Nokia Lumia 1320 vs Lumia 830: A Detailed Showdown

Nokia's Lumia series offered a unique Windows Phone experience. The Lumia 1320 and 830 were popular choices, but cater to different needs. This comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide which one was the better pick.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Lumia 830 edges out the 1320 thanks to its superior processor, better display sunlight readability, and wireless charging. While the 1320 boasts incredible battery life, the 830's overall refinement and performance make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia Lumia 1320 Nokia Lumia 830
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versionsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - RM-994HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands3, 7, 20 - RM-9941, 3, 7, 8, 20
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 2, 4, 5, 17 - RM-9952, 4, 5, 17 - AT&T
Launch
Announced2013, October. Released 2014, January2014, September. Released 2014, September
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions164.2 x 85.9 x 9.8 mm, 125 cc (6.46 x 3.38 x 0.39 in)139.4 x 70.7 x 8.5 mm (5.49 x 2.78 x 0.33 in)
SIMMicro-SIMNano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)150 g (5.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density)720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio)5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
 ClearBlack displayClearBlack display
Platform
CPUDual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8230AB Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) (3G model)/ MSM8930AB Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) (LTE model)Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
GPUAdreno 305Adreno 305
OSMicrosoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal8GB 1GB RAM16GB 1GB RAM
 eMMC 4.5eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashZeiss optics, LED flash, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", AF, OIS
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
SingleVGA0.9 MP
Video-720p
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-Wireless (Qi)
Music playUp to 98 hUp to 78 h
Stand-byUp to 672 h (2G) / Up to 672 h (3G)Up to 528 h
Talk timeUp to 25 h (2G) / Up to 21 h (3G)Up to 12 h 54 min (2G) / Up to 14 h 48 min (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removable (BV-4BW)Li-Ion 2200 mAh, removable (BV-L4A)
Misc
ColorsYellow, white, black, redOrange, green, white, black, gold
PriceAbout 210 EURAbout 330 EUR
SAR0.47 W/kg (head)     0.29 W/kg (body)0.87 W/kg (head)     0.83 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.46 W/kg (head)     0.44 W/kg (body)0.46 W/kg (head)     0.59 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.6dB Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -91.6dB
Battery life Endurance rating 75h Endurance rating 68h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1089:1 (nominal), 1.941 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: 1078 (nominal), 1887 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 61dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 66dB Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 78dB
OUR TESTS
Audio qualityNoise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.6dBNoise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -91.6dB
Battery (old)Endurance rating 75hEndurance rating 68h
CameraPhoto / VideoPhoto / Video
DisplayContrast ratio: 1089:1 (nominal), 1.941 (sunlight)Contrast ratio: 1078 (nominal), 1887 (sunlight)
LoudspeakerVoice 61dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 66dBVoice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 78dB

Nokia Lumia 1320

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Large 6-inch display
  • Affordable price

  • Slower performance
  • Less premium design
  • Lower quality camera compared to 830

Nokia Lumia 830

  • Better performance (quad-core)
  • Superior sunlight display readability
  • Wireless charging (Qi)
  • More premium design
  • Generally better camera

  • Shorter battery life than 1320
  • Higher price (originally)

Display Comparison

Both Lumias feature displays with a respectable contrast ratio (1089:1 for the 1320, 1078:1 for the 830). However, the 830's significantly better sunlight readability (1887 vs 1941) makes it much easier to view outdoors. The 1320 has a larger 6-inch screen, while the 830 has a 5.0-inch display.

Camera Comparison

While both offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Lumia 830 generally produced better image quality, particularly in low light, thanks to its superior image processing and potentially better sensor (though specific sensor details are not readily available). The 830 also benefits from Nokia's camera software optimizations.

Performance

The Lumia 830's quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the 1320's dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive on the 830. The 830's chipset is also generally more efficient.

Battery Life

The Lumia 1320 holds a clear advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 75 hours compared to the 830's 68 hours. This difference is significant for users who need their phone to last for multiple days on a single charge.

Buying Guide

The Nokia Lumia 1320 is ideal for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a large screen on a budget. The Nokia Lumia 830 is better suited for those who value performance, a more premium design, and features like wireless charging, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which Lumia is better for gaming?
The Lumia 830 is significantly better for gaming due to its faster processor and more efficient chipset.
❓ Is the Lumia 1320's large screen worth the trade-off in performance?
If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing, and battery life is your top priority, then the 1320's large screen might be worth it. Otherwise, the 830 offers a more well-rounded experience.