Nokia Lumia 820 smartphone

Photo: Trogain via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Nokia

Nokia Lumia 820

November 2012 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Nokia Lumia 820 was a mid-range smartphone launched in late 2012, featuring Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system. It offered a customizable design with interchangeable shells, a Carl Zeiss camera, and practical features like a removable battery and expandable storage, aiming to provide a more affordable entry into the Windows Phone ecosystem.
Display4.3-inch AMOLED, 480x800 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus
Main Camera8 MP with Carl Zeiss optics
Battery1650 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $35

💰 Nokia Lumia 820 Price

The Nokia Lumia 820 lowest price is $35, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeAMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, ClearBlack display
Size4.3 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass
Pixel Density~217 ppi

Platform

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

Memory

Internal8GB
RAM1GB
Card slotmicroSDXC, up to 64GB

Main Camera

Single8 MP, Carl Zeiss optics
FeaturesAutofocus, LED flash, Geo-tagging
Video1080p

Selfie Camera

SingleVGA (0.3 MP)

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery
Stand-byUp to 330 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 14 h (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions123.8 x 68.5 x 9.9 mm
Weight160 g
SIMMicro-SIM
BuildPlastic body, removable back shells for customization and wireless charging support

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth3.0, A2DP, EDR
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

Announced2012, September
StatusAvailable. Released 2012, November

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Removable battery for easy replacement
  • Expandable storage via microSD card up to 64GB
  • Customizable design with interchangeable colorful shells
  • Good performance for its time with Windows Phone 8
  • Vibrant ClearBlack AMOLED display
  • Dedicated camera button for quick photo capture

Cons

  • Lower resolution display compared to some contemporary competitors
  • Windows Phone ecosystem had limited app availability
  • Front camera is low resolution (VGA)
  • Battery life could be better, especially with NFC/Bluetooth enabled
  • Some reviews mentioned a 'plasticky feel'
★ Our Verdict

The Nokia Lumia 820 offered a solid Windows Phone 8 experience with customization options and key hardware features like expandable storage and a removable battery, despite its lower resolution display and the nascent app ecosystem at the time.

The Nokia Lumia 820 is a vintage smartphone, primarily of interest to collectors, Windows Phone enthusiasts, or those seeking a very basic, inexpensive device for calls and texts. Its operating system, Windows Phone 8, is no longer supported by Microsoft, meaning no new app updates or security patches. Modern apps and services will likely not function, and web browsing may be slow or incompatible with current standards. If you're considering it, understand its limitations as a daily driver in today's smartphone landscape. Its strengths lie in its nostalgic value, unique design, and the ability to swap batteries and expand storage, features less common in modern phones. Do not expect it to perform like a contemporary smartphone.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Nokia Lumia 820 Handset
  • Battery (1650 mAh)
  • Charger (AC adapter with USB output)
  • USB Cable
  • Headset (WH-208 model, color matching phone)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Product and Safety Information

Standard manufacturer's warranty applies, typically 1 year, but may vary by region and retailer.

❓ Questions & Answers

What hardware does the Nokia Lumia 820 pack?

The Nokia Lumia 820 has a display of 4.3-inch AMOLED, 480x800 pixels, chipset of Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus, main camera of 8 MP with Carl Zeiss optics, battery of 1650 mAh removable Li-Ion.

When did the Nokia Lumia 820 launch?

The Nokia Lumia 820 was released on November 2012.

What's the Nokia Lumia 820's price?

The Nokia Lumia 820 starts at $35 at the lowest verified shop we track; see the price list on this page for more options.

Should I buy the Nokia Lumia 820?

We rate the Nokia Lumia 820 7/10. The Nokia Lumia 820 offered a solid Windows Phone 8 experience with customization options and key hardware features like expandable storage and a removable battery, despite its lower resolution display and the nascent app ecosystem at the time.