When comparing Nokia Lumia 1020 vs Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, the Slant community recommends Nokia Lumia 1020 for most people. In the question“What are the best Windows phones?” Nokia Lumia 1020 is ranked 2nd while Microsoft Lumia 950 XL is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Nokia Lumia 1020 is:
The 1020 offers a powerful 41 megapixel camera that for some maybe a point and shoot replacement. The camera offers powerful OIS (optical image stabilization) to allow for slower shutter speeds in low light conditions and smooth video. The camera has no optical zoom but with 41 megapixels and oversampling software, software zooming is much improved. Nokia also offers powerful manual controls and other camera applications to take advantage of the camera. One disadvantage of the 41 megapixels is the shot to shot time. In normal camera operation without burst mode the camera takes its time to save the image before you can take the next shot.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Amazing camera
The 1020 offers a powerful 41 megapixel camera that for some maybe a point and shoot replacement. The camera offers powerful OIS (optical image stabilization) to allow for slower shutter speeds in low light conditions and smooth video. The camera has no optical zoom but with 41 megapixels and oversampling software, software zooming is much improved. Nokia also offers powerful manual controls and other camera applications to take advantage of the camera. One disadvantage of the 41 megapixels is the shot to shot time. In normal camera operation without burst mode the camera takes its time to save the image before you can take the next shot.
Pro Solid build quality
Although it is made out of plastic, the plastic is a high quality polycarbonate plastic. The weight adds to the premium feel.
Pro No expandable memory
Pro Wireless charging support
Pro Optional camera grip accessory
The camera grip is a great accessory for the photography focused 1020. The case connects through Micro-USB and offers a tripod mount for shots with a slow shutter speed. The grip even has a built 1020 mAh battery to give the 1020 an extra 55 minutes of shooting time.
Pro Impressive battery
At first glance this 2,000 mAh battery is a bit unimpressive. Fortunately though the 1020 defies its specification and offers impressive battery life. Making it through the day should be no problem with normal usage. Although one disadvantage is the battery is non-removable. The optional camera grip with the battery expansion should be used for long days of photography.
Pro Smooth performance
A dual-core chip on a Windows Phone was flagship hardware until 2014 with the release of the 1520. The 1020 uses the somewhat outdated dual-core chip but because Windows Phone 8 is so well optimized and lightweight the 1020 handles all tasks with speed and smoothness.
Pro Good display
The 4.5'' 1280 x 768 screen on the 1020 is an AMOLED display with 334 PPI. Viewing angles are excellent and blacks are very black. The 1020 also features Gorilla Glass 3 and Nokia's super sensitive technology. The display is very saturated but Nokia offers the Color Profile application for different tastes.
Pro Good camera
The 20MP camera does a really good job in all lighting conditions. For low light shooting, it uses a triple color flash, and allows you to adjust the flash brightness after you take pictures. OIS also helps steady the phone, additionally improving low light shooting as well as video stabilization. Speaking of video, the 4 mic recording setup means audio captured will be crisp and high quality. Lastly, the 2 stage dedicated camera button can act as a shortcut to launch the camera, and pressing it down half way focuses the picture much like a regular point-and-shoot camera.
Pro Windows 10 mobile features
Windows 10 for mobile is the newest OS for Windows Phones. It makes a lot of improvements, but the two headlining features are Continuum and Windows Hello.
Continuum is a feature available in Windows 10 mobile that allows you to hook up a keyboard, mouse and monitor (through a $100 accessory) and use your phone as a computer.
Windows Hello uses an infra-red iris scanner to verify you, and unlocks the phone. This is more secure than a fingerprint scanner, but also takes about a second longer (and you need to be close to the device).
Pro Good accessability
The removable battery is a nice touch that so many phones are lacking. It also provides a SD card slot to add more storage, and keeps another less common feature: wireless charging.
Cons
Con Does not support Windows 10
It actually was developed, but because of lots of bugs reported was cancelled.
Con Bulky design
Many find the bulky camera on the rear to be bulky and uncomfortable. The 1020 also does not lie flat on a flat surface. Fortunately some will like the bulky and heavy design.
Con Has rare issues with camera light and shutter
Such issues come from nowhere (meaning not because of installable software or physical impact). Opened camera shutter won't let you use camera apps for an undefined amount of time.
Con Windows 10 mobile has bugs
While adding good features, Windows 10 mobile isn't a premium mobile operating system. There are a lot of bugs (downloading apps doesn't always work, it asks you to reboot often, apps crash much more often than competing OSs, and the list goes on).
Con Poor overall fit and finish
The plastic build isn't a big con in itself, but the rear panel creaks and flexes too much for a premium flagship phone. The speaker is tinny, and is located on the back when most manufacturers at least use a bottom facing speaker, or ideally front firing.