The Microsoft Lumia 535, representing a bygone era of Windows Phone, and the Samsung Galaxy M11, a more recent Android offering, represent distinct points in the budget smartphone landscape. While both aimed for affordability, they differ significantly in processing power, features, and the ecosystems they represent. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value, even years after their initial release.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy M11 is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, built on a 14nm process, delivers substantially better performance than the Lumia 535’s Snapdragon 200. The inclusion of 15W charging and a more modern software ecosystem further solidify its advantage, despite the Lumia 535’s lower initial price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, November. Released 2014, December | 2020, March 30. Released 2020, May 4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 9 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Music play | Up to 78 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 552 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue | Black, Metallic Blue, Violet |
| Models | - | SM-M115F, SM-M115F/DSN, SM-M115M, SM-M115M/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | £ 129.00 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | £ 149.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 177.00 |
Microsoft Lumia 535
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful chipset.
- Represents a unique historical artifact in mobile OS history.
- Lower initial purchase price (when new).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Galaxy M11.
- Outdated Windows Phone operating system with limited app support.
- Unknown battery capacity and slow charging speed.
Samsung Galaxy M11
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 450 processor.
- Modern Android operating system with access to a vast app ecosystem.
- 15W fast charging for quicker power replenishment.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Lumia 535 (depending on usage).
- Larger size may not appeal to users preferring compact phones.
- Build quality may feel less premium than some competitors.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for their price segments. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing for the Lumia 535. The Galaxy M11’s larger screen size (6.4 inches vs. the Lumia 535’s 5 inches) provides a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of any display protection information for either device suggests neither offers scratch resistance, making screen protectors advisable. The M11’s larger size also means lower pixel density, but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable to the average user.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed image samples. However, the Galaxy M11 likely holds an advantage due to its more modern image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 450. While both devices likely feature a primary rear camera, the Lumia 535’s sensor size and aperture are unknown. The M11’s camera specifications are also limited, but the presence of a more recent chipset suggests better image processing algorithms. The inclusion of a 13MP main sensor on some M11 variants (not specified in the provided data) would further widen the gap. Both devices likely include lower-resolution secondary cameras, the utility of which is questionable.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy M11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, with its octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz, represents a substantial upgrade over the Lumia 535’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 Snapdragon 200. The 14nm manufacturing process of the SDM450 also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the 28nm process of the SD200. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience on the M11. The 3GB/4GB RAM options on the M11 further enhance multitasking capabilities, while the Lumia 535’s RAM is unspecified but likely limited.
Battery Life
The Lumia 535’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less powerful chipset and smaller screen size likely contribute to longer standby times. However, the Galaxy M11’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Lumia 535 likely charges at a much slower rate, potentially taking several hours to fully charge. While the M11’s battery capacity is also unspecified, the Snapdragon 450’s improved power efficiency, combined with faster charging, provides a more convenient and practical user experience. The M11’s ability to quickly top up the battery is crucial for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 if you are a collector of mobile operating systems, specifically interested in experiencing Windows Phone, or require a very basic device for minimal tasks like calls and texts with extremely long standby times. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M11 if you prioritize a responsive user experience, access to a vast app ecosystem, faster charging, and a more modern Android operating system, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy M11 capable of handling modern mobile games?
While the Snapdragon 450 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle many popular mobile games at medium settings. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Lumia 535’s Snapdragon 200 would struggle significantly with even less demanding games.
❓ Can I still find apps for the Microsoft Lumia 535 in 2024?
App availability for Windows Phone is extremely limited in 2024. Microsoft has discontinued support for the platform, and many popular apps are no longer available or receive updates. The Galaxy M11, running Android, has access to millions of apps through the Google Play Store.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy M11 support software updates?
The Galaxy M11 has received limited software updates, likely reaching the end of its official support lifecycle. However, it still benefits from the ongoing security updates and feature enhancements available within the Android ecosystem, a significant advantage over the unsupported Windows Phone OS on the Lumia 535.
