Last month I received my new mobile phone for the next 2 years. After using Android for the last years, both 2.x and 4.x versions, it was time for something different. Because I'm using iOS already on my iPad, my choice was fallen on Windows Phone 8. This also because colleagues who are using Windows Phone 7 are still happy after using the device for over 2 years! When looking for a high-end Windows Phone 8 device you have the choice between Nokia, HTC and Samsung. For me it was Nokia Lumia 920 or Samsung ATIV S to choose from. After many sleepless nights (LOL) I decided to order the ATIV S. This because of the larger display, better battery and less weight. For me it was the better choice. Let's start the review!
Samsung announced their Windows Phone first last year, but released it last at all. This probably because Samsung wants to sell Android (Galaxy) phones as much as possible, and Windows Phone is just a second choice. Nokia on the order hand are selling Windows Phone devices as much as possible. When you go for good support or multiple device choices, Nokia is the better choice here. For me I was looking for something new, looking at price and specifications, Samsung is the better choice. ATIV S can be ordered for over 100 euros less than Lumia 920. ATIV S has a larger 4.8 inch Super AMOLED display, a 2300mAh battery and is just 135 grams in weight. Last but not least ATIV S has a replaceable battery and SD-card. ATIV S has a physical start button (to unlock the device and go to the start screen) and can be used 2 days on a single battery load. Not bad I guess :)
Enclosed an comparison between HTC 8X, Lumia 920 and ATIV S:
For me Windows Phone 8 OS is a relief, I really think it's a very good OS. It' s very fast, looking good, handy in usage, live tiles are just great, supports integration with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and offers something new! There is a good search option for installed apps, much settings to configure (more then I thought actually). Bing integration is nice for a daily random wallpaper, Microsoft apps like Office, OneNote, Internet Explorer, Xbox, Skype, Lync and Skydrive are all in place. There are less apps available when using Android, but for most apps there's an alternative app available. More apps are coming every day! The persons tile shows contacts with all information available, like Mail, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn data. Photos and videos can be saved in the cloud (Skydrive) immediately.
I think I like my new phone more then earlier phones, just because of Windows phone OS. That's definitely a compliment to Microsoft! When Windows Blue is released later this year (look HERE for more information about it), Windows Phone will be even better I guess. Hope you like my review, and think about a Windows Phone device yourself. For questions about Windows Phone just use comments below. Samsung ATIV S: a lot of phone for your money!
This year I want to order some new mobile phones. First I want the Samsung Ativ S with Windows Phone 8 onboard. Pity enough it's still not available in NL (rumours say it will be available early march). Therefore I ordered a new Chinese phone for the meantime. It's a Jiayu G3 with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean onboard. For the people who doesn't know Jiayu, here's an comparion between the G3 and G4.
Jiayu G3 is a latest generation MTK dual-core Android smartphone, the iPhone 5 style appearance, full metal body, 4.5 inch QHD screen with 1280*720 pixel display, 1GB RAM, 8MP rear camera, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS be installed. It's currently one of the best selling phones in China. Not surprising given the selling price. Jiayu G4 can be pre-ordered at the moment, but isn't available yet.
The Jiayu G4 High Edition and Standard Edition are equipped with a 1.2GHz MediaTek MT6589 quad-core processor (GPU SGX544), equipped with 4.7-inch of 720o touch screen (OGS full lamination technology, with border for only 2.9mm) outer layer with gorilla glass 2 generation, built-in 13-megapixel camera and 3 megapixel front-facing camera, while providing the gyroscope distance light Gravity magnetic sensor, dual card dual standby function.
Last week a new phone was announced also: The Jiayu S1. More about that one will be available later. Hope you like it as I do!
Last week I found a great review on Samsung ATIV S mobile phone. Besides of Nokia and HTC, Samsung is the third vendor with a Windows Phone 8 device. Because of the business kind of look and great specs this is the device I want. The device will be in January for sale in the Netherlands. In Europe the pricing will probably be 549 euro.
Samsung was the first manufacturer to officially announce a Windows Phone 8 device, but has since been suspiciously quiet about its plans. Plagued by delays and a missed launch period with HTC and Nokia, Samsung’s carrier deals, release dates, and exact pricing haven’t been forthcoming. Microsoft rarely mentions the company's devices in marketing materials, and it feels like Samsung's Windows Phone 8 efforts have been all but forgotten.
Source: Samsung Ativ S review
Searching on the web I found the
specifications for Samsung ATIV S with Windows Phone 8. Here it is:
A Windows Phone 8 comparison between HTC, Nokia and Samsung phones can be found HERE also.
Delayed till 2013: The ATIV S could be delayed to begin January for Europe! The ATIV S uses the same display as the Galaxy S III. Because the Galaxy S III is extremely hot at the moment. Samsung could have decided to move back the ATIV S for public release because of production switch in build and materials.
Last week I posted a few mobile phone comparisons. One for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, and one for Nokia Lumia phones. This time I want to post an Windows Phone 8 comparison for HTC, Nokia and Samsung phones. As for now Google's Android and Apple's iOS are most popular, accounted for 85% of all smartphones shipped in Q2 2012. Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 made gains, but BlackBerry OS and Symbian lost ground. It's time for Microsoft now to make a big step towards Google and Apple, with Windows Phone 8.
At the moment both HTC, Nokia and Samsung announced mobiles Phones for Windows Phone 8. Searching on the web I found a good comparison which includes them all. Here it is:
Nice to see all Windows 8 phones in one overview, don't you think? The HTC 8X, Lumia 920 and ATIV S are the high-end Windows 8 devices. The HTC 8S and Lumia 820 are mid-level devices. A comparison by size can also be found on the web. Here it is:
Now we must wait another month (till November) for release and pricing. Can't wait to have a Windows 8 phone myself! :)
