Notebookcheck Logo

Review Nokia Lumia 1020 Smartphone

Camera or phone? With an almost absurd resolution of 41 megapixels, the Lumia 1020 ridicules the entire competition. The rest of the specs, however, have remained almost unchanged when compared to the Lumia 925. Whether its high amount of pixels remains the only advantage of the Finnish smartphone, our review will show.

For the original German review, see here.

Our newest test device is Nokia's recently announced Lumia 1020, a Windows Phone based camera smartphone with an unprecedented amount of 41 megapixels - such a high resolution has never before been found in a serious mobile device. With a screen diagonal of 4.5-inches, the Lumia 1020 is barely smaller than the HTC One, but it suffers from a slightly outdated display resolution of 1280x768 pixels, not quite enough for such a costly device. The SoC, a Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960, is made by Qualcomm. It comes with a dual-core Krait CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz and is accompanied by a lush amount of 2 GB of RAM. Our test will not only reveal the performance of the rest of its hardware, but also whether its killer feature, the camera, is worth all the marketing praise.

Case

How we test - Case

The Lumia 1020's build quality is great.
The Lumia 1020's build quality is great.

Our first hands-on experience concluded with an unusual thought: Batman would be proud to call this smartphone his own. The device with its black matte finish offers supreme build quality and sturdiness - no creaking, no uneven clearances, no sharp edges and perfect torsion-resistance. The smartphone is incredibly comfortable to hold and even the metal bulge of the lens doesn't change this first impression. It does, however, wobble a lot when being placed on an even surface such as a table.

Our test device measures 130.4 x 71.4 x 10.4 mm. It would have been a lot thinner and lighter (it weighs 158 grams) if it weren't for the enormous bulge. When compared to the Lumia 925, the Lumia 1020 comes out as the larger of the two, despite its identical screen sizes of 4.5-inches. Apart from our black version, the camera smartphone can be had in white and yellow as well.

Connectivity

How we test - Connectivity

The positioning of the ports and buttons has remained the same as with the rest of the Lumia series. On top, the micro SIM tray and the central 3.5 mm Line In/Out port can be found. While the left side remains unused, the volume rocker, the power button and the camera button can all be found on the right. The mono speaker and the micro USB port are located at the bottom.

The internal storage space of 32 GB is non-expandable. 2 GB is used by the OS so that 29 GB remains being user-accessible (according to the storage checker).

Below: microUSB port
Below: microUSB port
On the right: Power button, camera button, volume rocker
On the right: Power button, camera button, volume rocker
On top: 3.5 mm Line In/Out port
On top: 3.5 mm Line In/Out port
On the left: No buttons
On the left: No buttons

Software

No surprises here: Once more, Nokia uses Windows Phone 8. It has remained optically unchanged. The system settings have also stayed the same as with the older models of the Lumia series.

Nothing to complain about with the GPS module.
Nothing to complain about with the GPS module.

Communication & GPS 

The Lumia 1020 comes with a broad range of communication modules, ranging from an LTE modem with a maximum download speed of 100 Mbit/s to a Wi-Fi module in accordance with the 802.11 a/b/g/n standard (which comes with great reception and a great range) as well as Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC (near field communication) for shorter ranges. There is also an optional accessory for inductive charging.

In order to use navigation software (such as Google Maps), an aGPS module has been built into the device. As we are used to with Nokia smartphones, the module works flawlessly, even indoors. We haven't had any unexpected discontinuances during our tests.

Telephone Functions & Speech Quality

We have tried to find faults with the speech quality in a number of test calls: None could be detected. Our partner at the other end could always be heard clearly and loudly. The distortion filter works wonders too, reducing background noise and improving our overall impression. Even the speakerphone works rather well, although we wouldn't recommend using it with high ambient noise levels. A good in-ear headset might be a superior option under these circumstances.

