Windows Mobile phones are made by a variety of manufacturers including Samsung, HTC and Nokia. The phones are sold through several major mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Windows phones use an operating system that is similar to Windows 8, including touch-screen functionality and access to other Microsoft platforms including Xbox gaming. Pre-paid Windows phones are not available.
Typical costs:
The selection of phones with Windows operating systems varies by provider. AT&T sells a Nokia Lumia 920[1] for $100 with a two-year contract; without the contract, the phone costs $450.
Verizon sells the Windows Phone 8X by HTC[2] for $100 with a two-year contract; without the contract, the phone costs $550.
At T-Mobile, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC costs $200 with a two-year contract; without the contract it costs $580.
Features vary depending on the phone, but most have a touch-screen interface. Some also include a slide-out, QWERTY keyboard. Most have at least a 3.5" widescreen that can be viewed either vertically or horizontally.
Most phones will come with a web browser, 3G or 4G[3] support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Windows Mobile phones offer full integration with Xbox Live, so gamers can take their games with them.
Windows phones generally come with a charging cord that can separate from the wall mount and change through a USB cable connected to a computer.
Additional costs:
Windows phone accessories include protective covers ($10-$50), screen shields ($2-$20), headphones ($10-$200) and Bluetooth headsets($20-$200).
Service plans for Windows phone are similar to most smartphones: For full access plans with talk, text and data are necessary. Typically smartphone plans start at $50-$75 per month. For more information, read How Much Does a Cell Phone Plan Cost. Depending on the provider, data plans are sometimes billed separately from talk and text plans.
Insurance coverage on smartphones is typically $10 per month and generally covers lost, stolen or damages phones. Payment of a deductible may be required to replace a phone, but it's usually less expensive than paying retail price for a phone.
Discounts:
Some wireless providers sell refurbished Windows phones at discounted prices. For example, AT&T sells a refurbished Nokia Lumia 920[4] for $10 and a refurbished Nokia Lumia 900[5] for $0.01. Both deals require customers to accept a two-year contract with AT&T.
Shopping for a windows mobile phone:
Microsoft list current popular models[6] and which provider makes the model available.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]