L830: What we like

[imnotevenhererightnow]

I'll be first to admit that I've got a whole host of critiques about the L830, but I thought it needed a thread where the discussion could have a more positive focus and tone. What are some of the things you're pleased with, optimistic about, or just curious about with the L830?

For me, I'm really intrigued by the Dynamic Flash that's coming on the L830. I like that it has the ability to take two photos (one with, one without flash) and then let the user blend them to some degree. I can't count how many times I feel like the flash on my phone ruined my picture.

Question: Is this just a new bit of software that's coming with the Lumia Camera? That is, can we expect the Dynamic Flash to be something that pops up on the 930/1520/Icon, or is this something specific to the PureView on the L830?

 

[Keith Wallace]

I really like the color options on the back (regardless of my feelings towards the aluminum band). I like the orange much more than the red of the previous launch devices, and I know that my sister will love the green a lot more than the yellow from before. It would be nice to get more options, or even something like the Moto Maker, but as a whole, I think that the color options are an improvement over the x2x device.

I'd also say that getting the removable back is nice, because it means there's the chance of buying a Qi-capable plate if AT&T removes the wireless charging by default, as they did with the 1520. Having a removable battery is a plus, for those who are forgetful with their chargers or ALWAYS on their devices, and improving the size of the battery is always welcome.

Lastly, the storage potential is a positive. Granted, it's a downgrade for those with devices which have 32 GB of storage built-in, but 16 GB on-board is on-par with what Verizon have the 822, and it's double the standard size from the 810/820. That, and going from a 32-GB max in 2012 to a 128-GB max for the expandable storage is cool, even though I doubt many (if any) users make use of the full 144-GB maximum.

It really just sucks that they cut corners on the main components (halving the camera's resolution from the 930, cheaping out on the SoC). I wouldn't mind getting an orange 830 if its performance wasn't so compromised, because it's not a terrible device, when it comes to the details. It's a nice starter device for a Windows Phone 8 novice, but if you've lived in the 8xx or above series already, it's an underwhelming device.

 

[Darthbobcat]

What I'm curious about is that they're making a big deal out of it being Pureview despite the lower number of Pixels. This makes me wonder if there's some sort of optimization or hardware support that will compensate it for being about of the megapixels.

The main thing I'm hopeful about is that I've had a pretty bad experience on my 1520 overall. Hardware issues, software issues, dead pixels, you name it. I loved my 822 back when I was on Verizon, and it performed great about 95% of the time. Heck, it survived about 3 minutes in the washing machine with no issues aside from weirdness in the speaker for the first hour afterwards... and that cleared up. If this thing launches for AT&T (or preferably unlocked) at a good price, I'm all over it. I don't play a WHOLE lot of games on my phone (because I'm a first year teacher and thus busy ALL OF THE TIME), and I suspect I could get by with a Lumia 635 if I had to; I just, again, really loved my 822 and I want to get back to something of that same build quality.

 

[theefman]

What I'm curious about is that they're making a big deal out of it being Pureview despite the lower number of Pixels. This makes me wonder if there's some sort of optimization or hardware support that will compensate it for being about of the megapixels.

The first Pureview WP device was the 920 with an 8.7MP camera. Megapixel count has absolutely nothing to do with being classed as Pureview.

 

[Darthbobcat]

Aha. I had forgotten that. I guess I was more thinking, "Why the 1020 bump?" and accidentally conflated that with Pureview-ality.

So let me rephrase: why the camera bump like the 1020? Are they just trying to make them resemble each other for marketing purposes, or is there something special about the 830's camera that the cosmetic resemblance indicates? Also, why do some pictures seem to have that bump, while others don't? Like this one: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lumia-830-1.jpg Is that a 730 next to it, or am I missing something?

