We've published the first installment of the comparison between the Galaxy S3 and the Lumia 920. The result, after analyzing the internal hardware, was close, with a slight advantage for the Samsung model. Therefore, in this second installment is where everything is decided.
There are three sections that we will review in this case: cameras, connectivity y battery and othersThe operating system is excluded from the overall review, as it's not the same, so it's ideal to dedicate a specific analysis to it. It's also important to keep in mind that when the Nokia model was introduced, some reviews were based on its spec sheet; in this article, we consolidate what it offers on paper with what has been verified in official tests and specifications.
The cameras
Important today, have become one of the factors that many users review before purchasing a phone. It's no coincidence: today a good mobile camera It replaces dedicated equipment in many situations. That's why manufacturers are increasingly focusing on this aspect with backlit sensors, bright lenses, and more advanced stabilization.
We begin by Lumia 920The rear camera has a sensor 8,7 Mpx with images up to 3.264 x 2.448 pixels and integrates the technology PureView in its second phase, focused on better low-light performance y Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The lens Carl Zeiss offers an opening f / 2.0, brighter than the average for its time, and the Dual-LED flash indoor assistance. According to OIS's own proposal, the opto-mechanical module is capable of counteracting hundreds of micro-movements per second assisted by the gyroscope, which is noticeable in video and night photos. It records video Full HD 1080p to 30 fps and has functions such as autofocus, touch focus, geolocation, automatic and manual white balances and digital zoom. The sensor size is 1 / 3 ", in line with its segment, and the PureView + OIS combination reduces shake and increases the success rate in complicated scenes.
On the front, Lumia 920 incorporates a camera of 1,3 Mpx capable of recording 720p, enough for smooth video calls. It doesn't stand out as much here as its main camera, but it more than delivers.
For its part, Samsung Galaxy S3 equips a sensor of 8 Mpx (3.264 x 2.448 pixels max) with aperture f / 2.6 y LED flash. It does not have physical OIS, but it combines digital stabilization on video and a battery of processing algorithms which improve the result in freehand. Also record 1080p is 30 fps and adds exclusive features like Best Photo (shoots bursts and suggests the best shot), continuous shooting at about 3,3 fps, face detector y simultaneous photo and video. In addition, it offers HDR in photography and touch focus.
The front of the Galaxy S3 rises to 1,9–2 Mpx depending on the variant with recording 720p, slightly higher in resolution than the Lumia, although its practical impact is felt mostly in video calls.
Beyond the technical specifications, with real scenes (backlit exteriors, dimly lit interiors and moving video) the balance leans towards Lumia 920 when they come into play OIS and brighter lens. In video, optical stabilization provides smoother shots and less blur; in night shots, the sensor makes better use of available light. The Galaxy S3, on the other hand, responds with bright colors y high shooting speed, as can be seen in the Galaxy S3 camera comparison, ideal for action and portraits in good light, and with an ecosystem of scene modes that make it easy to get a “share-ready” shot.
Samsung Galaxy S3: 1 points
Nokia Lumia 920: 3 points
Connectivity
This section isn't important right now... it's much more. We're not just talking about WiFi y Bluetooth, already present "by default", but to the entire ecosystem of networks and ports that add real value daily.
Both models offer variants for 2G / 3G y LTE 4G depending on the market, with micro-SIM and support for HSPA/WCDMA speeds typical of its generation. For reference, it is common to see HSDPA 21 Mbps on Galaxy S3 and profiles up to 42 Mbps on some variants of Lumia 920, with LTE Cat. 3 in supported regions. None are dual SIM in their standard configurations.
In positioning, the two step forward with A-GPS y GLONASS. This combination improves the accuracy and reduces the time to first fix, and GLONASS helps to save energy in urban settings by having more visible satellites.
In short and medium distance wireless connections, both integrate NFC Beyond mobile payment: share contacts and files with a tap, pair accessories in seconds, or trigger automations with tags. The Galaxy S3 adds the familiar S Beam, which combines NFC to start the link with WiFi Direct to transfer data at high speed between compatible devices, and support WiFi a/b/g/n dual-band with implementations of MIMO in certain versions for increased performance. Lumia 920, on the other hand, is also compatible with WiFi Direct, DLNA y WiFi access point to share the data connection.
En Bluetooth There is a tangible difference: Galaxy S3 incorporates Bluetooth 4.0 with profiles such as A2DP and modes of low consumption, ideal for wearables and accessories, while Lumia 920 stays in Bluetooth 3.1In practice, both cover hands-free, stereo audio, and file transfer, but 4.0 opens the door to more sensors and better standby efficiency.
