Nokia Lumia Icon Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Breakdown

Display

The Nokia Lumia Icon features a 5.0-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a pixel density of ~441 ppi. This high resolution provides sharp and vibrant visuals, making it suitable for watching videos, viewing photos, and general usage. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing an additional layer of durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Design and Build

The device has dimensions of 137 x 71 x 9.8 mm and weighs 167 g, giving it a solid and robust feel in the hand. It is designed with a sleek body, available in black and white colors, appealing to users looking for a professional appearance. The use of premium materials makes the device both durable and comfortable to hold.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 20 MP main camera featuring Zeiss optics, the Lumia Icon stands out in the realm of photography. The camera is enhanced with autofocus, optical image stabilization, and a dual-LED flash, allowing for high-quality images under various lighting conditions. Video capabilities include capturing 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos, enriched with stereo sound recording. The front-facing camera is 1.2 MP, suitable for basic selfies and video calls.

Performance

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset and a quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU, the device delivers smooth performance across applications and multitasking. The Adreno 330 GPU enhances the experience for graphics-intensive applications and games, ensuring fluid visuals and responsiveness. The Lumia Icon comes with 2GB of RAM, supporting efficient performance.

Memory and Storage

The Lumia Icon provides internal storage of 32GB, which should be adequate for storing a fair library of apps, photos, and music. However, it lacks a card slot for expandable storage, which may limit users requiring more extensive storage capabilities.

Operating System

Originally running on Microsoft Windows Phone 8, the device can be upgraded to Windows 10, offering users access to newer features and updates. The Windows Phone platform, known for its smooth and intuitive interface, provides a unique user experience with live tiles and seamless integration with Microsoft services.

Connectivity Options

The Lumia Icon supports a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, ensuring high-speed internet access. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and aptX post-WP8 Denim update, GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and a microUSB 2.0 port supplement the connectivity suite. The presence of FM radio offers additional entertainment options for users.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2420 mAh battery, offering up to 432 hours of standby time and up to 16 hours and 20 minutes of talk time on 3G. The Lumia Icon supports wireless charging using the Qi standard, providing convenience for users. Music playback time of up to 75 hours is another strong point, catering to audio enthusiasts.

Audio and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting standard audio outputs. Users can enjoy their favorite music, videos, and more through various audio accessories, benefiting from crisp and clear sound quality.

Sensors

The Nokia Lumia Icon is equipped with necessary sensors to enhance the user experience, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and sensor core. These sensors facilitate various functionalities, from auto-rotating the display to enabling advanced location-based services.

Network and Connectivity

The Lumia Icon supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE technologies, ensuring comprehensive network compatibility across various regions. It operates on multiple frequency bands, including 2G, 3G, and 4G, with a maximum LTE speed of up to 150/50 Mbps. This ensures users can stay connected on the go, experiencing fast browsing and download speeds.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in February 2014, the Nokia Lumia Icon was a flagship device that showcased the best of Nokia’s hardware in conjunction with Microsoft’s software. Although it has been discontinued, the device remains a popular choice amongst enthusiasts and collectors of Windows Phone devices.

Final Thoughts

The Nokia Lumia Icon remains a significant part of Nokia's legacy in the smartphone industry. With its powerful camera, robust build, and dynamic display, it catered to users who valued media consumption and productivity. While the limitations in storage expansion and OS ecosystem posed challenges, its design and functionality offered a novelty that appealed to many during its time. As the smartphone market has evolved, the Lumia Icon is a reminder of the innovative strides Nokia and Microsoft took in providing unique and quality smartphones.