Cam unboxes the first Lumia device to come with Microsoft branding, the low-end Lumia 535. Following up on the success of its 520 series range, the 535 offers competitive specs and the latest version of Windows Phone at a low price.
Key Specs include:
5-inch, 540x960 LCD display (220ppi)
1GB RAM
8GB Storage (expandable)
5-megapixel camera on the front and back
Single LED flash on the rear
1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200 processor
802.11 a/b/g/n
Windows Phone 8.1
1,905mAh battery
Will it sell as many units as its predecessor? That's yet to be seen. But for those looking for a first taste of the smartphone market, the Lumia 535 should easily pick up where the 520 series left off. And then some.
The Microsoft Lumia 535 is the first device to be released without the Nokia branding and comes as a successor of the 520 Series. While the phone comes with a single SIM version, the one available for us to unbox was the Dual SIM version of the Lumia 535.
Despite its familiar packaging, it no longer bears the Nokia branding on the box. After sliding out, you’ll find the phone tucked in its tiny tray on the right hand side of the box. Underneath the phone tray, you’ll have the 1905mAh battery; which you can replace, remove and buy a spare battery for the phone. Along with the battery, you’ll find the Quick Start Guide with troubleshooting tips and hints, a power adapter with micro USB connector (bearing the Microsoft name), and a set of cheap headphones. The packaging does not contain a USB cable for the phone.
To boot up the Lumia 535, you’ll need to insert its battery. You simply need to remove the plastic shell from the bottom edge. The battery is very easy to put in. You’ll also notice two SIM slots and a microSD card slot on this area. This is where you can expand the phone’s built-in 8GB storage. Place the shell back on the phone so you can start the phone. The back reveals a very plastic finish that does not feel cheap.
The bottom edge is where you can find the micro USB slot. The left hand of the phone contains nothing, whereas the top is where the 3.5mm headphone jack can be located. On the right side is the power and volume keys. The Microsoft branding on the phone is very prominent on the front and back. You’ll find a 5MP camera with single LED flash on the back and another 5MP camera in front. The size of the Lumia 535 is similar in length and width to the Moto X. Comparing the thickness, however, reveals that the Lumia 535 is much thicker compared to the Moto X. But its overall thickness is similar to the iPhone 6.
The display of the phone comes with a 5-inch 540x960 IPS LCD display with 220ppi. Once it has started, the first impression is that it is not very bright or vibrant—but more faded than the usual. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 but doesn’t come with a curve unlike the other Nokia Lumia devices in the past. The Lumia 535 is powered by a Snapdragon 200 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. In terms of wireless tech, the phone comes with 802.11 a/b/g/n. It also comes with the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1.
It feels fairly comfortable in the hand considering its size and full 5-inch display. With its fantastic price, the Lumia 535 is a decent device with a big screen, well-made feel, and interchangeable brightly colored back covers.
