• Michael
• On April 10, 2014

Design

Lumia 930 is the global version of the Lumia Icon (read a review), which is a Verizon exclusive handset for the US. It is larger and heavier (167gr) with dimensions of 137 x 71 x 9.8mm. The 925 is slimmer (8.5mm), less taller (129mm) and 28 grams lighter (139g) than the Lumia 930. Both phones include metal frames around the sides, but the latest flagship comes with colored polycarbonate backs and more traditional Lumia design. Lumia 925, on the other hand, offers something different and unique, in a leaner shell.

• Winner: Lumia 925

Display

The 930’s screen is not only larger, but it is denser with its 441 pixels per inch. Nokia uses AMOLED technology for both models, so the output is similar, but the Lumia 930 offers 1080p resolution, as opposed to 720p of the Lumia 925. Both screens are protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Lumia 930 offers a 16:9 aspect ratio, while the 925 offers 5:3 in order to fit the smaller size.

• Winner: Lumia 930

Camera

Nokia Lumia 925 has a really great camera. With 8.7 Megapixels (1/3″), the Pure View technology delivers clear and accurate images in daylight, and impressive low-light pictures thanks to OIS.

The Lumia 930 comes with the next-generation of PureView camera, first introduced with the Lumia 1520. We have a 20MP sensor (1/2.5″) with further improvements in low-light and some advanced features such as RAW files support. Both sensors include optical image stabilization and dual LED flash.

• Winner: Lumia 930

Performance

Nokia Lumia 930 is fast, with a quad-core processor running at 2.2 GHz, backed by 2 GB of RAM. Here the difference between the two smartphones is more visible, as the 925 uses an outdated dual-core processor with just 1 GB of RAM. However, we are talking about Windows Phone OS, where even the lower end models perform well, so the Lumia 925 is still a very good device. As far as battery power, Lumia 930 is fueled by a 2420 mAh battery to compensate the larger screen and faster processor. While Lumia 930 includes 32GB of storage, the 925 is offered in either 16 or 32GB. Neither the 925, nor the 930 offer microSD slots.

• Winner: Lumia 930

Wrap up

Nokia Lumia 925 is a wonderful smartphone with acceptable hardware, excellent camera and all Nokia exclusive features on top of Windows Phone. The Lumia 930, however, offers more in 3 of 4 directions: camera, display and performance. So, if you want to have the latest hardware available, you’d better buy the Lumia 930 – it launches in June 2014. If you are beginner or moderate user, the Lumia 925 is still a good alternative, especially when taking into account its price – around £230 in the UK and $355 in the US contact-free.