Nokia Lumia 1020 retains camera phone crown after iPhone 5S launch
Apple unveiled their two new iPhone models yesterday and after looking closely at what was announced, it was easy to decide to keep the Nokia Lumia 1020 in my collection as the premier smartphone camera. Apple made some minor camera improvements, but it was less than I was expecting.
Apple increased the iPhone camera sensor and pixel size, much like the strategy that HTC took with the HTC One. In terms of the camera though, my Lumia 1020 easily beats the new iPhone 5S due to optical image stabilization, microphone recording quality, and ability to "re-zoom" into photos.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Nokia Lumia 1020: How they compare
Only a few phones have optical image stabilization and so far none have been able to match what Nokia does with their camera phones. It is a pleasure to watch video captured with a high end Nokia Lumia device and won't make you queasy.
You will also find that recording events, such as concerts, parties, and speeches, can't be beat with the audio capabilities of the Nokia Lumia 1020.
Roundup: Apple unveils new iPhones and iOS 7
I use the Pro Camera app 90% of the time so that I can zoom in later and make multiple photos from one great shot. I love this capability and applaud Nokia for their innovation with optics here.
In my earlier article, I also listed four other reasons, besides just the camera, why I chose the Lumia over the iPhone 5. These all still remain valid today when I look at the iPhone 5S and 5C. Apple is launching a radio service with iOS 7, but it is more limited than Nokia Music and Xbox Music so I have no personal interest in using it.
In the past I would tell people I wasn't buying the newest iPhone and then go and buy it on launch day as I was too weak to resist the urge to have the latest and greatest. Samsung, LG, Nokia, HTC, and Motorola have stepped up to the plate and now have extremely compelling offerings that make it easy for me to skip incremental iPhone updates without looking back.
See also:
- 64-bit ARM chips serve up taste of Intel-free future
- 10 new iOS 7 features for the enterprise
- Apple reveals iOS 7 development status
- iPhone 5C aimed at emerging markets
- Apple's iWork free on all new iOS devices
- What's right (and wrong) with the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s
- Gallery: First look at the budget iPhone 5C
- Apple unveils new iPhones, iOS 7 (roundup)