Nokia Lumia 525 vs. Lumia 635: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Nokia's Lumia series offered compelling budget-friendly Windows Phones. The Lumia 525 and 635 were popular choices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia Lumia 635 edges out the 525 thanks to its superior quad-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both offer a solid Windows Phone experience, the 635's speed and responsiveness make it the more appealing choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia Lumia 525	Nokia Lumia 635

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - RM-998	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-998	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - RM-974
4G bands	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40	3, 7, 20 - RM-974
Speed	HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	2, 4, 5, 7, 17 - RM-975

Launch
Announced	2013, November. Released 2014, January	2014, April. Released 2014, June
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame	-
Dimensions	119.9 x 64 x 9.9 mm, 75.7 cc (4.72 x 2.52 x 0.39 in)	129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm, 78.5 cc (5.10 x 2.63 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Micro-SIM	Micro-SIM
Weight	124 g (4.37 oz)	134 g (4.73 oz)

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)	480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~221 ppi density)
Size	4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio)	4.5 inches, 54.3 cm2 (~62.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD
	-	ClearBlack display

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.0 GHz	Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8227	Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
GPU	Adreno 305	Adreno 305
OS	Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1	Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	8GB 1GB RAM	8GB 512MB 8GB 1GB RAM
	-	eMMC 4.5

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	Panorama
Single	5 MP, 1/4.0", AF	5 MP, 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, DLNA, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Accelerometer, sensor core

Battery
Charging	15W wired, QC3 9W wireless	-
Music play	Up to 48 h	Up to 58 h
Stand-by	Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 336 h (3G)	Up to 648 h
Talk time	Up to 17 h (2G) / Up to 10 h 40 min (3G)	Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 1430 mAh, removable (BL-5J)	Li-Ion 1830 mAh, removable (BL-5H)

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Yellow, Red	Bright Orange, bright green, bright yellow, white, black
Models	LMG910EMW, LM-G910EMW	-
Price	About 120 EUR	About 110 EUR
SAR	-	0.97 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.72 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body)	0.75 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 66h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 771:1 (nominal), 2.056 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB

OUR TESTS
Battery (old)	-	Endurance rating 66h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 771:1 (nominal), 2.056 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB

Nokia Lumia 525

Affordable price
Simple and user-friendly interface
Decent call quality

Outdated processor
Limited storage
No front-facing camera

Nokia Lumia 635

Faster performance (quad-core)
4G connectivity
Better battery life
Slightly improved display

Slightly higher price than 525
No front-facing camera
Limited storage

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 4.3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. The contrast ratios are remarkably similar (771:1 nominal, 2.056 in sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the 635's slightly larger screen and potentially better color calibration might offer a marginally improved viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Lumia 525 boasts a 5MP rear camera, while the Lumia 635 also features a 5MP rear camera. Image quality is generally comparable, though the 635 might benefit from slightly better image processing due to its more powerful processor. Both lack a front-facing camera.

Performance

This is where the Lumia 635 shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor significantly outperforms the 525's dual-core 1.0 GHz Qualcomm MSM8227. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the 635.

Battery Life

Both phones share a similar battery capacity, but the Lumia 635 consistently demonstrates superior battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 66 hours. This is likely due to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 400 chipset compared to the 525's older processor.

Buying Guide

The Nokia Lumia 525 is a good option for users prioritizing simplicity and a slightly lower price point. The Lumia 635 is better suited for those who want a smoother, faster experience and appreciate the added features like 4G connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Lumia 525 or 635 support 4G?

The Nokia Lumia 635 supports 4G LTE connectivity, while the Lumia 525 only supports 3G.

❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?

Both phones typically come with 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. However, the Lumia 635 might offer slightly more usable storage due to its more efficient operating system.