Microsoft has beefed up its range of Lumia handsets with the addition of two new selfie-centric Nokia devices.
The Nokia Lumia 730 and 735 are both essentially the same handset, only the latter comes with 4G LTE connectivity (allowing for quicker selfie uploads to social networks on the go).
Before we get to the individual price tags for the two mid-range smartphones, let’s take a look at the specs.
Aside from 3G and 4G capability, the other main difference between the 730 and 735 is the former is dual-sim and the latter is single-sim. Meaning the Lumia 730 continues Microsoft’s bid to target emerging markets, where dual-sim capability is essential.
Elsewhere, both the 730 and 735 look the same and carry the same specs. The devices come with a 1.2 GHz quad-core snapdragon 400 processor, a 4.7 inch 720p OLED display, 16 GB of storage (which can be bulked up to 128GB via a microSD card).
The main talking point for Microsoft is the front-facing camera on both devices. At 5MP the front snapper on both the Lumia 730 and 735 is the best you’ll find on a Nokia device. Additionally, its wide-angle lens also allows for better group selfies, much like the Huawei Ascend P7 (that, however, boasts a more powerful 8MP front-facing lens).
Alas, these are both affordable phones (priced at £199 for the 730 and £219 for the 735 respectively), which explains their mid-to-low-range specs.
More interestingly, Microsoft also announced a dedicated selfie app at the event, which will roll debut on the new devices and later roll out on all Lumia handsets. The new app gives users quicker access to the front-facing camera, as well as additional editing options and filters. Beyond selfies, the rear-facing camera on each phone packs a not too shabby 6.7MP lens.
As is the norm for the Lumia range, the phones will come in a series of colours with customisable back covers. These include bright green, red, white and black.
Although the flagship-aping Nokia Lumia 830 (also unveiled at the same pre-IFA event) is arguably the more feature-heavy phone, the 730 and 735 are attractively priced handsets.
