The Nokia Lumia 1020 wowed audiences during its unveiling touting a Windows 8 OS and a 41MP camera. While the camera is the main focus of the phone, the Nokia Lumia 1020 boasts a 1.5GB dual-core processor, HD screen, 2GB of memory and 32GB of internal storage.
Most reviewers do find the Lumia 1020 to be a bit on the bulkier side thanks to the 41MP camera. The phone itself weighs around 158 grams (5.57 ounces), which is slightly lighter than its predecessor the 920 but over 56 grams (2 ounces) heavier than the iPhone 5 and is 10.4mm thick, which is far thicker than many other smartphones.
As Brad Molen of Engadget points out, the thickness of the phone and bulk of the camera “make for a rather awkward hand-held experience” though most reviewers agree that eventually users will get used to handling the device. Molen goes on to mention that the 1020 is extremely well-built with a sturdy polycarbonate body that is both fingerprint and dirt resistant, though these features also lead to the phone being more slippery.
All reviewers agree that the best feature of this phone is its high quality camera as well as the numerous related apps. The camera comes with a Xenon Flash, which boasts a white balance closer to daylight. Marc Flores of TechRadar mentions that the flash is far more powerful than the standard LED flashes on most smartphones and offers excellent coverage noting that the flash photography is, “not bad on the Lumia 1020.” The related camera apps allow users to adjust color balance, shutter speed and more before taking the picture and then offers a slew of apps to adjust the image after it has been taken. Consumers can also take relatively high-quality video with the phone and edit before posting to sites like YouTube.
Despite the power of the camera, there are a couple drawbacks. According to Flores, the camera itself is slow to start up, taking a second longer than the iPhone 5. Flores goes on to mention that it takes longer to process and save images due to its large size, which prevents consumers from firing off pictures in rapid succession.
Overall, most reviewers agree that the 1020 offers a solid performing phone for basic use and a stellar camera. Matthew Miller of ZDNet notes that this is the “best Windows Phone device I have used over the last three years.” Others are more reserved with their consensus. Engadget notes that while the phone generally performs well, there were issues with the speakerphone and problems with frozen buttons. TechRadar mentions the lack of apps for Windows 8 and states that the phone is better for consumers “who don't spend too much time in apps, and find themselves messaging and emailing and browsing the web more…”
The Good: 41 megapixel rear-facing camera, sturdy dirt and fingerprint resistant body, only Windows 8 phone with 2 gigabytes of memory.
The Bad: Lack of apps for Windows 8 phones, slow camera start up, cannot take pictures in rapid succession.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- James A., GSM DomeWe give the Lumia 1020 a 9.3 out of 10 for design, a 9 for hardware and an 8 for OS and UI. The final grade is 8.76 out of 10, but we’ll round it up to 9 because of the excellent camera on board. You won’t find a better cameraphone on the market right now… trust me!
- Dhruv Bhutani, Fone ArenaLet’s put it straight. The Lumia 1020 is the best camera phone you can buy right now. There’s absolutely no doubt about that. Its everything that the Nokia 808 aspired to be and then more. Compelling hardware with a camera that blows away point and shoots alongside a modern operating sys...
- Richard Goodwin, Know Your MobileThe Lumia 1020 is an interesting device. It has a market-leading camera, a unique overall design, plus excellent battery life and performance. However it is difficult to recommend the device with a new Nokia flagship –– the Lumia 1520 –– just around the corner.The 1520 has a...
- Daniel Bader, Mobile SyrupThe Lumia 1020 is simultaneously projected forward by Nokia and held back by Microsoft. The former is at the peak of its design game, but as it moves into Microsoft’s headquarters it needs to do for Microsoft’s software what it has managed to do for its hardware. I just can’t rely...
- Richard Goodwin, Know Your MobileThe Nokia Lumia 1020 is a great handset with lots to offer but there are several things that’d make us think twice about recommending it: size, app selection, Windows Phone 8's foibles, the price and the fact that it is about to be usurped by the upcoming Lumia 1520
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Nokia Lumia 1020 user manual here.
Nokia backs up the Lumia 1020 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Lumia 1020 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Nokia support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Nokia's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Nokia Lumia 1020 Manual (PDF)
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