I wouldn't grant flagship win. Both have serious drawbacks I find unacceptable in flagships - one lacks camera, the other misses battery. Either might not be an issue for you, but for a flagship this is a rather large compromise. Budget - if 4" is too small, get Blu Win HD. Lumia 535 if you live in India. 6xx make no sense, except if you really want that better graphics in snapdragon 400.
The Blu Win HD has been launched as the LAVA Iris Win1 in India (Both have the same body design, SoC, RAM, display and battery). It costs about INR 5000 ~ $90.
Lithium451. I'm in complete agreement with you after having actually used Windows Phone 8.1 for several days. And that's not even taking into account Cortana, which I feel is the crown jewel of the OS. I'm already finding it very useful, it's provided accurate info for EVERY question I've thrown up to it, and I can see it's a useful feature that I WOULD like to see MS carry over to Windows 10. The OS is fast, I find it intuitive to use, and from a personal standpoint I find the UI beautiful. I've spent a couple of hours playing around getting my tiles just the way I like them so that live tiles providing news and weather info as well as phone and camera functions are the first thing I see when I move from the lock screen. I think the "losers" are the ones that refuse to ever even consider trying WP 8.1 a "test drive".
I find WP 8.1 a REAL phone. It does the job I want it to do and does it well. I've found all the apps I want for it so that's not a problem. While I hated the Metro look on the desktop, I actually like it very much on a phone. It's already proving very useful with the weather reports and adviseries on the live tiles during the deep freeze we're going through this week. And surprisingly I find WP 8.1 much more intuitive to figure out how to use than Android (and I absolutely refuse to pay the Apple tax for an overhyped iPhone). If droid or iOS work for you, fine, but your condescension against Windows Phone OS is simply your personal opinion, not backed up by any facts, just a bash-Microsoft canned response.
I'm still disappointed in Microsoft, even though I'll give them a few months to make things right. The decision to not ship the 830 with something like a snapdragon 610, and also not even having a hint of another high end Lumia for the holiday season is just frustrating.
Unfortunately, I think personally that the UI and general use is way better than Apple or Android. So I'll give them a few months past my upgrade to impress me.
There were several hints of new Microsoft flagship phones including 9xx and the 1030 with supposedly 30 mp camera. But yes not for this year. Reason I think is upcoming windows 10. That will be a big change and will consolidate all devices into 1 OS with larger app compatibility. That will take until next year but should be interesting (if you can wait that is...).
Not sure if faster chip would be something to wait for. I don't think that's an issue with the 830. But a nicer display and 1020 camera would be great.
Yeah, I saw the 1030 rumors. It's part of what is making me willing to wait. I also saw something somewhere that it might be looking at a MWC reveal.
The 830 I think definitely could have had a 610. That SoC was already shipping in several HTC phones $50-100? Less expensive, so I think they just dropped the ball there.
The consolidation was with WP8.1 and W8.1, and it's still two different OS's and will continue to be. You will not be able to build WP-Silverlight apps for Windows 10 desktops.
Drumsticks: I agree with the 2nd part of your post. While I didn't like using the METRO UI much on a desktop, I absolutely love it on my phone (and on the Windows tablets I've tried). There as far as I'm concerned the OS shines. And I know people are going to get tired of me posting this, but CORTANA is the crown jewel of Windows Phone 8.1. Having read of it and seen the commercials, I had figured it would be an interesting "toy" but now that I've used it, it has very accurately provided answers to every question I've thrown at it (even a few I selected to see if it would 'understand' some of the words. Looks like Cortana is pretty fluent, especially with my Texas/Arkansas 'twange'. She and I are going to become best buds, I can already see that (and think this might be one Windows Phone feature that I actually would like to see available for the PC desktop as well as tablets. Android has never captivated me and iOS, while it may be a good mobile OS, I refuse to pay the 'Apple Tax' just for the bragging rights for using an Apple product. My little Nokia Lumia was as sleek and useful to me as any $500 plus iPhone.
Desperately waiting for the global release of the M8 with Windows. The 930 with it's lack of glance and the heating/battery issues doesn't justify the $650 pricetag it has in my country. HTC usually gets it right, and all the reviews for this M8 are very positive!
I would have added the 730/735. At least it brings something 'new' with the 24mm wide-angle front camera and it has a better display I believe than the 830. Pricing is around $200 so great value. Only issue is delay being available in US.
