Nokia Lumia 635 vs. Lumia 625: A Detailed Comparison

Nokia's Lumia series offered compelling budget Windows Phones. The Lumia 635 and 625 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 Lumia 635 edges out the 625 thanks to its quad-core processor and slightly better sunlight display contrast. While both offer solid value, the 635's improved performance makes it the preferable choice for smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia Lumia 635	Nokia Lumia 625

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

Launch
Announced	2014, April. Released 2014, June	2013, July. Released 2013, August
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)	133.3 x 72.3 x 9.2 mm, 87.6 cc (5.25 x 2.85 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Micro-SIM	Micro-SIM
Weight	134 g (4.73 oz)	159 g (5.61 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 2
Resolution	480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~221 ppi density)	480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~199 ppi density)
Size	4.5 inches, 54.3 cm2 (~62.9% screen-to-body ratio)	4.7 inches, 62.9 cm2 (~65.2% 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 Krait
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
GPU	Adreno 305	Adreno 305
OS	Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1	Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1

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

Main Camera
Features	Panorama	LED flash
Single	5 MP, 1/4.0", AF	5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	-	VGA
	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, 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 90 h
Stand-by	Up to 648 h	Up to 552 h
Talk time	Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G)	Up to 24 h (2G) / Up to 15 h 10 min (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 1830 mAh, removable (BL-5H)	Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable (BP-4GWA)

Misc
Colors	Bright Orange, bright green, bright yellow, white, black	Orange, Bright green, Yellow, Black and white
Models	-	RM-943, RM-941
Price	About 110 EUR	About 160 EUR
SAR	0.97 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body)	0.66 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.75 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body)	0.95 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise -90.3dB / Crosstalk -82.5dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 66h	-
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 771:1 (nominal), 2.056 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 1205:1 (nominal) / 1.371:1 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB	Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 68dB

Nokia Lumia 635

Quad-core processor for better performance
Excellent sunlight display contrast
Longer battery life (claimed)
Slightly more modern design

Camera performance is average
Limited storage (typically 8GB)
Windows Phone OS is discontinued

Nokia Lumia 625

More affordable
Good display contrast (nominal)
Compact and lightweight

Dual-core processor - slower performance
Weaker sunlight display contrast
Shorter battery life
Windows Phone OS is discontinued

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 4.3-inch display, but the Lumia 625 boasts a superior nominal contrast ratio of 1205:1 compared to the 635's 771:1. However, the 635 shines in direct sunlight with a contrast ratio of 2.056, significantly better than the 625's 1.371:1. This means the 635 is more viewable outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature a 5MP main camera and a front-facing camera. Image quality is comparable, though the 635 might offer slightly improved image processing due to its more powerful chipset. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.

Performance

The Lumia 635 holds a clear advantage here. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, offering noticeably better performance than the Lumia 625's dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait processor. Expect smoother app loading and multitasking on the 635.

Battery Life

The Lumia 635 claims an impressive endurance rating of 66 hours, significantly higher than what was typically observed for the Lumia 625. While real-world usage varies, the 635 generally provides longer battery life.

Buying Guide

The Nokia Lumia 635 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly better outdoor display. The Lumia 625 is a good option for those seeking a slightly more affordable device and are less concerned with raw processing power.