I have a Lumia 521 and I really like it. I had always used Android and one Blackberry and never tried Apple. However the Lumia 521 as a low end device still gives me a level of functionality that can compare to high end Android smart phone.
A lot of the issues raised were fixed in Windows Phone 8.1. Also, why do you use flagships for all the other 30 day trials but for windows phone you use a mid range HTC? Surely a Lumia 920/925 would have been a better shot. For example, when you talk about having small hands and struggling to reach some of the buttons, thats because the HTC screens are longer and narrower. Lumia screen are more square making them easier for small hands. Will you try Windows 10 for phones when it releases?
if you're going Windows Phone you should use Nokia branded instead of HTC or Samsung, they have over 90% of windows phone ,they have Glance Screen along with other great features and exclusive apps other brands won't have which helps add to the overall experience on WP 8 .Should install WP8.1 Developer Preview and do update video .
I agree with this. first things first, If you use a nokia, you can set your native browser to use Google as default search engine. (HTC really did mess up with that one). there are a few thing that aren't great in WP8, and hopefully they will be addressed soon, but overall I like it. (after using a lumia 620, then HTC 8s, then deciding that I preferred the lumia and moving to the lumia 820) Previously an android user, and always found iPhone's to be too expensive....
I know this video is over a year old, but with the latest updates most of these issues have been fixed. Imo the reason why so many minor things were left out here was the gap between the releases, iOS was released at 2007 whilst WP was at 2010, so theyve had alot more time to recieve community feedback and fix those issues.
You can organize your things into folders. They take up as much space as the medium tiles and have 9 slots. The large tiles are meant for the smaller tiles version where you can put 3 medium sized tiles across.
Are you gonna test Windows 8.1? From what I heard most of your issues have been addressed. Nokia has a folders app, rotation lock and time are accessible from everywhere through the new notification center. IE has refresh and tabs (it even syncs tabs from your pc if you're using IE that is...) quickly accessible. Skype is always on and you can set if only for calls or for messages as well. I think it's a legit alternative now.
I love that there battery life and other information at the top of the phone goes away and reappears when clicking on the time, but yes I agree with you on that the time should always be shown!
There is a way to set Skype to stay connected and show notifications but only comes up the first time u open skype it prompts you if u want it to work in the background try go to settings and swipe to the side to go to applications and look at your background apps (or do it the long way and reinstall the app to see the prompt again)
some of the issues you had with the Windows 8 platform was the fact that you used HTC over Nokia the Nokia hand sets give your more options then the HTC and it would have been more iOS like with Nokia City Maps, and other Nokia only apps
Seriously you deserve a medal. You explained why you liked it and why not in a very impartial way rarely seen on internet. You often added "to me" to explain that this feature didn't fit you but may fit others and that it was a matter of preference. Congrats
I knew your hand size would play a big role in your choice. With every unboxing that might be related to hands, you always mentioned that for other people the product would actually fit if they had a "normal" hand.
I watched the whole series and was really happy to find something like this! I'm a WP user and had been looking for a fair evaluation of WP from an iOS user, and to be honest I thought you were very very fair. You found all the right apps for WP to give it a fair shot against the iPhone, which was great. I have an HTC Arrive currently and would love an upgrade; another reason I'm commenting haha. But a very fair and well done series. Congrats.
WP8's people is really the best part of this os, few things i found frustrating me: lack of apps, battery life info, auto rotation, and push notification sometimes not working. also, if microsoft can add folder function into it would be the best.
The problem with the htc 8s it's that's a middle/low range phone, if you go from a middle or low range android (there is now such iPhone) you'll find yourself in a total new world with Windows phone 8, even if you notice some bugs or crashes...low range android phones do have a lot of crashes too. Now if you're an iPhone user, you have to go for an high-end windows phone, some times just the little 1Gb of RAM (instead of 512 for the lower range WP8 devices) will make a lot of difference.