En physical ports, the two resort to MicroUSB 2.0 for data and charging and maintain the classic 3,5 mm jack for headphones. Both support USB On-The-Go via adapter to connect memory and simple peripherals. The key difference: the Galaxy S3 adds compatibility MHL to remove video and audio via HDMI with a cable/adapter, something that He is not present on the Lumia 920. To share multimedia content, both have DLNA to compatible TVs and speakers.
A mention to the audio and multimedia: Galaxy S3 plays a very wide repertoire of video and audio formatsIncluding MKV/DivX/XviD on video and FLAC in audio, while Lumia 920 opts for native compatibility with MP3/AAC/WMA and containers such as MP4/3GP/WMV. On the radio, Lumia 920 includes FM with RDS; on the Galaxy S3 this function depends on the variant and is not available on all LTE models.
Samsung Galaxy S3: 3 points
Nokia Lumia 920: 2 points
Batteries and other details
This is the last section that we will submit to comparison and the final result depends on it since up to now there is a 11-all tie.
In energy, Samsung includes a battery of 2.100 mAh which, according to the manufacturer's data, can reach very comfortable figures in waiting and prolonged use in calls. For its part, Lumia 920 has 2.000 mAhThe autonomy estimated by Nokia places the waiting around several hundred hours and a talk time commensurate with its category. If we look closely at the data sheet figures, declared differences favor the Galaxy S3, although in real use they influence many factors (coverage quality, screen brightness, GPS, background apps, WiFi or LTE), and if you are interested in going deeper you can consult analysis on the battery duration.
There are, however, two key details that influence preferences. The Galaxy S3 mount a battery removable, which allows you to replace it with another and extend days without plugs or replace it easily if it degrades over time. Lumia 920 opt for a design u with battery not removable, but it adds a practical advantage: Qi wireless charging integrated, very useful for recharging with compatible bases without additional cables.
En dimensions and weight, the Galaxy S3 has the advantage: its thickness is 8,6 mm over the 10,7 mm of the Lumia 920. And on the scale, the first one is around 133 g, while the Nokia terminal rises to 185 gIn return, the Lumia offers a body of robust polycarbonate Made of a single piece and with a colorful finish, with a very solid presence in the hand; the Galaxy S3 opts for a design of smooth lines with casing of plastic and great frontal utilization.
La screen It is also part of those “other details” that mark our daily lives. The Galaxy S3 integrates a panel Super AMOLED HD de 4,8 inches with resolution 1.280 x 720 and some 306 dpi; offers deep blacks, intense colors, and good contrast, while also helping to reduce power consumption on dark interfaces. Lumia 920 relies on IPS LCD with the house brand: PureMotion HD + de 4,5 inches y 1.280 x 768 to 332 dpi, with very high brightness (around 600 nits), polarizing filter to improve outdoor visibility and the system Super Sensitive Touch to use it even with gloves. In protection, both resort to Gorilla Glass of its generation, mitigating scratches and minor bumps.
En the memory, both teams have 1 GB of RAM. In storage, Galaxy S3 It was marketed in 16 / 32 / 64 GB and admits microSD up to 64 GB, multiplying the total capacity. Lumia 920 offered with 32 GB internal and does not have a microSD slot, although it does facilitate cloud backup through integrated services.
En sound and sensors, both include double microphone to noise reduction, hands free speaker and support for HD voice with compatible networks. In sensors, they share accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light y compass; the Galaxy S3 adds a barometer, useful for altitude and position calculation improvements.
Other additions that enrich the experience: in the Galaxy S3, functions such as Smart Stay (the screen stays on if you look at it), S Voice and the already mentioned S Beam; on the Lumia 920, in addition to PureView y Qi charging, highlight the integration with map services, NFC tags and profiles of resort of choice. well resolved. In both cases, the antenna is internal and there are no specific water and dust resistance certifications in its standard editions.
Samsung Galaxy S3: 2 points
Nokia Lumia 920: 1 points
Final result
Well for very little win Galaxy S3, but wins. 13 to 12 has been the score and can therefore still be considered a clear reference. However, Nokia Lumia 920 It is an excellent phone that gives a lot to talk about: its camera with OIS, its bright screen and wireless charging make up a very attractive combo. Choosing one or the other will depend on whether you prioritize a most capable low-light camera, lightness and removable battery, MHL video output and microSD expansionIn both cases, we're talking about complete devices that are technically on par with the best of their generation, including other top-of-the-range models from the competition.
