Meet the ultrabudget Nokia Lumia 521 (pictures)

Nokia's ridiculously affordable $150 smartphone may not be the pinnacle of craftsmanship, but it's a sturdier, more capable phone than you may think.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

May 24, 2013 4:59 p.m. PT

1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Nokia Lumia 521, the cheapest Lumia yet

Nokia is pushing the threshold for affordable Windows phones around the world, but with T-Mobile's Lumia 521, Nokia has hit upon a great combo of low price ($150 off-contract) and features.

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2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

What you get

Running Windows Phone 8, the Lumia 521 has a 4-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera with 720 HD video capture, and a host of extra Nokia apps for turn-by-turn directions and streaming radio.

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Black and white

The Lumia 521's matte white finish looks a little dull in real life, but contrasts strikingly with the black face and side buttons.

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Gaining perspective

It's harder to tell from a photo, but the Lumia 521's screen is far duller and more reflective than the Verizon Lumia 928's (left).

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Now from the side

The white polycarbonate Lumia 521 (top) is curvier, thicker, and less premium-looking than Verizon's high-end Lumia 928.

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More about that camera

There's no flash or front-facing camera on the 521, but this Lumia takes better low-light images than you might imagine, and can capture 720p HD video that stays sharp thanks to autofocus software.

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