Is Nokia's Lumia 1520 phablet worth Rs 46,999? Read the reviews

Nokia yesterday launched its first ever phablet - the 6 inch Lumia 1520 - in India for a price of Rs 46,999.

To put that in perspective, the phablet costs more than both Apple’s iPhone 5c and Google’s Nexus 5 devices. But what warrants the steep price tag, and more importantly is it worth it? We look at a few reviews to find out what the experts think.

The Tech2.com reviewers are reasonably pleased with the device. In their review they praise the display of the device, calling it the ‘highlight’ of the phone. The review says:

The massive screen, latest processor as well as the camera specifications makes the new phablet one of the most advanced Windows Phones we have seen so far. The device could also currently be one of Nokia’s most expensive offerings to the market.

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[caption id=“attachment_1290615” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The Lumia 1520 is seen in this photo. Shruti Dhapola/Firstpost[/caption]

However the site is taking no bets on how well the tablet will do in India, saying that we can only ‘wait and see’.

The CNet review also praises the display quality of the device and also has lavish praise for its high resolution camera.

However tellingly, its conclusion is, “The Lumia 1520’s impressive specs and bold design are undoubtedly worth its $200 on-contract price tag for Windows Phone fans. However, if you’re aching to milk every last drop of large-screen goodness from a tabletlike handset, then choose from any one of the multiplying Android options, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, HTC One Max, and potentially even the curved LG G Flex.”

Given India’s love affair with the Android OS, this could be a telling indicator of how the phone will do in the market.

Wired for its part calls the device “Phabulous”. The review praises the build of the phone, as well as the display and camera. It is also kinder to the Windows OS saying, “Since you can’t judge a phone (or phablet) without considering its operating system, you have to factor in the Windows Phone Store too. Lately, Microsoft and Nokia have done a great job encouraging developers to applications: Vine, Instagram, and Waze have finally debuted in the Store. And a few more big-name apps, like Mint, are also coming this week.”

Whether or not this will convince Indian consumers to spend Rs 46,999 on the device remains to be seen.

Gizmodo is not impressed with the device, saying “At its best, the 1520 is a funny party trick. At its worst, it’s absurd”. Although it also grudgingly praises the display screen and the camera, the reviewer is clearly of the opinion that the device is way too unwieldy. In fact he clearly says that buying it is not an option:

“There will be the phablet phanatics out there who will make all of the stock arguments for why modern life doesn’t even begin until you’re holding at least 5.5 inches of smartphone in your hand. These people should go with a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which has a smaller footprint, a slimmer profile, and actually affords you some conveniences for your trouble”

But luckily for Nokia, Engadget likes the device, calling it the ‘best Windows device we have had the privilege of using’. And in a statement that almost looks like it is directed at the Gizmodo review it says,

“Of course, there are going to be some people who don’t want this big a screen. Fortunately for them, we strongly suspect Nokia will soon put a 1080p display on a more moderately sized screen. This brings us to perhaps an even more important point, which is the impact Nokia has had and will continue to have on Windows Phone itself: The ecosystem is growing like a weed, and now manufacturers can finally build devices with the best components. These two factors alone are helping Microsoft stay relevant in an increasingly tough market. Now we just have to wait and see how successful Windows Phone can be with the right tools.”