10 reasons why the Lumia 530 is a great first Windows Phone
There was a time, not too long ago, when owning a powerful smartphone with grade-A features would mean paying a premium price. The Lumia 530 has changed all of that…
Here are ten reasons why the Lumia 530 is giving more people the opportunity to jump into the wonderful world of Windows Phone…
1. It’s affordable
With prices (before taxes and subsidies) starting from around €85, the potent Lumia 530 is not only the cheapest Lumia to date, it’s also the most affordable way to get Windows Phone 8.1 on a new Lumia device.
2. It’s bursting with high-end features
Now anyone can enjoy fantastic features such as the type-trendsetting Word Flow, the efficient swipe-down Action Center, changeable Start screen backgrounds and, if you’re living in the US, the amazing Cortana personal assistant.
3. It’s powerful
As well as the 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that will make light work of internet browsing, using your favourite apps and playing your favourite games, you won’t need to worry about running out of storage space either (a common trait with similarly priced smartphones), the Lumia 530 has expandable memory via MicroSD, up to 128GB and…
4. …it’s cloud ready
Bolt on 15GB of free OneDrive cloud storage and you’ve got bags of space to store photos, documents and much more.
5. It loves apps
With Windows Phone 8.1 at the helm, you have access to thousands of quality apps such as Skype, Instagram, WhatsApp and Evernote at your disposal, with many more being added each and every day. If this is your first time using them, prepare yourself for a complete life change.
6. It’s got a dual personality
…in a good way! The Lumia 530 isn’t just restricted to one network or one country; the (smart) dual-SIM version allows you to run two different SIM cards. For anyone running a brace of phones for work and pleasure, the all-in-one dual-SIM Lumia 530 provides a great way to consolidate your tech and free up pocket space.
7. It loves taking photos
Entry-level smartphones usually take a hit with low-megapixel cameras and basic software. However, the Lumia 530 doesn’t scrimp, giving Windows Phone newcomers a 5-megapixel camera, Glam Me app with a clever voice-guided feature for taking your own selfies and brilliant software such as Creative Studio and Cinemagraph. The former is our own multi-faceted photo-editing app that will turn basic shots into impressive creations worth sharing with friends, family and on the wide array of social network channels that can be used with the Lumia 530.
Cinemagraph will create a hybrid shot of part-static, part-moving photo. There’s nothing else like it.
8. You get great mapping out of the box
Once you’ve used your smartphone to find your way around, you’ll never go back. It’s like using broadband for the first time. Powered by HERE Maps, the Lumia 530 will not only direct you anywhere but will also allow to you download maps ‘offline’ to avoid roaming charges, if abroad.
9. You can work and play
Being a Windows Phone and part of the Microsoft ecosystem, the Lumia 530 has access to mobile Office apps you’re likely to be already familiar with. Word, Excel, and Powerpoint can be used right on the device and documents can be automatically synced with the cloud, allowing you to finish your work on another device. Clever!
And just like on all other Lumia smartphones, you’ll also have access to MixRadio that gives you unlimited, ad-free streaming of music and it’s available offline too. Hit Play Me for instant access to your own personalised radio station, discover new music through curated mixes, or create your own mix and dance the night away.
10. It looks great
Finally, being seen with your new communications companion also has to fit the style bill. Smartphones are a lifestyle choice, after all; just as important as the clothes we wear.
Both single and dual-SIM versions of the Lumia 530 come in a multitude of stand-out colours, such as bright green and bright orange, but can also be customized with changeable shells (also available in white and dark grey) to fit your mood and personality.
What else should Windows Phone newcomers look forward to? Let them know, below!