Looking for a decent smartphone out of contract, but not willing or able to pay more than $300? While we’d love to recommend the Android-based LG Nexus 4, right now the flagship Android device is nearly impossible to find.
Still, we do have a bit of an unconventional alternative. Instead of going the mainstream Android route, have you ever considered Windows Phone 8? While Microsoft’s latest OS isn’t nearly as popular or app-populated as iOS and Android and probably isn’t for everyone, but it is continuing to grow with support and is certainly a worthwhile choice for Microsoft fans and for those just looking for something different.
So what can under $300 get you in the Windows Phone 8 world? The Nokia Lumia 620 can now be yours completely unlocked through Expansys USA for just $289.99. Technically the Lumia 620 isn’t coming to the US market (through any carrier, anyhow) but as an unlocked world-phone it should play nicely with AT&T and will also work okay with T-Mobile (likely with no higher than EDGE speeds, though).
The Nokia Lumia 620 is not a powerhouse, but it isn’t a total pushover though. For a little less than $300 you get a 3.8-inch screen with an 800 x 480 resolution, a 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 8GB storage with microSD for expansion, a 5MP back cam, a VGA front cam and a 1300mAh battery. Honestly not bad at all, though 3.8-inches of screen and only 512MB of RAM might be a turn off for some.
Again, no this doesn’t even begin to compare to devices like the LG Nexus 4 on a hardware level. Still, from Windows Phone 8′s live tile UI to the interchangeable Nokia Lumia 620 casings– this one is going to stand out in a crowd and should still perform reasonably well enough for most users. You will also get extra points for “unique factor” as it isn’t going to be a commonplace device due to limited US availability.
Looking for a low-cost dual-core but not willing to jump platforms to WP8? For those that don’t mind a lesser-known brand, Australian-based Kogan is bringing a dual-core Android phone with a 5-inch display over to the US very soon for just $150.
Source : mobilemag[dot]com
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