Released roughly a year apart, the Microsoft Lumia 650 and Nokia Lumia 930 represent distinct approaches within the Windows Phone ecosystem. The 650 aimed for affordability and longevity, while the 930 was a flagship offering focused on premium features and performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to help determine which device best suits your needs, particularly given the limited ongoing support for Windows Phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Nokia Lumia 930 is the better choice, despite its slightly lower battery endurance. The significantly more powerful Snapdragon 800 chipset provides a far superior user experience, especially for demanding tasks, and the inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience. However, the Lumia 650 remains a viable option for those prioritizing maximum battery life above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, February. Released 2016, February | 2014, April. Released 2014, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 142 x 70.9 x 6.9 mm (5.59 x 2.79 x 0.27 in) | 137 x 71 x 9.8 mm, 94.7 cc (5.39 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 122 g (4.30 oz) | 167 g (5.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~297 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 67.5 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED | AMOLED |
| | ClearBlack display | ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909v2 Snapdragon 212 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Zeiss optics, dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 20 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", AF, OIS |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 4K@30fps (after WP8 Denim update), 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 1.2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, sensor core |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | - | Up to 75 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 624 h (3G) | Up to 432 h |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 11 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 15 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2420 mAh, non-removable (BV-5QW) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Bright orange, bright green, white, black, gold |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.4dB / Crosstalk -90.3dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 55h
| Endurance rating 46h |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.77(sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.567 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 76dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 77dB |
Microsoft Lumia 650
- Superior battery endurance (55h)
- More affordable price point
- Lightweight and compact design
- Significantly slower processor
- Lacks wireless charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Nokia Lumia 930
- Much faster Snapdragon 800 processor
- Wireless charging (Qi)
- More versatile camera with video recording
- Shorter battery life (46h)
- Higher price point
- Potentially more prone to throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 650 and 930 feature displays with an 'Infinite' nominal contrast ratio, a common marketing term for OLED-like performance, though neither is confirmed to be OLED. However, the Lumia 930 exhibits a slightly better sunlight contrast ratio of 3.567 compared to the 650’s 3.77, suggesting marginally better visibility in direct sunlight. While both share the same resolution, the 930’s smaller 5.0-inch screen (vs. the 650’s 5.0-inch) results in a higher pixel density, potentially offering a sharper image. The lack of detailed display specifications beyond contrast ratios makes a definitive assessment difficult, but the 930’s smaller size and slightly better sunlight readability give it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo' capabilities, but the Lumia 930 expands on this with 'Video' recording. While specific sensor details are absent, the 930’s position as a flagship suggests a more capable camera system. The inclusion of video recording, a feature not explicitly mentioned for the 650, indicates a more versatile camera experience. The 930 likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS), though this isn’t confirmed in the provided data. The 650’s camera is likely sufficient for casual snapshots, but the 930 offers a more robust photographic experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Nokia Lumia 930’s Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800, with its quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU, significantly outperforms the Microsoft Lumia 650’s Qualcomm MSM8909v2 Snapdragon 212 (quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7). The Snapdragon 800, built on the same 28nm process, offers a much higher clock speed and a more advanced CPU architecture, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 650 is adequate for basic tasks, but the 930 is demonstrably better suited for demanding applications and games.
Battery Life
The Microsoft Lumia 650 boasts an endurance rating of 55 hours, exceeding the Nokia Lumia 930’s 46 hours. This suggests the 650 will last longer on a single charge under similar usage conditions. However, the 930 compensates with the addition of wireless charging (Qi), a convenience feature absent on the 650. While the 930’s battery life is shorter, the convenience of wireless charging and the overall faster performance may outweigh the battery life difference for many users. Both devices utilize a 28nm chipset, suggesting similar power efficiency at a component level, but the 930’s more powerful processor naturally consumes more energy.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 650 if you need a device that can reliably last through a full day of moderate use and prioritize long-term battery health. It's ideal for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Nokia Lumia 930 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, value features like wireless charging, and intend to use the device for photography or occasional gaming, accepting the trade-off of slightly reduced battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 212 in the Lumia 650 powerful enough for modern apps, even if they were still updated for Windows Phone?
No, the Snapdragon 212 is a very entry-level processor. While it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing, it would struggle with most modern applications, even if they were available for Windows Phone. The limited RAM and processing power would result in slow loading times and a generally sluggish experience.
❓ Does the Nokia Lumia 930's wireless charging work with any Qi charger, or is it a proprietary standard?
The Nokia Lumia 930 supports the standard Qi wireless charging protocol. This means it should be compatible with most Qi-certified wireless chargers available on the market. However, compatibility can sometimes vary, so it's always best to check user reviews or the charger's specifications to ensure it works with the Lumia 930.
❓ Given that Windows Phone is no longer supported, is either of these phones a good choice for daily use in 2024?
That's a complex question. Neither phone is ideal for daily use due to the lack of software updates and app support. However, if you need a simple, offline device for basic tasks like a music player or a dedicated phone for calls and texts, the Lumia 650's longer battery life might be preferable. The 930 offers a better experience if you can live with the shorter battery life and still want a more responsive device.
