Nokia's Lumia series offered a compelling Windows Phone experience. The Lumia 525 targeted budget-conscious users, while the Lumia 925 aimed for a premium feel. But which phone truly delivers the better experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia Lumia 925 is the clear winner, offering a superior display, faster processor, and better camera. While the Lumia 525 provides excellent value for its price, the 925's performance and features justify its higher cost for users seeking a premium Windows Phone experience.
| 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 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-892 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - RM-892 |
| 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, 17 - RM-893 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, November. Released 2014, January | 2013, May. Released 2013, 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 x 70.6 x 8.5 mm, 78 cc (5.08 x 2.78 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 124 g (4.37 oz) | 139 g (4.90 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 768 x 1280 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~332 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~63.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| | - | PureMotion HD+ ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8227 | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 225 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Carl Zeiss optics, dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, 1/4.0", AF | 8 MP, 1/3.0", AF, OIS |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| | 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, EDR, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC3
9W wireless | - |
| Music play | Up to 48 h | Up to 55 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 336 h (3G) | Up to 440 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (2G) / Up to 10 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 18 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 12 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1430 mAh, removable (BL-5J) | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable (BL-4YW) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Yellow, Red | Black, White, Gray |
| Models | LMG910EMW, LM-G910EMW | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.42 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) | 0.81 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -82.5dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.402:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 63dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 66dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -82.5dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.402:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 63dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 66dB |
Nokia Lumia 525
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Wireless charging
- Compact size
- Lower performance
- Less vibrant display
- Basic camera
- Outdated processor
Nokia Lumia 925
- Premium design
- Excellent AMOLED display
- Faster processor
- Better camera
- Wireless charging
- Higher price
- Potentially shorter software support lifespan (due to age)
Display Comparison
The Lumia 925 boasts a significantly better display. Its AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast (reported as 'Infinite' nominal, with a strong 3.402:1 sunlight contrast ratio). The 525's LCD screen is adequate but lacks the punch and clarity of the 925's AMOLED panel. Viewing angles and outdoor visibility are noticeably better on the 925.
Camera Comparison
The Lumia 925 features a superior camera system. While specific megapixel counts are not provided, the 925's camera is generally considered to produce better image quality, with improved low-light performance and more detail. The 525's camera is functional but lacks the advanced features and image processing capabilities of the 925.
Performance
The Lumia 925's Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus with a 1.5 GHz Krait dual-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the 525's 1.0 GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8227. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive on the 925. The 925's processor architecture is also more efficient.
Battery Life
Battery life is a complex factor. While the 525 might have a slightly larger battery capacity, the 925's more efficient processor and display contribute to comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life. Both phones support wireless charging (9W on the 525, implied on the 925), a convenient feature.
Buying Guide
The Nokia Lumia 525 is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality. The Nokia Lumia 925 is best suited for users who value a premium design, a vibrant display, a capable camera, and smoother performance, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia Lumia 525 still worth buying?
The Lumia 525 is a budget option, but its age means limited software updates. It's only worth considering if you need a very basic, affordable smartphone and don't require the latest features.
❓ What operating system did these phones use?
Both the Nokia Lumia 525 and 925 ran Windows Phone 8.1. Software updates were provided, but support has ended.
