We have also seen Windows phones get cheaper and cheaper. We now have phones in the mid-range of the market, and also pay-as-you-go phones on Windows.It made sense that Microsoft launch the platform with just one or two premium end smartphones but now, they have a diverse range of phones all running Windows.
In this article will take a look at three of the top Windows phones on the market.
Windows Mobile Phones
It is difficult to make a judgement about which phone is best, or even to develop a top three list. This is because different people look for different things in phones. If you were comparing phones across operating systems it would be even more difficult. When it comes to Windows the easiest way to compare is through user reviews, industry reviews and specifications. When you take these areas into consideration the top three phones on the market are actually Nokia Lumia devices.
The Nokia Lumia 1520
The Nokia Lumia 1520 has been very well reviewed by industry reviewers. It was released on 22 October 2013, and runs off the Windows 8 operating system. As Windows mobile phones go it is incredible.
Hardware
The phone comes with a quad core 2200 MHz processor. It also comes with 2 MB of RAM. It is the smoothest experience of Windows on any phone which has come onto the market.
The Display
The display on the phone is six inches, it is, therefore, almost in tablet territory. The pixel resolution is 1080×1920 pixels, which provides a cracking display that is, frankly, beautiful. You will have no problems reading small text or problems with clarity of images. At extreme angles the consistency of pictures will remain excellent and here is very little distortion.
The Battery
The battery on the phone is also extraordinary. You have up to 768 hours of standby time. You also have 27.4 hours of talk time. Compared to the average smartphone these numbers are brilliant.
The Camera
The Nokia Lumia 1020 camera has over twice the mega pixels of the Nokia Lumia 1520. Nevertheless, the Nokia Lumia 1520 has a very good 20 megapixel camera that is right up there at the top end of specifications in the industry.
Verdict on the Lumia 1520
This device has received industry reviews of 9/10, putting it firmly at the top end of Windows mobile phones.
The Nokia Lumia 720
Nokia Lumia 720 was announced on 25 February 2013. Again it runs the Windows 8 operating system. It is more of a mid-range than premium phone, and has received rave reviews from industry pundits and users alike.
The Hardware
This phone comes with a dual core 1000 MHz processor. It has 512 MB RAM. Considering the price point at which it comes this is a very impressive set of specifications. It is worth noting that the Windows operating system tends to be less heavy on processing power and Android phones so these specifications do go a long way.
The Display
The display on the phone is 4.3 inches and 480 x 800 pixel resolution. It is a top display at this price point in the industry. It is vibrant, clear and performs very well in direct sunlight conditions. It is of course not top spec in the industry; but then you would not expect it for the price you are paying for this phone.
The Camera
The camera on this phone is 6.7 megapixels and takes great pictures. It will not give you the best quality pictures nor the kind of clarity you would expect at the premium end of the market, but pictures will be enough for social networking and most basic needs. It also takes video of 1280 × 720 pixels.
The Battery
The battery on the phone is solid. It offers 504 hours of standby time and 23.4 hours of talk time.
Verdict
Of all the Windows mobile phones this is perhaps the best value on the market. Industry reviewers often give it 9/10, factoring in the tremendous value it offers.
The Nokia Lumia 920
This phone was announced on 5 September 2012. It runs Windows Phone 8.
The Hardware
This phone comes with a dual core 1500 MHz processor and 1 MB RAM. It provides a solid and smooth experience.
Display
The 920 has a 4.5 inch display with 768×1286 resolution. When the phone was released it was up there at the premium end of the market. Things move so fast that it is perhaps a little bit below par these days. However, it still does provide a very good experience.
The Camera
This phone comes with an 8.7 megapixel camera which can take videos of 1920 × 1080 pixels. The pictures taken by the camera are very good, although in lowlight conditions you can have some problems getting the best quality image; but then you do with most smartphone cameras.
The Battery
The battery on this phone is adequate. It offers 460 hours of standby time and 18.6 hours of talk time.
The Verdict
Industry reviews of this phone give it 9/10. When released it was a simply cracking phone and it still is extremely good.
When you are looking at the top Windows mobile phones you have to factor in the Nokia Lumia 1020. It has a 41 megapixel camera and is simply astonishing in this regard. You also should be looking at the HTC phones. You can pick up real bargains on phones such as the HTC 8XT. Windows mobile phones are getting better and better. The operating system is clearly starting to make its mark in the smartphone industry.
Phil Turner wanted to move from an iOS phone to one of the many Windows mobile phones on the market so he checked out comparisons on websites including uSwitch to see which phone would best suit him.