Very valid critiques. Lack of orientation lock is a bizarre omission, but I'd suspect they have bigger fish to fry in terms of updating the overall OS. I think when it comes to not displaying time, battery, etc., they want you to know "it's taken care of," which I appreciate. An option to keep them visible/easily see-able would be good. Still using my old Focus S, so a chance to upgrade would be awesome!
quick feedback, when worrying about private details on screen, it would make your videos far smoother if you just blurred it out in edit rather than keep moving the phone away from the screen/worrying what shows on some apps. I didn't notice it so much on this video, but it is an issue on some of them. Otherwise I really enjoy your videos and keep up the good work.
I actually don't have a cell phone, but my IPod touch is basically a cell phone within wifi radius. I could see phones becoming more dependent on WiFi signals to make all devices dependent on just WiFi. Would simplify everything.
Good way to get comments! I'm still locked in with my iPhone4 and a new one would help me out immensely because I need to switch carriers. Which is why I was looking for winphone reviews...You made me realize I should not get one and a new contract yet.
that was a really thorough review! thank you for working down your thoughts as you experienced them. i was worried you'd have iphone bias, but that was really good! ty!
Lenguage button is NEEDED for me for example, a spanish speaking person who also speaks to people in english. ALTHOUGH it'd be GREAT if you could, for example swipe or have another way to change the language and save keyboard space.
Can you make a video explaining the difference between all of the different GPU manufacturers and explain things like the build quality and which ever ones you prefer?
Thanks for the videos on WP8. I currently am on iOS and been meaning to try other phones out. The Nexus 4 seems really appealing and hopefully that's what you're gonna try out next.
Best of luck with the HTC One, I'm currently looking to pre-order one I'm actually testing out an iPhone 5 for a month (I'm a heavy android user) and I must admit i does have some ups.. but I love the open-ness of android and that I can save files to it, and explore the phones file structure..
Linus! I like your opinion on Windows phone and I remember how it was but everything you complained about is fixed with the new Wp8.1 update please give it another try!!!!!
Thought it was pretty cool that you went into this not being completely biased and only looking at the negative aspects of WP. I still have an outdated Samsung Galaxy Ace and I've really noticed how slow it is compared to newer phones, but Android is amazing even on such a weak phone.
I love how you actually used WP8 before judging it. It seems like most of the issues you had with the OS was only because of your long time usage of iOS and you grew to love the UX&UI. It's too bad we couldn't convert you :) maybe 8.5 or blue will help to make the switch. I don't need the HTC 8S (I have the 920), BUT I would LOVE to give my girlfriend a WP8 because her lumia 710 is never going to get the 7.8 update because from T-Mobile block it. :( can't wait to see the HTC ONE videos. THANKS!
biggest gripes of the windows 8 phone on the lumia 920 - 1) can't attach more than 1 document (not pix) to a group of ppl, what's with that? 2) no forward button when surfing the internet! pressing back repeatedly to close IE then opening it up to type in the address all over again! 3) No file manager - why you can dl pdf files from email but some dont show up in the office app! 4) no locking of orientation and separate volume control for separate functions (vids vs. call volume) 5) batt drain!
Not used Windows Phone since was it 6.1. The new version is so much more touch friendly and seems really good compared to the old, none finger friendly interface.
I played around with those phones and the Nokia so far seems best to me. Windows phone needs a few updates to features that iOS and Android has such as notifications and different homepage options. Windows did a good job with being different and making syncing very easy from windows 8 to windows phone 8 which is amazing, but they left out key features that everyone expects in a phone, while small they do matter a lot.
Linus, if you have to wait for the HTC One, you could also use the upcoming Galaxy S IV for your Android month of iSwitched. One thing I don't get, though, is that you say it'll be horrible to go back to the iPhone 4's comparatively slow processor. How about just upgrading to the iPhone 5? The fact that it's ONLY taller and NOT wider may just be perfect for you, since you always mention how one-handed use is imperative for you. I enjoyed your iSwitched series! Looking forward to the Android one.
Thank you Linus for these in depth reviews on phones. It really is a great thing to have a true review and comparison. I look forward to your Droid experience. After that, I'll be changing my phone based on your reviews.
