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.
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