Lumia 625 vs. Lumia 635: Entry-level Windows Phone 8.1

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Let's see how Nokia's brand new Lumia 635 stacks up to its predecessor.

Microsoft Build kicked off in San Francisco this week and, as a Microsoft-owned company, Nokia was on hand to announce its newest Lumia phones. The company gave us a handful of devices at MWC in Barcelona, but it saved the Lumia line for Build. We've already met the Lumia 930 and the Lumia 630, and now we've got the follow on to the Lumia 625: the Lumia 635.

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SpecLumia 625Lumia 635
OSWindows Phone 8Windows Phone 8.1
Screen4.7-inch 480x800 pixels LCD4.5-inch 480x800 FWVGA display, ClearBlack LCD
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
CPU1.2 GHz (dual-core)1.2 GHz (quad-core)
GPUAdreno 305Adreno 305
RAM512 MB RAM512 MB RAM
Storage8 GB8 GB
Additional StorageUp to 64 GBUp to 128 GB via MicroSD
Camera5-megapixel (2592x1936) with auto-focus, LED flash5-megapixel (2592х1944) with auto-focus, LED flash
ConnectivityBluetooth 4.0, WiFi, GPS, GLONASSBluetooth 4.0, WiFi, GPS, GLONASS
Battery2000 mAh1830 mAh
Launch Price$229$189

Not a whole lot has changed in terms of hardware. Of course, we've jumped from dual-core to quad-core, and that's nothing to sniff at. But this is still very much an entry-level device, and the battery has actually gotten a bit smaller. Still, the fact is that Nokia has cut the price significantly. Of course, this device also comes with Windows 8.1, so that means MS Office, Nokia's own Camera application, HERE Maps, and Mix Radio.

Availability for the Nokia 635 is set for this coming summer. It will be available in the United States.

Read more: Nokia Lumia 620 vs. Lumia 630: Budget Windows Phone 8.1

Follow Jane McEntegart @JaneMcEntegart. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

Jane McEntegart
13 Comments Comment from the forums
  • lpedraja2002
    That's a very tough sell considering the prices of the Moto G.
    Reply
  • tomfreak
    Once again the 512RAM problem
    Reply
  • belardo
    And the Moto G has replaceable rear covers.... but its a 3G only device. Still, the Moto G has a better display and costs less.And you can add the WP8 style launcher to any Android phone for free.
    Reply
  • icemunk
    If I wanted to spend $220 on a cheap phone, I'd go with a MTK-6592 1.7ghz octocore w/ 2GB of ram.
    Reply
  • jacobdrj
    At $220, I'd get a Lumia 925 or a Moto G... This is priced incorrectly. Also, should have put in 1GB of RAM to be able to run all programs on WP. The Lumia 835 should be in the $200-$250 range, unlocked, and available from Amazon, or another reputable dealer... If not, they will have seriously missed an opportunity...
    Reply
  • Bloob
    And the Moto G has replaceable rear covers.... but its a 3G only device. Still, the Moto G has a better display and costs less.And you can add the WP8 style launcher to any Android phone for free.
    It has a more high res display, as does the first Asus Padfone, but it's total shit in sunlight, unlike the 620 (and likely 635). I'd want to judge them side by side (and preferably outside), before giving out awards.
    Reply
  • hannibal
    Good points! Both phones has its merits.
    Reply
  • anonymous_user
    Wait, so going from the 625 to 635 they shrunk the display .2" and battery holds 170 mAh less; Why?
    Reply
  • hannibal
    13022052 said:
    Wait, so going from the 625 to 635 they shrunk the display .2" and battery holds 170 mAh less; Why?
    They seems to be using the same display in many low end, middle range models, so they probably get some synergy profit of it.

    Reply
  • alextheblue
    If I wanted to spend $220 on a cheap phone, I'd go with a MTK-6592 1.7ghz octocore w/ 2GB of ram.
    At $220, I'd get a Lumia 925 or a Moto G... This is priced incorrectly.
    Time for a new eye exam :D? $229 was the launch price for the old 625. The new 635 is launching at $189. Not to mention that in daily use, the 635 will be faster and better in bright light than the Moto G. Also where can you get a 925 off contract NEW for $220? You guys need to share what you're smoking! :P
    Once again the 512RAM problem
    On WP8 devices it's not the end of the world. On an Android 4.x device it would be pretty bad. But with WP8 it isn't a huge deal.
    Reply