New Nokia Lumia 720 in 2025– Imagine walking into a crowded metro station in 2025, pulling out your phone, and grabbing a few glances—not because you’re flaunting some flashy foldable, but because you’re holding the iconic Nokia Lumia 720. For many, it’s a sudden wave of nostalgia; for others, maybe a reminder of a long-gone time when phones felt different, colorful, and—dare we say—fun.
Flashback:Nokia Lumia 720’s Arrival and Its Place in Indian Hearts
It’s 2013. Android is still coming of age. Apple is the stuff of aspirations, not everyday life. And then you spot it: a bright yellow or cyan rectangle, impossibly sleek, impossibly cheerful. The Nokia Lumia 720 hits Indian stores with a promise—Windows Phone, reimagined for everyday budgets.
People fell in love. Why not? The design stood out, the cameras sparkled, and the whole interface felt smooth. Even those who thought Windows was “just for PCs” found themselves curious. Family phones switched hands, office-goers snapped work selfies, college students flaunted tiles, and homes buzzed with the ‘Nokia Tune.’
Back then, this phone symbolized hope. A touch of premium, a hint of rebellion, and that classic Nokia indestructibility. But fast-forward a decade-plus, and we’re in a different universe. Can the Lumia 720 find relevance in the India of 2025?
What Made the Nokia Lumia 720 Special in Its Prime?
You can’t talk about the Lumia 720 today without remembering what made it shine then. Nokia’s engineers and Microsoft’s designers wanted to make something different. And they did. It began with design, but it didn’t end there.
Design That Dared to Be Different
No chrome, no dull blacks or silvers. Instead, curved polycarbonate in playful hues—red, cyan, yellow, white, black. It felt warm, grippy, impossible to break, and thin enough for even the smallest palms.
A Camera That Surprised Everyone
Carl Zeiss optics, 6.7MP main shooter, wide f/1.9 aperture, and a 1.3MP selfie (which, believe it or not, was a big deal at the time!). In an age dominated by grainy memories, the Lumia 720 captured light—literally and figuratively.
The Windows Phone Magic
Live Tiles that danced. No endless folders, just customizable squares always updating—the weather, your next appointment, the latest call. Settings never buried, performance always smooth, battery never anxious.
Hardware That Felt “Right”
A 4.3-inch ClearBlack display—bright even in Delhi summers. Snapdragon S4 processor and 512MB RAM managed a rare balancing act: light, yet fast enough for the time. And a battery that, for many, went two days without sweat.
Nokia Lumia 720 Tech Sheet: At a Glance
For the fact-lovers, here’s a quick trip down memory lane with the Lumia 720’s specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.3-inch IPS LCD, 800 x 480 px (ClearBlack tech) |
| Processor | Dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, 1.0 GHz |
| RAM | 512MB |
| Storage | 8GB (expandable via microSD up to 64GB) |
| Rear Camera | 6.7MP, f/1.9, Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash |
| Front Camera | 1.3MP |
| Battery | 2000mAh, non-removable |
| OS (final build) | Windows Phone 8.1 |
| Connectivity | 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC |
| Build/Colors | Polycarbonate, Red/Yellow/Cyan/White/Black |
| Weight | 128 grams |
| SIM | Micro SIM |
If you’re reading this on a high-refresh modern screen, maybe with a quad-camera Android nestled nearby, it’s easy to smirk. But trust anyone who used it—the Lumia 720 was lovably different.
Nokia Lumia 720 Windows Phone Dilemma: What Actually Works in 2025?
The heart of our question, though, is this: can you actually use the Nokia Lumia 720 as a daily driver in 2025? Let’s answer with honesty, nuance, and a little bit of humor—because if you’re a nostalgia buff or tech experimenter, you deserve the full truth.
Nokia Lumia 720 Booting Up: No Drama, Just Simplicity
Pop in a SIM, hold down Wake, and you’re greeted by the iconic Microsoft logo. The system boots swiftly; it asks for a Microsoft account, then drops you right into that ever-familiar tile matrix.
There’s comfort here—no update nags, no start-up ads, just your essentials. Frequent users may even find themselves smiling at the simplicity.
But make no mistake: you’re running Windows Phone 8.1, and Microsoft stopped updating this OS ages ago. There’s no way to upgrade to Windows Mobile 10 officially on the 720, so you’re working with what you have.
Nokia Lumia 720 Calls and Texts: Staying Connected, the Old-School Way
Here’s the surprise—basic phone functions still work impressively well. Make or receive calls? Crystal clear, thanks to legendary Nokia hardware. Text messaging? Seamless. Network detection remains sharp, and the speaker is robust enough for noisy markets.
VoLTE and modern HD calling won’t work, though—this is a 3G device. With India rapidly moving to VoLTE-only, you may face dropped services if your operator sunsets 2G/3G coverage. Some regions will still work for a while, especially with legacy networks, but new Jio or Airtel SIMs may simply refuse to register soon.
