Cost vs. Features/Performance

[Garnerunit]

I have sometimes used a Windows phone but never owned one. What are the advantages and disadvantages vis a vis Android and Apple? What phones are top of the line, entry level, and midrange? How do their prices compare with their features and performance?

 

[xandros9]

The answer to that question isn't quite so easy nowadays considering current Windows Phones are at a developmental dead-end of sorts.

The major disadvantage today is poor communication, minimal development on the part of Microsoft which translates to poor app support and mediocre system stability/reliability. (some have a good experience, some don't)

Advantages are pretty subjective, having lost its edge to the competition over the past couple years but some prefer it's style, how it does some functions, etc. It's a matter of how discerning you are. But there are certainly some high points.

EDIT: Some people like the user experience, integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, having a middle-ground between Android and iOS with having more leeway than iOS but less than the wild-west that can be Android.

It's secure, being both unpopular and receiving monthly security updates, as good as it gets for now.

Considering there are no "new" phones these days nor any on the horizon, I'll try to hit various points.

Phones to consider at this point: (but anything but the X3 and Idol you should probably buy used.)

Entry-level - MS Lumia 550, 640/640XL, 650

Midrange - (This segment has been neglected in the past couple years but there are many dating back to 2014 although the Lumia 640, 640 XL and 650 straddle the entry-level/midrange area.)

Top-of-the-line - HP Elite X3, MS Lumia 950, 950 XL, Alcatel Idol 4s (also available in Android)

Also worth noting that if you want to try the older Windows Phone 8.1 then you have more options but that's also slowly declining. But they DO work.