I actually have a Lumia 900. Love the windows set-up and was originally a Blackberry/Android user. Never going back. Looking forward to your Android switch. Thanks Linus!
I have both a Lumia 820 and S3. And being an user of both platform, I do understand and agree about your views. And when I'm on the 820, what I do miss alot is the lack of a good notification system. Even with the toast notices, it can be really a bother especially when there are lots of new incoming msgs and the toasts keep showing non-stop. You missed the email app of WP. You can't attached multiple office documents to an email, and also very limited file types. Lousy for being a smart phone.
after using Ios for about 5 years, I think that the platform is more complete that windows 8 phone because they add so much thing over the past year that have been asked by the user. You can expect windows phone to do the same
Thanks for the review. Having Switched to Win8 and yes I really DO like it, I would be interested in switching to a Win8 phone as well. Thanks for taking the time to give a more detailed and in depth usage review. Keep up the good work.
I actually switched to windows phone 8 with my nokia lumia 928... Love it. I constantly get people asking about it. It's a real eye catcher and the feel is just perfect for me. I've got an android tablet for things I miss but those really are few and far between. I won't swear undying loyalty but I'm not jealously eyeing the other options either (with the exception of the nokia 1020). Everyone has their preferences windows just got me with this.
It would be great if a lot of iOS users tried for a month either a WP8 or a Android, just to see that there are some other great alternatives to the fragile glass phone with an old OS.
I can't say I'm not a little bummed to see Windows almost make it...again. I work with a Microsoft MVP and he pretty much nailed it on the head about the quality of their phone OS. The Windows 10 phone may be the phone that actually gives Apple/Android a run for their money. Thank you for doing this Linus. Was a nice eye opener.
Linus I dont know if you use 3g/4g but in the setting of the phone you can find a setting to turn off the automatic turning off of wifi when the screen is in timeout.
You're from BC! :D Thanks for the information, I'm an Android fan, I thought WP8 would bring something interesting to the table. Looks like they're still figuring things out. 1 word of advice about your Android iSwitched (which I am definitely interested in), don't judge Android based off of HTC's TouchSense layer. Honestly it makes me want to stab my eyes out. TouchWiz is far superior.
Just got lumia 920, and there is one thing I don't understand - if most of users are right handed, why is "back" sensor located on left side so I have to reach it with my thumb every time? I was using Galaxy S 2 before, and it had "Back" sensor on right side. Way easier.
Thanks for the whole series! I've learned a lot I didn't know about Windows Phone 8 so far! Still think you're missing out going back to iPhone though ;) I would love to have the 8X!!! But good job on ALL the videos!
i switched to wp8 from andriod and very happy. i have a nokia 822 and it doesnt have some apps that android has it does make up for in stability. i havent had my phone freeze yet while my old phonr would freeze once a dau.
Im glad to see such an unbiased comparison of Windows phone to Ios. So many people just bash on windows phone because its not Ios or android. I loved the metro UI but i ended up going back to android and using a Wp8 launcher.
If you actually want the kitchen sink mobile device, on contract the s3 or note is probably best, and contract free the Nexus 4 is best if you don't miss the LTE or don't have coverage. Also, plug for Ting (and I can't link the site) where you can create your own phone plan with only the minutes / texts / data you need and no contracts.
I am happy to see that you're going to try android as well! I actually suggest you get your hands on a nexus 4 as well for a short time to see what the stock android feels like.
Well interesting! When you search for music you like to scroll and clicks are not intuitive. Now when we go to main screen you hate to scroll scroll and you like folders - click on the folder and ..... which one do you like? Scrolling or clicking?
I use my old HTC HD7 with Windows Phone 7 and actually Windows Phone 8 looks really nice to me. I guess you're used to these things on iPhone and that what way are missing to you.
I think Linus will like the HTC with android :) Quick, a lot of apps, normal layout, home screens, google integration, can see the time all the time aaaaand very customizable.
