Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone

Photo: Cryonic07 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Nokia

Nokia Lumia 1020

July 2013 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Nokia Lumia 1020 was a groundbreaking smartphone released in 2013, primarily known for its exceptional 41-megapixel PureView camera with Carl Zeiss optics and optical image stabilization. Running on Windows Phone, it aimed to redefine mobile photography with its advanced imaging capabilities.
Display4.5-inch AMOLED with 768x1280 resolution
ChipsetDual-core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus
Main Camera41 MP PureView with OIS and Xenon flash
Battery2000 mAh Li-Ion, non-removable
Starting from $75

💰 Nokia Lumia 1020 Price

The Nokia Lumia 1020 lowest price is $75, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeAMOLED, PureMotion HD+
Size4.5 inches
Resolution768 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform

OSMicrosoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus (MSM8960)
CPUDual-core 1.5 GHz Krait
GPUAdreno 225

Memory

Internal32GB or 64GB
RAM2GB
Card slotNo

Main Camera

Sensor41 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/1.5" sensor, OIS (PureView, Carl Zeiss optics)
FeaturesXenon flash, LED video light, mechanical shutter, RAW (DNG) capture
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Sensor1.2 MP, f/2.4
Video720p

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable
ChargingQi wireless charging (with optional cover)

Body

Dimensions130.4 x 71.4 x 10.4 mm
Weight158 g
BuildPolycarbonate body
SIMMicro-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE/aptX
GPSGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioFM Radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedJuly 2013
StatusDiscontinued
Release DateJuly 22, 2013

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unmatched camera quality for its time
  • Excellent low-light photography
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Solid build quality
  • Unique design and color options

Cons

  • Windows Phone OS limited app ecosystem
  • Camera processing can be slow
  • No expandable storage
  • Battery life is average
  • Bulky camera hump
★ Our Verdict

The Nokia Lumia 1020 earned a high rating for its pioneering and still impressive camera technology, though its overall user experience was impacted by the Windows Phone ecosystem and slower camera processing.

The Nokia Lumia 1020 is a collector's item rather than a daily driver in today's smartphone market. If you're a photography enthusiast interested in mobile imaging history, it offers a unique experience with its 41MP PureView camera, still capable of producing stunningly detailed photos. However, be aware that its Windows Phone operating system is no longer supported, meaning no new apps or security updates. Performance will be significantly slower than modern phones, and battery life will be limited. It's best purchased for its historical significance and camera capabilities, not as a primary smartphone. Look for well-preserved units, ideally with original accessories, if you intend to add it to a collection.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone
  • Nokia AC-50 MicroUSB Charger
  • Nokia Charging and Data Cable CA-190CD
  • Nokia Headset WH-208
  • SIM door key
  • Quick guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty applied at the time of purchase, typically 1-2 years depending on region.

❓ Questions & Answers

What was the standout feature of the Nokia Lumia 1020?

The Nokia Lumia 1020 was most renowned for its groundbreaking 41-megapixel PureView camera, featuring Carl Zeiss optics and optical image stabilization, which delivered exceptional photo quality for its time.

What operating system did the Nokia Lumia 1020 run?

The Nokia Lumia 1020 originally ran on Microsoft Windows Phone 8 and was upgradable to Windows Phone 8.1.

Can the Nokia Lumia 1020 still be used as a daily smartphone today?

While technically functional, the Nokia Lumia 1020 is not recommended as a primary daily smartphone today due to its outdated Windows Phone operating system, lack of app support, and slower performance compared to modern devices.

Did the Nokia Lumia 1020 have expandable storage?

No, the Nokia Lumia 1020 did not feature a microSD card slot, meaning users were limited to the internal 32GB or 64GB storage options.

When was the Nokia Lumia 1020 released?

The Nokia Lumia 1020 was officially released in July 2013.

What made the camera on the Lumia 1020 so special?

Its camera was special due to its large 41-megapixel sensor, PureView oversampling technology for lossless zoom and improved low-light performance, optical image stabilization, and a Xenon flash, all contributing to professional-grade mobile photography.