Why should I get a Windows Phone?

[Beej]

Hey everyone,

I am seriously debating getting a Windows Phone for my next phone and I was just hoping I could get some feedback for or against it. I tried to Google the pros and cons of the phone but I didn't feel the information I could find was thorough enough.

I currently use a Galaxy S3 with Verizon and I like Android a lot. My biggest issue with Android is they feel like they lack cohesion and a flagship device. I liked how when I had an iPhone before, I knew I had a premium product and I loved getting updated to the newest version of iOS. With Android, well I just got Android 4.3 a few weeks ago and phones are already coming out with 4.4 so thats upsetting.

If i had to choose between Android and iPhone alone, than I would stick with Android as I do overall prefer the user experience. But at the same time Android has left me feeling like something is missing. It's a great OS, but it really lacks cohesion and that's what I fear I am missing.

If I were to switch the Windows Phone, how does the upgrade cycle go? I mean Apple has what 80% of their users on the newest version of iOS. Does Microsoft work similarly? Next, whats a great phone for a Verizon customer. I don't want a low end phone. I want something that has both a premium sleek look and feel, but also powerful hardware. I got the S3 when it was the "new kid in town" and its hardware was, and still is, impressive for its age (Despite it feeling like a cheap plastic toy). I want a phone similar in hardware (or superior) to the Galaxy S4.

Lastly, the pros and cons of the OS. I get it that Windows Phone has a lot less apps, but to be honest, I use very few of them now anyways on my Android Phone. Save for a few like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Google maps, I use mostly Google Chrome as a means to access the internet on my phone. Will I still get Google Maps as a GPS option with turn by turn directions? If not, how's the alternative? Will I also get the option to change my default browser? I have fallen in love with Chrome on my Android, would love to be able to use it on a Windows Phone.

These are the types of questions I tried to search for but I just couldn't get anything that offered satisfactory results. Thank you to anyone who can give me some concrete information as I am seriously interested in what Microsoft is offering.

[AndroidNerd]

Hello,

Your topic is very wide but yet interesting. I'd like to narrow it down.

The best operating system is a very ambiguous topic and very debatable. I'll try my best not be bias to any side.

First of all, I'd like to clear your reason against Android. The marketing idea for most companies is to give the current flagship model the new update first. There are over 200 Samsung phones and to code a whole masterpiece for every single model in 2 weeks is too much to hope for, unfortunately. All companies do this: keep the flagship model going for as long as possible. And more user will be more engaged.

Apple has just about 15 devices so to programme the software for all of them won't require too much time. Samsung, on the other hand, has to juggle so many roles of programming 200 models. Even the newest devices will count up to more than 50 devices. So keep this in mind.

So when Samsung programmes, the Note 3 and S4 will get it first as it is the newest and the latest flagship models. Also keep in mind that the iPhone 5, 5s, 5c all look the same so they share the same firmware. iPhone 4, 4s, etc all look the same as well.

Most Android models have devices that look completely different.

So to sum it up, some companies have many, many devices that all look different so will require different systems. Apple has very little devices which all look the same. Also, once your device is no longer the flagship model, it won't be the first device to get it; this marketing technique works for all companies.

Anyhow, back to the point.

Personally, I'm a fan of Windows FOR PC but not really for phones. From my experience of using the Nokia Lumia 820. Here's my totally honest feedback (you can disagree):

Windows is a very smooth operating system. The transition from one app to another is elegant and would win a fashion show if there was an "OS" category. It's nice for the eye. The software itself is impressive. The apps run nicely and the functions of the camera, music player, etc work nicely.

However, I feel Windows is meant for computer and not phones. Windows is not for everybody; I know people who love it but for me, the feeling of the OS just didn't work. I really want you to go try out first.

Windows on a PC and Windows on a phone is SO different. I bought a Windows phone because I thought the experience will be similar to that of a PC but no, it's different. If that's the reason you want a Windows phone, I suggest you try it first. If you happen to be in that group of people who love Windows, great, go for it! But if you're like me, it just doesn't work and Android is more superior.

If you happen to like it, I suggest the Samsung Ativ S. The hardware is very similar to the Galaxy S4 as their both Samsung. Nokia and HTC are the other options. However, since you requested for the hardware to be similar to the S4, I suggest the Ativ S.

If you think it doesn't work, stick with Android. The customizability is always more superior than other phone and it's more "interactive". Also, you can always install a custom ROM if you really feel that left out because of the update.

Good luck,
--Mike