New Lumias shine

MICROSOfT has launched two new Windows Phone devices, namely, the Lumia 830 and 735.

Both devices run on Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 which comes with Denim and other enhancements.

The updated camera app can do what Microsoft calls 4K Moment Capture which records up to a minute of video and allows you to scrub through it for the best frame, which can then be saved as a full 8.3-megapixel image.

Positioned as the new flagship smartphone in the Lumia range, the 830 has a premium metal frame and a removable back cover.

Its big feature, however, is that it comes with a 10-megapixel PureView camera with a Zeiss lens that has optical image stabilisation.

Other notable features include a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 5in display (1,280 x 720 pixels), microSD slot, 2,200mAh lithium-ion battery and support for LTE.

Mid-range model

Next in the range is the Lumia 735, which has a unibody polycarbonate shell. Its design may look like other polycarbonate Lumia models out there but its cover can be removed to access the 2,220mAh battery and the microSD slot.

The Lumia 735 supports LTE, comes with a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 6.7-megapixel rear-facing camera, 4.7in HD OLED (1280 x 720 pixels) screen and 8GB internal memory.

Its front-facing 5-megapixel camera has a wide-angle lens suitable for shooting group selfies.

Both the Lumia 830 and 735 have support for the Lumia Qi Wireless charging system if the user opts for the back covers with charging plates built in.

The Lumia 830 has a recommended retail price of RM1,399 while the Lumia 735 will go for RM999 and both will be available starting Oct 3.

Microsoft is having an early bird offer for the Lumia 830 where the first 500 customers who buy the smartphone will also get a copy of Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium for free.