Cameras & Multimedia

This is definitely the aspect into which Nokia has invested the most with this high-end phone. The sensor of the main camera comes with a staggering, unprecedented amount of 41 megapixels. The 6-lens Tessar system made by Zeiss is combined with a 1/1.5" sensor (which amounts to a diagonal of 0.67 cm). A bright maximum aperture of f2.2 should help with achieving well-lit pictures even without the help of the built-in Xenon flash. Since the lens comes with a fixed focal length of 26 mm, only digital zoom is possible (3x, almost loss-less). Macro mode works up to a distance of 15 cm. Even though all of these features are rather impressive, none of the pictures can be saved as .raw (raw data format). The camera module comes with optical image stabilization and a backlit image sensor for improved sensitivity.


Google Nexus 4
Google Nexus 4
Google Nexus 4
Google Nexus 4
Google Nexus 4
Google Nexus 4
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 1020 (5 MP)
Nokia Lumia 1020 (5 MP)
Nokia Lumia 1020 (5 MP)
Nokia Lumia 1020 (5 MP)
Nokia Lumia 1020 (5 MP)
Nokia Lumia 1020 (5 MP)
Reference: Sony Alpha A57, 16 MP
Reference: Sony Alpha A57, 16 MP
Reference: Sony Alpha A57, 16 MP
Reference: Sony Alpha A57, 16 MP
Reference: Sony Alpha A57, 16 MP
Reference: Sony Alpha A57, 16 MP
Here, the camera resolution can be changed.
Here, the camera resolution can be changed.

In order to become a useful tool for more ambitious photographers as well, Nokia has included a large number of freely customizable functions, ranging from the shutter speed and the ISO value to exposure and manual focus settings. Browsing the menu also leads to a rather helpful revelation ("capture mode") which shows that getting a single image with 41 megapixels is not truly possible: It is "merely" possible to choose an image size of 34 megapixels in addition to the standard 5 megapixels (the latter lower-resolution photograph is always saved). Alternatively, switching to an aspect ratio of 4:3, images with 38 megapixels can be saved in addition to those with 5 megapixels.

A picture with 5 megapixels is taken ...
A picture with 5 megapixels is taken ...
...together with the large one (34 megapixels).
...together with the large one (34 megapixels).
The difference between the two pictures ...
The difference between the two pictures ...
...can mainly be noticed when zooming in.
...can mainly be noticed when zooming in.
Switching to an aspect ratio of 4:3 ...
Switching to an aspect ratio of 4:3 ...
...leads to an increased maximum size of 38 megapixels.
...leads to an increased maximum size of 38 megapixels.


Thus, the Lumia 1020 always saves two pictures - the only difference being their resolution. Image quality is great and highly satisfying. In addition, a number of interesting extra features are available, such as a series of up to 5 pictures taken in a row. These can later be thrown together on a computer in order to produce an HDR image. Alternatively, just the best one can be kept, with the others being deleted.

Up to 5 pictures can be taken in a series ...
Up to 5 pictures can be taken in a series ...
...with different exposure levels.
...with different exposure levels.
Later, on a PC, ...
Later, on a PC, ...
...these can be combined into one HDR picture.
...these can be combined into one HDR picture.
Alternatively, just the best one can be kept.
Alternatively, just the best one can be kept.
Of course, a panorama picture is just as easy to shoot. Usually, the results are quite good.
Of course, a panorama picture is just as easy to shoot. Usually, the results are quite good.
Sometimes though, mistakes can be found (as seen with the stairs in this example).
Sometimes though, mistakes can be found (as seen with the stairs in this example).


Non-stationary objects can simply be removed.
Non-stationary objects can simply be removed.
Alternatively, the app can choose to follow specific moving objects.
Alternatively, the app can choose to follow specific moving objects.

The "Nokia Smart Cam" allows the user to choose from a number of different editing modes which apply to a series of pictures shot by the camera in short bursts.

One possibility is to simply select the "best photo". "Action mode" emphasizes moving objects while "movement focus" only depicts moving objects sharply. It is also possible to "remove moving objects". All of these features work as advertised, yielding good results. Unfortunately, all photos made with the "Nokia Smart Cam" app can only be saved with 5 megapixels.