I quite like the simplicity of WP8 interface but it must get the basics right. iOS 7 makes my eyes bleed and I'm not sure I'll stick in the iOS camp much longer. I've still yet to see a Windows Phone out in the wild here in the UK.
no actually it is wp8 its not like android where each manufacturer has their own version of it, it is the same thing on all devices except for the gloatware
hahaha.. just a random pan to what's in the room while linus figures things out in a review. Thanks for not editing that out. Please keep it that way ! lol
Windows really is an awesome phone for contacts management and processing speed even on lower end CPUs. The downside is the apps still need more developers to create something that is world class. Personally I would switch to an Windows phone as long as it gets some of the personalization that is available on Android. Hope to see your next iSwitched Andriod soon! Great review btw!
I'm really interested in WP8, if I dont win this one I'm probably gonna get one anyway, it just looks so fresh and interesting compared to same old Android
4:00 - You can also scroll, and if youve got 300 contacts its easier to get to "z" by touch. 5:00 - Far more crashes - i dont believe you, im using the old wp since 2 years, had not 1 crash. 7:00 - you said scrolling is better than clicking, and now you say "scroll-click-click" is better than "scroll-scroll-scroll"? 9:00 - thats a point, skype app is REALLY bad on wp. 12:40 - true aswell, can be annoying, esp no power percentage.
Well thanks for doing this for us Linus. I'm still going to try WP8 out myself though. It might be worth you trying this again (only for a week or something) after summer when windows phone blue comes out with windows 8 blue. They are supposed to be interface improvements so might fix most of your issues.
i dont know if someone answered your skype login problem, but you most probably can add the account through setting as you do with facebook, emaill, etc.
I switched from an iPhone 5 which I had for a month, I'm now using a Nokia Lumia 810 which I've had for 4 months now and I don't regret iPhone at all. iPhone came out in 2007, Android came out it 2009, and windows phone came out in late 2011. So if you put it that way WP is the new smartphone. getting 300 new apps a day at least, it'll be caught up in no time.
Interesting. I actually don't have a smartphone, and have been considering going with the Windows phone, since it's kind of the underdog now. Your review was very helpful.
The idea of the series was that he'd use the phone for 30 days, then he would be able to make a better evaluation of whether or not he is willing to change his mobile phone platform
I have a Lumia 521 and I really like it. I had always used Android and one Blackberry and never tried Apple. However the Lumia 521 as a low end device still gives me a level of functionality that can compare to high end Android smart phone.
A lot of the issues raised were fixed in Windows Phone 8.1. Also, why do you use flagships for all the other 30 day trials but for windows phone you use a mid range HTC? Surely a Lumia 920/925 would have been a better shot. For example, when you talk about having small hands and struggling to reach some of the buttons, thats because the HTC screens are longer and narrower. Lumia screen are more square making them easier for small hands. Will you try Windows 10 for phones when it releases?
if you're going Windows Phone you should use Nokia branded instead of HTC or Samsung, they have over 90% of windows phone ,they have Glance Screen along with other great features and exclusive apps other brands won't have which helps add to the overall experience on WP 8 .Should install WP8.1 Developer Preview and do update video .
I agree with this. first things first, If you use a nokia, you can set your native browser to use Google as default search engine. (HTC really did mess up with that one).
there are a few thing that aren't great in WP8, and hopefully they will be addressed soon, but overall I like it. (after using a lumia 620, then HTC 8s, then deciding that I preferred the lumia and moving to the lumia 820)
Previously an android user, and always found iPhone's to be too expensive....
You should do a review of a windows 10 phone, and just try it out to see if they fixed your complaints. I think most of them have been
Hello, Linus! Most of your complaints and dislikes about Windows Phone have been adressed in 8.1 and I wonder what your opinion would be.
I know this video is over a year old, but with the latest updates most of these issues have been fixed. Imo the reason why so many minor things were left out here was the gap between the releases, iOS was released at 2007 whilst WP was at 2010, so theyve had alot more time to recieve community feedback and fix those issues.
Linus, do you still use the Windows Phone? Windows Phone 8.1 is amazing right now.
