Help choosing budget Lumia over Android

nc1886

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Hi,
So my dad isn't very tech-savvy, and he recently approached me asking for advice on a new phone. He wants an affordable device that will do all the basics (messaging, email, browsing, some photos, etc), be durable, and perform well. I was thinking either a budget Android or a Lumia. The main advantage of Android is that they offer dual-SIM (right now he has two phones), but I'm a big fan of Nokia and Windows, so that would be my first choice. All the apps he uses are in the Store already so that isn't an issue. WP8 is user-friendly and I think he would find it easy to use. He saw a budget Lumia and was impressed with the price.

Can anyone explain the difference between a Lumia 520, 521, and 525? What's the best to get? Will most of the apps run on devices with 512MB of RAM? Also, does Nokia have any dual-SIM phones? He uses T-mobile and Movistar.

Any help is appreciated.
 

Laura Knotek

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I believe that 'not tech-savvy' rules out Android. For a person who isn't tech-savvy, I'd recommend Windows Phone or iPhone, but never Android. Android can be good, but it is better for a person who is tech-savvy.
 

HoosierDaddy

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520 1nd 521 are virtually indistinguishable spec and performance wise other than possibly the bands (not sure). There are a lot more accessories for the 520 since a lot more of them were made and because the 521 has slightly different dimensions making cases, backs, etc not interchangeable. 520 and 521 have 1/2 GB. The 525 is pretty much just a 1GB 520.
 

nc1886

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520 1nd 521 are virtually indistinguishable spec and performance wise other than possibly the bands (not sure). There are a lot more accessories for the 520 since a lot more of them were made and because the 521 has slightly different dimensions making cases, backs, etc not interchangeable. 520 and 521 have 1/2 GB. The 525 is pretty much just a 1GB 520.

Okay, great, thanks! Does the 1GB in the 525 make a noticeable difference in running Apps?
 

xandros9

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520 - international standard model and on ATT in the US.
521 - US only variant for T-Mo. Slightly taller and slightly different radio hardware. White only.
525 - Upgraded 520 as has been stated. Back cover is glossy by default but 100% swappable with the matte 520 ones.

Nearly all apps run on the 512'ers but primarily the high end fancy games are the ones left out. More memory gives more breathing room for multitasking and is generally better, but I wouldn't consider the markup worth it unless one holds gaming highly.
 

nc1886

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520 - international standard model and on ATT in the US.
521 - US only variant for T-Mo. Slightly taller and slightly different radio hardware. White only.
525 - Upgraded 520 as has been stated. Back cover is glossy by default but 100% swappable with the matte 520 ones.

Nearly all apps run on the 512'ers but primarily the high end fancy games are the ones left out. More memory gives more breathing room for multitasking and is generally better, but I wouldn't consider the markup worth it unless one holds gaming highly.

Awesome, thank you. I'll tell him to go with the 521 then (T-mobile).
 

psgenious

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In my opinion between these 3 you should buy 525 as it has 1gb ram , because maybe some games you or your father wants the most not available for 512 mb ram. Like subway surfers , temple run2 , temple run OZ, amazing spiderman , Gta sa and many more.......
1gb ram is always greater than 512mb ram so there would be slight faster performence in 525 than 520.
I have a L625(512mb) and feeling sad cause of lack of my favourite games on 512mb ram. Some high-end apps are also not available for 512 mb.
 

Saksham Sharma

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Two more things:
1) Will the 521 run WP 8.1?

2) Is the Moneypenny phone rumored to be dual-SIM?

all phones on windows 8 will go to 8.1 but i recommend 525. There do happen to be some things you may miss out later. Besides, it would make your wp8 (and more so, the wp8.1) experience better, as more ram=less resuming times. Anyway, the update for 8.1 wont be available for 2-3 months, maybe more.. You can put the dev preview when it comes, but that'd void your warranty.

And moneypenny is rumoured to be dual sim, but that might be only for countries like India, who knows ?
 

Guytronic

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I'm older with reduced eyesight and I took to the 521 like a hungry dawg to a full food bowl at dinner time.

I play Microsoft Mahjong for hours on the 521.
The only RAM problem I've seen is in music service apps such as Rhapsody.
When I stream the phone will glitch if I try to task anything else.
Also the phone can be a real pain to use in full sun.

512MB of RAM can be limiting depending on device use.
Initially I didn't think it a problem, yet now I see it more and more.

Hard to beat the lower priced Lumia line in a real sense tho.
Best of luck there.
 

Saksham Sharma

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There would be ram problems with browsing in desktop mode, and also with smaller tasks if you do multitasking. The resuming screen might irritate you a bit. I suggest going for 525
 

cuek80

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I have 625. I can say that 512mb RAM doesnt effect with running basic apps, loading time is OK. 625 is better for elder i think, easier on the eye, but the size probably too big for one hand operational and a bit bulky if he usually put phone in pocket, and a bit heavy.
I recommend 520 or 525, both in my opinion are ideal size for pocket. but 525 is better if the budget fits.

fyi, I never try browsing in desktop mode, so dont know if 512mb RAM will give problem.
 

undulose

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If you want a dual-SIM Nokia phone, why not recommend a Nokia Asha from the 500 series? Or from Nokia X series?

Sent from my Nokia Lumia 1520 (RM-937 Malaysia) using Tapatalk
 

Saksham Sharma

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I have 625. I can say that 512mb RAM doesnt effect with running basic apps, loading time is OK. 625 is better for elder i think, easier on the eye, but the size probably too big for one hand operational and a bit bulky if he usually put phone in pocket, and a bit heavy.
I recommend 520 or 525, both in my opinion are ideal size for pocket. but 525 is better if the budget fits.

fyi, I never try browsing in desktop mode, so dont know if 512mb RAM will give problem.

I've had a lot of uc browser crashes in desktop mode. Ie doesnt handle desktop mode well. Besides multiple tabs also are tough to handle on 512mb ram. Also, page loading is slower, and resuming apps gets irritating at times. I'd recommend being future safe, 525 costs just 30$ more. But if that's more than you can spend, then 520 isn't a bad phone either, I'm very very satisfied.
 

HoosierDaddy

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Awesome, thank you. I'll tell him to go with the 521 then (T-mobile).
If you/he do rebates, no-contract 521s are $29 after rebate at MetroPCS (uses same network as T-Mobile) with similar or lower cost plans. Rebate is $40. Offer ends in the 2nd week of April, IIRC.
 

cckgz4

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If you can afford it, get him a 525. 512 Mb ram over time, with me owning a 520 from August to march, does not hold up well
 

Guytronic

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Yer 520-521's are hitting throw away phone prices on occasion.
They sure don't feel like throwaways tho.

A lot of folks don't recognize the long term potential with easy access to the battery and an SD slot.
Amazing pieces of hardware if y'all ask me.
 

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