What is the Nokia Lumia 2520?
The Nokia Lumia 2520 is the Finnish manufacturer’s first attempt at a tablet and at 10.1-inches in size is a direct rival to the likes of the upcoming iPad 5 and Microsoft Surface Pro 2. Running the Windows 8.1 RT operating system, the Nokia Lumia 2520 builds on the company’s smartphone heritage, with a sleekly designed and colourful polycarbonate body.
We have gone hands-on with the Nokia Lumia 2520 to see if the Finnish phone manufacturer has done enough to compete on the tablet scene.
Nokia Lumia 2520 Design
For better or for worse the Nokia Lumia 2520 design is based on the company’s recent smartphone efforts. Sitting somewhere between the luscious brushed metal finish of Apple’s tablets and the cheap plastic finish of the Samsung options, fortunately the Nokia Lumia 2520 falls on the right side of the fence.
At just 8.9mm thick, the slimline Nokia Lumia 2520 is just 0.2mm thicker than the newly unveiled Nokia Lumia 1520 smartphone, with its 615g bulk considerably lighter than Apple’s leading tablet. Available in four colours, the cyan and black models come in a matt finish, the red and white options feature a gloss paintjob.
In our opinion the matt effect models look and feel much nicer, with the slightly textured surface offering more grip on the device. The 2520’s weight is well balance across the tablet’s full form factor, meaning it can comfortably be held in either a left or right handed manner.
At 16.8cm wide, almost 2cm narrower than the iPad 4 thanks to its 16:9 aspect ratio, the Nokia Lumia 2520 is just marginally too wide to be held comfortably for prolonged periods of time in one hand around the middle. However, the tablet’s narrow edging and slightly bulbous centre create a natural curve that proves quite ergonomic in the hand.
Nokia Lumia 2520 Screen Quality
Visually, the Nokia Lumia 2520 is highly impressive. With a 1080p Full HD display that utilises the company’s ClearBlack technologies, the Nokia tablet’s screen is easy on the eye and offers impressive visuals from the off. Brightness levels are high, focusing is sharp and images can be viewed in high levels of detail.
With a Gorilla Glass 2 coating for added protection, the Nokia Lumia 2520’s screen is highly responsive, with all swipe, selection and multi-finger gestures we tested working perfectly.
Viewing angles are strong and the tablet’s 665 nits luminance level and angle reflective coating combine well to offer a very unreflective display which coped well with both strip lighting and bright, direct sunlight. On first use we would definitely recommend the Nokia Lumia 2520 for heavy bouts of video viewing.
As with many Windows 8 tablets, the Lumia 2520 suffers from painfully slow screen rotation. Although more of a software bug than a screen issue, this nonetheless is an irritating irk.
Nokia Lumia 2520 Performance and Software
As smooth and as fluid as the Nokia Lumia 2520 is to use, it still suffers from some of the same stumbling blocks many other Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 RT tablets. Although the operating system is easy to navigate, it is not as intuitive as Apple’s iOS platform.
The 2.2GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM combination means the Nokia tablet is zippy to use, with applications and programs we tested opening quickly and performing consummately. There’s 32GB of internal storage which can be expanded to 64GB via microSD.
Nokia claims that the Lumia 2520’s 8000mAh Lithium-Ion battery has an 11 hour usage time, but this is something we’ll have to test for ourselves when we review it soon. Similarly, we cannot yet vouch for the claimed 0 to 50 per cent recharge in just 40 minutes boast.
The Nokia Lumia 2520 is packed with software. From productivity and messaging to navigation and entertainment, the tablet has something for all. Coming pre-installed with the full Office package, it has a strong enough set up to be an enticing option for business users. With a Nokia Power Keyboard available for an additional $149, the tablet really can become a PC replacement.
The Power Keyboard, although an extra cost, completely transforms the Lumia 2520. With a strong magnetic footing letting you turn the tablet into a mini desktop, the keyboard also adds a pair of USB ports – missing from the tablet – and an additional 5 hours of battery life.
With the Lumia 2520 benefiting from 4G LTE connectivity options, it can be used as easy on the move as at your desk. We were unable to properly put these cellular connections through their paces during our hands-on time with the tablet, so stay tuned for our full Nokia Lumia 1520 review coming soon.
Nokia Lumia 2520 Camera
During early tests, the Nokia Lumia 2520 camera is a little quick off the mark, often trading focus quality for a lightning fast shutter speed. The tablet’s 6.7-megapixel camera is pretty standard, with no integrated flash or optical image stabilisation there to enhance shots.
Although images a relatively strong, when compared with the company’s recent smartphone offerings, it is a bit of a disappointment. Having set the bar high with the 41-megapixel Nokia Lumia 1020, the basic camera on the tablet falls slightly short of expectations.
Similarly, as you would expect from such a device, the 2-megapixel secondary camera up front is largely uninspiring. With poor light management the forward-facing camera flattened our quick test shots.
Nokia Lumia 2520 First Impressions
Nokia’s first attempt at a tablet is not the worst on the market, but neither is it ready to challenge the iPad for market supremacy. Although the Windows 8.1 RT operating system is still a little on the uninspiring side, the speedy processor and strong display make a strong combination. The Lumia 1520 is a strong first effort or Nokia, but it might just have done a bit too little, far too late.
