Modern mobile gadgets can do a lot. And this is a merit not only of the processor, RAM and other hardware. Without universal mobile operating systems, smartphones would remain mere dialers. At the moment, there are three most popular operating systems for mobile devices: Android, iOS and Windows Phone (Mobile). All of them are capable of great things. However, the choice of OS is the prerogative of a particular user. Here a person is guided by his tastes.
The most popular OS is Android. But the Windows-based phone can be found quite often. iOS is not so common due to the high cost of the product. If “Android” is at least a little, but known to most, then Windows Phone OS is a dark horse for many. Let's talk about this wonderful system. Has Bill Gates' company succeeded in creating the perfect mobile OS?
A brief history of the system
If on your mobile gadgetWindows is installed, this does not mean at all that it automatically turns into a computer. This is beyond the power of even Bill Gates, coupled with Steve Jobs. The very first versions of the "Windows" system were installed on devices such as Sony Ericsson P1 or HP. Although the functionality of those devices (respectively, the OS) was very limited, but against the background of the “tubes” of the early 2000s, they looked like real computers. Having a Windows phone back then was considered very cool. However, around 2007, Microsoft decided that the system had become obsolete and began to actively develop a new OS, which came out with the release of the controversial Windows 8.
It is worth noting that in this case, the specialists of the company from Redmond carried out a rather ill-conceived operation. They abandoned a system that had been tried and tested for years in favor of a crude product that had frustrated a lot of users. Microsoft was able to bring the OS to a sane form only after a couple of years. Phone based on Windows 8 has become a real punishment for users. But over time, the situation improved. However, one problem remained. This refers to the scarcity of the app store. If the "Android" Play Store has hundreds of thousands of applications and games, then there are only a couple of hundred of them in the Windows Store.
After the release of Windows 10, the company decided to update the mobile platform as well. However, only in the form of insider updates (Technical Preview). Those unfortunates who dared to upgrade to "ten" got terrible problems with their gadgets. And some even got"brick" after the update. There was nothing more stupid than installing an “unfinished” system on a normally working device. But after a while, phones based on Windows 10 began to work very adequately. Microsoft has corrected their mistakes. However, the share of WP devices compared to the same "Android" is negligible. Consider the most popular devices on the Windows platform.
Microsoft Lumia 640
A real flagship from the creators of the legendary operating system. The Microsoft Lumia 640 is powered by a Qualcomm quad-core processor clocked at 1600 MHz. It has everything that a modern gadget needs. The most important thing is that Windows Phone 8.1 OS is installed on board (by the factory). But the smartphone can be updated to the latest version of the OS. It is worth noting that the system feels great on this device. Everything works quickly, smoothly and clearly. There is only one problem: there are very few applications for this platform. But by 2016 the situation had improved.
Microsoft Lumia 640 will suit those who are fans of Bill Gates and his operating system. There are models both with support for one SIM card and "dual-sim" copies. The specifications of the smartphone are very impressive. There is even support for LTE (4G) and an NFC chip. This is a completely modern device on the Windows platform.
Microsoft Lumia 550
A device manufactured in 2015, which immediately has Windows 10 installed in its arsenal. At least something is good - you don’t have to update. Joking aside, the Microsoft Lumia 550 is a very decent smartphone. He, of course, does not shine with flagship characteristics, but he will cope with all everyday tasks with a bang. For this he was created. The "chip" of the gadget is a very high battery life. According to the manufacturer, the device is able to work on a single charge for 16.5 hours of talk time (with 3G enabled). This is an impressive result. The user also has 86 hours of music playback. And in the standby mode, the device is able to work 864 hours. Absolute record holder!
Meanwhile, Microsoft Lumia 550 is the same Nokia, but with a new name. And this Finnish manufacturer is still legendary. And they were the first to use Windows in their gadgets. So this device can be called a continuation of tradition.
Nokia Lumia 730 Dual Sim
One of the few Windows devices released under the Nokia brand. Despite the old name, the device combined all the latest achievements of the mobile industry. But most of all users were attracted by Carl Zeiss optics on the camera. This made it unique even at 6.7 megapixels. The last stronghold of the old era is the Nokia Lumia 730 Dual Sim smartphone. Reviews about this gadget were extremely positive. While users have not upgraded to "tens". That's when the mess started. But with updates the situation has improved. It's just a shame that Microsoft has followed in the footsteps of Samsung and does not supply older devices with updates.
A wonderful gadget and nowhas not lost its relevance. Its performance is at the level of mid-range smartphones. And if you take into account the original appearance, then this device generally has no price. And not only "oldfags" will be happy to have it.
Nokia Lumia 1020
At one time, this smartphone made a whole revolution. Even before its appearance, the Internet was flooded with rumors about an unrealistically powerful camera of the upcoming flagship. And the rumors did not deceive. According to the manufacturer, 1020 is equipped with a module with a record number of megapixels - 41. This has never happened before. However, upon closer examination, it turned out that the module has only 16 physical megapixels. Everything else is achieved programmatically. But that was also a breakthrough. The camera phone began to be actively bought up by lovers of mobile photography. A Windows phone that takes quality pictures! Who will miss this?
The device was factory installed with Windows 8.1. But soon Microsoft made it possible to upgrade to "ten". Some problems, of course, took place, but they were fixed by subsequent updates. After that, the excitement around 1020 subsided. The smartphone was not as good as we would like. But making allowances for the fact that it was developed by Microsoft, and not by Nokia, one can forgive this. After all, the brainchild of Bill Gates tends to spoil everything it touches. Remember the epic with Skype.
