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Budget phone gets smarter [New Straits Time (Malaysia)](New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) RARE QUALITY: Although an entry-level smartphone, the Lumia 530 is packed with features found on high-end devices, learns Laili Ismail Question: What is it? Answer: The Lumia 530 is the most affordable Windows phone by Microsoft Mobile Devices to date. Available since last month and running on the latest Windows Phone 8.1, the dual SIM device combines the best of Lumia and Microsoft technologies and includes features found on highend smartphones. Question: How big is the display? Answer: It has a four-inch LCD FWVGA (854 x 480 pixels) screen. It's clear enough for browsing the Internet and reading articles on the phone. However, don't expect much when you are using it outdoors in sunlight. Question: How is the build, look and feel? Answer: Weighing 129g, it has an angular and basic design while its interchangeable back panel (available in bright orange, bright green, white and dark grey variants) is made of matte-finish plastic. Its curves and edges make for a device that sits comfortably in the hand. Question: For a budget smartphone, how well does it perform? Answer: The device runs on 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor. This means no stuttering lag while flicking through the basic Windows interface - a rare quality among entry-level smartphones. However, loading an app or moving from app to app is not as snappy. The call and sound quality are reasonably robust, as expected from Lumia models. The internal speaker, however, produces a grating effect at top volume. Question: How's the battery life? Answer: The device has a Li-ion 1430 mAh battery, which means it can deliver the single-charge-for-aday usage and it is removable. On 3G connection, the talk time is up to 10 hours, while on 2G, it is up to 13 hours 20 minutes. Question: Is the camera good? Answer: The five-megapixel sensor produces decent images, but under poor or low-light conditions, the quality dwindles. The camera lacks an LED flash. With a fixed-focus camera instead of auto-focus, the device does not allow proper macro-photography and close-up shots. Although it lacks a front camera, a Lumia app called Glam Me can help users to take voice-guided selfies with the rear camera. Question: How big is the storage? Answer: If you want to load up on content and apps, the 4GB on board memory is not enough, but there is also an additional 15GB of free cloud storage on Microsoft OneDrive. In addition, there is a microSD slot that allows up to 128GB storage. Question: Are there any special features? Answer: Besides the seamless integration with Microsoft services, namely Skype and Microsoft Office, popular applications, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, WeChat, Viber, MyTeksi and AirAsia, are all available in the Windows Phone Store. The phone may also help you to manage data costs with its Dual SIM 3G feature. Question: Should you buy it? Answer: The RM355 price tag would attract the most price- sensitive buyers who either can't afford a costlier device or prefer a rudimentary smartphone without outstanding specs. Lumia 530 would also draw youngsters with its interchangeable back panels with popping colours. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |