eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
2Not a Bad Screen Size for Most Users
3Microsoft Offers Multiple Color Choices—With an Emphasis on Orange
Like other low- to mid-level smartphones on the market, the Lumia 535 comes in a wide range of colors, depending on user preference. Microsoft offers orange, black, gray, green, white and blue models to customers. Which color is best is up to the customer, but Microsoft seems to desire promoting the orange version, given that it has become the color chosen for all of its marketing efforts.
4The Cameras Won’t Blow Your Socks Off
Those looking for a high-end camera experience might want to look elsewhere. The rear-facing camera in the Lumia 535 is just 5 megapixels, putting it toward the lower end of the market. That said, the front camera is also a 5-megapixel lens with a wide angle to maximize the number of people who can be included in a selfie. It’s a neat idea that could attract some customers.
5It Has a Quad-Core Processor—With a Caveat
Like most other smartphones on the market right now, the Lumia 535 has a quad-core processor. However, the device’s clock speed is just 1.2GHz and it’s actually the Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 and not the Snapdragon 800 or 801 that higher-end Android devices are now shipping with. That’s not necessarily a big deal, but it’s something users hoping for more performance should keep in mind.
6The Battery Life Is Quite Strong
One of the benefits of offering a lower-end device is that they typically consume less power and can last a long time on a single charge. According to Microsoft, the Lumia 535 has a maximum talk time over 2G networks of 11 hours and can stay on standby for 23 days. Its maximum talk time on 3G is 13 hours.
7Yes, It Runs Windows Phone 8.1
No surprise here, but Microsoft’s first branded smartphone is running Windows Phone 8.1. The operating system has the tile-based design that customers know from standard builds of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Windows Phone isn’t for everyone, but those who feel comfortable with the current Windows “look” will like what they find in the Lumia 535.
8Cortana Makes an Appearance
Cortana is another important addition to the Lumia 535. Cortana is essentially Microsoft’s version of Siri, Apple’s virtual personal assistant, and the software giant argues that it works better than Apple’s option. Cortana appears to be central to Microsoft’s software plans and will undoubtedly be featured in future Lumia devices.
9There’s Full Access to Windows Phone Store
While the Windows Phone Store is not as big as the Apple App Store or the Google Play marketplace, it’s still growing in size, and many of the most popular apps on other platforms, like Pandora, Shazam and Angry Birds, are available. In addition, Windows Phone supports standard Office and Xbox apps that only expand its usability.
10Skype Comes Bundled With the Device
11Onboard Data Storage Is Limited
Before deciding on the Lumia 535, customers should consider the storage limitations placed upon the device. The handset comes with 8GB of onboard storage, but is expandable up to 128GB with a microSD card. It’s perhaps also worth noting that the Microsoft Lumia 535 comes with 15GB of free OneDrive cloud storage, so that should help get over the paltry amount of space built into the device.