Nokia Lumia 710: The FAQ Review

With every phone that gets released, we get a bunch of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from readers and friends, whether they are tech geeks or just regular users. Mobile phones are ubiquitous, so the questions are also almost always the same.

So we at Phone Mantra decided to round these up for every phone we review and answer them quickly. We do have a full review as well, but think of the FAQ Review as a quick glance that addresses the major queries that you might have about any handset.

Nokia Lumia 710: FAQs

Q. First things first: Is Nokia back? Is Windows Phone a better choice over Android?

A. Well, yes and no. It’s a fantastic handset and as a device, you can’t really fault the Nokia Lumia 710. At its current price point of around Rs. 15,000, Nokia holds its own against competing handsets in both Windows and Android from HTC, Samsung and Sony. When it comes to Windows Phones, the Lumia 710 is definitely the best value-for-money device now. And it “feels” like a Nokia – sturdy, reliable, good-looking and not cheap.

As for Windows Phone, it gets the job done and is quite snappy and pretty, but Android obviously has a larger number of apps and games available, so if that’s important to you, then the Lumia 710 is probably not the right phone for you.

Q. The Lumia 800 costs almost double. Is the Lumia 710 half as good a phone?

A. Absolutely not. In fact, after reviewing the Lumia 710 and having spent time with the Lumia 800, we are convinced that Nokia’s flagship handset is overpriced at Rs. 30,000. The Lumia 710 has much of the same hardware, except for inferior screen, camera and body. Still, those are not major drawbacks. Plus, the Lumia 800 has its own shortcomings, especially since it’s in the same price range as phones like the Samsung Galaxy S II and Motorola Razr.

Q. So should I go in for the Lumia 800 or the Lumia 710?

A. If the money is not a concern, then the Lumia 800 is obviously a better phone and you should go for it. But if money matters, then the Lumia 710 is definitely what you should consider right now. In fact, you can buy two Lumia 710s for the price of one Lumia 800!

Q. Is the Lumia 710 better than Android phones like Samsung Galaxy Ace or Sony Xperia Neo V?

A. The Nokia phone offers most things that the other do, and given that it’s the most trusted brand in India, you can’t go wrong with it. That said, Android is the world’s biggest mobile operating system now and so has more apps and support for it. Ask yourself what you are likely to buy a year or two down the line. If it’s going to be an Android, go for an Android now too. If you’ll always stick to Nokia or Windows Phone, then the Lumia 710 won’t disappoint you.

Q. As a Nokia loyalist, what’s better? Lumia 710 or Symbian-based phones like the Nokia X7?

A. Without a doubt, the Lumia 710. Nokia has already said it will be killing Symbian in a few years. Even if it wasn’t, the latest Symbian Belle update hasn’t impressed us enough to consider it a worthy competitor to Windows Phone. For Nokia, Windows is the future, Symbian is the past – and so it should be for you.

Read the full Nokia Lumia 710 review.