Windows Phone 8 smartphone round-up
Summary: Here is the first wave of Windows Phone 8 smartphones, from Microsoft's launch partners Nokia, Samsung and HTC.
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Windows Phone 8S by HTC
| Product | Windows Phone 8S by HTC |
| Announced | 19 September 2012 |
| Availability | UK: EE, O2, Three, Vodafone, Phones 4U, Carphone Warehouse |
| Price | TBA |
| 2G networks | GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 |
| 2.5G | GPRS, EDGE |
| 3G networks | HSPA, WCDMA 900, 2100 |
| 3.xG | |
| 4G networks | |
| SIM type | Micro-SIM |
| Dimensions (WxHxD, mm) | 63 x 10.28 x 120.5 |
| Weight (g) | 113 |
| Screen type | multi-touch Super LCD touchscreen |
| Screen size (in.) | 4 |
| Screen resolution (pixels) | 480 x 800 |
| Pixel density (ppi) | 233 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (dual-core, 1.5GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 |
| RAM (GB) | 0.5 |
| Internal storage (GB) | 4 |
| Storage expansion | MicroSD |
| Cloud storage | SkyDrive (7GB) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 3.1 |
| NFC | no |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| FM radio | no |
| Rear camera resolution (Mpixels) | 5 |
| Front camera resolution (Mpixels) | |
| Camera features | autofocus, LED flash |
| Ports | Micro-USB, audio out |
| Security features | |
| Sensors | accelerometer, proximity, ambient light |
| Battery capacity (mAh) | 1700 |
| Removable battery | |
| Talk time (3G, h) | |
| Standby time (3G, h) | |
| Special features | Beats Audio |
| Accessories |
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Talkback
Decisions are hard
Samsung offers top of the line Android hardware with Win 8 installed. Frankly I think it looks a little cheap and nasty and a little too much like an Android or iPhone. Really don't like that metallic edge. Otherwise it's on a par with the others.
The HTC is the thinnest and the smallest with with a smaller 4.3" screen but the highest pixel density but only 16GB and no microSD slot.
I have 4 WP7 HTC Mozarts for my business and they've given no trouble and my partner prefers a phone that fits her smaller hand. I don't have a music collection, nor do I watch movies on my phone so my need for storage is low (still haven't filled up the Mozarts) and SkyDrive is always there anyway. Wireless charging sounds nice, but there's no guarantee the Qi model will become standard and placing it on a pillow means little difference to me than plugging it in. I don't really need to wear gloves (Aussie).
As for screen size, the 4.5 may be better for my failing eyes, but the pixel density of the 4.3 is also attractive.
I think I'm going for the HTC 8x. I prefer the design and form factor and it will fit in my pocket a little easier (without the chunky, strange cases the Apple aficionados seem to believe are required) The 16G is more than adequate and I don't need expansion.
Of course your requirements may be different, so it's fantastic to be able to have a choice ;-)
ZDNET !@#$%^@#$% posting software
Really WTB editing here.
Meh!