Windows Phone is a comparatively new entry into the world of mobile operating systems and is gaining momentum with the new version, Windows Phone 8, set to launch this fall. Yes, we know Microsoft isn’t new to the mobile OS game, but we’re considering Windows Phone 7.5 as the start of this trend, Windows Mobile is pretty much a completely different platform that has been replaced. Devices with Windows Phone 7.5 hit stored in September 2011 to positive reviews. It’s hardly been a year and Windows Phone 8 is set to launch. Windows Phone 8 devices will come with more powerful hardware and has features Windows Phone 7.5 devices didn’t, like NFC, expandable memory, support for HD screen resolutions, multi-core processors and more. Best part is, it shares the kernel with Windows 8, so apps can be made for on platform and ported to another very easily. There’s also UI changes and more built in functions. The bad news is that none of the current Windows Phone 7.5 devices will get this update, no matter how new it is. Only new phones will ship with Windows Phone 8. However, older phones get an update called Windows Phone 7.8 that will include some new features including the UI customization. So if you’re interested in Windows Phone 8 devices and want to know which devices are coming out with Microsoft’s new mobile OS, read on!
Note: This list will be updated as more devices are announced.
Nokia was the first manufacturer to introduce a Windows Phone 7.5 device, the Lumia 800. Even though this time it isn’t considered the “flagship” of Windows Phone 8, Nokia’s new handsets pack more than a punch and are really innovative. The first wave of Nokia Windows Phone 8 devices include the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820. The Lumia 920 is the higher end of the bunch, with a brilliant HD+ screen, PureView camera and classy unibody design. The Lumia 820 will fill in the mid range slot and replace the Lumia 800, it features expandable memory unlike its bigger brother though. Here’s the specs of these smartphones:
Update (5/12/12): Nokia Lumia 620 has been announced as the budget Windows Phone 8 device and will retail for 249$.
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8627CPU: 1 GHz dual-core KraitGPU: Adreno 305RAM: 512 MB RAMStorage: 8 GB, expandable upto 64 GB via MicroSD slotScreen: 3.8 inches TFT LCD screen, 480 x 800px (245 ppi)Camera: 5 MP rear facing camera (720P video recording), front facing VGA cameraConnectivity: Bluetooth v3.0, Wi-fi, MicroUSB 2.0 slotBattery: 1300 mAhThis time around, the Taiwanese manufacturer gets the right to make “signature” Windows Phone 8 devices. The devices themselves will feature the OS name in their nomenclature and sure look promising. Again, there are two models to choose from, the Windows Phone 8X and Windows Phone 8S. Amongst them, the 8X will be the higher end one. While the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 share CPU, GPU, RAM and such, the 8X and 8S feature different hardware. HTC has taken a cue from Nokia and made both phones in funky colors and of course, there’s Beats Audio included. Both these devices are touted to be less expensive than their Nokia counterparts. The 8X features pretty much the same SoC as the Lumia 920 and 820, it’s the 8S that’s a little different. Here’s the spec sheets:
Earlier, information had leaked about high end and mid range Samsung Windows Phone 8 devices, but as of now only the high end Samsung Ativ S has been announced. It takes most of its design cues from the Samsung Galaxy S3 and has basically the same internals as the US LTE version of the S3. It was the first Windows Phone 8 device announced, and is the only one as of now that comes in different storage variants. Featuring a brushed aluminium finish, the Ativ S is in stark contrast to the bright phones from both Nokia and HTC. It doesn’t have a killer feature as such, but the Ativ S will appeal to the business end of the market with its quiet elegance. Not to mention, there’s a huge battery to keep things going on for long. Spec sheets follow:
Huawei is the last manufacturer that is releasing its smartphone in the first wave of Windows Phone 8 devices. Unlike others, there is only one phone announced, which will cater to the budget/mid range segment. The Huawei Ascend W1 is supposed to go for around 320$ unlocked, which quite honestly is a great price for what it’s offering. There’s not much information about the Ascend W1, but from what we know, it could be a good choice to enter the Windows Phone 8 ecosystem. For those people who think Windows Phone 8 still doesn’t justify high end phone price tags, this could be the phone for you!
This is by no means a comprehensive list, the specs, details and more will be updated as we know about more Windows Phone 8 devices, so keep an eye on this space! There’s still smartphones yet to come, the second wave will include more manufacturers like ZTE and the first wave manufacturers are also sure to unveil more offerings. Also make sure to check out our Windows 8 review. As always, do drop us a line if you want to be heard. Any queries, comments or suggestions are welcome!
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