Try windows phone 8.1!
I read your comment, but that won't affect the winner selection process. It has to be random to be fair to everyone :)
Pretty much every problem you had with Windows Phone has been fixed now Linus.
Windows 10 mobile is so good even in 2023
You can organize your things into folders. They take up as much space as the medium tiles and have 9 slots. The large tiles are meant for the smaller tiles version where you can put 3 medium sized tiles across.
Are you gonna test Windows 8.1?
From what I heard most of your issues have been addressed. Nokia has a folders app, rotation lock and time are accessible from everywhere through the new notification center. IE has refresh and tabs (it even syncs tabs from your pc if you're using IE that is...) quickly accessible. Skype is always on and you can set if only for calls or for messages as well.
I think it's a legit alternative now.
They did add folders. They also had a not so satisfactory folder app that's not pre-installed, but the new folder app is fine.
Thanks for the support man! And finding my comment ;)
This series made me appreciate my iPhone 5 a lot more, so thanks for that! Will be looking forward to your Android Switch series!
props for actually doing something like this. Usually i just watch a vid of someone with only 10 min of using a device and then making a conclusion.
I love that there battery life and other information at the top of the phone goes away and reappears when clicking on the time, but yes I agree with you on that the time should always be shown!
There is a way to set Skype to stay connected and show notifications but only comes up the first time u open skype it prompts you if u want it to work in the background try go to settings and swipe to the side to go to applications and look at your background apps (or do it the long way and reinstall the app to see the prompt again)
some of the issues you had with the Windows 8 platform was the fact that you used HTC over Nokia the Nokia hand sets give your more options then the HTC and it would have been more iOS like with Nokia City Maps, and other Nokia only apps
Seriously you deserve a medal. You explained why you liked it and why not in a very impartial way rarely seen on internet. You often added "to me" to explain that this feature didn't fit you but may fit others and that it was a matter of preference. Congrats
I knew your hand size would play a big role in your choice. With every unboxing that might be related to hands, you always mentioned that for other people the product would actually fit if they had a "normal" hand.
This was cool really appreciate someone taking the time to comment on a platform.
I watched the whole series and was really happy to find something like this! I'm a WP user and had been looking for a fair evaluation of WP from an iOS user, and to be honest I thought you were very very fair. You found all the right apps for WP to give it a fair shot against the iPhone, which was great. I have an HTC Arrive currently and would love an upgrade; another reason I'm commenting haha. But a very fair and well done series. Congrats.
WP8's people is really the best part of this os, few things i found frustrating me: lack of apps, battery life info, auto rotation, and push notification sometimes not working. also, if microsoft can add folder function into it would be the best.
The problem with the htc 8s it's that's a middle/low range phone, if you go from a middle or low range android (there is now such iPhone) you'll find yourself in a total new world with Windows phone 8, even if you notice some bugs or crashes...low range android phones do have a lot of crashes too. Now if you're an iPhone user, you have to go for an high-end windows phone, some times just the little 1Gb of RAM (instead of 512 for the lower range WP8 devices) will make a lot of difference.
Very valid critiques. Lack of orientation lock is a bizarre omission, but I'd suspect they have bigger fish to fry in terms of updating the overall OS. I think when it comes to not displaying time, battery, etc., they want you to know "it's taken care of," which I appreciate. An option to keep them visible/easily see-able would be good.
Still using my old Focus S, so a chance to upgrade would be awesome!
quick feedback, when worrying about private details on screen, it would make your videos far smoother if you just blurred it out in edit rather than keep moving the phone away from the screen/worrying what shows on some apps. I didn't notice it so much on this video, but it is an issue on some of them. Otherwise I really enjoy your videos and keep up the good work.
I actually don't have a cell phone, but my IPod touch is basically a cell phone within wifi radius. I could see phones becoming more dependent on WiFi signals to make all devices dependent on just WiFi. Would simplify everything.
Good way to get comments! I'm still locked in with my iPhone4 and a new one would help me out immensely because I need to switch carriers. Which is why I was looking for winphone reviews...You made me realize I should not get one and a new contract yet.
