WP8 needs at least one small phone

[Reflexx]

With the rumored reveal of HTC's lineup, it looks like the smallest screen size we'll have to choose from is 4".

This is great for people who love big screens (like me), but I know that there are a ton of people out there that want a smaller device.

I'm not calling out any particular manufacturer. Nobody is obligated to do it.

But I think there's definitely an opportunity.

3.7" screen
512 MB RAM
8 GB with SD card slot
1.5 Ghz dual-core S4

That would probably be less than $100 with contract. Maybe even $50. A good alternative to people who are new to smartphones.

 

[rockstarzzz]

Windows Phone 7.8 will be that budget phone to compete lower end handsets.

The prices for all Gen2 handsets will go drastically low this Christmas and they will still stand better than low end Android handsets.

 

[Reflexx]

I agree with that. I also have always expected 7.x handsets to continue to be sold for the next 2 or 3 years.

I expect that to mainly be in emerging markets though.

 

[wolf1891]

With the rumored reveal of HTC's lineup, it looks like the smallest screen size we'll have to choose from is 4".

This is great for people who love big screens (like me), but I know that there are a ton of people out there that want a smaller device.

I'm not calling out any particular manufacturer. Nobody is obligated to do it.

But I think there's definitely an opportunity.

3.7" screen
512 MB RAM
8 GB with SD card slot
1.5 Ghz dual-core S4

That would probably be less than $100 with contract. Maybe even $50. A good alternative to people who are new to smartphones.

agreed. there's definitely a market for a more modest-sized smartphone so it would be good to see some WP8 offerings in that range.

 

[ncxcstud]

Nokia has got that one covered too
Nokia planning 4-inch 'Flame' low-end Windows Phone 8 device | The Verge

 

[aubreyq]

Nokia has got that one covered too
Nokia planning 4-inch 'Flame' low-end Windows Phone 8 device | The Verge

Excellent. Something for everyone!

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Now someone put out a WP8 with physical keyboard ;-)

 

[Scout_313]

Nokia has got that one covered too
Nokia planning 4-inch 'Flame' low-end Windows Phone 8 device | The Verge

I think it's unfortunate that a smaller device has to have low-end specs. Look at what Motorola did with the Droid RAZR M and you can't help but wonder why other manufacturers can't put decent components in a phone that size.

 

[TJWINS]

Why would Microsoft allow sales of 7.x phones after the launch of Windows Phone 8? That would be a stupid move IMO. It would allow fragmentation in the global Windows ecosystem. That would be like Microsoft selling Windows Vista computers after the release of Windows 7. That would make no sense to me from Microsoft's point of view but it would even be a bigger mistake for the hardware vendors if the purpose is to sell more units. Who wants to buy outdated software? It would not cost any less money to manufacture a 7.x Windows Phone vs a Windows 8 Phone since the cost is in the hardware. Microsoft's main concern should be to get the best possible experience in the hands of the people and that means Windows Phone 8 along with Windows 8 tablets and PCs.

 

[ncxcstud]

Is that what the average consumer wants though? I know my grandmother wants a keyboard because she wants to type with her nails. Hopefully the l920 solves that. My windows phone keyboard is so much better than my tablet and my wife's android phone. Hoping the 920 on screen board is even better.

I think competitors are worried that no one will notice a small highend device...

 

[catkeepr]

I also vote for keyboard. Just don't like typing on glass.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

 

[Scout_313]

I think competitors are worried that no one will notice a small highend device...

While I'm definitely not a fan of it, the iPhone would be considered by many to be a small, high-end device. Lord knows how many people have noticed that phone. All I'm saying is that Motorola proved that you don't have to skimp on the tech when downsizing your product. While having a small low-end phone is all well and good, I want to see powerful devices with a 4" - 4.3" screen with a smaller footprint. I would have preferred to come back to WP, but the Droid RAZR M will be my next phone. Maybe the WP8 offerings will better suit my needs come February when I can use my dad's upgrade.

 

[speedtouch]

I think it's unfortunate that a smaller device has to have low-end specs. Look at what Motorola did with the Droid RAZR M and you can't help but wonder why other manufacturers can't put decent components in a phone that size.

It is very unfortunate. I want a Lumia 720. Which, if Nokia does it like they did with the 710, the 720 should have the same amount of RAM and the same CPU as its bigger brothers. I love my 710 as it runs exactly like an 800 or 900. There is no speed difference, because they all share common core specs. I just want a 3.7"-4" device with 16 GB storage, 1 GB RAM, and whatever the good CPU is (dual/quad core). I want a performance device in my pocket, just like my Lumia 710 is.

 

[Reflexx]

A DVP type device, but with a 3.8" screen, would be sweet.

I'm sure something like it will come. But it may not happen until WP has a at least 10% market share.

 

[Laura Knotek]

I could see having a device with a smaller screen, but only if it includes a physical keypad. Other than former BlackBerry users, most people prefer larger screens, especially when typing in portrait mode on a touchscreen.

I've tried the iPhone and found it impossible to type on in portrait mode, since the virtual keyboard is tiny.

I was a former BlackBerry user, but bigger is better to me when it comes to touchscreen devices.

 

[Karma-Suture]

A WP8 version of the Lumia 800 with an SD slot would be a dream come true.

The 920 is absolutely gorgeous, but the thought of pocketing that thing has me hesitant.

 

[AngryNil]

I'd prefer a small device, but I really want crisp text and the HD screens only come in 4.3" and up (at least currently). Also, the lack of text reflow in the browser can be partially remedied by a bigger screen.