Face-Off: Nokia Lumia 920 vs. HTC Windows Phone 8X
Dec 4, 2012 03:20 PM EDT by Camera
Both the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X feature high-tech cameras. The 920 sports an 8.7-megapixel shooter with Carl Zeiss optics and PureView technology that promises superior low-light shots. The 8-MP camera inside the 8X uses HTC’s ImageChip for fast image capture. It records video in 1080p, while simultaneously capturing stills and slow-motion video. So which camera takes better photos?
During the outdoor leg of our shootout, the Windows Phone 8X’s camera took the lead, delivering sharper images of a fall bouquet. The 8X also achieved better color accuracy, with the exception of some yellow daisies, which looked nuclear yellow. The Lumia 920’s shots were a bit oversaturated, and the white band surrounding the flowers had a bluish tint. The same band on the 8X was gleaming white.
The Lumia 920 redeemed itself when we came inside. A colleague’s skin tone looked warmer on the 8X, but more accurate on the 920. The Lumia supplied an overall sharper image, as evidenced by the crisper Samsung Galaxy Note II on the desk and the more-defined folds in our colleague’s shirt.
The Lumia 920 also won the low-light photography battle. Stills of our Marvel Comics toys were bright and colorful despite the dim conditions and low volume of light. However, the photos were noticeably grainy. That’s still better than the Windows Phone 8X, with which we could barely make out anything, let alone color.
WINNER: Nokia Lumia 920
Although the Windows Phone 8X took better outdoor images, the Lumia 920 delivered better indoor and low-light shots.
Front Camera
Most front-facing cameras are good for snapping quick, albeit grainy self-portraits. HTC bucks the trend with a 2.1 megapixel front camera that boasts a 88-degree angle. With the camera’s expanded viewing range, we could comfortably fit three people into a landscape shot. The Lumia 920, on the other hand, cut off some faces until we also squeezed closer together.
The Windows Phone 8X also won the picture-quality battle. Test shots of the Laptopmag.com staff taken on the 8X appeared sharper and had better color accuracy than the Lumia 920. The 8X’s front-facing camera can also capture video in 1080p, compared to 720p with the 920.
WINNER: Windows Phone 8X
The HTC Windows Phone 8X wins with a wider viewing angle, better color accuracy and sharper resolution.
Face-Off: Nokia Lumia 920 vs. HTC Windows Phone 8X
- Introduction
- Design, Display, & Audio
- Camera & Front Camera
- Performance, 4G, & Storage
- Apps, Battery Life & Accessories
- Verdict
Follow Sherri L. Smith on Twitter or Google+. Follow LAPTOPMAG on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
December 4th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Many people have complained about a battery issue with the Lumia 920 and it seems it can be resolved by power cycling. The Lumia’s battery should easily get your through a day.
December 4th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
I don’t care how light weight, slim htc x8 is. I just hate htc phones, they are cheap quality.
I love my Nokia Lumia 920. I got my Lumia 920 three weeks ago, and today I got wireless charging plate from AT&T for free.
AT&T sent me the upgraded Nokia’s wireless charging plate (it costs over $50). 
I can use my Lumia 920 with gloves on. And I love it’s super video stabilization feature.
December 5th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Your performance graph has an error. Heads up
December 5th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
My lumia 920 bricked on day 2 after I left for a business trip. I think it was the wireless charging plate. Ive reset it over 5x and it just bootloops and wont charge or move past the screen lock app if it gets that far.
December 6th, 2012 at 12:08 am
Horace, go to: http://wmpoweruser.com/how-to-fix-a-bricked-nokia-lumia-920/
Also one hint for a bricked phone I found was to have it connected to the charger and hold the power button down for a good 10 minutes to 30 minutes (watch tv at the same time?). It is supposed to allow a charge to go to the battery but not power up. Then once you power up you should have enough juice to break the bootloop.
December 10th, 2012 at 12:33 am
I bought a Lumia 920 and all I can say this is a very good smartphone with the potential to replace a compact digtal camera in the near future. No regrets, windows phone 8 will only get better as time goes by.
December 11th, 2012 at 11:34 am
thanks guys definitley lovedthe lumia when i irst saw it but had doubts due to family suggesting to get the htc instead. this cleared things up!! im sticking to my cyan colored lumia920.
December 16th, 2012 at 11:00 am
I have the Lumia 920 and love it, and yes — the battery does get me through a day. I’m on AT&T and use my phone mostly to surf the ‘net for hair styles when consulting with my clients at the Dallas hair salon I work at. The 4G LTe is great; very fast. That helps.
December 24th, 2012 at 12:03 am
Guys, the 8x has wireless charging too…
December 27th, 2012 at 4:15 am
HTC 8X is wayy better!! its much lighter!! i want a phone, not a brick like lumia
February 14th, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Why is it that 99% of all reviews today do not include call quality? If it can’t make or receive calls with good consistent quality, it’s basically a $3-400 netbook.
February 19th, 2013 at 10:26 pm
I have the 8x and I love it the call quality is great I was playing cod online and using the phone to talk to my friend and never became fuzzy and never dropped call over 8 hours of nonstop gaming. a great phone the only downfall is the quality of apps and games on the windows store
February 19th, 2013 at 10:28 pm
Also the lack of games
March 1st, 2013 at 10:35 am
I tried both and i much prefer HTC 8X though I’ve been always a nokia user…love HTC’s slim design and audio quality..I listen to music heavily on my cellphone and the built-in beats audio is the best audio quality I’ve ever heard on a cellphone..i know that Nokia’s camera is superior but i already have a professional camera and i rarely use my phone for taking pictures so the HTC is sufficient in that matter…so which is better, it depends on your usage for me it is the 8X.