It is possible to either choose the "best photo", ...
It is possible to either choose the "best photo", ...
...to emphasize the action via "action mode", ...
...to emphasize the action via "action mode", ...
...to blur all non-moving objects, ...
...to blur all non-moving objects, ...
...and to "remove moving objects" from a picture.
...and to "remove moving objects" from a picture.

Accessories & Warranty

The Lumia 1020 ships with the usual (modular) power adapter, a printed quick start guide, an in-ear headset and 7 GB of Cloud storage for Microsoft's SkyDrive.

More accessories can be found online, among them an extra handle which improves the grip on the phone when used as a camera.

As with all Lumia devices, the standard warranty of 24 months is included. The non-replaceable battery and the other accessories (including the power adapter) come with 12 and 6 months of warranty respectively.

Input Devices & Handling

Handling the device feels intuitive at all times.
Handling the device feels intuitive at all times.

The capacitive touchscreen reacts quickly and precisely. Navigating the colorful (and by now well-known) Modern UI of Windows Phone 8 feels fast, smooth and intuitive. It shouldn't prove to be a major hurdle for beginners. A virtual keyboard is used for text input, requiring 70% of the screen real estate when used in landscape mode although this does get better in portrait mode.

Display

How we test - Display

It may be "just" a 4.5-inch "low"-resolution display - but it does sport OLED technology.
It may be "just" a 4.5-inch "low"-resolution display - but it does sport OLED technology.

Unfortunately, the 4.5-inch display comes with one major disadvantage: A resolution of just 1280x768 pixels is a lot less than the Full HD displays most of the high-end competitors of the Nokia Lumia 1020 have to offer. The average brightness of the OLED panel has been measured at 287.9 cd/m². Due to the Windows Phone system settings, only three distinct brightness values can be chosen manually - this is far less comfortable than for Android or iOS devices. Subjectively, 88% brightness homogeneity is more than enough (although much more than 90% is required for perfect marks in this section). Since the black levels are close to zero, the contrast ratio is basically infinite to 1. This, of course, couldn't be any better.

275
cd/m²
280
cd/m²
304
cd/m²
272
cd/m²
283
cd/m²
308
cd/m²
273
cd/m²
286
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
24-bit, ClearBlack tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 310 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 287.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 283 cd/m²
Contrast: 28300:1 (Black: 0.01 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.83 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.35 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.27

The Lumia 1020 overemphasizes blues and reds. This might become a problem whenever the high-resolution photos are to be examined or even edited on the device. The grayscale behavior comes close to our ideal line, despite of a small deviation for the brighter grays.

Color rendition
Color rendition
ColorChecker
ColorChecker
Grayscale rendition
Grayscale rendition
Color saturation
Color saturation

Thanks to its maximum display brightness and its extreme contrast ratio, the Lumia 1020 remains usable even in sunlight - especially so if the display brightness is manually set to its maximum value (something which becomes relevant from time to time, whenever the automatic adaption mechanism fails).

As is the case for all OLED displays, the panel of the Lumia 1020 offers superb viewing angles with perfect color rendition and great contrast down to extremely narrow angles. The Lumia 1020 comes close to the best possible performance in this regard.

Thanks to the Lumia 1020's OLED display, its viewing angle stability is great.
Thanks to the Lumia 1020's OLED display, its viewing angle stability is great.
As is its outdoor usability.
As is its outdoor usability.

Performance

How we test - Performance

Snapdragon S4
Snapdragon S4

The Lumia 1020 ships with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 SoC which has been used in a number of Windows Phone devices, ranging from the Nokia Lumia 925 to the Samsung ATIV S. The ARMv7-based Krait dual-core CPU is clocked at 1.5 GHz and has been manufactured using a 28 nm process. The only major difference when compared to the Lumia 925: The Lumia 1020's amount of RAM has been doubled to 2 GB.

Not many synthetic benchmarks exist for Windows Phone 8 smartphones, at least at the time of writing. One of these is the so-called GFXBench which can also be run on iOS and Android devices. The results are discouraging (as are those of browser-based benchmarks): For example, the recently tested LG G2 takes the lead by a whopping 545%. Sunspider 0.9.1 is the only benchmark where the camera smartphone stands a chance when compared to iOS- and Android-based high-end devices. Still, its subjective performance levels are more than sufficient. Everything feels smooth and lag-free when navigating the UI.

GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
5.9 fps
Nokia Lumia 925
6.3 fps +7%
Apple iPhone 5
13.6 fps +131%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
15 fps +154%
LG G2
21 fps +256%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
3.1 fps
Nokia Lumia 925
3.3 fps +6%
Apple iPhone 5
6.7 fps +116%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
15 fps +384%
LG G2
20 fps +545%
Browsermark - --- (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
597 points
Nokia Lumia 925
1721 points +188%
Apple iPhone 5
2383 points +299%
HTC One
2152 points +260%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
2502 points +319%
LG G2
2646 points +343%
Octane V1 - Total Score (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
612 Points
Nokia Lumia 925
593 Points -3%
Apple iPhone 5
1663 Points +172%
HTC One
1986 Points +225%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
2290 Points +274%
LG G2
3014 Points +392%
Mozilla Kraken 1.0 - Total (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
48418 ms *
Nokia Lumia 925
43449 ms * +10%
Apple iPhone 5
20380 ms * +58%
HTC One
13059 ms * +73%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
13779 ms * +72%
LG G2
14334 ms * +70%
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
331 Points
Nokia Lumia 925
335 Points +1%
Apple iPhone 5
863 Points +161%
HTC One
683 Points +106%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
555 Points +68%
LG G2
829 Points +150%
Sunspider - 0.9.1 Total Score (sort by value)
Nokia Lumia 1020
915 ms *
Nokia Lumia 925
932 ms * -2%
Apple iPhone 5
935 ms * -2%
HTC One
1138 ms * -24%
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
1095 ms * -20%
LG G2
874 ms * +4%

Legend

 
Nokia Lumia 1020 Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960, Qualcomm Adreno 225, 32 GB SSD
 
Nokia Lumia 925 Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960, Qualcomm Adreno 225, 16 GB iNAND Flash
 
Apple iPhone 5 Apple A6, PowerVR SGX543MP3, 32 GB SSD
 
HTC One Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 APQ8064T, Qualcomm Adreno 320, 32 GB SSD
 
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 APQ8064T, Qualcomm Adreno 320, 16 GB iNAND Flash
 
LG G2 Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974, Qualcomm Adreno 330, 32 GB SSD

* ... smaller is better

Videos & Games

The dual-core SoC is fast enough even for Full HD playback, as we have tested with a number of .mkv movie files with a maximum data rate of 6100 kBit/s.

The same holds true for all of the games which we have tried out (3D Brutal Chase, AE 3D Moto and Bubble Shootix). This is not the first time that we notice that a dual-core SoC is more than enough to power all the features of Windows Phone devices.

The Lumia 1020 is fast enough for all current games, ...
The Lumia 1020 is fast enough for all current games, ...
...even of the 3D variety.
...even of the 3D variety.

Emissions

How we test - Emissions

Temperature

On average, the case temperature of the Lumia 1020 doesn't exceed 40 °C under full load, with up to 38.1 °C on the front and 39.9 °C on the back. Five areas on the back do, however, exceed this limit and thus any user's body temperature, making it uncomfortable to hold for longer stretches of time. Under medium or no load, the SoC requires far less power, reducing these temperature levels by approximately 10 °C, with almost all values coming to lie below 30 °C.

Max. Load
 36.3 °C
97 F
38.6 °C
101 F
37.6 °C
100 F
 
 38 °C
100 F
39.5 °C
103 F
37.9 °C
100 F
 
 38.4 °C
101 F
39.6 °C
103 F
37.2 °C
99 F
 
Maximum: 39.6 °C = 103 F
Average: 38.1 °C = 101 F
34.7 °C
94 F
41.6 °C
107 F
39.6 °C
103 F
35.6 °C
96 F
43.2 °C
110 F
41.4 °C
107 F
36.5 °C
98 F
44.3 °C
112 F
42.5 °C
109 F
Maximum: 44.3 °C = 112 F
Average: 39.9 °C = 104 F
Power Supply (max.)  34 °C = 93 F | Room Temperature 22.6 °C = 73 F | Voltcraft IR-350
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.1 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.6 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.3 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.

