Lumia 630 review: A Windows Phone on Android hardware

The first Windows Phone with on-screen buttons enters the battle for the low end.

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[lonewolfe2015]

Physical buttons and I have grown apart, much like physical keyboards and I did awhile back. This is a change I can live with. Hope they release a new flagship in the ~5" range soon so I can finally upgrade my 920.

 

[emmaremix]

Nice review. I just can't stand the way the camera initiates manual focus.

 

[Deleted member 192806]

This makes Windows Phone 8.1 devices cheaper than ever before. There's the obvious cost-savings from not having to include the buttons, but the advantages run deeper than that: manufacturers no longer have to customize their hardware for Windows Phone. With both Android and Windows Phone 8.1 supporting on-screen buttons, hardware companies can now build a single hardware model and install either of the operating systems onto it.

Kind of like...the PC?

 

[linesma]

Nice review. I have seen the 630 available here in Thailand from the carrier AIS for 4900 Baht (around $150). Currently they only have the single sim model, but you can get the dual sim from a third party vendor. I don't know if it is just me, but I have had nothing but problems with the dual sim variety phones. They seem to interfere with each other, especially when you are using sims from 2 different carriers. So it seems that most people are purchasing the single sim model.

Back on track, sorry, I was looking at purchasing this phone for my wife, but after reading your review, I think I will pass. The lack of RAM combined with the lack of an ambient light sensor are very off-putting. For a little more, 6500 Baht (around $210), I can get her a reconditioned Galaxy S4. Thanks for the information!

 

[peterford]

For purchasers of this phone I feel sorry that it only has 512MB of RAM- it really will be noticeable.

As the owner of a Nokia 720 with 512MB of RAM, I'm very happy that my (otherwise very pleasing) phone has not already been rendered obsolete.

 

[salamanderjuice]

The camera button removal seems like a dumb move, probably the best feature of Windows Phones at this point. The capacitive buttons are no big deal. It's not like they could ever be used to wake the phone like they could with surface, so there's no difference if they are screen only.

With the Moto E I imagine you could probably get a 128GB SD card in there too of you reformatted it as FAT if you really wanted.

I recently switched to BB10 from WP8.1, the app selection is even worse in the store, but I get push gmail and facebook chat integration and can use android apps if need be. Even BB10 has a lock screen method of accessing the camera. Surprised microsoft didn't add one to 8.1 since they seemed to relax the button requirement even more so than before.

 

[uhuznaa]

MS would be clever to come with a WP 8.1 package for the Nexus 5. This would allow quite a few Android enthusiasts to try WP on decent hardware and allow an eye-to-eye comparison to Android. It also could make a great Windows smartphone.

 

[barich]

512 MB of RAM is not enough. I bought a Lumia 520 just to mess with Windows Phone since it was so inexpensive, but it's too slow switching between apps for me to put up with it for long.

 

[Hattori HANZo]

No ambient light sensor? How much could this have possibly saved?
For something you use in settings as diverse as a phone, this is sure to annoy users heavily. I think I'd personally go for this instead of a RAM upgrade if these were my options with the phone.

Finding the hidden selfie that makes this a genuine Peter Bright article took a second look this time. But I found it!

 

[pitmonster]

The loss of camera button is a poor move.
Mrs Pitmonster has a Lumia 520 and the power button failed. While we procrastinate over sending it in for repair, she uses the camera button to switch it on.

 

[uhuznaa]

Hattori HANZo[/url]":2fgsncaf]No ambient light sensor? How much could this have possibly saved?

Such things rarely are about saving a few cent but about differentiating your product lines and giving people a reason to spend more on better models.

 

[Hattori HANZo]

uhuznaa[/url]":26lflhk9]

Hattori HANZo[/url]":26lflhk9]No ambient light sensor? How much could this have possibly saved?

Such things rarely are about saving a few cent but about differentiating your product lines and giving people a reason to spend more on better models.

Well yes, but I question that Microsoft is in a position on the handset market that would make this a viable option to differentiate its handsets. If your market share is rather low in comparison and your platform is less attractive because of that, crippling cheap handsets by leaving in real annoyances that could be fixed for another 50ct is not going to attract consciously deciding customers and not going to retain any.

They should try to make even their cheap phones a reasonably good experience. Saving on RAM and storage to cut costs is something most people should be able to understand, at least in principal.

 

[BonzaiThePenguin]

lonewolfe2015[/url]":9bak1e9k]Physical buttons and I have grown apart, much like physical keyboards and I did awhile back.

