Nokia Lumia Windows Phone lineup, from 520 to 920 (gallery)

Last week at Mobile World Congress, Nokia announced a couple of new Lumia Windows Phone devices to further populate their Lumia family. Nokia now has devices across the pricing and specification spectrum to meet the needs of everyone.

As Kevin and I were chatting on MobileTechRoundup show #291 this weekend, I had realized that I didn't have a firm grasp of the differences between all the Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices, so thought I would put together a summary post and gallery.

There are variants for US carriers, but let's just stick with the core series as announced by Nokia. We have the 520, 620, 720, 820, and 920. All these devices run Windows Phone 8, so the software experience is about the same across the device lineup. I recommend Nokia for Windows Phone buyers due to their free included services and exclusive apps, such as Nokia Music, HERE Drive, multiple camera lenses, ESPN Hub, and more. We have also seen Nokia rolling out software updates much faster than any other Windows Phone manufacturer.

The Lumia 520 is one of the newest members of the Lumia family and is the entry level option. Specifications include:

• 1 GHz dual-core processor

• 512 MB RAM

• 4 inch 480x800 resolution display at 235 ppi with super sensitive touch support

• 8GB integrated storage and microSD card slot

• 5 megapixel camera with f/2.4 aperture

• 720p video recording capability

• No front facing camera

• 1,430mAh battery

• Dimensions of 119.9x64x9.9mm and 124 grams

The things missing or lacking on the 520 that make it the entry level device are the front facing camera, NFC, lower quality camera with no Carl Zeiss optics, minimal amount of RAM, and no support for inductive charging.

The Lumia 620 is the first mid-range Windows Phone 8 device. I haven't tried one yet, but several of my friends in the smartphone world have it and love it. Specifications include:

• 1 GHz dual-core processor

• 512 MB RAM

• 3.8 inch 480x800 resolution ClearBlack display at 246ppi

• 8GB integrated storage and microSD card slot

• 5 megapixel camera with f/2.4 aperture

• 720p video recording capability

• VGA front facing camera

• 1300 mAh battery

• NFC

• Dimensions of 115.4x61.1x11.02mm and 127 grams

The things missing or lacking on the 620 that make it a mid-level device are the lower quality camera with no Carl Zeiss optics, minimal amount of RAM, and no support for inductive charging. You can use the shells in layers to add a touch of bold color to the device.

The Lumia 720 is the second device announced at MWC 2013, and adds an option to the mid-range lineup. Specifications include:

• 1 GHz dual-core processor

• 512 MB RAM

• 4.3 inch 480x800 resolution CLearBlack display at 217ppi with super sensitive touch support

• 8GB integrated storage and microSD card slot

• 6.7 megapixel camera with f/1.9 aperture and Carl Zeiss optics

• 720p video recording capability

• 1.3 megapixel front facing camera

• 2,000mAh battery

• Inductive charging with accessory cover

• NFC

• Dimensions of 127.9x67.5x9.0mm and 128 grams

The 720 bumps the display size up over the 620, while also improving on the camera and option for inductive charging.

The Lumia 820 was one of the two first Windows Phone 8 devices announced by Nokia, and available now on multiple carriers. Specifications include:

• 1.5 GHz dual-core processor

• 1GB RAM

• 4.3 inch 480x800 resolution ClearBlack display at 217ppi with super sensitive touch support

• 8GB integrated storage and microSD card slot

• 8 megapixel camera with f/2.2 aperture and Carl Zeiss optics

• 1,080p video recording capability

• VGA front facing camera

• 1,650mAh battery

• Inductive charging with accessory cover

• NFC

• Dimensions of 127.8x68.4x10.9mm and 145 grams

The 820 is greater than the 720 due to the bump in the processor, RAM, and camera resolution.

The Lumia 920 is the best Nokia Lumia device available, but unfortunately, is only available now on AT&T in the US. Specifications include:

• 1.5 GHz dual-core processor

• 1GB RAM

• 4.5 inch 768x1280 resolution PureMotion HD+ display at 332ppi with super sensitive touch support

• 32GB integrated storage

• 8.7 megapixel PureView camera with f/2.0 aperture and Carl Zeiss optics

• 1,080p video recording capability with optical image stabilization

• 1.3 megapixel front facing camera

• 2,000mAh battery

• Inductive charging integration

• NFC

• Dimensions of 130.3x70.8x10.7mm and 185 grams

The 920 is an incredible smartphone with an industry leading display and camera that lets you capture video, even if your hand shakes. If you can afford it, the Lumia 920 is the one to buy and now we need to see Nokia get it out on more US carriers.