, November. Released 2014, December | 2014, September. Released 2014, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) | 134.7 x 68.5 x 8.7 mm, 80.3 cc (5.30 x 2.70 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~316 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 59.4 cm2 (~64.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED |
| | - | ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft 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 | Zeiss optics, LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 6.7 MP (6.1 MP effective), 1/3.4", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, sensor core |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 78 h | Up to 60 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 552 h | Up to 600 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 22 h (2G) / Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) | Li-Ion 2200 mAh, removable (BV-T5A) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue | Orange, green, white, black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Microsoft Lumia 535
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Snapdragon 200 struggles with multitasking.
- Limited gaming performance.
- Camera quality is likely inferior to the 730.
Nokia Lumia 730 Dual SIM
- Snapdragon 400 offers a smoother user experience.
- Dual SIM functionality for added convenience.
- Potentially better camera performance.
- May be slightly more expensive than the 535.
- Still utilizes a relatively dated chipset.
- Battery life, while better, isn't exceptional.
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize similar LCD panels, and detailed display specs are not provided. However, given their market positioning, we can assume both feature resolutions around 480x854. The real-world difference in visual quality will likely be minimal. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this era of smartphone design. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature an 8MP rear camera, the image processing capabilities and sensor quality likely differ. The Lumia 730, being the slightly higher-tier device, likely benefits from better image stabilization and noise reduction algorithms. The absence of detailed sensor size information makes a precise comparison difficult, but the Snapdragon 400’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more capable, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Lumia 730’s front-facing camera is a notable upgrade, often marketed for better selfies and video calls.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia Lumia 730’s Snapdragon 400, while also utilizing a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, benefits from a more efficient architecture and a more powerful Adreno 305 GPU compared to the 535’s Adreno 300. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved performance in games. While both are 28nm chips, the Snapdragon 400’s architectural improvements provide a tangible performance boost. Users will notice this most when multitasking or running more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing. However, given the Snapdragon 400’s improved efficiency, the Lumia 730 is likely to offer slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the 535. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both devices likely support standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow charge times. The Snapdragon 400’s efficiency will contribute to less battery drain during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you are on an extremely tight budget. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users. Buy the Nokia Lumia 730 Dual SIM if you value a more responsive user experience, frequently switch between multiple SIM cards, and want a slightly better camera performance for casual photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 535 struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
The Snapdragon 200's limited processing power means the Lumia 535 may exhibit noticeable lag when running newer versions of apps like WhatsApp or Facebook, especially with multiple conversations or features active. It's best suited for lighter usage of these platforms.
❓ Is the dual-SIM functionality on the Lumia 730 useful for travel?
Yes, the dual-SIM capability on the Lumia 730 is particularly beneficial for travelers. You can use one SIM for your home country and another local SIM for data and calls, avoiding expensive roaming charges. It also allows for separating work and personal contacts.
❓ Can either phone handle basic gaming, like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
Both phones can handle casual games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, but the Lumia 730 with its Snapdragon 400 will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience, with fewer frame drops and faster loading times.
