Windows Phone 8

[Lilfrier]

I do not see a thread about this, so I thought we could have a discussion about these devices.

Personally, I am about to get a Lumia 920 on AT&T. That they are not getting the matte grey is a disappointment. I have to decide between matte black and gloss red now, as I do not like white, cyan, or yellow. That the devices are only $100 on-contract is a steal, really. You get a display better than the iPhone (in terms of ppi and resolution), a nice 4.5" screen, a best-in-class camera (that is supposed to get better with an update on the way), 32 GB of storage (non-expandable, but 32 GB is usually $300 for a device on-contract), and they are giving away wireless chargers with pre-orders for a limited time. The whole thing is just an awesome deal. It is also a solid $450 off-contract, which is nice if you hate contracts.

So, is anyone else going the Microsoft route, and which device(s) are you getting (or do you have, if you're a lucky non-American)?

[Deleted]

Sadly too expensive for me. Going with Nexus 4. But you can get some good deals on eBay, and I do love the look of Windows Phone. Who knows?

[noteworthynerd]

Already preordered the Lumia 920 in white, should be here sometime in mid-November. I had planned on going with the iPhone 5 (I've owned an iPhone since the 3G was released), but then Apple won their ridiculous lawsuit against Samsung and I vowed to never buy another Apple product as long as they're attempting to f*** over their entire tech industry. I preordered from Best Buy, so I'm not sure if I'll get the free wireless charger, but I have a $200 gift card (part of which I used to buy the actual phone), so I'll just use that to pick up a wireless charger and a case.

I'm personally excited. I've played with Windows Phone 7.8 (or w/e number they're on) a lot and I liked it, so I'm sure Windows Phone 8 will be great.

My only caveat is the lack of "popular" apps for Windows Phone 8, most notably: Pandora Radio and an official Facebook app (the Facebook app for Windows Phone was made by Microsoft, not by Facebook). However, they announced there will be a Pandora Radio app sometime in early 2013 and the Facebook app by Microsoft seems pretty decent.

[Lilfrier]

Sadly too expensive for me. Going with Nexus 4. But you can get some good deals on eBay, and I do love the look of Windows Phone. Who knows?

The Nexus 4 is $300 off-contract for the 8GB model and $350 for the 16GB model.

The Lumia 920 is a 32GB device that costs $450 off-contract. The difference, beyond the 32 GB of storage, includes the stellar camera, Nokia's exclusive apps (such as Nokia's offline mapping, which is allegedly superior to Google's options), and LTE (if it's in your area). On top of that, you MIGHT get a free $50 wireless charger (contract customers get them, but not sure on the off-contract ones).

Oh, and getting it on-contract with AT&T is only $100, and I'm guessing it's a fairly close equivalent for your country, though I am not sure because you have those 3-year contracts and whatnot.

---------- Post added 2012-11-08 at 08:08 AM ----------

Already preordered the Lumia 920 in white, should be here sometime in mid-November. I had planned on going with the iPhone 5 (I've owned an iPhone since the 3G was released), but then Apple won their ridiculous lawsuit against Samsung and I vowed to never buy another Apple product as long as they're attempting to f*** over their entire tech industry. I preordered from Best Buy, so I'm not sure if I'll get the free wireless charger, but I have a $200 gift card (part of which I used to buy the actual phone), so I'll just use that to pick up a wireless charger and a case.

I'm personally excited. I've played with Windows Phone 7.8 (or w/e number they're on) a lot and I liked it, so I'm sure Windows Phone 8 will be great.

My only caveat is the lack of "popular" apps for Windows Phone 8, most notably: Pandora Radio and an official Facebook app (the Facebook app for Windows Phone was made by Microsoft, not by Facebook). However, they announced there will be a Pandora Radio app sometime in early 2013 and the Facebook app by Microsoft seems pretty decent.

Really, white? Man, not a fan of that choice. I've had an embargo on Apple since forever. I have a Zune and a self-built (well, my dad helped) PC, and no Apple products to my name. Their products have always been inferior, overpriced, or a combination of the two. I can't get into the ecosystem because there is nothing I want from them.

Oh, and they are on Windows Phone 7.5. 7.8 is the upcoming update to the older (single-core) devices, which will give users the software features WP7 can support (some, like true multitasking, aren't available because of hardware).

Facebook doesn't affect me, as I never use it much. However, in case you missed it, you're not JUST getting Pandora. The app on Windows Phone comes with a full year of ad-free streaming. You also have Xbox Music, which functions similarly, and is supposed to have unlimited (but not ad-free) streaming for 6 months (after which, it will cap at 10 hours/month, I think; the Xbox Music Pass is $10/month or $100/year). I just upgraded to Windows 8 (as in, an hour ago or less), and I was immediately sold on Xbox Music (the main feature I wanted), as it let me listen to Underoath's newest album, which I do not own and I cannot find online. It's a great thing because you get to CHOOSE what you listen to, or you can use the SmartDJ to just take what it throws at you.

As for me, I wanted the matte grey device. However, AT&T isn't getting that. The result is I am debating matte black and gloss red, which I will decide when I go in to check them out in-person Friday morning.

