What Critics say about Nokia Lumia 1520 – the biggest 6-inch phablet in the world
Unveiled in Abu Dhabi during the Nokia World 2013 event, Nokia Lumia 1520 was the best Windows phone device yet - according to Engadget. It won the prestigious 2013 GSM Arena’s Smartphone Champions League and it was among of the first few Nokia smartphone’s to run on Snapdragon Quad-core 2.2 GHz processor. With 20 MP camera, 6-inch super-sensitive 1080p HD display, and Windows 8.1 OS, critics were coinciding with their reviews – Lumia 1520 offers a great Windows phone experience.
Do you agree with them? Well, let’s have a second look on how the tech media gave their bold reviews on this Nokia Lumia 1520 a few weeks after its global release.
According to majority of tech bloggers, the specification is impressive. The internal engine is running smart and smooth. The apps are working as great as other Nokia Lumia phones. But what about the actual users experience?
In my search for answers, I explored the review contents of two reputable tech review companies today – Engadget and CNET. What I discovered would make you think that this phone is really essential – for both business and work.
CNET Review
CNET commended the smartphone’s glare-fighting screen but criticized the underperforming voice assistance and call quality features. But as a supersize smartphone - phablet or tablet-like handset as they call it - Nokia Lumia 1520 was a great buy Windows phone for CNET.
Relative to design and quality, they pointed out that the phone’s 6-inch size is not that flabby to fit on almost anywhere – front or back pocket, gadget purse or laptop bag’s side-case. Lumia 1520’s PVC-free and nickel-free product surface makes it handy but the overall design makes it a little bit uncomfortable when used with one hand or when taking photos.
ClearBlack display, the phone’s polarizing filter feature which fights glare in direct sunlight, was admired by CNET. The camera specification is always that impressive but CNET was not satisfied with the performance of the apps that goes with it. In fact, they cited that “Nokia hasn't made fixes… to basically blend functionality into one single app.” Their verdict was that the “image quality isn't as sharp as it is on the 41-megapixel 1020.”
The battery life, CPU speed and data speed performance seemed to convince CNET.
Engadget Review
Noticeably, Engadget’s review was more focused on hardware, software, and market competition. The review team figured out that the smartphone’s top-of-the-line hardware, great imaging software, and solid build quality really provides great user experience.
Like CNET, what Engadget didn’t like about Lumia 1520 is its slippery matte finish. It makes it difficult for the tips of your fingers to rest comfortably on the thin, curve sides of the phone.
Engadget also noticed that the Gorilla Glass 2 is not protecting well-enough the screen from scratches. The Lumia-standard trio of volume is somehow difficult to press because they're nearly buried with the phone's body. The phone’s four mics, which are doing a better job of capturing various types of sound, brought a good impression to Engadget.
When it comes to software, the so-called Black update on Lumia 1520’s software and firmware got positive remarks from the review team. With notifications visible on the lock screen, the night mode displaying extremely subtle hues, and the Refocus lens supporting RAW picture format, tone mapping and noise reduction, they found the phone’s software side truly unique.
Engadget also noticed the device’s Nokia Beamer feature which uses Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 (BLE) technology.
Due to the 6-inch display, Engadget predicted that Nokia Lumia 1520 will face tight competition against other devices of similar screen size. These are the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, HTC One Max, and Sony Xperia Z Ultra.
Based on Engadget’s excellent listing of critics’ reviews – gathered for a period of about one month after the smartphone’s release, Lumia 1520 got a rating of 9.0 from the company itself, 8.0 from CNET, 8.0 from PC Mag, 8.0 from Trusted Reviews, and 8.0 from Photography blog. The overall critics review rating was 7.7. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 got 8.6, HTC One Max got 7.2, and Sony Xperia Z Ultra got 7.3.
Nearly one and half year after its release, Nokia Lumia 1520 is still available from Amazon and BestBuy with 2-year contract under AT&T.