HP Elite X3
This machine is relatively "fresh". It was released in 2016. Company,which produces mainly laptops and PCs introduced a smartphone. This is already interesting, since this has not happened for ten years. The gadget did not disappoint. It has everything you need for comfortable work. A docking station allows you to turn your mobile device into a full-fledged computer. If the Elite X3 tops the list of phones with Windows Phone on board, then no one will be surprised. Its power is so prohibitive that the "ten" installed on it is not able to reveal all its huge potential.
Although calling this creation a "phone" is a terrible blasphemy. Before us is the CCP in all its glory. It differs from a regular computer only in size and the ability to make calls. But in the camp of smartphones, it is considered an overgrowth. Still would! With a screen diagonal of 6 inches, it easily stands out from other mobile gadgets. HP is great as always. Her PDAs have always been able to impress users. Experience in the production of full-size PCs and laptops.
Alcatel POP2 Windows
A gadget that was announced back in 2014. However, its release is scheduled for 2017. The device is a budget phone based on Windows 8.1. Its capacity is enough to solve all everyday tasks. It will also work, but not in the coolest games. For them, the device is weak. But there is support for the latest generation of cellular networks. And it is absolutely impossible to imagine a modern smartphone without it. The gadget will appeal not only to students. Many will find it attractive. And if you take into accountthe fact that it will not be particularly burdensome for the price, then POP2 can generally become a bestseller.
Alcatel has been known for its phones since the early 2000s. However, in the era of smartphones, the manufacturer was left behind and could not break into the mobile device market. Perhaps POP2 Windows will somehow change the situation? I would like to believe in it, because the company is not bad. Her devices have always been of high quality.
Acer Liquid Jade Primo
Affordable smartphone with almost flagship features. The good thing about Acer is that they have managed to create a phone based on Windows Mobile 10 that stands out from hundreds of similar devices. The company has always been distinguished by the originality of design. And this gadget is no exception: its appearance is impressive. But the features are even more impressive. Few Windows phones can boast a FullHD screen, a powerful camera and 3 gigabytes of RAM. It should be noted that this is not the first experience of the company in the production of mobile devices. It can be seen that Acer has not lost its knack. Her devices, as always, are on top.
Archos 50 Cesium
Little is known about the company's mobile devices. She never rushed to the leaders of the mobile industry, so her devices did not differ in unattainable prices. The more interesting is their novelty from the category of "windophones". The smartphone has average performance and standard appearance. But at a price it is closer to state employees. It is impossible to create a cheap and powerful enough gadget even formonsters of the mobile industry, because they all want to get a kickback for the brand. But Archos does not need this. Therefore, her latest creation may well lead the ranking of the best-selling.
Acer Liquid M220
Another brainchild from Acer. The company tried to make a high-quality, inexpensive and productive smartphone based on Windows. Did they succeed or not? Decide for users. But externally, the device looks very decent. There are no complaints about performance: we have a confident "middle peasant". And for the price it is very pleasant. It is worth noting that Acer is one of the few companies that supplies all its devices with timely updates. And this is another plus in the track record of the company. By choosing Acer products, you will definitely always be in trend, despite the "antiquity" of your smartphone.
Dexp Ixion W5
Smartphone from a little-known and not entirely clear manufacturer. According to some reports, Dexp is a Russian company that sells equipment from "left" Chinese manufacturers under its own brand. Knowing this, you need to be extremely careful. However, the device looks very tempting. For a frankly low price, the user is offered a gadget with average characteristics. This alone should be alarming. And the reviews about the manufacturer in general, and about the model in particular, are not encouraging. The owners complain about the clumsy assembly, constant firmware glitches and the complete lack of updates. Even though it has Windows.
Judging by the reviews of the owners of the equipment of this company, it does not deserve trust. However, smartphones from this manufacturercan buy those who care about the price of the device, not its quality. If you are guided only by this principle, then Dexp products are very, very attractive. But no more.
HTC Mozart 7
The next device from the category of "windowphones" is HTC Mozart 7. It has Windows Phone 8.1 firmware. Although the factory comes with version 7.5. So no need to panic. The device is positioned as "musical", although there is nothing musical (by modern standards) in it. In general, the device is from the category of "ancient". But some will like it. Because of the look. Gadgets from NTS from the past have a unique design. Their appearance stands out among the faceless modern "soap dishes".
Smartphone, meanwhile, can be successfully used as a regular dialer, GPS-navigator and MP3 player. But for surfing the Internet, it is not suitable. The screen is small. But for the money that is now being asked for this gadget (naturally, it was in use, because it has already been discontinued), the set of functions is quite adequate. Well, beautiful and functional gadgets have always been HTC's forte. Windows Phone 8 on board (after the update) is also a nice bonus.
Conclusion
Few manufacturers can please the user with a wide range of Windows smartphones, but they are available. Although in much smaller quantities than Android devices. Meanwhile, this mobile platform (with adequate “finishing”) manifests itself as a very stable, reliable and stylish operating system. There is only one catch: a very small number of applications in the store. Some developers do not even strive to release applications for this platform. However, the situation is improving. The store will be up and running soon. But this platform will never be able to fully compete with Android. She's pretty though.