[Deleted]

The Nexus 4 is $300 off-contract for the 8GB model and $350 for the 16GB model.

The Lumia 920 is a 32GB device that costs $450 off-contract.


Could you send me the website that with that $450 price? Because the Windows Phones in the UK are like £380 for the 820. The 920 will be even more expensive!

[Lilfrier]

Well, it's $450 without a contract through AT&T.

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/dev...id=aC8FtE5EFqF

[Deleted]

Is anyone here buying a HTC phone? The 8X looks really good.

[Lilfrier]

No, it's twice the price, has an inferior camera, smaller screen, half the storage, and doesn't have the Nokia-exclusive apps.

---------- Post added 2012-11-09 at 05:08 PM ----------

Got my 920, sexy time.

[Deleted]

No, it's twice the price, has an inferior camera, smaller screen, half the storage, and doesn't have the Nokia-exclusive apps.

---------- Post added 2012-11-09 at 05:08 PM ----------

Got my 920, sexy time.

No, the 920 is only cheaper on AT&T. In the other 90% of the world the HTC 8X is cheaper by around $130.
One could argue that the smaller screen is an advantage if you don't want a big phone. And really, Nokia has all this hype around their 'amazing' Carl Zeiss shit, but in a review I saw once the guy actually said that the 8X's camera was as impressive/better than the Nokia. I'd like to note the 8X has actually got a better screen, by about 6? PPI. Although that makes like 0 difference, it's still better if you're comparing it feature by feature.
Also, the Nokia is built like a brick, and if I drop it I don't want to knock the Earth out of it's orbit.

[noteworthynerd]

Congrats Lilfrier, I still haven't even heard if mine has shipped. I might try to cancel my preorder on BestBuy.com and just go to the store.

[Lilfrier]

Congrats Lilfrier, I still haven't even heard if mine has shipped. I might try to cancel my preorder on BestBuy.com and just go to the store.

My Best Buy had no Windows Phone 8 devices out. They didn't have the 920 AT ALL, and only had a demo model of the 8X in blue, and it was locked up (but the guy took it out and showed me).

---------- Post added 2012-11-09 at 07:11 PM ----------

No, the 920 is only cheaper on AT&T. In the other 90% of the world the HTC 8X is cheaper by around $130.
One could argue that the smaller screen is an advantage if you don't want a big phone. And really, Nokia has all this hype around their 'amazing' Carl Zeiss shit, but in a review I saw once the guy actually said that the 8X's camera was as impressive/better than the Nokia. I'd like to note the 8X has actually got a better screen, by about 6? PPI. Although that makes like 0 difference, it's still better if you're comparing it feature by feature.
Also, the Nokia is built like a brick, and if I drop it I don't want to knock the Earth out of it's orbit.

Were you reading the Engadget review? The 8X just doesn't have a better camera. I can't compare them because no one here has the 8X, but the floating lens tech in the 920 alone makes it better. It lessens the shaking of the camera (that Optical Image Stabilization you hear about), and that tech allows the lens to stay open longer to absorb more light. I immediately compared my 2010 HTC Droid Incredible (I point out the year and model because I know that it's old and the newer HTCs have MUCH better cameras), and it was just pathetic. The Windows 8 UI on my TV was decently visible, and that was it. The 920 caught the white wall and everything. I mean, it was probably 10-20 times better, EASILY.

As for the screen, that's because of the smaller screen size of the 8X. The 8X has a 4.3" display at 1280x720 (720p). The 920 has a 4.5" display at 1280x768 (WXGA). The 920 also has a super-sensitive tech that allows use with gloves (though not really thick ones, from what I read), and at least one person said that the 8X has a different aspect ratio from the Lumias and Windows Phone 7 devices, so apps are a bit different in appearance (not sure what the effect actually is). So all you have is that Apple-touting ppi, really. No one used the term ppi until Apple tried to sell their non-HD screens with it.

By the way, on the actual size of the 920. It IS a little big, not going to lie. However, the whole weight thing is a joke. The difference between the 8X and 920? About 2 ounces (CNET pegs the 8X and 4.6 ounces and the 920 is listed at 6.5 ounces). Honestly, it's not heavy. It's heavier than other smartphones, but it's not heavy.

[noteworthynerd]

My Best Buy had no Windows Phone 8 devices out. They didn't have the 920 AT ALL, and only had a demo model of the 8X in blue, and it was locked up (but the guy took it out and showed me).

Yeah, I just checked the order status and it's now showing "Back ordered. Should ship in 1-2 weeks". Called them and cancelled on the spot.

Called the local Best Buy store and they said they don't have any Windows 8 phones at all, so I called the actual AT&T store and he said they had plenty, also put one in the back with my name on it so I'll be picking it up after work. ^_^

This means I'll be paying for it instead of using a gift card, but $99 doesn't phase me a whole lot.

[Jimer]

Probably gonna get the Lumia 920, in black (I prefer matt over glossy) when I have the money for it, although I admit that the 2gb version of S3 seems quite tempting. From the reviews I've read; the main "complaint" indeed seems to be the size, though the reviers admit that after a day of two you won't even notice it anymore. I'm personally curious how the phone will interact with W8 on my com. Will be my first proper smartphone ever, yay!