I want to feel that way, but I've accidentally quit too many apps from slightly missing the spacebar. Either give me a hardware home button, or some gesture that can't be accidentally triggered.

Edit: or maybe don't put the home button under the most-used keyboard button.

 

[DanNeely]

"I think that something like the 1GB RAM/4GB storage configuration of the Moto E is a better decision. Lack of storage is easily remedied with MicroSD. Lack of RAM can only be fixed with a new phone."

With WP8.1 taking up more than 3gb of flash on the 630 vs Android only taking ~2gb on the Moto E, I don't agree. Even assuming MS is able to keep the inevitable newer OS versions bloating down sufficiently that it stayed below 4gb, only a few hundred MB of storage space is so little that buying an SD card to go with the phone at purchase time seems mandatory, which completely undermines the price savings. While a light user probably could get away with the 2GB available on the E for a while.

 

[dizdizzie]

Lack of flash and ambient light sensor are big deal for me. I'm looking for cheap Windows 8.1 phone, but I don't think it will be Lumia 630

 

[Epitope]

I have never felt ambient light sensors were good enough for my needs: either it doesn't dim to a comfortable level at night, or it cranks the brightness to an eye-scorching level while indoors. I prefer manually changing the brightness, so the absence of it is not an issue.

However, the low RAM and price are problematic. I am hoping it will be priced at less than $200 CAD when it's released here, which is what other sites are suggesting.

 

[BasP]

I don't get why none of the reviews mention that nothing about the 630 improves on the 620: in most cases, it's a regression. The 620 has hardware buttons, flash, a dedicated camera button, NFC, and runs WP8.1. The 620 can be picked up dirt-cheap by now too: if you buy it, you have a much better phone at a far lower price.

What am I missing? Why does nobody touch upon this in the reviews?

 

[Mitlov]

BonzaiThePenguin[/url]":2rj02g3i]

lonewolfe2015[/url]":2rj02g3i]Physical buttons and I have grown apart, much like physical keyboards and I did awhile back.

I want to feel that way, but I've accidentally quit too many apps from slightly missing the spacebar. Either give me a hardware home button, or some gesture that can't be accidentally triggered.

Edit: or maybe don't put the home button under the most-used keyboard button.

With Swype-style typing, the spacebar is actually about your least-used keyboard button. I never thought of it until now, but I wonder if the rise of Swype and Swiftkey aided in the rise of popularity of on-screen buttons instead of physical buttons on the Android front.

It's worth noting that WP8 introduces Swype-style typing, so that may mitigate the home-instead-of-space errors on this phone as well.

 

[DrPizza]

BasP[/url]":1wkl8a68]I don't get why none of the reviews mention that nothing about the 630 improves on the 620:

Screen size, core count, clock speed, battery capacity are all in the 630's favour. FFC, NFC, flash and (maybe) hardware buttons are in the 620's favour.

What am I missing? Why does nobody touch upon this in the reviews?

I don't think the characterization of the 620 as "much better" is really accurate, and the cost of the two is more or less the same, possibly even in the 630's favour (depending on which colour you go for). The 630 also has a dual SIM option, and the 635 variant which adds LTE.

 

[Zra]

linesma[/url]":3podbo0f]Nice review. I have seen the 630 available here in Thailand from the carrier AIS for 4900 Baht (around $150). Currently they only have the single sim model, but you can get the dual sim from a third party vendor. I don't know if it is just me, but I have had nothing but problems with the dual sim variety phones. They seem to interfere with each other, especially when you are using sims from 2 different carriers. So it seems that most people are purchasing the single sim model.

Back on track, sorry, I was looking at purchasing this phone for my wife, but after reading your review, I think I will pass. The lack of RAM combined with the lack of an ambient light sensor are very off-putting. For a little more, 6500 Baht (around $210), I can get her a reconditioned Galaxy S4. Thanks for the information!

I say go for the S4 for that kind of price, last I checked secondhand price is still hovering at 10000 ฿.
Just be careful of the fakes and what we called "krueng yum" where the seller would use a new outer shell but swap out parts inside, especially if you shop online or at MBK center.

 

[DrPizza]

got2bereal[/url]":2z4d4iex]The iPhone 5C proves that nobody wants to buy a lower tiered new model.

The iPhone 5c costs about three times the Lumia 630 or Moto E. It's not operating in the same market. It's not even close to operating in the same market.