Speakers

The mono speaker is located at the bottom of the device, right next to the microUSB port. The maximum volume should be enough for occasional music streaming or similar purposes. It is also possible to connect external speakers or headphones via the 3.5 mm Line In/Out port or via Bluetooth. Up to around 70% of the maximum volume, all sounds remain clear and undistorted, only becoming unpleasantly tinny for higher volume levels.

Energy Management

How we test - Battery Life

Power Consumption

As with other Lumia smartphones, power consumption levels are great: 0.0 watts while turned off, a constant consumption rate of 1.5 watts while in standby mode (since the clock remains active at all times), 1.5 to 2.5 watts while idle or barely challenged and 3.4 to 4.7 watts under full load (Full HD movies, 3D games, etc.).

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 1.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.5 / 2.2 / 2.5 Watt
Load midlight 3.4 / 4.7 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

Using the WP Bench Free app, we have tried to evaluate the minimum possible battery life of the Lumia 1020 while under full load: 2:39 h is on par with the Lumia 925 (2:51 h), but it lags behind recent Android flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the LG G2. During the more relevant Wi-Fi test, we managed to squeeze 10:31 h out of the Lumia 1020's battery. This is a good value, as is 15:58 h of idle runtime at lowest possible display brightness settings. Recharging the battery takes 2:38 h.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
15h 58min
WiFi Surfing
10h 31min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 39min

Verdict

Lumia 1020, the high-resolution monster, as reviewed by NBC.
Lumia 1020, the high-resolution monster, as reviewed by NBC.

This is the first ever smartphone with such a high camera resolution. Previous attempts from other manufacturers, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom, have not sold very well. But the Lumia 1020 has a lot more to offer than just its enormous 41 megapixels sensor (albeit nothing which is not already known from the Lumia 925). The amount of RAM has been doubled to 2 GB, but this doesn't go along with any improvements in terms of performance as can be seen by a quick glance at our benchmark results.

The main camera with its Carl Zeiss optics proves to be a great addition, although Nokia does cheat a bit with the number of truly available megapixels. The Xenon flash delivers especially superb results, leading to homogeneous and lifelike illumination of almost any subject. Luckily, the Lumia is not poised to remain a niche product since it remains a fully functional smartphone without any restrictions (apart from its thickness). But if one deems taking photographs to be unimportant and if one doesn't see any differences between the pictures taken by the Lumia 1020 and any ordinary smartphone camera with 5 megapixels, then it might be better to have a look at another model within the Lumia range. After all, with an RRP of 699 Euros (~$945), the Lumia 1020 is certainly no bargain.

Test device provided by ...
Read all 3 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review: Nokia Lumia 1020 - test device provided by:
In Review: Nokia Lumia 1020 - test device provided by:

Specifications

Nokia Lumia 1020 (Lumia Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
Memory
2048 MB 
Display
4.50 inch 5:3, 1280 x 768 pixel, capacitive, 24-bit, ClearBlack, OLED, Multitouch, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB SSD, 32 GB 
, 29 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5mm Line In/Out, Sensors: Ambient brightness sensor, acceleration sensor, barometer, 3D position sensor, proximity sensor, compass, aGPS module
Networking
802.11a/b/g/n (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 3.0, LTE, UMTS (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 10.4 x 130.4 x 71.4 ( = 0.41 x 5.13 x 2.81 in)
Battery
8 Wh, 2000 mAh, Talk time 2G (according to manufacturer): 19.1 h, Talk time 3G (according to manufacturer): 13.3 h, Standby 3G (according to manufacturer): 16 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Phone 8
Camera
Webcam: Rear camera: 41 MP, Front camera: 1.2 MP
Additional features
Speakers: Mono speaker, Keyboard: virtual, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
158 g ( = 5.57 oz / 0.35 pounds), Power Supply: 61 g ( = 2.15 oz / 0.13 pounds)
Price
699 Euro

