Nokia Lumia 630/635 review: Bottom up

23 May 2014
One of the first phones to launch straight to Windows Phone 8.1, the Lumia 630 is also the first to bring dual-SIM support to the platform. That said, we should note right at the start that we’re reviewing the regular, single-SIM version...

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  • e
  • eddlang
  • gAw
  • 25 May 2014

AnonD-246723, 24 May 20141) 512mb ram . processor is not important here 2) sd card ... moreSince when processor isn't important?!

Sure, having 1 GB memory is helpful in some situations, like opening multiple browser tabs, etc. but when the processor is weak, then what's the point?

Also, just a tiny amount of WP apps are not 512 MB compatible, and even those eventually get updated to support it.

You're right about high class SD cards and new ones get introduced all the time, but internal storage gets faster too as technology moves forward. I'm not sure how these exact two phones stack up against SDs. Need to look for some benchmarks.

Still, no matter how fast, cards they cannot compensate for the low amount of internal storage.

Another point of comparison; 630 can record in 720p, and has a clearblack display

Saying all that, I think that 630 is too expensive for now and its price needs to drop. It shouldn't be more than 10%-15% pricier than Moto E.

    • D
    • AnonD-170479
    • KIA
    • 25 May 2014

    I hope they don't make the same mistake in Lumia 530...As lumia 530 need to beat each and every phone in price tag as well as its competitors specs wise

      • D
      • AnonD-170479
      • KIA
      • 25 May 2014

      Anonymous, 24 May 2014How much does phone RAM cost (to the phone manufacturers)? ... moreI agree with you..
      Why don't they just release the same phone Nokia XL with WP 8.1????

      I am a huge fan of WP i would love to see it in the front seat but look at Microsoft what they are doing just missed the RAM, front cam and Flash if it was there then it would have been a market boom trust me.

      But still its a good phone actually Microsoft had designed it for developers so that they make use of as less ram as possible. This phone is really for developers and yes its true also the Lumia 930.

      Don't you remember last time what they did with Windows 8 when they release Lumia 920, 620 they had similar problems but these problems got solved in their later phones such as Lumia 720, 520, 925....

        • ?
        • Anonymous
        • rA6
        • 25 May 2014

        Dear all user
        Please reply me weather lumia 630 dual sim support regional language like Marathi.

          • ?
          • Anonymous
          • fua
          • 25 May 2014

          AnonD-78963, 24 May 2014I can't understand Microsoft Nokia!! Windows phone 8 & ... morebuy lumia with high ram and front camera.

            • D
            • AnonD-267111
            • PR%
            • 25 May 2014

            Good review!

              • F
              • Finnur
              • pr9
              • 25 May 2014

              The review mentioned the lack of Unified Inbox, what?
              This has been part of Windows Phone since day one. I can't believe it has been removed.

                • j
                • jonaqpetla
                • t1$
                • 25 May 2014

                I have no idea why they had to strip the two sensors, and why they made the retail package so poor... 512 mb RAM is not very future proof either...

                It's been 2 years. I've been searching for a replacement for my old Nkoia 700 Belle FP2, but till now I haven't found one. This is saddening!

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • kg3
                  • 24 May 2014

                  I can't wait to see what they have in the Lumia 530. It supposed to be the successor of the Lumia 520.

                    • D
                    • AnonD-246723
                    • tV3
                    • 24 May 2014

                    1) 512mb ram . processor is not important here
                    2) sd card are not slower than internal ( unless you buy class 2 i ntg to say )
                    3) no matter its good or not , got = got , dont have = dont have no need argue

                      • e
                      • eddlang
                      • gAq
                      • 24 May 2014

                      Some you apparently missed the fact that 630 has a QUAD core cortex-A7 chip and 8 GB internal storage, yet Moto E has a dual-core A7 and just 4 GB storage.

                      P.S. Don't even mention the SD card. Even if you install your apps on the SD, there are still some app related files that are saved on the phone and cannot be moved. Those who install many apps know.

                      P.S.2. Also, SD cards are slower than the internal storage, no matter what.

                        • ?
                        • Anonymous
                        • 2@x
                        • 24 May 2014

                        How much does phone RAM cost (to the phone manufacturers)? Why limit the RAM to 512MB and then release "upgrades" with 1GB after 6 months? Should we wait for model '635'?
                        Gives the impression that corners have been unnecessarily and deliberately cut, and that the users are being short-changed. The debate of selecting between 630 & 525 is basically about "which part of the hardware are you willing to compromise?)
                        Surely not a good strategy for pushing WP8.1, specially when the makers of the market leader, Android, are offering much better hardware at rock bottom prices.
                        Microsoft should learn from the spectacular success of Motorola Mobility. If they do not respond to the market demands and offerings from their competition, it would be to their own peril.
                        Remember, Lumia520 worked because there was no serious competition. With the Moto-E around, it would be interesting to see the future sales figures of the L520.

                          • D
                          • AnonD-266755
                          • v{N
                          • 24 May 2014

                          AnonD-78963, 24 May 2014Microsoft & Nokia you makes windows phone 8 sucks , wh... moreNokia XL screen is not upto par with the lumia 630 and you get a fluid experience on WP 8.1 unlike android with 1 gig of ram. Also the 5mp shooter of 630 does very well in low light.

                            • D
                            • AnonD-78963
                            • J2Y
                            • 24 May 2014

                            Microsoft & Nokia you makes windows phone 8 sucks ,
                            why Nokia XL have front camera & flash and more ram !! Still cheap price!!!!
                            Nokia Lumia 630 without front camera & flash & 512 ram high prices

                              • D
                              • AnonD-78963
                              • J2Y
                              • 24 May 2014

                              I can't understand Microsoft Nokia!! Windows phone 8 & 8.1 support 1gb ram ! Than why you not give 1gb !!!! Motorola Inly with two devices rocks , Moto G & Moto E
                              Nokia Lumia 520 was super hit device, but Nokia upgraded Nokia Lumia 525 only added 1gb , people want front camera flash ,

                                • ?
                                • Anonymous
                                • 6%C
                                • 24 May 2014

                                no support for native 3G video call.
                                better get Symbian or Android.

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • m1c
                                  • 24 May 2014

                                  Lack of front camera and 512 RAM killed this phone...for 525 it was ok since it was low low budget phone 630 dead on arrival...RIP...

                                    • D
                                    • AnonD-159182
                                    • rJe
                                    • 24 May 2014

                                    The Most Important things about this phone is its advanced Wp8.1 features which is first on Lumia630 for adective smartphone experience

                                      • P
                                      • Primark
                                      • vp9
                                      • 24 May 2014

                                      AnonD-50083, 23 May 2014How the OS works plays a very important role. You can bet t... moresure, OS plays a lot of part, but software can only do so much, it wouldn't hurt them a lot if they placed at least a gig of ram and a front facing camera, and bumped the price up by a bit; raw power is always important optimization can come at a later point...

                                        • D
                                        • AnonD-242440
                                        • nqL
                                        • 24 May 2014

                                        This phone should be a great success