Microsoft’s Lumia 830 poses big threat to iPhone and Android smartphones
Fresh from Microsoft Mobile line, the Lumia 830 plans to pose a big threat to current leaders like Apple's Iphone and Samsung smartphones. With this newest entry, Microsoft squeezes into one device called the metal framed body and PureView camera of high-end Lumias into a mid-range smartphone level. However, with the attempt to balance quality and pricing, it is always the latter aspect that is sacrificed.
Let's look at the following review that was reported by Engadget.com.
The Hardware
Sporting a squared body at 139.4x70.7x8.5mm and weighs 150g (making it taller, thinner and lighter compared to its predecessor) with a solid metal frame and with two pairs of thin plastic strips found on the top and bottom edges(for radio frequencies to pass through) of the device.
The front part comes in Gorilla Glass 3 that rises slightly above the aluminum body while the back has a removable plastic cover which allows easy access to its swappable battery and nano-SIM and microSD slots. The microSD supports up to 128GB cards to add up to the 16GB onboard memory. This model has no 32GB available with an IPS LCD (1,280x720display). This model has a 5-inch screen size. Even if not equipped with the AMOLED, users will more likely enjoy the accurate colors and good viewing angles of 830's screen.
The ports and buttons of the Lumia 830 is basically the same on the old Lumias. On the right, a volume rocker is found near the top, a power key in the middle and a dedicated camera key at the bottom. The headphone jack is at the front and center along the top edge and a micro-USB port up there as well.
It has a matte finish that is nice to touch and greasy fingerprints resistant. Color is available in orange and other selections which may vary depending on the location. Microsoft also offers various flip cover shells if you prefer extra protection.
The Software
Powered by Windows Phone 8.1, the OS boasts of a solid notification center, home screen wallpapers and swiping support in the keyboard. The Lumia Glance screen offers the time, date and some notifications when the display is off. It is equipped with standard Lumia apps like Here Drive, Skype and Mix Radio and other third party apps like Facebook and Flipboard.
The PureView Camera
Lumia 830 is not equipped with the 20MP resolution of the Icon or the 930, but it offers 10MP camera main shooter, optical image stabilization and improved responsiveness. The mid tier camera of this model is good enough for daily shooting.
Performance and Battery Life
The Lumia 830 runs on Quad-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 and 1 GB RAM giving it mid range performance. Apps launch and close quite fast and the OS provides smooth browsing experience.
To summarize, the advantages of having the Lumia 830 are its solid frame, its impressive image-stabilized rear camera and generally good everyday performance. The downside of this new device is its struggle on games, its average front camera and quirky white balance on its screen.
Landing on Australian phone stores priced at AUD $579, according to ITWire.com.
