In the past two decades, cell phones have evolved more rapidly than the personal computer, leading to a competitive global market. For years, the cell phone was carried around in a bag the size of a briefcase, now there are personal laptops the size of a wallet in our pockets. The Nokia Lumia 1020 is one of the more recent entries into the wide world of pocket technology.

Last year, the Finnish communication and information corporation Nokia stepped into the world of smart phones with the Windows Phone 8 platform and the Lumia 920 that was exclusively available for a couple of carriers in the United Kingdom and United States. Since then, the Nokia has been busy releasing upgrades, the newest of which being the Lumia 1020.

The biggest upgrade to the 1020 is the rear camera. With 41 megapixels, PureView technology, Optical Image Stabilization and super high-res zoom, this phone’s camera is of the same quality as a digital camera. Compared to the iPhone 5s and the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Nokia has nearly 4 times the MP image resolution.

“I’m always looking to carry fewer devices and with this phone you leave the camera at home. The 1020’s camera is hands down the best phone to get if you love to take photos,” explained junior Emma Bliven, a current Nokia Lumia 1020 owner.

It also has 32 GB of memory, which is handy because the camera works by taking two pictures per click. The first is a five MP photo that is easily uploadable to social media sites on the spot. The other is a 34-38 MP shot that allows easy editing and zoom without losing too much resolution. Unfortunately, because the camera is taking and storing two photos, it takes about six seconds until the phone is ready to take another picture.

In an article for techradar.com, Matt Flores wrote, “To review the Nokia Lumia 1020 is to review a compact camera that happens to have some phone features tacked onto it. Essentially, you would only buy this thing for its 41MP PureView camera with Xenon flash.”

Like any other smart phone, the Nokia Lumia isn’t without it downfalls. Some of the more popular problems with the phone are the adjustable camera settings such as shutter speed being difficult to maneuver and resulting less than quality photos and internet explorer running slowly. The biggest complaint, however, has been the price of the phone.

“For $200 with a [phone] plan, to be honest, I wouldn’t get this phone unless you’re a photoholic or in love with cameras,” explained Patrick Jacobson, another Nokia Lumia 1020 phone owner.

“Sometimes it shuts off randomly and it won’t turn back on even though it has like 87 % battery left which is just super annoying,” added Bliven.

Despite the phones shortcomings, the Nokia Lumia’s overall user satisfaction is very good, and if you are a fan of taking photos, this is the phone for you.