So with Microsoft officially announcing the Lumia 730 and 830, I thought we'd all chime in with some thoughts.
In regards to the Lumia 830, I was a disappointed that Microsoft didn't opt for the Snapdragon 800 or even 600, but I can see why they opted for the S400. Firstly, Windows Phone just runs well on light hardware, and the S400 + 1GB combo should be enough for everything a normal consumer would do on such a phone in terms of running their favourite apps and games.
Secondly, the Microsoft Mobile division is probably under some pressure to raise the Lumia ASP, hence the reason for selling a phone for $150-200 more than similarly spec'd Windows Phones (from XOLO, Prestigio, etc).
The point, at the end of the day, isn't to give normal users flagship specs, but rather, flagship experiences at an affordable price-point. In other words, it is to bring stuff such as PureView, Qi Charging, etc, to those who can't or won't shell out $600-700+ for a phone. Such people exist, they're utilitarian in nature and view phones as a means to achieve an end, not the end itself.
I honestly don't expect the Lumia 830 to stay in the 330 Euro price point for very long nor everywhere. I think in North America it may end up being sold for around $350 off-contract.
As for the Lumia 730/735, I don't really have much to say besides the hope that a Qi charging back will be made available and that it reaches a price-point of $250-275 off-contract.
Overall, kudos to Nokia and Microsoft for devising a clever messaging point, i.e. the 'bring flagship experiences to the masses.' But Microsoft should go further. It should also drive home the point (and I hope it backs it up in practice) of Lumia phones being reliable and capable, i.e. the phone to get if you value dependability (as you would get an iPhone for luxury and a Galaxy for features).
I understand that recent Lumia models have dodgy QA, hence my concern, but it's possible (my first gen Surface Pro's still holding out, strong as ever!).
Another hope... Microsoft should bring Cortana's passive listening to the masses as well. Doubt it can achieve it with the current 730/830, but it should definitely aim for it with the 740/840.
In regards to the Lumia 830, I was a disappointed that Microsoft didn't opt for the Snapdragon 800 or even 600, but I can see why they opted for the S400. Firstly, Windows Phone just runs well on light hardware, and the S400 + 1GB combo should be enough for everything a normal consumer would do on such a phone in terms of running their favourite apps and games.
Secondly, the Microsoft Mobile division is probably under some pressure to raise the Lumia ASP, hence the reason for selling a phone for $150-200 more than similarly spec'd Windows Phones (from XOLO, Prestigio, etc).
The point, at the end of the day, isn't to give normal users flagship specs, but rather, flagship experiences at an affordable price-point. In other words, it is to bring stuff such as PureView, Qi Charging, etc, to those who can't or won't shell out $600-700+ for a phone. Such people exist, they're utilitarian in nature and view phones as a means to achieve an end, not the end itself.
I honestly don't expect the Lumia 830 to stay in the 330 Euro price point for very long nor everywhere. I think in North America it may end up being sold for around $350 off-contract.
As for the Lumia 730/735, I don't really have much to say besides the hope that a Qi charging back will be made available and that it reaches a price-point of $250-275 off-contract.
Overall, kudos to Nokia and Microsoft for devising a clever messaging point, i.e. the 'bring flagship experiences to the masses.' But Microsoft should go further. It should also drive home the point (and I hope it backs it up in practice) of Lumia phones being reliable and capable, i.e. the phone to get if you value dependability (as you would get an iPhone for luxury and a Galaxy for features).
I understand that recent Lumia models have dodgy QA, hence my concern, but it's possible (my first gen Surface Pro's still holding out, strong as ever!).
Another hope... Microsoft should bring Cortana's passive listening to the masses as well. Doubt it can achieve it with the current 730/830, but it should definitely aim for it with the 740/840.
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