The Nokia Lumia 635 and Microsoft Lumia 435 were both popular budget Windows Phone options. But with slightly different specs and features, which one offered the better value? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia Lumia 635 edges out the Lumia 435 thanks to its superior display contrast, slightly better performance due to the quad-core processor, and longer battery life. While both are budget devices, the 635 provides a more polished and enjoyable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - RM-974 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 - RM-974 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 17 - RM-975 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, April. Released 2014, June | 2015, January. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm, 78.5 cc (5.10 x 2.63 x 0.36 in) | 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm (4.65 x 2.55 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 134.1 g (4.73 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~221 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 54.3 cm2 (~62.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, |
| | ClearBlack display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 302 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, 1/4.0", AF | 2 MP, f/2.7, 36mm (standard), 1/5.0" |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| Video | - | 480p |
| | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, sensor core | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 58 h | Up to 64 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 648 h | Up to 504 h (2G) / Up to 504 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G) | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 45 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1830 mAh, removable (BL-5H) | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Bright Orange, bright green, bright yellow, white, black | Black, White, Green, Orange |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 66h
|
Endurance rating 58h
|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 771:1 (nominal), 2.056 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Nokia Lumia 635
- Better Display Contrast
- Faster Performance (Quad-Core)
- Longer Battery Life
- Slightly Better Camera
- Older Model
- Limited App Availability (Windows Phone end of life)
Microsoft Lumia 435
- Lower Price Point
- Compact Size
- Basic Functionality
- Slower Performance (Dual-Core)
- Weaker Display
- Shorter Battery Life
- Limited App Availability (Windows Phone end of life)
Display Comparison
The Lumia 635 boasts a significantly better display with a contrast ratio of 771:1 (nominal) and an impressive 2.056 in sunlight, making it much more readable outdoors. The Lumia 435's display, while functional, lacks this level of contrast and visibility in bright conditions. Colors are more vibrant and blacks are deeper on the 635.
Camera Comparison
While neither phone excels in camera quality, the Lumia 635 generally produces slightly better images thanks to its potentially better optics and image processing. Both cameras are adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Both feature 5MP rear cameras.
Performance
The Lumia 635's quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor gives it a noticeable performance advantage over the Lumia 435's dual-core counterpart. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive on the 635. The 435 can feel sluggish at times, especially with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Lumia 635 holds a clear advantage in battery life, with an endurance rating of 66 hours compared to the Lumia 435's 58 hours. This translates to noticeably longer usage between charges, a significant benefit for budget users.
Buying Guide
The Nokia Lumia 635 is ideal for users who prioritize a better display and smoother performance, even on a budget. The Microsoft Lumia 435 is a good option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and basic functionality, accepting compromises in performance and screen quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are apps still available for these phones?
Due to the end of life for Windows Phone, app availability is extremely limited. Finding new apps is unlikely, and many existing apps may no longer be supported.
❓ Which phone is better for basic calling and texting?
Both phones are adequate for basic calling and texting. The Lumia 435 might be slightly more comfortable to hold due to its smaller size, but the Lumia 635 offers a better overall experience.