This. The 730 is much more bang for buck than the 830 is, if you can forgive the lack of glance and camera button. And IMO, Microsoft did this poor phone wrong; if the 720 could have those things, so could the 730, since they were launched at near identical price points, and that was TWO years ago.
I just got the 735 in for review. It's a nice little phone I love the size and the in-hand feel is great. We'll see if the display is "better" but I am a big fan of OLED on Windows Phone. The camera doesn't seem as good from initial impressions (which isn't a surprise of course) and the lack of a camera button is a big omission. The biggest to me though is Glance. The 830 also has the bonus of worldwide availability whereas the 735 may not even come to North America.
The 830 brings a lot to the plate over the 735, but that doesn't make the 735 a bad phone for the right price.
Oh, then I'm very eager to see your review for it. I am hoping to get it as a second phone for my work SIM + I am a selfie addict! haha. With all the details AnandTech articles contain, I look to this site for the best reviews on the web! Thanks. :)
Finally gave up on my 2 year old 920 and just jumped into HTC's One for windows on AT&T. Love this phone. I can see why it was so loved by the Andriod community. Unfortunately for me this might be my last venture with WP. I love WP UI/UX but the app scene which made huge improvements during 2013 has since gone down hill a bit. Obviously it's because developers are holding out for WP10. So, I guess I'll hold on one more time. If it doesn't work out than iPhone 7 will be my next. Fingers crossed though.
I currently have a Lumia 920 and have been waiting for the next flagship. Although the M8 looks gorgeous, I really like having a physical camera shutter button, glance screen and wireless charging. I don't really game on my phone, so the 830 looks like the best option for me if I were to buy today. But my 920 still works great so I think I will just wait to see what 2015 brings.
Seconded. My 920 still holds up(even after several drops on concrete), but I'm eager to see whats next for Lumia. Either that or the successor to the HTC M8(I guess it'll be the M9)
Lumia 535 and 730 with dual sim are the best low-end and mid-range phones respectively, Both can be bought in India fro $130 and $220 respectively. Lumia 730 or 735 is now available globally in loads of countries and 535 will also be widespread within a month.
I have also to vouch about 730/735. Around $200 including VAT in my country (possibly 200 EUR without any discount :-) ). Same SoC as 830, 4.7" with 720p Amoled, Gorilla Glass 3, nice design. I got one for my wife (previously she used an HTC One Mini) and she's very happy with it. 730 is dual micro SIM/HSPA+ and 735 is 4G LTE with 1 nano SIM. Both have uSD and removable battery (2200 mAh).
In the US, unless you're on AT&T, there really is no mid-range Windows Phone option. And even if you're on AT&T, they want far too much ($450) for the Lumia 830.
Note that the Lumia 830 RM-984 at Expansys linked to in this article support most (or any?) US LTE frequencies. And the price is too high -- it is not competitive with a comparably priced Nexus 5.
If Microsoft wants to know why Windows Phone is doing so poorly in the US, the answer is simple -- it's by and large simply not available for purchase.
I just purchased my first smartphone, a Nokia Lumia 635 (wanted to see first if I liked WP and that a smartphone would be useful before I plunked out a lot more money on a phone). Well, I love it! Sound quality, connection, wireless Internet, the apps, and CORTANA! Back to the point, I wanted to say I also noticed that there was a distinct gulf between low end and high end Windows Phones with little in the mid-range ($200-$375) range, after which there were quite a few phones to choose from at $400 and above. I admit the HTC M8 looked interesting but I just wasn't as familiar with the brand as I was with Nokia and a few others. I'm very happy with what I got, for now it's a good introduction to Windows Phone, and I feel certain I'll be replacing it in the future with another Windows Phone. Just hope Microsoft and other companies will develop more hardware in the mid-level price range.
Second this. The inexplicable, self-imposed long-term embargo of WinPhone on Anandtech was a most unfortunate circumstance.
To merely have had the blackout lifted marked a definite editorial improvement. That this void was filled with a voice such as yours, Brett, is distinctly positive & is very much appreciated!
it seems that Acer is preparing to present at least one new smartphones based on Microsoft’s platform. According to Focus Taiwan and sources close to the project, the Taiwanese company will unveil its return in 2015 with Acer Windows Phone, a device that could be mid-range or an entry-level, therefore cheap.http://bit.ly/1zU7zZj
I have all Windows phones on TMobile, but I am close to giving up and get most likely iPhones for the family. It is just a matter of cost - in US if I am to pay so much for a phone, it is going to be the most popular for applications, resell value and trendy device.