 

[ev9_tarantula]

DrPizza[/url]":1qm1ww5h]

got2bereal[/url]":1qm1ww5h]The iPhone 5C proves that nobody wants to buy a lower tiered new model.

The iPhone 5c costs about three times the Lumia 630 or Moto E. It's not operating in the same market. It's not even close to operating in the same market.

++

He's completely wrong.

In the UK Motorola went from essentially nothing to 6% marketshare in a quarter off the back of the Moto G.

The 5C merely proves that Apple's view of what constitutes low-price is a million miles away from everyone else.

 

[Hadrien01]

I think that something like the 1GB RAM/4GB storage configuration of the Moto E is a better decision.

Totally disagree! I have an HTC 8S with 6 GB of storage, and each time I need to update my phone, I need to reset it. Windows Phone 8.1 takes too much storage, and the SD card can't take all the data on the phone, like maps, the OS, voices, and above all the updates files.

 

[DanNeely]

ev9_tarantula[/url]":27hchf8d]

DrPizza[/url]":27hchf8d]

got2bereal[/url]":27hchf8d]The iPhone 5C proves that nobody wants to buy a lower tiered new model.

The iPhone 5c costs about three times the Lumia 630 or Moto E. It's not operating in the same market. It's not even close to operating in the same market.

++

He's completely wrong.

In the UK Motorola went from essentially nothing to 6% marketshare in a quarter off the back of the Moto G.

The 5C merely proves that Apple's view of what constitutes low-price is a million miles away from everyone else.

I think a bigger issue might be that as a physically distinct model it indicated that you didn't care enough about your iPride to buy the latest and greatest. Previously, noone could tell that you'd bought last years model this year to save a few bucks because your phone looked exactly like the one people bought last year and couldn't upgrade easily due to contract limitations.

 

[SergeantFTC]

got2bereal[/url]":3vbq0x5r]The iPhone 5C proves that nobody wants to buy a lower tiered new model.

The top selling phones for Android includes refurb flagship phones. Most folks either buy new flagship phones or refurb last year's flag ship phones. Rolling out cheaper and lower spec phones are not going to sell well because there is a good supply of last year's flagship phones on discount and most of the time free on contract. I think Nokia should do the same, concentrate on high end phones. Eventually people are willing to take a risk going to WP8.1 if there is a free on contract last year's high end model.

Um, the iPhone 5C basically WAS last year's model, only in a cheaper body.

 

[xand]

Does anyone even use auto adjustment? I wouldn't have missed an ambient light sensor in any of my phones, because auto screen brightness adjustments suck.

 

[johncuyle]

Does lack of an ambient light sensor also mean that the screen doesn't turn off when you hold it up next to your head to talk on it? Auto brightness isn't a big deal, but hanging up because the on screen buttons are active while the phone is against your head is a problem. Personally, I'd rather they take cost out of the camera than RAM or sensors.

The 520 is attractive because it is spectacularly cheap. At $60 the phone is semi-disposable and still does all the smartphone things you might want. For people that are looking for an off contract phone at a bargain basement price, is the 635 worth the price increase, particularly for people not bothered by the 520's screen or camera?

 

[Speedfister]

johncuyle[/url]":1srnpc04]Does lack of an ambient light sensor also mean that the screen doesn't turn off when you hold it up next to your head to talk on it? Auto brightness isn't a big deal, but hanging up because the on screen buttons are active while the phone is against your head is a problem. Personally, I'd rather they take cost out of the camera than RAM or sensors.

I believe it's a proximity sensor that takes care of that, not the ambient light sensor.

 

[Zinger1]

I think a Blackberry Z3 would be a far better purchase, front facing camera, 1.5GB Ram, ambient light sensor, bigger battery, more apps (over 200k in the Amazon app store alone not even counting the over 50k in the BB app world). About $190.

http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_z3-6163.php

 

[Funderful]

Speedfister[/url]":d1olf93q]

johncuyle[/url]":d1olf93q]Does lack of an ambient light sensor also mean that the screen doesn't turn off when you hold it up next to your head to talk on it? Auto brightness isn't a big deal, but hanging up because the on screen buttons are active while the phone is against your head is a problem. Personally, I'd rather they take cost out of the camera than RAM or sensors.

I believe it's a proximity sensor that takes care of that, not the ambient light sensor.

Which, if I'm not mistaken, the 630 also lacks.

