The Nokia Lumia 525 and 520 were popular budget Windows Phones, offering a taste of Microsoft's mobile OS without breaking the bank. But with so many similarities, which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia Lumia 525 edges out the 520 thanks to its slightly improved design, faster charging capabilities (wired and wireless), and marginally better software experience. However, the 520 remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing maximum battery life and a truly bare-bones budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - RM-998 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-998 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-914 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-917 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, November. Released 2014, January | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 119.9 x 64 x 9.9 mm, 75.7 cc (4.72 x 2.52 x 0.39 in) | 119.9 x 64 x 9.9 mm, 75.7 cc (4.72 x 2.52 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 124 g (4.37 oz) | 124 g (4.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz | Dual-core 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8227 | Qualcomm MSM8227 |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, 1/4.0", AF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | - |
| | No | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update | 4.0, A2DP, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM Radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC3
9W wireless | - |
| Music play | Up to 48 h | Up to 61 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 336 h (3G) | Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (2G) / Up to 10 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 14 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 9 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1430 mAh, removable (BL-5J) | Li-Ion 1430 mAh, removable (BL-5J) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Yellow, Red | Yellow, red, cyan, white/black |
| Models | LMG910EMW, LM-G910EMW | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -82.3dB / Crosstalk -81.8dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 49h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 834:1 (nominal) / 1.161:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 66dB
|
Nokia Lumia 525
- Slightly improved design
- Faster charging (wired & wireless)
- Potentially better software experience
- More color options
- Battery life not as impressive as 520
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Nokia Lumia 520
- Exceptional battery life (49h endurance)
- Very affordable
- Good outdoor display visibility
- Durable build
- Basic design
- Slower charging
- Limited storage
- Performance can feel sluggish
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 4.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. The contrast ratios are remarkably similar (834:1 nominal, 1.161:1 sunlight), suggesting comparable viewing experiences. While both are adequate, neither excels in brightness or color accuracy, typical for budget devices of the era. The 520's display is known for its good outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 5MP rear camera capable of capturing photos and videos. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Don't expect exceptional detail or dynamic range. The Lumia 525 might have slightly improved image processing due to software updates.
Performance
Both devices share the same Qualcomm MSM8227 chipset and dual-core 1.0 GHz CPU. Performance will be very similar, adequate for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and light app usage. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily on either phone. The Lumia 525 might feel slightly snappier due to minor software optimizations.
Battery Life
The Nokia Lumia 520 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 49 hours, a significant advantage. The Lumia 525, while not as exceptional, still offers respectable battery life. The 525's inclusion of wireless charging (9W) is a notable convenience, though it requires a compatible charging pad.
Buying Guide
The Nokia Lumia 525 is ideal for users who want a slightly more premium feel and appreciate faster charging. The Nokia Lumia 520 is perfect for those on the tightest budget who prioritize long battery life and don't mind a more basic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia Lumia 525 worth the extra money over the 520?
It depends on your priorities. If you value faster charging and a slightly more refined design, the 525 is worth it. If battery life is your top concern and you're on a strict budget, the 520 is the better choice.
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones run Windows Phone 8.1. While updates were provided, they are no longer actively supported.
