Nokia Lumia 500 repositions Nokia back into the competitive mid-range smartphone space with a massive 6.5-inch display, a reliable Snapdragon chipset, long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and a refined, lightweight design. This full-feature overview breaks down everything—from design to performance, camera details, and usability—to help you decide if the Lumia 500 lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Who Should Consider Nokia Lumia 500?
The Nokia Lumia 500 is ideal for:
- First-time smartphone buyers needing large visuals and long battery life
- Casual users focused on browsing, reading, and media streaming
- Budget-conscious individuals who still expect durability and basic processing power
- Older adults needing a large readable screen and simple interface
Let’s explore how this device balances features and value.
Design and Build: Lightweight Comfort
Nokia nails form and function with the Lumia 500’s ergonomic design and substantial screen real estate.
Design Highlights:
- Body: Durable polycarbonate shell with matte finish
- Frame: Rounded edges for enhanced grip
- Dimensions: 164.5 × 76.2 × 8.6 mm
- Weight: 190 grams
- Colors: Slate Grey, Coral Red
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted, integrated in the power button
The build feels solid but remains surprisingly light for its size. Its large display sits well within manageable proportions.
Display Excellence: 6.5″ IPS HD+ Screen
While not AMOLED, the Nokia Lumia 500 display still delivers immersive visuals with excellent visibility.
Display Specifications:
- Panel: IPS LCD
- Size: 6.5 inches
- Resolution: HD+ (1600 × 720 pixels)
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz up to 120Hz (adaptive)
- Touch Sampling: 180Hz
- Brightness: Approx. 520 nits
- Screen-to-Body Ratio: ~90%
Its adaptive refresh keeps scrolling fluid. These specs make the device especially suitable for video content, reading, and casual browsing.
Performance: Snapdragon Reliability
Under the hood, the Nokia Lumia 500 runs on the Snapdragon 480 chipset, which delivers efficient performance and global 5G compatibility.
Performance Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 480 (8nm)
- CPU: Octa-core with 2×2.0GHz + 6×1.8GHz cores
- GPU: Adreno 619
- RAM & Storage: 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X, 128GB UFS 2.2
- Expansion: microSD support up to 512GB
The Lumia 500 handles everyday apps well. Social media, video playback, and light gaming all run smoothly. Multitasking remains stable, especially with 8GB RAM.
Camera Setup: 50MP Main Sensor with Basic Extras
The focus remains on practicality rather than high-end camera features.
Rear Camera Specs:
- Primary Sensor: 50MP, f/1.8 with PDAF
- Secondary Sensor: 2MP depth sensor
- Video: 1080p at 30fps
Front Camera:
- Selfie Sensor: 16MP, f/2.0
- Video: 1080p at 30fps
Real-World Output:
- Daylight photos: Sharp and balanced with good tone
- Low-light: Acceptable but softened details are visible
- Portraits: Adequate subject focus with gentle blur
- Selfies: Natural and shareable quality
Though not feature-heavy, the system produces solid and usable images for daily needs.
Battery and Charging: Built for All-Day Use
The Nokia Lumia 500 excels at endurance with a 5000mAh battery and efficient charging support.
Battery & Charging:
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 33W via USB-C
- Charging Time: Full charge in roughly 70 minutes
Users can confidently go through an entire day of usage—video, web browsing, messaging—without needing a midday recharge.
Software and User Interface: Clean with Android
The Lumia 500 runs a near-stock Android 13 experience with minimal modifications and a promise of Android 14 upgrade.
Software Highlights:
- Minimal pre-installed apps
- Simple interface with gesture controls
- Enhanced Privacy Dashboard
- Scheduled updates and security patches
Performance under Android is smooth and uncluttered, offering consistent usability even for non-tech-savvy users.
Connectivity and Multimedia
Lumia 500 offers broad connectivity options suitable for modern usage.
Connectivity Features:
- 5G Sub-6GHz Dual SIM support
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1
- GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
- FM Radio built-in
Audio & Other Features:
- Single bottom-firing speaker with decent clarity
- 3.5mm headphone jack availability
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- No stereo speakers or NFC
This combination enhances practicality for day-to-day use.
In‑Box Package Details
Nokia includes the essentials to help users get started quickly.
In the box:
- Nokia Lumia 500 handset
- USB-C cable
- 33W wall charger
- Soft silicone protective case
- SIM ejector pin
- Quick start guide and warranty information
No need for aftermarket accessories to begin using the phone.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Large, adaptive refresh display (up to 120Hz)
- Reliable Snapdragon 480 chipset with 5G support
- Long battery life with 5000mAh cell
- Clean software experience with Android 13
- Adequate 50MP camera performance for the price
❌ Cons:
- HD+ resolution may not satisfy sharpness seekers
- No NFC for contactless payment
- Stereo speakers and official IP rating are absent
- Limited low-light camera quality
Who Should Buy Nokia Lumia 500?
The Nokia Lumia 500 is perfect for:
- Users prioritizing screen size and battery over cutting-edge specs
- First-time users and seniors needing a simple interface
- Buyers wanting 5G support in budget-friendly phones
- Media consumers who rely on long endurance and readability
Final Verdict: Valuable and Capable
Nokia delivers a compelling mid-range smartphone with the Lumia 500—one that balances performance, usability, and price. While it doesn’t push boundaries, it commits to reliability, feature consistency, and ease of use. For buyers seeking a clean, capable device with a large display and solid battery life, the Nokia Lumia 500 represents a smart, balanced choice.
FAQs – Nokia Lumia 500
1. Is the Nokia Lumia 500 5G capable?
Yes, the Nokia Lumia 500 supports dual‑SIM Sub‑6GHz 5G, ensuring fast internet speeds and future-proof connectivity for budget buyers.
2. How sharp is the display on Nokia Lumia 500?
The 6.5″ HD+ panel with adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz offers smooth visuals. While it isn’t as sharp as Full HD, the quality is vibrant enough for media viewing and reading.
3. Can I expand the Nokia Lumia 500 storage?
Yes, it includes a dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 512GB expansion, giving you ample space for photos, apps, and media without compromising internal speed.
4. How reliable is the battery performance?
Thanks to the 5000mAh battery, moderate users can expect full-day runtime over video streaming, web browsing, and app usage, making it ideal for extended daily use.
5. Is the Android experience on Nokia Lumia 500 bloatware-free?
Yes, the Nokia Lumia 500 features a clean Android interface with minimal pre-installed apps and lightweight customizations, delivering responsive usability for all user types.
2 thoughts on “Nokia Lumia 500: 6.5″ Display, Snapdragon Processor, and 5000mAh Battery – Full Specs Revealed”