EDIT: Neither sensor is listed by Nokia here http://developer.nokia.com/devices/devi ... -lumia-630

 

[BobsYourUncleBob]

In the photo taken to display indoor camera capabilities, I fully expected to be stricken with awe by the majesty of a Winged Panda in full flight.

 

[salamanderjuice]

Zinger1[/url]":11cr67me]I think a Blackberry Z3 would be a far better purchase, front facing camera, 1.5GB Ram, ambient light sensor, bigger battery, more apps (over 200k in the Amazon app store alone not even counting the over 50k in the BB app world). About $190.

http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_z3-6163.php

There's many better purchases. I know for example at least where I live you can get an HTC 8x for $100-150 off contract. And that gets you twice the RAM, a higher res screen, camera button, light sensor, 16GB storage although no SD card. Still runs WP8, with an update to 8.1 soon. Then you have phones like the Moto G etc. Maybe this will be more interesting of a phone when it drops to $80 or something.

 

[JamieOrJulian]

Hattori HANZo[/url]":3h376xfj]

uhuznaa[/url]":3h376xfj]

Hattori HANZo[/url]":3h376xfj]No ambient light sensor? How much could this have possibly saved?

Such things rarely are about saving a few cent but about differentiating your product lines and giving people a reason to spend more on better models.

... If your market share is rather low in comparison and your platform is less attractive because of that...

Users don't care about market share, and neither should anybody else. Only profit and quality of software matter. The reason that Windows Phone's app catalog has been growing in not only size but quality, is that WP owners are much more likely (almost as likely as iPhone owners) to purchase apps.

Android, for its gigantic market share, is mostly installed on budget turdboxes that can't even run the basic and poorly-installed AOSP distribution that comes with them.

For every Lumia 1520, there are 8 Lumia 520s. Lumia 520 owners constantly complain that they have to wait for their favorite games (which cost money) to be optimized for 512MB.

For every Galaxy S Padtab Superfone 93, there are 802,701 Huawei Cashwaster 3s who's owners will never buy an app in their life.

Developers see that they can simply make more money in one place than in another and they'll definitely start spending more time with it.

Note:

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/02/window ... h-android/
Despite the "small market share", Windows Phone's revenue generated is approaching Android.

http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2013/03/23 ... n-android/
Evernote makes more money off Windows Phone users. Why? They have a better experience, are generally enthusiasts, and are willing to spend money. Reasons don't really matter. They spend more money.

http://www.gamezebo.com/2014/05/21/ios- ... p-android/
This one is just to twist the knife in Android's side. So much for "market share matters."

LOL silly rabbit.

Market share is for followers. Profit is for leaders.

 

[Deleted member 14629]

dizdizzie[/url]":jtw3uwv0]Lack of flash and ambient light sensor are big deal for me. I'm looking for cheap Windows 8.1 phone, but I don't think it will be Lumia 630

You'll likely want whatever the new 700-series will be. That tends to strike a good balance while not breaking the bank.

 

[CppThis]

I applaud the effort but limited RAM is going to be a killer even with the native-code advantage.

 

[DrPizza]

BobsYourUncleBob[/url]":2q8h2szi]In the photo taken to display indoor camera capabilities, I fully expected to be stricken with awe by the majesty of a Winged Panda in full flight.

I would buy a Captain Bamboo plush in a heartbeat.

 

[Abhi Beckert]

Hattori HANZo[/url]":1krzobhh]No ambient light sensor? How much could this have possibly saved?

Probably a fair bit, since an ambient light sensor requires a clear section in the otherwise black area of the glass.

Most phones need this anyway for the front facing camera, but this phone hasn't got that either.

I also noticed the ear speaker and microphone ports are in the gap between the glass and the plastic, instead of a hole in the glass like the 920.

These design decisions probably allow glass manufacturing techniques that cannot be used if you have an ambient light sensor.

The glass is an expensive component. It has to be shatter proof and scratch resistant and finger print resistant and have optical clarity far better than normal glass.

For something you use in settings as diverse as a phone, this is sure to annoy users heavily.

Does windows phone have a quick way to adjust the brightness? On an iPhone you can get to it with a system wide screen edge gesture.

 

[jodyfanning]

I would claim that the Icon, 930, and 1520, are the first 8.1 phones. They all have the SnapDragon 800, the big brother to the 400 in the 630, and also include SensorCore. They are basically the next-gen high end platform for Nokia/MS after the 1020, etc. I doubt there will be much in the way of advances until late this year, well after 8.1 is out.