In his article, Reasons to be frustrated with Microsoft and Windows Phone, Elroy highlighted a few things about the Windows Phone platform that needs addressing, and I see fair points in some of the things that he said. However, he made a statement that I am convinced is entirely untrue, and here I quote him:
The year 2014 is almost over and Microsoft never released a serious flagship for WP. A flagship device is like a flag bearer for any Smartphone or OS maker, it represents the best of what a manufacturer has to offer- as at time of release- and its the reference point to, or for any other device, the manufacturer will make next, be it mid-range, low-end, or another flagship.
The best phones to come from Microsoft this year were Lumia 930 and Lumia 1520. The 930 isn’t a serious flagship in terms of its hardware, specs (compared with iOS and Android), and it’s overbearing weight.
The Lumia 930’s specs are so god, that I did a comparison with iPhone 6 earlier. But it is fun doing another comparison.
Since he specifically mentioned a comparison with iOS and Android, I hereby present to you a comparison table featuring flagships from both platforms head-to-head against the Lumia 930. See for yourself if it is true that the 930 isn’t a serious flagship in terms of specs:
| Nokia Lumia 930 | Samsung Galaxy S5 | Apple iPhone 6 |
| 137 x 71 x 9.8 mm. 167g | 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm. 145g | 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm. 129g |
| Display: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.0 inches (~441 ppi pixel density) Gorilla 3 | Display: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.1 inches (~432 ppi pixel density) Gorilla 3 | Display: 750 x 1334 pixels, 4.7 inches (~326 ppi pixel density). Shatter proof glass |
| Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400. Adreno 330 | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400. Adreno 330 | Dual-core 1.4 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based). PowerVR GX6450 (quad-core graphics) |
| 2 GB RAM | 2 GB RAM | 1 GB RAM |
| 20 MP, 4992 x 3744 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization, autofocus, dual-LED flash | 16 MP, 5312 x 2988 pixels, phase detection autofocus, LED flash | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 pixels, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Video: 4K@24fps, 1080p@30fps, optical stabilization, stereo sound rec. | Video: 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, dual-video rec. | Video: 1080p@60fps, 720p@240fps |
| 32 GB internal storage. No external | 16/32 GB. microSD, up to 128 GB | 16/64/128 GB internal storage. No external |
| HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Browser: HTML5. Media downloads | Browser: HTML5. | Browser: HTML5. Media downloads |
| Bluetooth connectivity & file transfer | Bluetooh connectivity | Bluetootth connectivity & file transfer |
| Misc: Cortana voice assistant. FM radio. | Misc: Google Now voice assistant. Smart stay. Smart pause. Smart scroll. Air gestures | Misc: Siri voice assistant. Fingerprint sensor. Apple Pay |
| 2,420 mAh battery | 2,800 mAh battery | 1,810 mAh battery |
The 930 is smaller than the Galaxy S5 (though it is thicker and heavier), has a better screen pixel density than both competitors and the ClearBlack Display has better contrast and sunlight visibility, matches both their processors, has better camera than both (arguable, but even then does not fall behind), video is arguable, but it wins out-rightly in the area of stereo sound and 4k-quality recording, matches both competitors in data speeds, and the web browser is just as good.
I have used and compared it with other flagships, and the Lumia 930’s only real weak point is the battery life. Apps can be argued. Why? I have ALL the apps that I need and use available.
Have a look at that table again, specs-wise, the Lumia 930 is every inch a competent flagship. It is not just within range, it beats its competitors in a few areas. As a matter of fact, the 930 is so good that in my review, I called it “almost perfect”. Elroy, sir, I have presented facts. Over to you 😉
Lol the iPhone 6 has HD screen not FHD.
And Lumia 930 with Lumia denim can now shoot 4k video.
Dazall
Mister Mo abeg, please lend/rent Elroy a Lumia because I’m convinced he hasn’t used a Lumia on a full time basis. He should use it for a good few months, then come back and remind us of all that was “frustrating” about it in 2014.
I agree with you on the battery life thing though (finally I hear you say). Why oh why didn’t they make the 930 with a battery life similar to the 1520?
Game on!!!