Microsoft have the US market abandoned, there is no price choices, just very expensive devices that are competing with iPhone or S5 and have zero resell value, aka they are all overpriced with at least $200 a piece. Hence, MS phones are destined to oblivion, as of now.
I picked up a couple of ATT 520s during a sale ($50 each) to use as cheap MP3 players and also to become familiar with Windows Phone. My main complaints about it are very slow to task switch (penalty of 512 MB RAM) and 3.7" is too small. Otherwise a good value. Recently upgraded to a 635 (ATT) and nice 4.5" screen but on screen buttons makes it more like a 4.3 inch and the 840x480 resolution doesn't bother me. The app situation hasn't gotten any better than it was 2 years ago (you could argue about the top 50 or top 100 doesn't matter) because there are way too many categories that just arent' available - regional banking/credit unions, dedicated sports apps (Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basketball), limited choice for e-mail. calendar, todo lists, minimal support of Google services (MS has excellent support of their services on both iOS and Android and in many cases better than their WP counterparts), mediocre keyboard, no flagship or choice of multiple flagships (Android has Galaxy Note, GS5, LG G3, Moto X (2014), HTC One (M8), Sony Experia line (Z3 compact @ 4.3") up to a 6.0" phablet, Nexus 6. I think WP is going to bounce along the bottom at around 3-4% until MS gives it up. MS needs to be in mobile and 3-4% isn't enough for smaller organizations (like regional credit unions) to support the platform. IT's hard to see what would jump start WP in the US/Canada. There is no killer app or expansive eco system and saying WP is "better" than iOS or Android is a very subjective reason especially with Google upping the ante with KitKat and now Lollipop. Android is a mature, stable OS that has excellent phones at every price point (from the Moto E at $100 to the Galaxy Note at $700). There are a ton of MVNOs and the major carriers all have their own prepaid plans in addition to MVNOs for lower rates/better value. There are plenty of good phones under $300 that you can buy outright to get away from subsidized phones and higher monthly costs. Personally, while I find Windows Phone to be a decent OS it is missing too much (especially since I live about 50/50 in the Google/MS universe) for me to ever consider a WP for my daily driver.
I bought my first smartphone, a Nokia Lumia 635 right after Christmas. Absolutely love the Windows Phone 8.1 OS on it. I haven't been a big Windows 8 fan (at least as far as using Metro) but I'm finding my way around quite easily and only a couple of quick looks at the users manual to figure how to do something. The little guy is responses and recoption & sound quality is great. Around the house use wi-fi instead of my 4G data plan for anything involving the Internet. And Cortana is the jewel of the package. So far I haven't been able to ask for anything that has thrown it, that it's misunderstood. I can see that Cortana and I are going to become good buddies! After using WP 8.1, I find it hard to believe that people won't give this OS the time of day, other than from personal animus against Microsoft.
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Zizy - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I wouldn't grant flagship win. Both have serious drawbacks I find unacceptable in flagships - one lacks camera, the other misses battery. Either might not be an issue for you, but for a flagship this is a rather large compromise.Budget - if 4" is too small, get Blu Win HD. Lumia 535 if you live in India. 6xx make no sense, except if you really want that better graphics in snapdragon 400.
Flunk - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
Blu Win HD is twice as much as the Blu Win Jr. In fact, the Blu Win Jr was on sale for $49 at the Microsoft store with no contract a few days ago.SeleniumGlow - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
The Blu Win HD has been launched as the LAVA Iris Win1 in India (Both have the same body design, SoC, RAM, display and battery). It costs about INR 5000 ~ $90.I wonder who the ODM is for Blu and LAVA...
garretelder - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
Why get a Windows phone in the first place? Why not get a REAL phone? /Garret at http://www.topreport.org/phones/Gunbuster - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
So the site you're advertising claims the HTC One M8 is the best phone. You do know the M8 comes in a Windows Phone model right?Derp Derp Derp.
lithium451 - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
"Why not get a REAL phone?"That "gag" was old 2 years ago. In light of comparisons between wp 8.1 and android 5.0 not only is it old, it's dumb.
