By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
It was a little over a year ago that Nokia joined the ranks of Microsoft Windows Phone handset partners. By leaving its own burning platform behind for a future with Microsoft, Nokia shook the foundation of the industry. While the company received criticism for joining Microsoft's crusade, it also began a journey to develop the ultimate devices for the newest mobile operating system.
The Lumia 800 and 710, the first Nokia Windows Phones were already far ahead of what had been released by other WP7 partners. Nokia came late to the party so it did its best to offer a fresh perspective on what the ideal Windows Phone device would be not just in terms of hardware but with software as well.
Fast forward to November 2012 and Nokia is now considered the veteran Windows Phone partner. Their flagship Lumia 920 smartphone is the most evolved Windows Phone in the market (currently the third iteration coming from Lumia 800 and Lumia 900 and in just one year).
The list of new and innovative features is staggering with LTE, wireless charging, floating camera lenses, hyper-stabilized camera with low-light capability, 32GB of storage, an expansive 4.5" PureMotion HD+ ClearBlack display and a blazing 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor just for starters.
While other Windows Phone 8 devices focus on sleekness and pocketability, the Lumia 920 has the presence of a hardened Navy Seal with all the tools and hardware for the rigours of day-to-day life. Its muscular profile is offset by one of the most impressive features ever assembled into one device.
First Impressions
The design language and monobloc look of the earlier Lumias and even the Nokia N9, which was one of Espoo's last great Symbian superphones. The Nokia 920 name makes one think that the smartphone has received a minor upgrade but nothing can be further from the truth.
The Nokia 920 is a Nokia 900 that has spent time in the gym and gone through rigorous Mensa training. It is bigger, smarter and a more complete Windows Phone experience.
With a whopping 4.5-inch screen the Nokia 920 feels substantial in one's hand although it is so well balanced that it doesn't feel overly heavy (note, it is heavier than an iPad mini). It might weigh down shirt pockets and slacks but should be fine in most jackets.
The 4.5 inch PureMotion HD+ screen is bright and renders colours accurately (which helps with taking great photos), it is also sensitive enough that you can use it with gloves, a first for smartphones.
While most of the lively coloured Lumia 920s are done up in a glossy finish, our black review device was matte black just like the Nokia 800. The unibody polycarbonate shell feels strong and secure and can take a beating. Nokia's portfolio manager Chad Saliba told us of an incident where his personal device got knocked out of his hand and flew crashing to a hard floor. While the device did get scuffed, the 'burn' on the surface wore well over time and the the Gorilla Glass remained unscathed.
The layout of the buttons, including that of the dedicated camera/ shutter button, feels natural and the buttons themselves are quite responsive.
The Lumia 920 feels like a tool, a grown-up's smartphone. The design simply fades into the background as the functionality and the various immersive experiences are front and centre.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Lumia 920