Is it a good idea to get the Lumia 1020 as my first smartphone?

[WPCentral Question]

I'm finally in the market for my first smartphone. All I really wanted in a phone was a nice camera and a way to stay connected in one pocketable device, so the Lumia 1020 seems like a good fit. It's available for free if I sign a two-year contract, too, which I'm seeing as a plus. (Correct me if this is a bad idea.) I'm still facing a couple of questions, though, that I can't seem to find answers to elsewhere.

- All the reviews for it naturally came out within a few months of its arrival. Given that it's a year old or so, how does it stack up against the competition now -- especially when it comes to the camera?
- Also given its age and niche appeal, how in danger is it of becoming obsolete? I've read that the sequel is coming out soon and that they will stop selling it soon.
- Any other regrets you might have or other things to know?

I appreciate any info you can give. I apologize in advance if these questions are overly simplistic or repetitive. Again, I'm new to all of this.

 

[Guytronic]

I've been into Windows phones for a number of months now and I wish that the 1020 would have been my first one.

Settled for the 925 and am somewhat happy there, yet the the 1020 to me would be the paramount when it comes to a camera with a phone built in.

 

[Miska Hietala]

For me the 1020 has been a breeze to use. Everything works without hiccups. In terms of hw, the 1020 can't compete with newer models, but in my opinion on WP hw doesn't matter. Have tried the 930 and 1520 on shops, and they are just as fast and smooth as the 1020.
The camera on other hand - nothing else comes close. Only downside is shoot to shoot times which takes like 2-4s. You can reduce that time by taking only 5mpix supersampled pictures but then again you lose lossless zoom. I like the way the 1020 is very distinctive looking device. If you enjoy taking best possible pictures with your smartphone, the 1020 is the one to go for
Sent from my NeverAndroidAgain**1020** via Tapatalk

 

[Miska Hietala]

Tho have to say that if "good enough" pictures are o.k with you, you can consider the 930 as it is bit more future proof phone.
Sent from my NeverAndroidAgain**1020** via Tapatalk

 

[salmanahmad]

I'm finally in the market for my first smartphone. All I really wanted in a phone was a nice camera and a way to stay connected in one pocketable device, so the Lumia 1020 seems like a good fit. It's available for free if I sign a two-year contract, too, which I'm seeing as a plus. (Correct me if this is a bad idea.) I'm still facing a couple of questions, though, that I can't seem to find answers to elsewhere.

- All the reviews for it naturally came out within a few months of its arrival. Given that it's a year old or so, how does it stack up against the competition now -- especially when it comes to the camera?
- Also given its age and niche appeal, how in danger is it of becoming obsolete? I've read that the sequel is coming out soon and that they will stop selling it soon.
- Any other regrets you might have or other things to know?

I appreciate any info you can give. I apologize in advance if these questions are overly simplistic or repetitive. Again, I'm new to all of this.

The Lumia 1020 sports nearly two year old hardware but that isn't a huge problem because Windows Phone has never really required a whole lot of processing power to work efficiently.

As far as camera goes there are different aspects to it. If you prefer speed for taking photos of your children or capturing fast moving sports, etc you are better looking somewhere else.

However if your preference is detail and you mostly photography still subjects, the camera will do a pretty amazing job.

But maybe just maybe if you can afford it I would advise getting the Lumia 930 instead.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Miska Hietala]

Although you can take good action shots with xenon flash. It freezes movement pretty well
Sent from my NeverAndroidAgain**1020** via Tapatalk

 

[rumpelst]

You can make a 10 picture in 3 seconds if you want. You need only to choose smart sequence mode. In Nokia camera you have three modes to choose. Picture, video and sequence. Using normal mode in dynamic scenario is pointless cause saving a 34 mpx picture takes time. I bought 1020 last month cause I wanted best camera in my smartphone and I'm very happy with this Lumia. If you are not determine to have best camera you can take 930 which is great shooter.
Sent from my RM-875_eu_poland_956 using Tapatalk

 

[js8229]

I think the 1020 is a fine choice. I'm just coming back to 1020 from my 1520 this week. Can't wait to be back on it.

