![Nokia Lumia 520]()
I always wondered why people tend to gravitate towards cheap Androids and old iPhones when low-end Windows Phone devices (Nokia to be precise, and HTC to a lesser extent) offer a superior user experience and better hardware. Is it because people just don't like Nokia or Microsoft any more? Is it because they still think Windows Phone is the same as Windows Mobile? Could it be the trojan thing? Or maybe it is the lack of brand-awareness that plagues the platform? My guess is that the answer is a combination of all of the above and more. Whatever it is, Microsoft needs to correct it if the platform is to truly compete with Apple's iOS and Google's Android platforms.
In Windows Phone, advanced hardware found in devices like the Lumia 920, 925, 928, 1020, 1320 and 1520 doesn't guarantee a superior to lesser devices like the Nokia Lumia 520, 620, 625, etc. If anything, you get same UI and software experiences with low-cost Windows Phone 8 devices. The same can be said for Windows Phone 7.x devices.
Many consumers are looking for the lowest priced smartphone that still offers advanced functionality when compared to feature phones. Over the last couple of years, we have seen these buyers picking up inexpensive Android devices or superseded iPhones. For these customers, Windows Phone may be the better choice for a few reasons.
If you pick up an older generation iPhone, say an iPhone 4, then you will miss out on some iOS 7 functions. While new smartphone owners may not need advanced features like 3G FaceTime calling, there are some missing functions in older iPhones. There are also some application limitations, and that may frustrate those who like to play games and try out the latest iOS apps.
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![Nokia Lumia 520]()
Nokia Lumia 520[/caption]
There are very few low-end Android devices running the Jelly Bean software that was released in July 2012. Most run Ice Cream Sandwich while some even still run Gingerbread, a version of Android that was released in 2011. These devices tend to slow down with usage, have inconsistent user experiences.
Nokia is making some real strides when it comes to low cost smartphones in the US. The Lumia 520/521 is a perfect example with a full price of just $49.99! In the UK, the Lumia 520 is available at around £60 off contract. With this, you get a phone running the latest Windows Phone 8 OS, solid 5 mega-pixel camera, all of the excellent Nokia apps and services (HERE Maps, Nokia Music, and more), removable battery and storage card, etc. Windows Phone 8 is a super responsive OS and it is easy to personalize the experience with customizable Live Tiles. You also can find 62x, 72x and 82x models that offer the same pleasing Windows Phone 8 experience at a low price.
Windows Phone is regularly accused of lacking applications and functionality/features by those people who've hardly used it. If anything, Windows Phone now has most - if not all - of the top applications and games found in iOS and Android platforms. Admittedly, the Windows Phone Store has a lot less applications which makes it tough to compete with iOS and Android at the high end, but the low- to mid-range offerings are extremely competitive. If Windows Phone can attract new smartphone buyers with low entry-priced Lumia devices, then these consumers may move up to the top-of-the line devices the next time they upgrade. Statistics have shown that Windows Phone buyers are very happy customers and if Nokia can get these consumers to try out low-cost devices, we should continue to see Windows Phone market share increase.
The moral of the story is that low-end Windows Phone devices are a far better option to cheap Androids or outdated iPhones. If you are on the lookout for a budget smartphone you are best advised to pick up a Nokia Lumia 520 or 625.
Nokia Lumia 520[/caption]
There are very few low-end Android devices running the Jelly Bean software that was released in July 2012. Most run Ice Cream Sandwich while some even still run Gingerbread, a version of Android that was released in 2011. These devices tend to slow down with usage, have inconsistent user experiences.
Nokia is making some real strides when it comes to low cost smartphones in the US. The Lumia 520/521 is a perfect example with a full price of just $49.99! In the UK, the Lumia 520 is available at around £60 off contract. With this, you get a phone running the latest Windows Phone 8 OS, solid 5 mega-pixel camera, all of the excellent Nokia apps and services (HERE Maps, Nokia Music, and more), removable battery and storage card, etc. Windows Phone 8 is a super responsive OS and it is easy to personalize the experience with customizable Live Tiles. You also can find 62x, 72x and 82x models that offer the same pleasing Windows Phone 8 experience at a low price.
Windows Phone is regularly accused of lacking applications and functionality/features by those people who've hardly used it. If anything, Windows Phone now has most - if not all - of the top applications and games found in iOS and Android platforms. Admittedly, the Windows Phone Store has a lot less applications which makes it tough to compete with iOS and Android at the high end, but the low- to mid-range offerings are extremely competitive. If Windows Phone can attract new smartphone buyers with low entry-priced Lumia devices, then these consumers may move up to the top-of-the line devices the next time they upgrade. Statistics have shown that Windows Phone buyers are very happy customers and if Nokia can get these consumers to try out low-cost devices, we should continue to see Windows Phone market share increase.
The moral of the story is that low-end Windows Phone devices are a far better option to cheap Androids or outdated iPhones. If you are on the lookout for a budget smartphone you are best advised to pick up a Nokia Lumia 520 or 625.