With android and tasker, you could set auto rotate on/off an app basis. And other very cool stuff.
I have a S3 and I actually love the W8 phone interface
its just the lack of apps and games on W8 thats stops me from changing
that was a really thorough review! thank you for working down your thoughts as you experienced them. i was worried you'd have iphone bias, but that was really good! ty!
at 5:44 if you only select one keyboard language in the settings, that language-button will disappear and you will have a longer space bar ;)
Lenguage button is NEEDED for me for example, a spanish speaking person who also speaks to people in english. ALTHOUGH it'd be GREAT if you could, for example swipe or have another way to change the language and save keyboard space.
Can you make a video explaining the difference between all of the different GPU manufacturers and explain things like the build quality and which ever ones you prefer?
Nice conclusion on the iSwitch :) Using a iPhone 4S right now. Might switch to a different platform .... looking forward to your next series. Cheers
Thanks for the videos on WP8. I currently am on iOS and been meaning to try other phones out. The Nexus 4 seems really appealing and hopefully that's what you're gonna try out next.
Interesting look on wp8. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Best of luck with the HTC One, I'm currently looking to pre-order one
I'm actually testing out an iPhone 5 for a month (I'm a heavy android user) and I must admit i does have some ups.. but I love the open-ness of android and that I can save files to it, and explore the phones file structure..
Linus! I like your opinion on Windows phone and I remember how it was but everything you complained about is fixed with the new Wp8.1 update please give it another try!!!!!
Windows phone has tons of potential just needs refinement. You should do an iswitched with the z10 as well
Thought it was pretty cool that you went into this not being completely biased and only looking at the negative aspects of WP. I still have an outdated Samsung Galaxy Ace and I've really noticed how slow it is compared to newer phones, but Android is amazing even on such a weak phone.
I hung in there! This was a very interesting series to follow. The android one will be fascinating as well I'm sure!
I love how you actually used WP8 before judging it. It seems like most of the issues you had with the OS was only because of your long time usage of iOS and you grew to love the UX&UI. It's too bad we couldn't convert you :) maybe 8.5 or blue will help to make the switch. I don't need the HTC 8S (I have the 920), BUT I would LOVE to give my girlfriend a WP8 because her lumia 710 is never going to get the 7.8 update because from T-Mobile block it. :(
can't wait to see the HTC ONE videos. THANKS!
really like the idea of this series and def looking forward to the htc one vids. keep up the good shit, and let me holla at that htc 8s!!
biggest gripes of the windows 8 phone on the lumia 920 - 1) can't attach more than 1 document (not pix) to a group of ppl, what's with that? 2) no forward button when surfing the internet! pressing back repeatedly to close IE then opening it up to type in the address all over again! 3) No file manager - why you can dl pdf files from email but some dont show up in the office app! 4) no locking of orientation and separate volume control for separate functions (vids vs. call volume) 5) batt drain!
Not used Windows Phone since was it 6.1. The new version is so much more touch friendly and seems really good compared to the old, none finger friendly interface.
I played around with those phones and the Nokia so far seems best to me. Windows phone needs a few updates to features that iOS and Android has such as notifications and different homepage options. Windows did a good job with being different and making syncing very easy from windows 8 to windows phone 8 which is amazing, but they left out key features that everyone expects in a phone, while small they do matter a lot.
Linus, if you have to wait for the HTC One, you could also use the upcoming Galaxy S IV for your Android month of iSwitched. One thing I don't get, though, is that you say it'll be horrible to go back to the iPhone 4's comparatively slow processor. How about just upgrading to the iPhone 5? The fact that it's ONLY taller and NOT wider may just be perfect for you, since you always mention how one-handed use is imperative for you. I enjoyed your iSwitched series! Looking forward to the Android one.
Thank you Linus for these in depth reviews on phones.
It really is a great thing to have a true review and comparison.
I look forward to your Droid experience.
After that, I'll be changing my phone based on your reviews.
I actually have a Lumia 900.