Nokia Lumia 720 Internet: Browsing on the Edge (Literally)
Open Internet Explorer (remember that name?), and brace yourself. Most modern sites either won’t load, look mangled, or complain about outdated protocols and certificates.
Google? Works, but sluggish. YouTube? Only the basic mobile version, if at all, and even then, videos may not play due to unsupported codecs.
Web-based WhatsApp? No luck. Modern email? Only the most basic, IMAP-based accounts. Anything encrypted to today’s standards will likely fail.
So yes, you can technically browse—but you’ll rapidly find yourself bumping into walls. For quick Wikipedia lookups or light, old-school webmail, it’s doable. Anything visual or secure? Not so much.
Nokia Lumia 720 Apps: The Great Let-Down
If you’re hoping to visit the Windows Phone Store, get ready for heartbreak. Microsoft shuttered the Store some time ago. No new apps, no updates, and even re-downloading old ones is mostly impossible today.
Here’s what you get, mostly:
- Native system apps (Dialer, Messaging, Gallery, Calculator, Calendar, Notes)
- Some pre-installed (or never-uninstalled) old favorites: early versions of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and OneDrive (almost all give error messages or won’t sign in)
- Office Mobile: can open old-format docs, but won’t sync with OneDrive or Google Drive
Modern apps—Instagram, WhatsApp, banking apps, payments, maps—simply don’t work. Some hackers or hobbyists still build XAP sideloads of basic tools, but they’re increasingly broken or risky.
Offline uses still shine—music playback, FM radio (yep, still there!), basic camera shooting, or as a well-structured contact book.
Nokia Lumia 720 Camera: Has Time Diminished Its Magic?
The 720’s camera was a talking point, but 2025 is an era of 200MP sensors and AI everything. Fire up the camera, and you’re transported: a simple interface, old-school focus sound, and quick snaps.
Daylight shots still come out colorful and natural, with that unique Nokia processing. There’s a charm in the photo output—a softness and warmth that feels like 2013 in a frame.
Night mode, video recording, selfies? None compare to 2025 standards, but for scanning documents or recapturing memories, it buzzes with retro appeal.
Send these images to another phone, and you’ll see their limitations—lack of detail, lower dynamic range, higher noise. But as a backup or as a “hidden gem” at a family gathering, it’s better than you’d guess.
Nokia Lumia 720 Social Life: Messaging and Media
Here’s the ground truth: WhatsApp stopped supporting Windows Phone in 2020. Facebook and Twitter clients no longer connect. Telegram was always missing. SMS still works for pure text, but modern group messaging, sharing images, gifs, or videos isn’t happening.
For music, you can fill up the surprisingly ample microSD slot with MP3s—a treat for nostalgic listeners. There’s FM Radio, too, unaffected by internet speed or app updates.
Microsoft’s music player, though barebones, remains fast and reliable. No ads, just you and your tracks. For podcasts, only MP3 downloads via PC sync are possible. Streaming? Impossible now.
Nokia Lumia 720 Battery and Longevity: Can It Survive a Day?
The original battery on a Nokia Lumia 720—if it hasn’t bloated or died—is a trooper. With all radio hardware and display tech less demanding than today’s phones, standby time is a revelation. Even in 2025, a healthy battery sails through a full day of calls, messages, and music.
But old batteries degrade. If you’re sourcing a new one from a third-party vendor or hunting eBay listings, be wary. Many replacements are of dubious quality, with reports of swelling or quick draining.
Power users will find the 720’s 2000mAh diminutive, but for light use or as a secondary phone, it’s refreshing to forget about charging till bedtime.
Nokia Lumia 720 “Human Touches”: What Still Stands Out
Not everything is about specs or speed. The Nokia Lumia 720 offers delights modern phones miss.
- It feels great in hand—curves, color, and lightness combine for joyful handling.
- The polycarbonate build is nearly unbreakable.
- The call and text experience is especially clear and straightforward, with ringtones louder and more musical than on most glass slabs today.
- The keyboard is remarkably finger-friendly, with just enough haptic feedback.
People who pick it up today often smile, marvel at its weight, or ask if they can just “hold it for a moment.” For many, it’s less a piece of tech, more a conversation starter.
Nokia Lumia 720 in 2025: Use Cases That Still Make Sense
So if you’re a brave soul or a nostalgist, what can you realistically use the Nokia Lumia 720 for in 2025? Let’s break it down honestly.
Nokia Lumia 720 Primary Phone? Only for the Basics
If you live in an area where 2G/3G is still live, and all you care about is calls, SMS, and maybe the odd photo, the Lumia 720 can function as a minimalist daily driver. No distractions, no FOMO, no blows to mental health.
But for any kind of modern connected life—banking, shopping, navigation, WhatsApp, payments—it simply cannot deliver. Young users or those reliant on gig economy apps must look elsewhere.
