Review: Nokia Lumia 620

Expanding The Ecosystem

The Lumia 620 has a lot going for it, but for many consumers Windows Phone remains something of an unknown entity. Apple's iPhone and handsets based on Google's Android are perceived as being the safer options, while Windows Phone presents a gamble.

It's time to put those perceptions aside as Windows Phone 8, Microsoft's latest iteration, deserves more attention than it currently receives.

Think of it as a middle-ground between iOS and Android. Windows Phone offers more customisation than the former, without wanting the user to be involved as with the latter. The 'live tile' home screen is in our estimation the most attractive smartphone interface currently available, and it offers a good blend of personalisation and functionality.

Learning to use Windows Phone isn't difficult and all of the core components have strengths. Internet Explorer 10 provides a rich web experience and does a good job of rendering pages on the Lumia 620's 3.8in display, an integrated Microsoft Office suite proves to be refreshingly proficient at handling Excel spreadsheets and Word documents, and with the Xbox and Skype brands under its umbrella, Microsoft should be able to offer best-in-class games and communications suites.

Lock Screen	Live Tiles	Internet Explorer 10

Unfortunately, Windows Phone isn't quite as forward-looking as it perhaps ought to be. Xbox integration leaves a lot to be desired - it's frankly alarming to find that Microsoft hasn't launched any triple-a titles for Windows Phone - and the Microsoft-produced Skype and Facebook apps are basic at best.

The slow-but-steady growth of the platform does appear to be encouraging, and you will find that new apps and updates are now frequently popping up in the Windows Store, but there are still a couple of major omissions; including BBC iPlayer and Instagram.

However, UK banks are beginning to come onboard, Twitter has this week released a major Windows Phone update, WhatsApp now offers full live tile support, Spotify is available and of course there's always Angry Birds. Many of the most-sought-after apps are now here, and Nokia - the champion of all things Windows Phone - is doing its best to enhance the app experience. Indeed, the company's HERE navigation suite is an excellent addition to any smartphone, and Nokia Music - available exclusively on the Lumia range - offers free music streaming with no registration or subscription required.

HERE Drive	Nokia Music	Windows Store

Contrary to popular belief, the challenge here isn't third-party app support - that appears to be taking care of itself. What Windows Phone really needs is a bigger push from Microsoft, as while the core operating system is fresh and fun to use, it fails to take full advantage of Microsoft's own ecosystem. Music and podcast management pales in comparison to the company's ill-fated Zune, the integration of Xbox Live - one of the world's best online gaming networks - feels like an afterthought, and the official Skype app is still at the preview stage.

There are a few smaller issues of the niggling kind, too; why is there no forward button in Internet Explorer; why won't the phone turn itself on for a preset alarm; why can't you set ringtone and media playback volume independently; and why isn't there a quicker way to close apps?

When using a Windows Phone, you learn to love the way in which the platform works, and you appreciate the cross-app interaction, but even now, at Windows Phone 8, you feel as though you're waiting for another major update to arrive and address certain issues. In that sense, the ecosystem still feels underdeveloped.

Summary

In many ways, the Nokia Lumia 620 is the Windows Phone we've been waiting for. Where other handsets have made Microsoft's proposition appear an expensive gamble, this impressive £150 device makes Windows Phone a safe bet.

Attractive design, excellent build quality and smooth performance are all part of the package. When you factor in a capable camera, NFC support, free Nokia music and satellite navigation, you can't help but realise that you're getting a premium experience at an affordable price.

Has there ever been a better smartphone for under £150? We're not so sure, and we can think of no better accolade for the Lumia 620 than this; we've just bought two.

The Good

Attractive design
Small and light, for a smartphone
Smooth and fluid interface
Free Nokia Music
Microsoft Office integration
Expandable storage
HERE Drive navigation
Available for under £150

The Bad

Underdeveloped ecosystem
No wireless charging option

HEXUS Rating

Nokia Lumia 620

HEXUS Awards

Nokia Lumia 620

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Nokia Lumia 620 is available to purchase on contract or pay as you go from O2 and Three, or SIM free from Carphone Warehouse.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.