 

Nokia's most recent innovation: A smartphone with 41 megapixels.
Nokia's most recent innovation: A smartphone with 41 megapixels.
The Lumia 1020 ships with a 4.5-inch display ...
The Lumia 1020 ships with a 4.5-inch display ...
...sporting almost the same look as its predecessors.
...sporting almost the same look as its predecessors.
Even the placement of its ports ...
Even the placement of its ports ...
...and buttons has remained the same.
...and buttons has remained the same.
The only major difference becomes evident on the back of the device:
The only major difference becomes evident on the back of the device:
The enormous camera module comes with 41 megapixels ...
The enormous camera module comes with 41 megapixels ...
...and even a xenon flash.
...and even a xenon flash.
Of course, there is also ...
Of course, there is also ...
...a webcam on the front ...
...a webcam on the front ...
...which is capable of delivering decent images.
...which is capable of delivering decent images.
A useful feature: The display can be calibrated.
A useful feature: The display can be calibrated.
The Lumia 1020 sports an OLED display.
The Lumia 1020 sports an OLED display.
Unfortunately, it only comes with a standard HD resolution.
Unfortunately, it only comes with a standard HD resolution.
Nokia should have done better in this regard.
Nokia should have done better in this regard.
When turned off, the lens is hidden ...
When turned off, the lens is hidden ...
...behind a protective curtain, remaining invisible.
...behind a protective curtain, remaining invisible.
Even without the camera bulge, the device would be on the thick side.
Even without the camera bulge, the device would be on the thick side.
The OS ...
The OS ...
...has remained the same: Windows Phone 8, ...
...has remained the same: Windows Phone 8, ...
...as on all Lumia devices.
...as on all Lumia devices.
29 (of 32) GB remains accessible to the user ...
29 (of 32) GB remains accessible to the user ...
...but the storage space cannot be extended.
...but the storage space cannot be extended.
There is not much space left while typing in portrait mode ...
There is not much space left while typing in portrait mode ...
...and it gets truly cozy in landscape mode.
...and it gets truly cozy in landscape mode.

Similar Devices

Similar devices with the Same Specs

Devices with the same GPU

Review BlackBerry Q5 Smartphone
Adreno 225, Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960, 3.10", 0.12 kg
Review BlackBerry Q10 Smartphone
Adreno 225, Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960, 3.10", 0.139 kg

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Nokia X30 smartphone review: Nokia's fastest eco-smartphone
Adreno 619, Snapdragon SD 695 5G, 6.43", 0.185 kg

Links

Price Check

Pros

+Great camera with 41 megapixels
+Fine build quality
+Sufficiently fast
+LTE module
 

Cons

-High retail price
-Display resolution could be Full HD
-Non-replaceable battery
-No options for storage expansion

Shortcut

What we like

All high-end Lumia devices sport the exact same great build quality - even though they are all made from plastic.

What we'd like to see

The same hardware had already been used in older Lumia smartphones. The display resolution hasn't changed either. With an RRP of 699 Euros (~$945), an update of one or two components would have been nice, if only to give a feeling of increased variety within the Lumia series.

What surprises us

The main camera not only yields highly detailed pictures (due to its supreme resolution), but also superb ones in almost every respect. In addition, the camera comes with useful software features for all possible scenarios.

The competition

Nokia Lumia 925

HTC One

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

Samsung Galaxy S4

Apple iPhone 5

LG G2

Ratings

Nokia Lumia 1020 - 04/01/2014 v4(old)
Daniel Schuster

Chassis
91%
Keyboard
54 / 75 → 72%
Pointing Device
92%
Connectivity
40 / 60 → 67%
Weight
92%
Battery
91%
Display
87%
Games Performance
51 / 63 → 81%
Application Performance
29 / 70 → 41%
Temperature
80%
Noise
100%
Audio
64 / 91 → 70%
Camera
98%
Average
75%
85%
Smartphone - Weighted Average
Daniel Schuster, 2013-09-29 (Update: 2018-05-15)