JoBalz - Wednesday, January 7, 2015 - link
Lithium451. I'm in complete agreement with you after having actually used Windows Phone 8.1 for several days. And that's not even taking into account Cortana, which I feel is the crown jewel of the OS. I'm already finding it very useful, it's provided accurate info for EVERY question I've thrown up to it, and I can see it's a useful feature that I WOULD like to see MS carry over to Windows 10. The OS is fast, I find it intuitive to use, and from a personal standpoint I find the UI beautiful. I've spent a couple of hours playing around getting my tiles just the way I like them so that live tiles providing news and weather info as well as phone and camera functions are the first thing I see when I move from the lock screen. I think the "losers" are the ones that refuse to ever even consider trying WP 8.1 a "test drive".JoBalz - Wednesday, January 7, 2015 - link
I find WP 8.1 a REAL phone. It does the job I want it to do and does it well. I've found all the apps I want for it so that's not a problem. While I hated the Metro look on the desktop, I actually like it very much on a phone. It's already proving very useful with the weather reports and adviseries on the live tiles during the deep freeze we're going through this week. And surprisingly I find WP 8.1 much more intuitive to figure out how to use than Android (and I absolutely refuse to pay the Apple tax for an overhyped iPhone). If droid or iOS work for you, fine, but your condescension against Windows Phone OS is simply your personal opinion, not backed up by any facts, just a bash-Microsoft canned response.Drumsticks - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I'm still disappointed in Microsoft, even though I'll give them a few months to make things right. The decision to not ship the 830 with something like a snapdragon 610, and also not even having a hint of another high end Lumia for the holiday season is just frustrating.Unfortunately, I think personally that the UI and general use is way better than Apple or Android. So I'll give them a few months past my upgrade to impress me.
Luc K - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
There were several hints of new Microsoft flagship phones including 9xx and the 1030 with supposedly 30 mp camera. But yes not for this year. Reason I think is upcoming windows 10. That will be a big change and will consolidate all devices into 1 OS with larger app compatibility. That will take until next year but should be interesting (if you can wait that is...).Not sure if faster chip would be something to wait for. I don't think that's an issue with the 830. But a nicer display and 1020 camera would be great.
Drumsticks - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
Yeah, I saw the 1030 rumors. It's part of what is making me willing to wait. I also saw something somewhere that it might be looking at a MWC reveal.The 830 I think definitely could have had a 610. That SoC was already shipping in several HTC phones $50-100? Less expensive, so I think they just dropped the ball there.
Penti - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
The consolidation was with WP8.1 and W8.1, and it's still two different OS's and will continue to be. You will not be able to build WP-Silverlight apps for Windows 10 desktops.JoBalz - Wednesday, January 7, 2015 - link
Drumsticks: I agree with the 2nd part of your post. While I didn't like using the METRO UI much on a desktop, I absolutely love it on my phone (and on the Windows tablets I've tried). There as far as I'm concerned the OS shines. And I know people are going to get tired of me posting this, but CORTANA is the crown jewel of Windows Phone 8.1. Having read of it and seen the commercials, I had figured it would be an interesting "toy" but now that I've used it, it has very accurately provided answers to every question I've thrown at it (even a few I selected to see if it would 'understand' some of the words. Looks like Cortana is pretty fluent, especially with my Texas/Arkansas 'twange'. She and I are going to become best buds, I can already see that (and think this might be one Windows Phone feature that I actually would like to see available for the PC desktop as well as tablets. Android has never captivated me and iOS, while it may be a good mobile OS, I refuse to pay the 'Apple Tax' just for the bragging rights for using an Apple product. My little Nokia Lumia was as sleek and useful to me as any $500 plus iPhone.kspirit - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
Desperately waiting for the global release of the M8 with Windows. The 930 with it's lack of glance and the heating/battery issues doesn't justify the $650 pricetag it has in my country. HTC usually gets it right, and all the reviews for this M8 are very positive!Luc K - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I would have added the 730/735. At least it brings something 'new' with the 24mm wide-angle front camera and it has a better display I believe than the 830. Pricing is around $200 so great value. Only issue is delay being available in US.kspirit - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
This. The 730 is much more bang for buck than the 830 is, if you can forgive the lack of glance and camera button. And IMO, Microsoft did this poor phone wrong; if the 720 could have those things, so could the 730, since they were launched at near identical price points, and that was TWO years ago.Brett Howse - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I just got the 735 in for review. It's a nice little phone I love the size and the in-hand feel is great. We'll see if the display is "better" but I am a big fan of OLED on Windows Phone. The camera doesn't seem as good from initial impressions (which isn't a surprise of course) and the lack of a camera button is a big omission. The biggest to me though is Glance. The 830 also has the bonus of worldwide availability whereas the 735 may not even come to North America.The 830 brings a lot to the plate over the 735, but that doesn't make the 735 a bad phone for the right price.
