Nokia Lumia 1520 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia Lumia 1520 is distinguished by its robust and elegant design. It boasts dimensions of 162.8 x 85.4 x 8.7 mm, delivering a sleek profile that fits comfortably in the hand despite its large screen size. Weighing in at 209 g, it provides a reassuring heft without being overly bulky. The device features a polycarbonate shell that is durable and resistant to scratches, contributing to its long-lasting appeal. Available in vibrant colors such as yellow, white, black, red, and green (exclusively through AT&T), the Lumia 1520 offers options for every taste.

Display

The centerpiece of the Lumia 1520 is its stunning 6.0-inch IPS LCD display. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, it delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity, with a pixel density of approximately 367 ppi. The color reproduction is vivid and accurate, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2, ensuring resilience against scratches and minor impacts. The display's contrast ratio of 1207:1 ensures deep blacks and bright whites, contributing to an impressive viewing experience, even under direct sunlight.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Lumia 1520 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, featuring a quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This hardware configuration delivers smooth performance, easily handling multitasking and demanding applications. Initially shipped with Microsoft Windows Phone 8, the Lumia 1520 is upgradable to Windows 10, allowing users to enjoy a more modern interface and access to the latest apps and features from Microsoft.

Camera Capabilities

The Lumia 1520 is equipped with a powerful 20 MP rear camera, featuring Zeiss optics for superior image quality. The sensor boasts a f/2.4 aperture and a 26mm wide lens, supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) to reduce blur in photos and videos. Users can capture detailed images with vibrant colors, and the dual-LED flash ensures well-lit shots even in low-light situations. Video capabilities include 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps recording, accompanied by stereo sound, further enhancing multimedia production capabilities. The 1.2 MP front-facing camera, though modest, is adequate for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a standout aspect of the Lumia 1520, thanks to its large 3400 mAh Li-Ion battery. Users can expect up to 768 hours of standby time on both 2G and 3G networks. It offers an impressive talk time of up to 27 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and up to 25 hours on 3G, making it ideal for users who require reliable communication throughout the day. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging via the Qi standard, adding convenience to the recharging process. For those who enjoy media consumption, the Lumia 1520 provides up to 124 hours of music playback.

Connectivity and Networking

The Nokia Lumia 1520 supports a wide range of connectivity options. It is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing fast data speeds of up to 150 Mbps on LTE Cat4. The device is equipped with modern communication technologies, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and a microUSB 2.0 port. The built-in GPS and GLONASS capabilities ensure precise location tracking, while the inclusion of FM radio expands entertainment options.

Audio and Multimedia

The audio features of the Lumia 1520 are competitive, with a loudspeaker that reaches up to 74dB for calls and 66dB for ambient noise. The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating standard earphones for private listening. The overall audio quality is solid, characterized by a noise level of -89.3dB and crosstalk at -89.4dB, ensuring crisp sound output for both media and communication.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Lumia 1520 comes equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and sensor core. These sensors enhance the usability of the device, providing capabilities like motion detection and screen orientation awareness. While the device has been discontinued, its build quality and feature set continue to make it a noteworthy option for those interested in a robust and feature-rich smartphone experience.

Market Position and Price

When launched, the Nokia Lumia 1520 was priced at approximately 350 EUR, positioning it as an upper-mid-range device. Its comprehensive set of features—ranging from a high-quality camera to a large display and robust battery life—made it a compelling choice for power users and tech enthusiasts alike. Despite its discontinuation, the Lumia 1520 remains an iconic device in the Windows Phone series, celebrated for its innovation in design and functionality.