Is the New Lumia Phone Worth Buying in 2023?
As a seasoned user of Windows Phones, my experience has been mixed, but ultimately, I regret my decision to purchase a Lumia. In this article, I will share the pros and cons of buying a new Lumia phone in 2023, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Previous Windows Phones
Before diving into the new Lumia, it's important to review the failures of previous Windows Phones to understand the challenges associated with this brand.
Pros
Back in the day, when I first used a Windows Phone, I was impressed by its smooth initial performance. The phones were lightweight and offered a unique user experience, but these positives were offset by several significant drawbacks.
Cons
Hardware Issues
One of the most frustrating aspects of Windows Phones is the recurring hardware issues. For instance, if you use the charger that came with your phone, it frequently shows signs of trouble, such as "Device charging slowly - Use the charger and the cable that came with your device."
No Apps and Expensive
The app store was woefully lacking compared to Android and iOS. Microsoft's decision to abandon traditional apps and import Android apps was a significant blow. Microsoft's refusal to update or provide fixes has made the Windows Phone platform obsolete. In addition, Lumia phones come at a higher price point than Android counterparts, offering less for your money.
Frequent Crashes and Slow Performance
Windows Phones, especially older models, suffered from frequent crashes that not only made the user experience frustrating but also resulted in lost work. The slow performance and lag seemed to worsen with each software update, further diminishing the usability of the phone.
Microsoft's Attitude
Microsoft's commitment to the platform has been questionable. They stopped providing updates and support for Windows Phones, turning their back on loyal customers. This lack of support made the platform unreliable and a distant second compared to Android and iOS.
Is the New Lumia an Improvement?
Would-be Windows Phone users often wonder if the new Lumia phones, such as the 950 or 95L, are worth considering in 2023. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons.
Pros of New Lumia
Design and Build Quality: The Lumia phones have a sleek design and high-quality build. With a new flag ship range, you might find them more appealing from a design perspective. However, the hardware issues persist, and charging issues remain a significant pain point.
Cons of New Lumia
App Availability: While the app store may have improved, it still lags behind Android and iOS. Many popular apps and games are yet to be ported to the Windows Phone platform, and existing apps may not perform as well as on other operating systems.
Price: Windows Phone 10 Mobile is still more expensive than many Android and iOS alternatives, despite offering less functionality. This price-point often outweighs the benefits, especially for consumers looking for a cost-effective solution.
Should I Buy a New Lumia?
Given the numerous challenges with previous Windows Phones and the persisting issues with the new Lumia models, it is unlikely that the new Lumia phones will live up to the expectations of many users. However, if you are a die-hard fan of the Windows Phone ecosystem and value its unique features, you can still buy a new Lumia, anticipating that it might last for the next three years, even if Microsoft abandons Windows 10 Mobile in the future.