Upon opening the FedEx shipping box and discovering the Nokia Lumia 928 by Verizon Wireless I admit, I was skeptical. After all, when a smartphone comes out the box boasting to “reinvent the way you do business” it has to come correct, or not t all. After years of testing out the latest in iOS, Android and Windows smartphones, I’ve come to learn that no matter the technological advances or “coolness” factor – ultimately we all want a smartphone with the right combination of apps and specs as unique as we are that benefit our everyday lives. No matter what device I’m currently using, there’s typically a heirachy of “standard must haves” that each of my smartphone need in order to compliment my lifestyle.
1. Does it “look” & “feel” good in my hand?
2. Is the camera quality good enough for sharable photos via social media & online publishing?
3. Can I download Instagram, WordPress, Twitter & Facebook with ease?
After spending the weekend with my new device, I’ve compiled my first impression observations on Verizon’s flagship Windows phone. If you’ve ever thought about getting a Windows 8 device – check out my initial reaction to the device below (AND… as a bonus Verizon Wireless is offering the Lumia 928 for free with 2-year service contract.)
LOOK AND FEEL
Upon unboxing the Nokia Lumia 928, I couldnt help but notice the sleek design and ultra bright white color (a Verizon Wireless exclusive). Ive never been a fan of smartphone devices in white – mainly because my fear of makeup stains, visible scratches and other easy to spot blemishes that often steer stylish girls clear of the easy to stain color. However, the Gorilla Glass 2 touchscreen is virtually stain resistant, resulting in the color concentration to the backside of the phone. The size and weight of the Nokia Lumia 928 is comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S4 but with an solid weight of 160 grams it feels slightly more stable, secure & slip proof in the palm of my hand. (I fumbled & dropped my S4 plenty of times, actually more than any other smartphone ive ever owned before. So i can definitely tell a huge difference when holding the Lumia 928 in my hand.)
PHOTO AND VIDEO
I’ve known about the camera quality for some time now, but to see it in real-time action is a totally different experience. The 8.7 MP PureView camera rear sensor produces luminous 3264 x 2448 pixel photos while the front facing camera is at an impressive 1280 x 960 pixels. It offers a variety of cinematic features too – perfect for photography geeks of novice users alike. The video and audio quality was beyond my expectations for what a smartphone camera can do. The crisp imaging & audio sound doesn’t just capture the content – it allows you to re-experience the moment with unimaginable clarity as if it was your first time.
VIDEO TEST: While out and about Sunday afternoon, I captured some video images and to my surprise the audio quality did not sound distorted, muffled or unrecognizable at all. Check it out below.
APPS
When it comes to an easy to use smartphone – Windows has the competition beat. Hands down. That’s one thing that I’ve always loved about the Windows phone, the user interface is simple, easy to use and allow you to pin all of your most used apps to the home/start screen. However, with a limited apps library, Windows probably won’t become a leader in application options anytime time soon. I was able to download my favorite apps with ease, all with the exception of Instagram (However there are other options available that helped me with my quick pic Instagram fix almost immediately.)
After two days with the Nokia Lumia 928 device, I’m learning more about the apps, HERE maps, Cinemagraph, Creative Studio apps and more daily. It’s definitely a different user experience unlike any iOS, Android or Windows device I’ve ever used before – but I’m sure that I’ll learn to love this phone as lightening fast as the Verizon LTE network that it’s on! Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing more of my initial findings on the Nokia Lumia 928 device soon! For more about the Nokia Lumia 928 Windows phone and how you can score your own for free visit VerizonWireless.com.
Disclosure: I’ve been provided the Nokia Lumia 928 Windows phone by Verizon Wireless for review, all experiences and opinions expressed are my own. Please note that I often tweet using #VZWBuzz – VZWBuzz tweets include a 24/7 conversation and a Friday mobile lifestyle Twitter chat with an emphasis on providing information and education about devices, apps and tools useful to consumers. While the hash tag is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the opinions I express tagged #VZWBuzz are my own.
