Behold my new shiny! Ok, not that new seeing as I bought it in February… but newer than my old phone. My previous (and first) smartphone was a Samsung Galaxy S2, which I loved it dearly, but after 2 years I felt compelled to upgrade.
The reason I went with Android last time was simply because it seemed to be the more open and customizable alternative for mobile phones. I have an iPad and when comparing iOS to Android I thought Android looked much more fun to work with. In hindsight I belive it was the right choice, Android suits me way better than iOS.
At first I was aiming for another Android device, but in my search I stumbled upon a bunch of info about Windows phones (WP for short), and got interested.
I like trying out new technology, and the look of both the phones and the user interface really appealed to me. In the end I decided to take my chances with a Nokia Lumia 1020.
The Lumia 1020 comes in black and white too, but I chose yellow because why not?
This isn’t a tech blog, and there are many great reviews out there already, so I’m not going to get into a lot of detail about specs and such. I just wanted to share a few points of interest:
Nokia + Windows phone = drop dead gorgeousness.
The user interface is BY FAR the fastest and most beatiful thing I’ve ever seen. It looks smooth and runs even smoother. I love having colourful tiles instead of icons, it’s fun to change the tiles around and fiddling with colours and sizes to create interesting combinations. I also love how things aren’t hidden in a bunch of menus and folders and stuff, everything is right there, in a list.
I didn’t have any difficulties learning a new operating system either, everything felt intuitive to maneuver. Biggest issue was having the “back” button on the opposite side of the phone. :P
The hardware is equally beautiful. There are no seams or cracks, just one solid shape with a glass display on one side. I love it. If you want beauty, you want a Nokia.
Apps are, unfortunately, not aplenty
There aren’t as many apps for WP as for the others, which I guess is understandable since it has a much smaller userbase.
For me it isn’t much of a problem as I don’t use that many apps and my needs are pretty basic. I want the common social media apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc., and I also want Reddit and Endomondo.
None of that has been problematic to find, but you can tell some of the companies have put way less effort into their WP apps compared to the iOS or Android versions. For example, the standard Instagram app for WP feels like something they scribbled together over the weekend compared to Instagram for Android. Luckily there are unofficial Instagram apps that do the job better.
Can’t say anything about games as I don’t play games on my phones, but I assume it’s the same story there: much less to choose from.
The Lumia 1020 camera is kickass
This phone has a really imressive camera, which is one of the main reasons I wanted it, and it does take beautiful pictures. It’s almost like having a real camera, with all imaginable settings and functions.
I’m not really that knowledgeable about photography, so I don’t know what most of the settings mean, but having this makes me more interested in it. Maybe I’ll finally learn what ISO means, haha!
So far I’m really happy with the phone
It works well and looks good. Because I’m a clutz, I’ve dropped it to the floor a couple of times, but it didn’t seem to mind. Didn’t break anyway. The battery lasts for about 2-3 days with regular use (some surfing, some texting, some calling).
Also, it’s actually kinda fun having an unusual phone. People actually react when they see it and asks questions. :) I haven’t regretted my choice yet.
I’ve had my Lumia 520 for about 6 months now, and I love it. When I first got it, there wasn’t an official Instagram app, so I went with 6tag, which in my opinion is WAY better. :)
I’ve also dropped mine a few times, but Nokia phones are notorious for being unbreakable so it’s unsurprising it’s still intact with no screen cracks!
Also, I love the yellow! Mine only came in black, so I had to dress it up in a red cover. It does the trick, but it’s a bit bulky.
I have 6tag too, and it is great! Way better than the official Android and iOS Instagram apps in my opinion.
I was debating over a Nokia Lumia but went for the iPhone instead simply because I have an iPad and hubby had iPhone so we can share everything easier with the same phone. The Nokia looks so much nicer than the iPhone – loving the yellow! Also Nokia is as you say more durable – I’m so scared of dropping my phone!
I like your new (even though you bought it in February :P) phone! It’s so slim and non-bulky at all… I wish mine was like that but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford a slim-looking phone on the service I’m under. Eh well.
It sounds like you made a tip-top choice for yours phone, too. If you’re ever worried about dropping it and it breaking, you can always look to see if they have cases that will fit your phone that are made out of rubber or something that will protect it :)
Congrats on the new phone! My husband used the S2 too and loved it. He only recently upgraded to another Android.
I have to admit that when developing mobile views, Windows phones gave us trouble, so I can see why the number of apps is lower too. I don’t use many apps, but one of the reasons why I chose iPhone was because I felt like most companies focused on apps for that first.
I’m glad you like your phone! It looks really nice!
Yeah, iPhones get all the fun stuff first… ;) Everyone makes an iPhone app, then an Android and then, maybe, a Windows app. I can live with that, but I understand others might not like it.
Congrats on the newish phone! :) I am glad to hear that it is working out well for you. The tiles are driving me crazy on my Mom’s laptop…and I will have to deal with them when I get my new CPU. I’d probably be completely certifiable if I had to deal with them on a phone as well. :( Although, I am loving the color and Nokia phones are so durable. I just got rid of my first cell phone, which was a Nokia.
I’ve had a play with that phone and I love the camera! Windows OS is off putting for me though as I’m an app lover. I love downloading new games on my phone so the lack of games and other apps on the WP will be a big no no for me.
Took me ages to switch over to Android because apps were just coming out for iOS faster.
Glad you like the phone. I haven’t met many people that do.
Nokia have had a good track record of great quality phones. If I wasn’t already happy with my Android phone, I’d be considering this model for its kick-ass camera.
Also, I don’t understand why people so often drop their phones. I’ve never dropped a phone, ever. 8O
I really want a smartphone. :/ I’d get a phone with a droid operating system, though.
That is so great that you have a phone you really like and works just like you want and need. :D It’s wonderful when you really enjoy a new tech toy. :D
I am an iOS junkie. I had an android phone once, but it confused me so much I changed back. >.< I am more comfortable with things Apple, mainly because most of my tech devices are made by them. xD
That is an amazingly long battery life! :D
I am really amazed at the quality of the cameras on phones. With each new version they get better and better. I have a DSLR camera, and sometimes even with my phone I can still capture a good photograph (although the larger quality isn't quite there).
It’s a big move to change different user interfaces and you seem to have had a perfect transition. I am glad to hear that you like your new phone so far! I love the yellow color!!
I just purchased a Lumia 929 recently, I absolutely love it!
I agree about the apps, that’s the only part I don’t like about it. :D
My last phone was an android but I feel there is nothing wrong with branching out and trying something new.
I was debating the Nokia Lumia when I had my last upgrade, I’d been a Nokia user for years and wanted to stay with the brand. However, after using a previous Nokia smart phone: the Nokia 5800 XPress Music, I changed my mind and went for the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini. The main reason was the apps/games, as you’ve noted the Lumia has a lack of these and I am a heavy app and game user.
My next upgrade is due this year, it’s likely I’ll be sticking with Android. :)
That phone is absolutely GORGEOUS. I wanted to drop my iPhone for awhile (shhh… don’t tell it) but i just can’t. I feel like i’ve spent so much money in apps that i’d be throwing it all away. Not to mention chords, attachments, etc.