Nokia Lumia 720 Secondary or “Backup” Phone: A Nostalgic Toy
Many keep a Nokia Lumia 720 as a reliable backup. When your main phone dies or is misplaced, you can slot in a SIM and keep the world at bay.
For the elderly or kids who need only the simplest features, it’s still an option—but only as long as basic band support from telecom providers survives.
MP3 Player or FM Radio: Old-School Cool
Load up your SD card with songs from the 2000s, and use the Lumia as an offline music player. No data charges, no ads, just classic mp3 joy. FM radio also keeps it lively for news, music, or cricket commentary.
Digital Camera: Instant Nostalgia
Contemporary phones blur the line between reality and enhancement. The Nokia Lumia 720’s photos are instantly recognizable—filtered by time and nostalgia. Fun for retro photo projects or as a backup in your car for document scans.
Alarm, Calculator, Calendar, Notes
No updates needed, no subscription required. The simple tools onboard still work flawlessly in 2025. For many, that’s all a device needs for “household” or “study table” duty.
Nokia Lumia 720 Why Don’t More Retro Phones Get Used in 2025?
The world moved on—quickly and ruthlessly. Mobile banking, secure apps, video streaming, health monitoring, and always-on communications have remade expectations.
Modern networks are sunsetting 2G and 3G. Even feature phones now run 4G. The app ecosystem is key, and Windows Phone is a digital ghost town. Without fresh apps or security patches, you’re taking risks using the web or inserting personal credentials.
And let’s not forget, even accessories—chargers, replacement batteries, screen protectors—are rare now. Gone are the days when your neighborhood shop could save your day.
Can You Still Repair or Maintain a Nokia Lumia 720?
If you’re handy or have a trusted local technician, basic maintenance is possible. Screen repairs, battery swaps, and chemical cleans can keep a Nokia Lumia 720 ticking. But parts are dwindling, and modern service centers barely remember these models.
Buyers have reported success with refurbished units or “dead stock” on online marketplaces, but be aware: many components are past their prime, and there’s little guarantee for longevity.
Modern Alternatives for the Nokia Lumia 720 Experience
If you love minimalism, simplicity, or colorful design, there are traces of the Lumia spirit in a few 2025 devices.
Some Android phones cater to “dumb phone” nostalgia—offering stripped-down interfaces, bright hues, and focus on call/messaging reliability. Others, like the “Light Phone” movement, go further, reducing features to the barest essentials for digital health.
Or, go the custom ROM route—Android-based, privacy-focused, without the bloat and distractions.
But none captures the exact look, feel, and emotional warmth of a Lumia. That flavor of Windows Phone—the flowing tiles, the cheerful interface, the hard-to-describe tactile joy—is truly irreplaceable.
The Bigger Picture: Why Nokia Lumia 720 Still Matters
For a generation, the Nokia Lumia 720 isn’t just a phone. It’s a snapshot of a different era in Indian tech—when innovation looked playful, and competition drove originality rather than checklist features.
It teaches many lessons. That good design lasts longer than specs. That ecosystems matter. That brand trust is built slowly but can erode quickly. That user-centric software can feel like a conversation, not a negotiation.
Many phones today are better on every measurable front—but none will be remembered the way the Nokia Lumia 720 is.
A Look Forward: Will the Nokia Lumia 720 Ever Make a Comeback?
There’s always a chance, however slim, that a future “Nokia Lumia 720” will revisit the form, colors, or minimalism that made the Lumia unique. We’ve seen classic phones revived before—sometimes as nostalgic feature phones, sometimes as modern smartphones with retro flair.
Should that happen, expect a wave of excited commentary—both from those who once owned a Lumia 720, and from new users curious about what made it special.
Till then, the Lumia 720 will live in the drawers, memories, and Instagram throwbacks of Indian urbanites and rural fans alike. If you see one in the wild, maybe give the owner a little salute—because they’re keeping a tiny flame alive.
Final Verdict: Does the Nokia Lumia 720 Work in 2025?
To put it simply: the Nokia Lumia 720 “works” as a phone, as long as your network lets it. But it doesn’t “work” as a modern smartphone.
For pure calling, messaging, classic snaps, and offline music, it’s an absolute delight—a minimalist’s dream trapped in cheerful plastic. For anything else—apps, secure transactions, navigation, or modern internet—it’s like asking a bicycle to take you on the expressway. Charming, but outpaced by reality.
But maybe there’s a deeper value in what the Nokia Lumia 720 still offers. A bit of tech peace. A reminder of different priorities, before the world became an endless scroll. Something human in a world that moves too fast.
So, if you have a Nokia Lumia 720, dust it off and give it a day out. Relive the past, marvel at the progress, and maybe, find a little joy in simplicity. In 2025, that’s a message any phone—smart or not—would be proud to deliver.