This is more like it! Microsoft announced two new Lumias aimed at the selfie addicts and skype users for a very reasonable price – the Lumia 730 and 735.
Both Lumias feature a 5MP wide-angle front camera with a dedicated app for taking optimized selfies. The Lumia 730 caters for those who need dual SIM function while the Lumia 735 has a single SIM with 4G LTE access.
Take note that Microsoft refers to the two smartphones as ‘Lumia’ without using ‘Nokia’ even if its logo is on the phones. Microsoft has acquired Nokia’s Devices division a while back.
The Lumia 735 with its LTE feature might be more desirable but 4G LTE is still isn’t widely available in the Philippines. You are better off with the Lumia 730 with its dual SIM feature and slightly lower price – around ₱1,500 cheaper!
Don’t worry because the 5MP front camera is essentially identical on both Lumias. Windows Phone 8.1.1 Denim update will also be preloaded with the two bringing improvements to the Nokia Camera app.
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| Lumia Selfie App |
A 1.2GHz Quad Core Snapdragon processor runs the Lumia 730 and 735 with 1GB of RAM. There’s 8GB of onboard storage space with a microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 128GB memory cards.
The two also share an identical 4.7-inch HD display with ClearBlack and OLED technology. A layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the screen from scratches.
Sunlight readability, viewing angles and sensitivity of the display are also ramped up. Double tap to wake is supported and Microsoft says the screens are easy to clean.
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| Taking a selfie with the Lumia 730 |
While the front camera has been the focus of the Lumia 730 and 735, its 6.7MP rear camera with a Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensor also takes good quality pictures and videos.
This is largely due to the ZEISS optics while the a new feature of the Nokia Camera app captures a photo with and without flash simultaneously and let you control the amount of flash in the final image.
The 5MP front camera has an f/2.4 aperture allowing it to take bright photos even in low light.
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| Lumia 735 Wireless Charging |
Of course, both Lumias come with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, FM Radio and GPS with GLONASS support. HERE Maps and HERE Drive+ are also preloaded for offline navigation while HERE Transit is available for free to download.
A removable 2,220mAh Li-ion battery powers the Lumia 730 and 735 for up to 17 hours on a continuous 3G call. The Lumia 735 is also compatible with Qi wireless charging while the 730 isn’t.
The dual SIM Lumia 730 costs €199 or ₱11,300 while the LTE capable Lumia 735 is slightly more expensive at ₱12,500. Expect these prices to go up by more or less 1k here in the Philippines due to taxes.
Specs:
- 1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Processor
- Windows Phone 8.1 OS with Denim Update
- 4.7-Inch HD ClearBlack OLED Display (720 x 1280 Pixels, 316 PPI)
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- 6.7 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with ZEISS optics, BSI Sensor and LED Flash
- 5.0 Megapixel Front Camera with f/2.4 Aperture
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB Internal Storage
- Expandable up to 128GB via microSD
- Dual SIM (Lumia 730)
- Single Nano SIM (Lumia 735)
- 3G HSDPA, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks (Lumia 730)
- 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks (Lumia 735)
- Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
- NFC
- Bluetooth 4.0
- GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
- FM Radio and Mix Radio
- MicroUSB
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Magnetic Sensor
- Accelerometer
- Proximity Sensor
- Light Sensor
- 134.7 x 68.5 x 8.8 mm @ 132 grams
- 2,200mAh Removable Li-ion Battery
- ₱11,300 Initial Price for Lumia 730
- ₱12,500 Initial Price for Lumia 735
