Microsoft Lumia 435 Complete Specs Pricing and Review

Overview

The Microsoft Lumia 435 is an entry-level smartphone introduced by Microsoft in January 2015 and released in March of the same year. It was aimed at providing a budget-friendly option for consumers looking to experience the Windows Phone ecosystem. Packed with modest features, the Lumia 435 seeks to deliver essential functionality for users who prioritize value and simplicity over cutting-edge technology.

Design and Build

At first glance, the Lumia 435 showcases a simple yet practical design. It features dimensions of 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm and weighs around 134.1 g. The phone is built with durability in mind, featuring a robust plastic body. The design is straightforward and functional, ensuring ease of use. Its compact size and light weight make it convenient for one-handed use and easy to carry around.

Available in a range of colors including black, white, green, and orange, the Lumia 435 offers users a touch of personalization. The back panel is removable, allowing access to the replaceable Li-Ion 1560 mAh battery, which adds to the phone's utility.

Display

The Lumia 435 sports a 4.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. While this might not be the highest resolution by modern standards, it provides sufficient clarity for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, reading emails, and using apps. The pixel density of approximately 233 ppi ensures that text and images appear clear and legible.

The display's compact size and sufficient brightness ensure that users can navigate the phone comfortably in various lighting conditions, although direct sunlight visibility may be somewhat limited.

Performance

Under the hood, the Microsoft Lumia 435 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 chipset. The phone features a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 302 GPU. While these specifications are quite modest, they are adequate for handling basic smartphone functions such as calling, texting, and running lightweight applications.

With 1GB of RAM, the Lumia 435 manages to provide a smooth enough performance for everyday activities. However, more demanding apps and multitasking may cause noticeable slowdowns. The phone's internal storage is 8GB, but this can be expanded via the dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to store additional photos, music, and apps.

Operating System

The Lumia 435 initially shipped with Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, which was upgradable to Windows 10 Mobile. This allows users to enjoy a variety of features including live tiles, Microsoft Office integration, and compatibility with a wide range of apps available on the Windows Store.

The Windows operating system is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Microsoft services, making it an attractive option for users who rely on applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Skype.

Camera

The Lumia 435 is equipped with a basic 2MP rear-mounted camera with an f/2.7 aperture and a 36mm standard lens. Though not designed to compete with higher-end smartphone cameras, it is serviceable for occasional photography needs. The camera supports video recording at 480p@30fps, which aligns with its entry-level status.

On the front, a VGA selfie camera allows for video calls and basic selfies. While not offering exceptional photo quality, it is sufficient for communication purposes and capturing quick snapshots.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Lumia 435 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G and 3G connectivity. It provides necessary communication features without the support for LTE. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Positioning capabilities include A-GPS and GLONASS, providing reliable location tracking for navigation and location-based services. Additionally, it supports FM radio with RDS, enabling users to enjoy local radio broadcasts. While it lacks NFC functionality, the phone includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor.

Battery Life

The Lumia 435 is powered by a 1560 mAh removable Li-Ion battery. This capacity allows for reasonable battery life given the phone’s specifications and target usage. Standby time is rated at up to 504 hours on both 2G and 3G networks, while talk time is around 21 hours on 2G and approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes on 3G.

For music playback, the phone promises up to 64 hours of listening time. Although the endurance rating of 58 hours might not seem impressive by today’s standards, it suffices for a phone in the budget category, ensuring that users can go about their daily activities without frequent recharging.

Pricing and Value

Initially launched at around 70 EUR, the Lumia 435 positioned itself as an affordable smartphone option for budget-conscious consumers. While the phone has since been discontinued, it represented good value for money at the time of its release, offering essential features at a low price point.

Consumers interested in a straightforward, no-frills device may appreciate the Lumia 435 for its simplicity, practicality, and integration with Microsoft's suite of services.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Lumia 435 was designed to cater to an audience seeking affordability and functionality in a compact package. While it lacks the bells and whistles of modern flagship devices, it delivers the basics required for daily communication and media consumption. Its seamless integration with Microsoft services and capability to upgrade to Windows 10 made it a reasonable choice for users within the Windows Phone ecosystem at its time of release.