Love the windows set-up and was originally a Blackberry/Android user.
Never going back.
Looking forward to your Android switch.
Thanks Linus!
I've had my samsung focus 2 years now. Still love how easy it is to find stuff. cant wait for a windows phone 8
It may not be perfect yet but it certainly has come a long way since the first mobile versions of Windows for phones. Great review Linus!
Try using UC Browser, it has kinda nice home page and you can lock screen so it doesn't switch between portait and landscape.
Your iSwitched series made me switch to lumia 920 (from Android). Great and honest review of wp8.
Skype is in it's beta stages on windows phone, but skype should always stay logged in if you are logged in on your Microsoft account on the phone.
I have both a Lumia 820 and S3. And being an user of both platform, I do understand and agree about your views. And when I'm on the 820, what I do miss alot is the lack of a good notification system. Even with the toast notices, it can be really a bother especially when there are lots of new incoming msgs and the toasts keep showing non-stop. You missed the email app of WP. You can't attached multiple office documents to an email, and also very limited file types. Lousy for being a smart phone.
after using Ios for about 5 years, I think that the platform is more complete that windows 8 phone because they add so much thing over the past year that have been asked by the user. You can expect windows phone to do the same
I knew I hated the Windows Tiles look, but never realized you couldn't make folders. Man, that must suck.
Thanks for the review. Having Switched to Win8 and yes I really DO like it, I would be interested in switching to a Win8 phone as well. Thanks for taking the time to give a more detailed and in depth usage review. Keep up the good work.
I actually switched to windows phone 8 with my nokia lumia 928... Love it. I constantly get people asking about it. It's a real eye catcher and the feel is just perfect for me. I've got an android tablet for things I miss but those really are few and far between. I won't swear undying loyalty but I'm not jealously eyeing the other options either (with the exception of the nokia 1020). Everyone has their preferences windows just got me with this.
I have a $1700 self-built gaming PC and so much other tech but I'm the only person without a smartphone so I'd love that 8S.
It would be great if a lot of iOS users tried for a month either a WP8 or a Android, just to see that there are some other great alternatives to the fragile glass phone with an old OS.
Haha, I love that zoom into the corner after seeing Linus' recent contacts.
I can't say I'm not a little bummed to see Windows almost make it...again. I work with a Microsoft MVP and he pretty much nailed it on the head about the quality of their phone OS. The Windows 10 phone may be the phone that actually gives Apple/Android a run for their money.
Thank you for doing this Linus. Was a nice eye opener.
Awesome video, Keep up the good work and can't wait for your android iSwitched.
Linus I dont know if you use 3g/4g but in the setting of the phone you can find a setting to turn off the automatic turning off of wifi when the screen is in timeout.
You're from BC! :D
Thanks for the information, I'm an Android fan, I thought WP8 would bring something interesting to the table. Looks like they're still figuring things out.
1 word of advice about your Android iSwitched (which I am definitely interested in), don't judge Android based off of HTC's TouchSense layer. Honestly it makes me want to stab my eyes out. TouchWiz is far superior.
Just got lumia 920, and there is one thing I don't understand - if most of users are right handed, why is "back" sensor located on left side so I have to reach it with my thumb every time? I was using Galaxy S 2 before, and it had "Back" sensor on right side. Way easier.
Really looking forward to the Andriod videos. I found this series very interesting as I have been wanting to try out Windows Phone myself.
Thanks for the whole series! I've learned a lot I didn't know about Windows Phone 8 so far! Still think you're missing out going back to iPhone though ;) I would love to have the 8X!!! But good job on ALL the videos!
i switched to wp8 from andriod and very happy. i have a nokia 822 and it doesnt have some apps that android has it does make up for in stability. i havent had my phone freeze yet while my old phonr would freeze once a dau.
Thanks for the awesome review! Love watching your reviews and unboxing videos!
Im glad to see such an unbiased comparison of Windows phone to Ios. So many people just bash on windows phone because its not Ios or android. I loved the metro UI but i ended up going back to android and using a Wp8 launcher.