 

[salmanahmad]

You can make a 10 picture in 3 seconds if you want. You need only to choose smart sequence mode. In Nokia camera you have three modes to choose. Picture, video and sequence. Using normal mode in dynamic scenario is pointless cause saving a 34 mpx picture takes time. I bought 1020 last month cause I wanted best camera in my smartphone and I'm very happy with this Lumia. If you are not determine to have best camera you can take 930 which is great shooter.
Sent from my RM-875_eu_poland_956 using Tapatalk

Smart Sequence photos are very less detailed.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[rumpelst]

@salmanahmad True but it is not possible to make such detailed pictures because you need to have fast shutter speed for moving objects which usually ends with higher ISO. You cannot also save full resolution image (34 mpx ) from a sensor cause it would take to much time to save it. Resolution is 5mpx. You have the same limitation on other cameras. In good light pictures are quite good. In mediocre to poor light and short distance ( indoor ) you can set focal length before, set short shutter speed and flash on and touch camera button on the screen. Then reaction is instant and you have much better picture than on any others phone that will get crazy with ISO cause any other have just led light assist..
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[undulose]

I'm finally in the market for my first smartphone. All I really wanted in a phone was a nice camera and a way to stay connected in one pocketable device, so the Lumia 1020 seems like a good fit. It's available for free if I sign a two-year contract, too, which I'm seeing as a plus. (Correct me if this is a bad idea.) I'm still facing a couple of questions, though, that I can't seem to find answers to elsewhere.

- All the reviews for it naturally came out within a few months of its arrival. Given that it's a year old or so, how does it stack up against the competition now -- especially when it comes to the camera?
- Also given its age and niche appeal, how in danger is it of becoming obsolete? I've read that the sequel is coming out soon and that they will stop selling it soon.
- Any other regrets you might have or other things to know?

I appreciate any info you can give. I apologize in advance if these questions are overly simplistic or repetitive. Again, I'm new to all of this.

For your first concern, check GSMArena's blog site. Nokia Lumia 1020 is still the reigning king in their new smartphone shootout, although their article says that Android manufacturers are near in beating it (possible in two years, earliest? :3)

Second concern. When are you planning to buy the phone, just in case?

Third concern. How are you going to use it? The 1020's battery isn't that sufficient for heavy users who rely mostly on their phones for browsing, viewing photos and gaming (like me, except for the gaming part). If that's the case, you may be better off with the 1520 (which I have). I have uploaded photos taken with my 1520 on my Google+ account, if you want some reference (although I have edited the RAW images with Adobe Camera Raw).

 

[pjw2000]

Thank you all for your responses. (Yes, it's the same guy. I had to sign up for an account to reply.)

undulose:

- I saw that article after I posted the original question. Good to know.
- I plan on buying it pretty soon, like within a week or so. I've been researching for the past week.
- I plan on using it mainly for social media, talk/text, organizing, some browsing and app use, music, and a ****-ton of picture-taking. Probably not a lot of gaming. Any thoughts on getting the camera grip? It comes with a supplemental battery.

 

[jargonz]

The Lumia 1020 still has the best camera of any phone in any platform. And it is still my daily phone. It is really devoted to photography with its 41-megapixel sensor, the xenon flash and the optical image stabilization. The only other phone with a camera that comes close to 41 megapixels is the Lumia 1020's predecessor, the Nokia PureView 808. But pushing 41 megapixels means that the phone takes a little bit more time between shots. You could speed it up a bit by choosing a lower resolution.

One thing I like about the Lumia 1020 is its iconic look. It is very easy to spot. I see that yellow case with a big black circle frequently on TV.

I rarely get into a low-battery situation with my Lumia 1020. But then I always keep my phone charged at home and at work. I attached a wireless charging cover to make that task easier. For the rare battery emergencies, I always carry a small fully-charged power bank (Energizer XP3000M).

My Lumia 1020 came with the camera grip. But I only bring the grip when I know I would be taking lots of pictures. One problem is that I could only attach either the grip or the wireless charging cover but not both at the same time. If I only need the extra battery, I just bring my power bank, which is smaller and has a more powerful battery.

 

[jojoe42]

My 1020 is my first smartphone, no regrets. Although the 930/1520 are technically prepared better for the future in terms of hardware, nothing can top that camera

 

[amrut_m]

Have been using 1020 for more than a year now, still love the way it is,
Awesome and timeless design, Built like a TANK, survived 5 feet fall wit no damage rather than housing which doesn't look bad.
Hump on the Camera Tells everyone this is a MEAN LOOKING CAMERA PHONE,
Ample of storage, 2GB RAM means its a bit future proof but to be honest is let down by the processing power.
Gorilla Glass 3 is so silky smooth, never used screen guards rather never will.
Battery life is HIT or a MISS, if you use chat apps alot, then the battery drains out fast, i get about 12 hours of battery life with heavy usage.

Was supposed to Upgrade to 1030 when it was rumored to be out, but MS/ NOKIA canned the plans.
So now sticking with the 1020.

To be Frank, you will get spoiled easily with the 1020's camera,would never look back of having anything else.


If you looking for good battery life and future proof phone, would suggest go for 1520, if your OK with the SIZE.