AT&T intros a trio of Windows Phone 8 devices starring a $99 Lumia 920

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:25:16 +0000

Updated. AT&T will begin selling three different LTE-capable Windows Phone 8 handsets on Nov. 9 in a price range for most every budget. A pair of Nokia smartphones and one from HTC make up the initial batch of new phones running on Microsoft’s latest mobile software. Customers can pre-order either the Lumia 920 with 32 GB of storage for $99.99 with contract or the 8 GB Lumia 820 for $49.99 with contract starting tomorrow; the HTC Windows Phone 8X will cost $99.99 (8 GB) or $199.99 (16 GB) with contract and be available prior to Thanksgiving.

The Lumia prices are particularly notable as the phones were expected by many to be priced at least $50 higher. Nokia’s Lumia 920 is an AT&T exclusive and what I’d consider to be the flagship phone in the Microsoft – Nokia partnership. Based solely on the specifications, software additions and device capabilities, the handset is a good deal at this price; provided you’re looking for a Microsoft Windows Phone.

Making the deal even better is a limited time offer from AT&T. The carrier will include a wireless charging plate for the 920. For $50 less, some may opt for the lower-end but still capable Nokia Lumia 820, but I expect many more 920 sales over the less expensive model.

Two versions of the HTC Windows Phone 8X also hit AT&T retail stores soon; customers can opt for either an 8 or 16 GB model. The one with less internal storage arrives in California Blue or Limelight (yellow), while the more expensive version comes in blue only. HTC’s 8X provides a 4.3-inch 720p display; wide f/2.0 aperture rear lens with 8 megapixel sensor; 2.1 megapixel wide-angle front camera and integrated Beats Audio.

The strong lineup of phones is worth watching to see how a few things shake out. How well will the Lumias sell — particularly the 920 — is a key question toward understanding Windows Phone 8 adoption in the U.S. I’m also interested in the HTC phones as the company has been struggling of late due to competition from both Samsung and Apple.

Update: Since I often get requests for no contract prices on handsets, I reached out to AT&T and have the following information. Full, no-commitment prices on these phones are: Lumia 920 = $499.99; Lumia 820 =$399.99; HTC Windows Phone 8X (8 GB) = $449.99; HTC Windows Phone 8X (16 GB) = $549.99.

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Lumia 820 gives Nokia another Windows Phone 8 contender

Ryan Kim — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:32:33 +0000

Nokia unveiled another Lumia handset, the 820, which will accompany the 920 announced earlier in the morning Wednesday. The Lumia 820 offers a slightly smaller profile with a 4.3-inch screen with similar styling compared to its larger sibling.

Users will get the chance to change the look of the 820 with exchangeable covers, which will come in various colors. One cover will allows the 820 to also support wireless charging. The device will support many of the new software features developed by Nokia including CityLens. But it won’t support Nokia’s PureView camera technology. The pricing and availability were not released but device should begin to appear in the fourth quarter.

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GigaOM » Lumia 820

AT&T intros a trio of Windows Phone 8 devices starring a $99 Lumia 920

Lumia 820 gives Nokia another Windows Phone 8 contender