kspirit - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
Oh, then I'm very eager to see your review for it. I am hoping to get it as a second phone for my work SIM + I am a selfie addict! haha.With all the details AnandTech articles contain, I look to this site for the best reviews on the web!
Thanks. :)
3ricss - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
Finally gave up on my 2 year old 920 and just jumped into HTC's One for windows on AT&T. Love this phone. I can see why it was so loved by the Andriod community. Unfortunately for me this might be my last venture with WP. I love WP UI/UX but the app scene which made huge improvements during 2013 has since gone down hill a bit. Obviously it's because developers are holding out for WP10. So, I guess I'll hold on one more time. If it doesn't work out than iPhone 7 will be my next. Fingers crossed though.sorten - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I don't see anything to tempt me away from my 920. I don't want a 5" or larger phone. I'm probably waiting for the WP10 devices at this point.tolgerias - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I currently have a Lumia 920 and have been waiting for the next flagship. Although the M8 looks gorgeous, I really like having a physical camera shutter button, glance screen and wireless charging. I don't really game on my phone, so the 830 looks like the best option for me if I were to buy today. But my 920 still works great so I think I will just wait to see what 2015 brings.Stephen Barrett - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
I'm in the same boat. agree on all countsLaxaa - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
Seconded. My 920 still holds up(even after several drops on concrete), but I'm eager to see whats next for Lumia. Either that or the successor to the HTC M8(I guess it'll be the M9)LarsBars - Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - link
I had a 920 since launch, and bought a Lumia 1520.3 off contract. I really like it, but I think you have to be willing to deal with the size.jrs77 - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
The best Windows-Phone currently is the Lumia 530, which can be bought without a contract for €70 incl VAT.Gunbuster - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
You should not link out to that 1520 on Amazon. The unlocked model with the correct US LTE bands is the 1520.3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...LarsBars - Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - link
I bought mine here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1036818-REG/...But it was cheaper and not back ordered.
BMNify - Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - link
Lumia 535 and 730 with dual sim are the best low-end and mid-range phones respectively, Both can be bought in India fro $130 and $220 respectively. Lumia 730 or 735 is now available globally in loads of countries and 535 will also be widespread within a month.Mugur - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
I have also to vouch about 730/735. Around $200 including VAT in my country (possibly 200 EUR without any discount :-) ). Same SoC as 830, 4.7" with 720p Amoled, Gorilla Glass 3, nice design. I got one for my wife (previously she used an HTC One Mini) and she's very happy with it. 730 is dual micro SIM/HSPA+ and 735 is 4G LTE with 1 nano SIM. Both have uSD and removable battery (2200 mAh).IMHO 830 is too expensive for what it offers.
cbf - Thursday, December 4, 2014 - link
In the US, unless you're on AT&T, there really is no mid-range Windows Phone option. And even if you're on AT&T, they want far too much ($450) for the Lumia 830.Note that the Lumia 830 RM-984 at Expansys linked to in this article support most (or any?) US LTE frequencies. And the price is too high -- it is not competitive with a comparably priced Nexus 5.
If Microsoft wants to know why Windows Phone is doing so poorly in the US, the answer is simple -- it's by and large simply not available for purchase.