 

[philhachey]

I'm two years into my 920 and I am still happy with it. That's something I couldn't say after 6 months of Android and the never ending feature upgrade cycle.
The one thing I am a little down on is the gaming. I know there aren't many hardcore gamers on WP. But I consider myself to be one.
If the 830 can hold its own against a 1520 in games like mc4 & 5 (something the 920 has trouble with) then id say it will be a perfect phone to last someone 2 years. If it can't, then I will have to wait and see what the 1030? Has... And really if its enough to keep me interested in WP at all.
Other than that I'd say that after carrier subsidies it will be a very enticing phone for anyone besides a gamer.

 

[Chris_Kez]

I'm glad that I might be able to afford it off contract as a replacement for my 920 and not feel like I broke the bank or took a major step backwards while I hope for a new flagship in 2015.

 

[psoham777]

830 would be perfect for the ones who own 520,620,720,625 or even 1gb ram phones like 525, 820,920. If anyone has been using a phone for quite a time now, this is the best time to change your phone. 830 is perfect

 

[Eri Ferdyan Asyari]

830 would be perfect for the ones who own 520,620,720,625 or even 1gb ram phones like 525, 820,920. If anyone has been using a phone for quite a time now, this is the best time to change your phone. 830 is perfect

Is it perfect for 925 user too?

 

[psoham777]

Yeah, but its upto you. If you feel your 925 has less memory, then you could go for it

 

[philhachey]

I think its hard for people to wrap their heads around the fact that the 830 isn't supposed to be an upgrade for the 920. It's supposed to be an upper mid range phone for the x30 class of phones.
The 930 is the upgrade for the 920.... Obviously.
So, if your 920/925/928 are still satisfying your needs. Then why not take a small spec bump to the 830 rather then a large costly one to the 930.

 

[imnotevenhererightnow]

I think its hard for people to wrap their heads around the fact that the 830 isn't supposed to be an upgrade for the 920. It's supposed to be an upper mid range phone for the x30 class of phones.
The 930 is the upgrade for the 920.... Obviously.
So, if your 920/925/928 are still satisfying your needs. Then why not take a small spec bump to the 830 rather then a large costly one to the 930.

Let's face it, the leaked comment by Elop that referred to the device as an "affordable flagship" was the wrong message. This isn't a flagship. It's an unfortunate leak. MS would do well to emphasize that this is a flagship-like experience at a midrange price.

In any case, the more I think about this phone, the more I'm pleased overall. If/when it comes to US carriers, price will determine just how compelling/competitive it will be. Certainly Motorola seems to have some interesting devices priced above and below the 830. I'm curious to see where the next Nexus phone comes in at.

 

[SAM 77]

Coming from an 820 perspective

I like its design, dimensions and weight.
The 5 inch screen albeit modest ppi.
Pureview camera
The larger internal memory 16GB vs 8GB
The improved FF camera though only 0.9 MP is better than the dismal 820 effort.
The much larger battery

 

[snowmutt]

Honestly, this is obvious at this point:

There is a lot to like about this phone. On paper, I think it looks promising and affordable.

I want to see one in action. I am excited for it to show up in the States.

 

[Guytronic]

The 830 might be a "flagship" to me.
I have never had a phone with it's capabilities.

One could say it's not worthy of Flagshipness yet if an upstart smartphone consumer had never had upscale features then maybe it's the pinnacle for them.
User's having had the best perhaps should not judge for those who have never had the best.

I say let people climb the ladder at their own rate without being subjected to prejudice.

 

[a5cent]

why the camera bump like the 1020? Are they just trying to make them resemble each other for marketing purposes, or is there something special about the 830's camera that the cosmetic resemblance indicates? Also, why do some pictures seem to have that bump, while others don't?

The bump is very slight, so you only see it when the scene is lit in a way that highlights it.







"Pureview" is a marketing term that doesn't reflect a specific technical capability or spec, similar to "Retina display". It denotes that the camera represents the best of Nokia's imaging capabilities.







The bump exists because a camera with OIS requires some depth. Nevertheless, the 830 is only phone in its price class to include OIS. If you want a device with optical image stabilization, the 830 is a very good deal.