[ati87]

No, the 920 is only cheaper on AT&T. In the other 90% of the world the HTC 8X is cheaper by around $130.
One could argue that the smaller screen is an advantage if you don't want a big phone. And really, Nokia has all this hype around their 'amazing' Carl Zeiss shit, but in a review I saw once the guy actually said that the 8X's camera was as impressive/better than the Nokia. I'd like to note the 8X has actually got a better screen, by about 6? PPI. Although that makes like 0 difference, it's still better if you're comparing it feature by feature.
Also, the Nokia is built like a brick, and if I drop it I don't want to knock the Earth out of it's orbit.

Will just mention the fact that it has already been proven that the 920 has the best camera during difficult conditions when compared to other phones. However what I've also read was that the camera of the 920 doesn't perform that much better when you take shots in perfect conditions which I personally feel is a BS argument anyway. Lets make it clear most camera's take nice pictures when you have perfect light and non moving objects, I kind of doubt that their is much room or reason to improve perfect conditions pictures anyway.

The other argument against 920 is it's weight which I personally want to test first myself. But honestly when you add a case to other less sturdy smarthphones the weight suddenly comes closer to the weight of the 920. And given he fact that the Lumia 920 is a really sturdy phone crafted with polycarbonate which has proven (see lumia 800/900) to be really sturdy compared to the crap made by Samsung and Apple (both of which feels like it could break at any moment)

[Lilfrier]

Probably gonna get the Lumia 920, in black (I prefer matt over glossy) when I have the money for it, although I admit that the 2gb version of S3 seems quite tempting. From the reviews I've read; the main "complaint" indeed seems to be the size, though the reviers admit that after a day of two you won't even notice it anymore. I'm personally curious how the phone will interact with W8 on my com. Will be my first proper smartphone ever, yay!

A 2GB Galaxy S III? How much is that? The Lumia 920 is $100 and has 32 GB of storage. Also, the phone's a little wide, that's about it. It doesn't feel too tall or heavy.

My first smartphone was the HTC Droid Incredible, which I got in 2010. It runs Android 2.3.4. Let me just say that I am extremely happy to be putting that thing out to pasture.

---------- Post added 2012-11-09 at 11:45 PM ----------

Yeah, I just checked the order status and it's now showing "Back ordered. Should ship in 1-2 weeks". Called them and cancelled on the spot.

Called the local Best Buy store and they said they don't have any Windows 8 phones at all, so I called the actual AT&T store and he said they had plenty, also put one in the back with my name on it so I'll be picking it up after work. ^_^

This means I'll be paying for it instead of using a gift card, but $99 doesn't phase me a whole lot.

Pro tips for you:

1. You get the charger for free, but they order them when you buy the phone. At my store, they charged me $50 for the phone and $50 for the charger, which is how it ends up free. I got an e-mail saying it would ship in 3-5 business days, so I might get it Wednesday or so, probably no later than next Friday.

2. The phone is awesome, and I really like the display. I put "The Next Doctor," the first of the Doctor Who specials that wrapped up David Tennant's stay as The Doctor, and it looked amazing. I watched an episode of Stargate: Universe on my Droid Incredible a long time ago, and it was rather unpleasant. Who knew that .7" and WXGA would make things SO much better? Maybe it's just watching Doctor Who...that tends to make everything better.

3. This is my lock screen (first decent wallpaper I could find):

http://www.hdwallpapersdesktop.com/1...doctor-who.jpg

---------- Post added 2012-11-10 at 06:21 PM ----------

Anyone else on-board with Windows Phone 8 yet? I'm enjoying so far, and will get to try SmartGlass for the first time tonight, for Halo 4.

[Lilfrier]

So, checking in once again. Anyone else have a Windows Phone yet? How are you liking it if you have one? I got to use my camera to record a video yesterday, and classmate was blown away at just HOW much better it was than his Galaxy S II Skyrocket.

[noteworthynerd]

I cancelled my preorder at Best Buy and picked one up in store instead on Friday. Still getting used to the switch from iOS to Windows Phone, but I like it a lot thus far.

[yurano]

I cancelled my preorder at Best Buy and picked one up in store instead on Friday. Still getting used to the switch from iOS to Windows Phone, but I like it a lot thus far.

Did you get charged for canceling a pre-order?

[Deleted]

I still have to wait for a release in the netherlands Probably 27th of november. Thats the date nokia is holding a press event over here. I could get one from Germany, but i dont have 500 euro laying around. So i will have to wait till than.

[noteworthynerd]

Did you get charged for canceling a pre-order?

No, probably because it hadn't shipped yet (and wasn't going to ship for another 2-3 weeks according to the site).

It may be worth noting that I didn't get the charging plate either. Just like Lilfrier said: they order it for you. I paid $84 for the phone + screen protector and will pay another $50 when the charging plate arrives...

(I just realized that I didn't ask how I'd know when it was ready to be picked up haha, hopefully they'll call me.)