Nokia Lumia 620: Smart Enough?

Nokia Lumia 620

Ketan Kundargi finds out if the reasonably priced Nokia Lumia 620 match up to competing high-spec Android devices.

Amongst the multiple phones launched by Nokia, the Lumia 620 is an interesting offering. It is placed in a category populated with many competing budget smartphones. It packs a dual-core 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM and 8GB of internal memory. And of course, the Windows Phone 8 experience.

The 3.8-inch display is a not-soimpressive 480 x 800 pixels in resolution. But the ClearBlack technology ensures it is legible in bright outdoor conditions. But one wonders why the screen is not only smaller than the Lumia 720 but also smaller than the cheaper and lower-end Lumia 520.

Good Ergonomics… But Poor Functionality
The build of the Lumia 620 makes it a pleasant cameraphone. The slightly thicker body along with the matte back cover, ensures solid grip and stability. The dedicated two-press camera button on the side is a great addition. It is a one-click shortcut to the camera app.

But once you have switched on the camera app, the problems spring up. Just one flash mode, absence of continous shooting mode and no metering options are a disappointment. No shortcuts for basic controls like ISO, Exposure and White Balance means going to the settings panel every time you want change any setting.

Admirable Performance
The Lumia 620 comes with a much superior lens than a lot of its competititors. It performs well in a wide variety of light conditions and delivers excellent contrast, good sharpness and reproduces the colour as is. It also offers Cinemagraph and Smart Shoot features borrowed from the high-end Lumia 920.

If all you want is a camera on you, the Nokia Lumia 620 is a great option at a price of Rs. 14,515. You can even consider the Lumia 520 (Rs. 10,000) which has the same camera without flash. But just remember, if you are buying a cameraphone to make use of several photo apps, you would be better off with an Android smartphone.

Even at ISO 800, noise is not very obtrusive and the colour and contrast in the image is admirable by cellphone standards. Photograph/Ketan Kundargi

At a Glance
Specifications
5MP, LED Flash, Windows Phone 8, 3.8-inch TFT screen, 1 GHz dual-core processor, 8GB storage (expandable), 1300mAh battery, Rs. 14,515

What We Like
Excellent image quality, dedicated camera button

What We Dislike
Lack of camera features, very few apps, a bit slow

Why Buy It?
It might not be a great a smartphone, but is definitely a great cameraphone at this price.

Final Ratings
Camera Features
Cinemagraph, no spot metering, no burst mode
10/15

Image Quality
Great colours and contrast, good low light performance
32/35

Video Quality
Excellent quality 720p video for a cameraphone
17/20

Handling
One click button for camera, matte body ensures solid grip
13/15

Speed and Responsiveness
Takes time to open apps, tends to switch off often 10/15

OVERALL: 82%