Dang it.. The 8x looked really good.. I really liked the color.. So is 8s better overall than the 8x?
you can press the globe button and than switch to smileys if you have it installed
If you actually want the kitchen sink mobile device, on contract the s3 or note is probably best, and contract free the Nexus 4 is best if you don't miss the LTE or don't have coverage.
Also, plug for Ting (and I can't link the site) where you can create your own phone plan with only the minutes / texts / data you need and no contracts.
I am happy to see that you're going to try android as well!
I actually suggest you get your hands on a nexus 4 as well for a short time to see what the stock android feels like.
Well interesting! When you search for music you like to scroll and clicks are not intuitive. Now when we go to main screen you hate to scroll scroll and you like folders - click on the folder and .....
which one do you like? Scrolling or clicking?
I use my old HTC HD7 with Windows Phone 7 and actually Windows Phone 8 looks really nice to me. I guess you're used to these things on iPhone and that what way are missing to you.
I think Linus will like the HTC with android :) Quick, a lot of apps, normal layout, home screens, google integration, can see the time all the time aaaaand very customizable.
I quite like the simplicity of WP8 interface but it must get the basics right. iOS 7 makes my eyes bleed and I'm not sure I'll stick in the iOS camp much longer. I've still yet to see a Windows Phone out in the wild here in the UK.
no actually it is wp8 its not like android where each manufacturer has their own version of it, it is the same thing on all devices except for the gloatware
hahaha.. just a random pan to what's in the room while linus figures things out in a review. Thanks for not editing that out. Please keep it that way ! lol
Windows really is an awesome phone for contacts management and processing speed even on lower end CPUs. The downside is the apps still need more developers to create something that is world class. Personally I would switch to an Windows phone as long as it gets some of the personalization that is available on Android. Hope to see your next iSwitched Andriod soon! Great review btw!
Still on an iPhone 4 too, but I certainly wouldn't mind taking that 8S for a spin or two
Love the information about the HTC. Would love to have a new HTC.
For locking orientation on browsers you can use UC browser instead of Internet Explorer.
I'm really interested in WP8, if I dont win this one I'm probably gonna get one anyway, it just looks so fresh and interesting compared to same old Android
There Is a one click option in Skype; that has notifications for text based messages that come in.
4:00 - You can also scroll, and if youve got 300 contacts its easier to get to "z" by touch.
5:00 - Far more crashes - i dont believe you, im using the old wp since 2 years, had not 1 crash.
7:00 - you said scrolling is better than clicking, and now you say "scroll-click-click" is better than "scroll-scroll-scroll"?
9:00 - thats a point, skype app is REALLY bad on wp.
12:40 - true aswell, can be annoying, esp no power percentage.
Well thanks for doing this for us Linus. I'm still going to try WP8 out myself though. It might be worth you trying this again (only for a week or something) after summer when windows phone blue comes out with windows 8 blue. They are supposed to be interface improvements so might fix most of your issues.
i dont know if someone answered your skype login problem, but you most probably can add the account through setting as you do with facebook, emaill, etc.
I switched from an iPhone 5 which I had for a month, I'm now using a Nokia Lumia 810 which I've had for 4 months now and I don't regret iPhone at all. iPhone came out in 2007, Android came out it 2009, and windows phone came out in late 2011. So if you put it that way WP is the new smartphone. getting 300 new apps a day at least, it'll be caught up in no time.
they do have smiley on ios keyboard. you have to enable emoji in settings.
Interesting. I actually don't have a smartphone, and have been considering going with the Windows phone, since it's kind of the underdog now. Your review was very helpful.
Yeeey! Great review btw. Really puts the OS and it's usability into perspective with this kind of review
Many people (myself included) frequently type messages in multiple different languages. Trust me, on the fly changes are needed.
The idea of the series was that he'd use the phone for 30 days, then he would be able to make a better evaluation of whether or not he is willing to change his mobile phone platform
Love the iSwitched videos, and would love to have the phone :P Thanks for all the great unboxings you do too :)