Lumia 1520: The first 6-inch Windows Phone device

The Lumia 1520 tells us that the screen size of Windows Phone models has finally broken through the 5-inch barrier, entering the realm of large-screen phones. How does Windows Phone perform on a 6-inch screen, and what is the impression given by Nokia's 6-inch phone? Let's take a look at the first-hand experiences from The Verge, Engadget, and CNET.

In terms of appearance and handling, the Lumia 1520 feels quite large, more like a tablet compared to the Lumia 1020 when placed side by side. The device's screen looks good with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.

The Lumia 1520 not only breaks through in screen size but also in screen resolution, reaching up to 1080p. In other words, we will see more 1080p Windows Phone devices this year. As usual, the Lumia 1520's screen is equipped with ClearBlack display technology, effectively reducing reflectivity and allowing for clearer visibility under sunlight.

Due to the increase in screen resolution, the Lumia 1520 can now display three columns of LiveTiles simultaneously. Moreover, for apps with a lot of content such as emails, the increased LiveTile display area provides a better reading experience for users. However, other Windows Phone apps have already started improving the LiveTile reading experience, so a larger screen is not a necessary condition for enhancing the reading experience.

Polycarbonate has become a hallmark of the Lumia family, and the Lumia 1520 is no exception; additionally, the design language remains unchanged, making it instantly recognizable as a Lumia device. Relatively speaking, the body shape hasn't changed much, but its thickness is only 8.6 mm and it weighs only 209 grams, forming a stark contrast with the 6-inch large screen. Some people who handled it felt that the Lumia 1520 wasn't heavy.

The width of the Lumia 1520 is 3 mm wider than the HTC One Max and 6 mm wider than the Galaxy Note 3, meaning it is difficult to operate with one hand. Furthermore, Windows Phone has not been optimized for one-handed operation—some people think this isn't an issue since the modifications aren't user-friendly anyway.

Like many large-screen phones, the Lumia 1520 sticks out halfway when placed in a pocket. The ample power provided by the Snapdragon 800 means that the smoothness of the device will be greatly improved.

The 20-megapixel back-illuminated camera is a highlight of the Lumia 1520, with an aperture of 2.4, default photo ratio of 16:9, and focal length of 26 mm. Additionally, the device is equipped with a Carl Zeiss-certified lens and PureView camera technology, along with a dual LED flash.

In terms of image quality, it may not match the Lumia 1020, but it is still quite excellent, surpassing other models.

Nokia has merged the Pro Camera and Smart Camera apps, allowing users to switch between front and rear cameras more freely when taking photos. The company has also introduced a new photo effect called Refocus Lens, which works similarly to a light-field camera like the Lytro, allowing you to refocus after taking a picture.

As previously mentioned, the Lumia 1520 runs the latest Windows Phone 8 Update 3 system. Nokia's built-in Storyteller app uses geolocation data from photos to display them on a map, similar to a diary. It can collaborate with Nokia's Here Maps.

The battery capacity of the Lumia 1520 is 3400 mAh.

The Verge finds it unfortunate that the Lumia 1520 does not come with a stylus. However, Nokia has provided a protective case similar to the Smart Cover, allowing the phone to stand upright like an iPad, catering to the experience between smartphones and tablets.

CNET considers the Lumia 1520 to be the most advanced Windows Phone device. Compared to its competitors, its technical specifications are on par, and the price range is also comparable. But with the increasing number of Android phones, how Nokia can attract more Windows Phone users might be a concern.

Engadget believes that due to the 1080p screen, it would be worth spending more money on the Lumia 1520 rather than the Lumia 1320.

Lumia 1520 Hands-on Video: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjI0NzgzNTY4.html

Screenshots from the Lumia 1520 Hands-on Video