Best Windows Phone - which should you buy?
When it comes to Windows Phone there's a new player in the starting line up in the form of Windows Phone 8 â€" Microsoft's latest attempt to make a significant dent in the mobile market.
While Android and iOS lead the way when it comes to mobile operating systems, you can draw many similarities between the two which may leave you feeling like you want some new. A fresh start, a new perspective.
That's exactly what Windows Phone, both versions 7 and 8, offers with a completely new way of providing you with your smartphone fill.
1. Nokia Lumia 920
What's better than a top Windows Phone 7 handset? A Windows Phone 8 one, and we've got no qualms about telling you this is the best Windows Phone out there.
Simplicity is the key here, the Lumia 920 does the basics well, from contact integration and calling, to web browsing and messaging â€" oh and it's 4G enabled
The 8MP camera on the back of the Lumia 920 is one of the best we've used and for anyone looking to get a top end cameraphone you need to seriously consider this Nokia.
The 4.5-inch display is also a good'un, crisp and clear it makes watching movies, surfing the web or Facebook stalking an enjoyable experience, thanks to the PureMotion HD technology on offer.
And you can even use it with gloves on... what more could you want? You're right: holograms. But they don't exist yet.
2. Nokia Lumia 820
If you're pockets aren't so deep, or your hands are a little smaller you may want to take a look at the Lumia 820, which still provides you with the full Windows Phone 8 experience, albeit on a slightly smaller screen.
It still has the fancy tricks of Lumia 920, including wireless charging, 4G, NFC connectivity, but it also brings changeable covers so your phone can reflect your mood â€" exciting times.
3. HTC 8X
Microsoft decided to shun Nokia when it came to championing Windows Phone 8, instead choose the HTC 8X to be the signature device for its new operating system.
While the 8X is by far the best looking of the Windows Phone 8 bunch it unfortunately doesn't have the prowess under the hood to match the powerhouse which is the Lumia 920.
You do get Beats Audio technology and a couple of amplifiers to enhance your tunes through the internal speaker as well as the headphone jack, plus the slender frame fits comfortably in the hand.
It's by no means a bad phone, it's just not the best Windows Phone 8 handset out there.
Best Windows Phone - which should you buy?
4. HTC 8S
The HTC 8S is a solid handset. It's got an attractive and distinctive style, which both fits with the colourful Windows Phone aesthetic and stands out from the pack.
It's also surprisingly slick and fast for a mid range phone. It's even got the edge over the top end Windows Phone 8 handsets in at least one area- specifically the inclusion of a microSD card slot, which is absent on both the Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC 8X.
On the other hand the battery is average at best, web browsing can be a little slow and it doesn't do much to stand out in the apps or media department. It's also arguably a little over priced for what you get.
5. Nokia Lumia 900
We can't take our hands off the Lumia 900 â€" not since the iPhone was overhauled in 2010 have we enjoyed touching an inanimate object this much.
It's a shame the camera hardware doesn't live up to its software â€" there's so much more that can be done here.
It's not as exciting as it once was, as we have the fancy Nokia Lumia 920 on the market - plus that brings 4G and the next version of mobile software through Windows Phone 8, where the Lumia 900 will always be stuck on Windows Phone 7.8
6. Nokia Lumia 800
The Nokia Lumia 800 is getting on a bit now, but it's still a reliable handset which has no problem breezing through Windows Phone 7.5, soon to be 7.8.
It still does plenty to mark itself out as a contender with 16GB of storage, a good 8MP camera, a physical design that's both attractive and comfortable to hold and a 1.4GHz processor it's certainly got a lot going for it.
Its battery life is slightly disappointing, and it will never see Windows Phone 8 grace its sharp AMOLED display, but if you're on a budget and want a solid phone you should consider the 800.
Best Windows Phone - coming soon
Nokia Lumia 620
The early signs for the Nokia Lumia 620 appear to be positive and as long as the price point keeps inline with the European price, Windows Phone 8 could become an attractive option at the budget end of the market.
In short the 620 is pretty much a smaller Lumia 820, minus the wireless charging, slightly more powerful innards and larger display â€" which is a good sign as the 820 managed to garner 4 out of 5 in our full review.
We'll reserve proper judgement though until we've had time to experience all the features on the Lumia 620 and see if the slower processor and smaller amount of RAM cause any issues.
Read: Hands on Nokia Lumia 620 review
Samsung Ativ S
The Ativ S is a very good Windows Phone 8 device, offering several things competition from HTC and Nokia does not: a slim build, large screen, removable batter and microSD support.
Thanks to an excellent build, good specs, beefy storage and an open body design, the Ativ S is an excellent WP8 option. However, its downright frustrating how close it comes to being the ultimate Windows Phone device, only to see it fall short in key places.
While HSPA+ 3G is nothing to sneeze at, it'll never touch 4G LTE. Therefore we can't fully recommend it over an 8X or Lumia 920 when it comes to data speeds.
Read: Samsung Ativ S review
Huawei Ascend W1
We know Huawei is working on a range of Windows Phone 8 handsets, but the Chinese firm is yet to release any information on its plans.
Various leaks point towards a phone called the Huawei Ascend W1 sporting a 4-inch display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5MP camera, NFC and a 2,000mAh battery â€" certainly value for money if the rumoured sub-$200 (around £125/AU$190) price is correct.
Huawei Ascend W3
Huawei may have a super-sized flagship Windows Phone 8 handset up its sleeve too, with the Ascend W3 touted as a 4.5-inch handset with an 8MP camera capable of capturing full HD video.
Little else is known about the Ascend W3 at the moment, but we'll be keeping our eyes and ears open for more details.
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