JoBalz - Wednesday, January 7, 2015 - link
I just purchased my first smartphone, a Nokia Lumia 635 (wanted to see first if I liked WP and that a smartphone would be useful before I plunked out a lot more money on a phone). Well, I love it! Sound quality, connection, wireless Internet, the apps, and CORTANA! Back to the point, I wanted to say I also noticed that there was a distinct gulf between low end and high end Windows Phones with little in the mid-range ($200-$375) range, after which there were quite a few phones to choose from at $400 and above. I admit the HTC M8 looked interesting but I just wasn't as familiar with the brand as I was with Nokia and a few others. I'm very happy with what I got, for now it's a good introduction to Windows Phone, and I feel certain I'll be replacing it in the future with another Windows Phone. Just hope Microsoft and other companies will develop more hardware in the mid-level price range.craighamilton - Saturday, December 6, 2014 - link
Agree...M8 is truly amazing. Receive high review rating at http://www.topreport.org/phones/ based on consumer satisfaction.LarsBars - Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - link
Brett, I really appreciate the Windows Phone coverage here at AT.Bobs_Your_Uncle - Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - link
Second this. The inexplicable, self-imposed long-term embargo of WinPhone on Anandtech was a most unfortunate circumstance.To merely have had the blackout lifted marked a definite editorial improvement. That this void was filled with a voice such as yours, Brett, is distinctly positive & is very much appreciated!
theKai007 - Thursday, December 11, 2014 - link
it seems that Acer is preparing to present at least one new smartphones based on Microsoft’s platform. According to Focus Taiwan and sources close to the project, the Taiwanese company will unveil its return in 2015 with Acer Windows Phone, a device that could be mid-range or an entry-level, therefore cheap.http://bit.ly/1zU7zZjAnanke - Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - link
I have all Windows phones on TMobile, but I am close to giving up and get most likely iPhones for the family. It is just a matter of cost - in US if I am to pay so much for a phone, it is going to be the most popular for applications, resell value and trendy device.Microsoft have the US market abandoned, there is no price choices, just very expensive devices that are competing with iPhone or S5 and have zero resell value, aka they are all overpriced with at least $200 a piece. Hence, MS phones are destined to oblivion, as of now.
trivor - Thursday, December 18, 2014 - link
I picked up a couple of ATT 520s during a sale ($50 each) to use as cheap MP3 players and also to become familiar with Windows Phone. My main complaints about it are very slow to task switch (penalty of 512 MB RAM) and 3.7" is too small. Otherwise a good value. Recently upgraded to a 635 (ATT) and nice 4.5" screen but on screen buttons makes it more like a 4.3 inch and the 840x480 resolution doesn't bother me. The app situation hasn't gotten any better than it was 2 years ago (you could argue about the top 50 or top 100 doesn't matter) because there are way too many categories that just arent' available - regional banking/credit unions, dedicated sports apps (Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basketball), limited choice for e-mail. calendar, todo lists, minimal support of Google services (MS has excellent support of their services on both iOS and Android and in many cases better than their WP counterparts), mediocre keyboard, no flagship or choice of multiple flagships (Android has Galaxy Note, GS5, LG G3, Moto X (2014), HTC One (M8), Sony Experia line (Z3 compact @ 4.3") up to a 6.0" phablet, Nexus 6. I think WP is going to bounce along the bottom at around 3-4% until MS gives it up. MS needs to be in mobile and 3-4% isn't enough for smaller organizations (like regional credit unions) to support the platform. IT's hard to see what would jump start WP in the US/Canada. There is no killer app or expansive eco system and saying WP is "better" than iOS or Android is a very subjective reason especially with Google upping the ante with KitKat and now Lollipop. Android is a mature, stable OS that has excellent phones at every price point (from the Moto E at $100 to the Galaxy Note at $700). There are a ton of MVNOs and the major carriers all have their own prepaid plans in addition to MVNOs for lower rates/better value. There are plenty of good phones under $300 that you can buy outright to get away from subsidized phones and higher monthly costs. Personally, while I find Windows Phone to be a decent OS it is missing too much (especially since I live about 50/50 in the Google/MS universe) for me to ever consider a WP for my daily driver.JoBalz - Wednesday, January 7, 2015 - link
I bought my first smartphone, a Nokia Lumia 635 right after Christmas. Absolutely love the Windows Phone 8.1 OS on it. I haven't been a big Windows 8 fan (at least as far as using Metro) but I'm finding my way around quite easily and only a couple of quick looks at the users manual to figure how to do something. The little guy is responses and recoption & sound quality is great. Around the house use wi-fi instead of my 4G data plan for anything involving the Internet. And Cortana is the jewel of the package. So far I haven't been able to ask for anything that has thrown it, that it's misunderstood. I can see that Cortana and I are going to become good buddies! After using WP 8.1, I find it hard to believe that people won't give this OS the time of day, other than from personal animus against Microsoft.