Nokia's Windows Phone 8 handsets could be most expensive

The Windows Phone 8-powered Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 handsets will apparently be priced out of the market by HTC and Samsung.

This is according to the (admittedly erratic) Digitimes, which cites 'industry sources' claiming HTC and Samsung will implement aggressive pricing strategies for their Windows Phone 8 devices as they look to undercut the Finnish firm - something that would at least give the platform a decent boost.

Currently Nokia is the manufacturer of choice when it comes to Windows Phone, thanks to its partnership with Microsoft, however that could be about to change as the software giant has selected the HTC Windows Phone 8X as its flagship device for the latest version of its mobile platform.

Good for Windows Phone

With prices set to be competitive in the Windows Phone 8 arena, this can only be a good thing for the new operating system, hopefully making it a more attractive option to consumers.

Apparently the HTC 8X will fall into the $500-600 (£310-370/AU$485-580) SIM-free bracket, while the sources say the Samsung Ativ S is likely to push closer to $700 (£430/AU$680), and Nokia's Lumia handsets are said to range from $600-800 (£370-495/AU$580-775).

A separate source suggests than the Huawei Ascend W1, the Chinese firm's first Windows Phone 8 device, could come in as low as $300-$350 (£185-215/AU$290-340), which may be perfect for people looking for a cheap Windows thrill.