Windows 7.5 or 8? The Nokia Lumia 900 vs. The HTC Windows 8S

Windows phones have come a long way. Older versions of the operating system were notoriously bad, clunky and difficult to use. But Windows 7 and 8 were both huge improvements, and the system is now sleeker than ever. If you’re looking for a new Windows mobile phone, you have a choice to make. Most companies are now producing both Windows 7.5 and Windows 8 models, so you need to decide which one you want.

There are a couple of differences within the operating systems themselves. However, a lot of the functionality of the operating system depends on which device you run it on. We chose two Windows phones, the Nokia Lumia 900 (which runs Windows 7.5) and the HTC Window 8S (running Windows 8) to see how they compared. If you want to know which one you should buy, then keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each…

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Why You Should Get a Nokia Lumia 900…
Okay, there are two benefits to running Windows 7.5 rather than Windows 8. The first is that 7.5 can run multiple applications at the same time, letting you talk on Skype while you’re reading the news on the internet, for example. Windows 8 can’t do this. Secondly, you are connected to the Windows Phone Marketplace, which makes it easy and convenient to add new apps and games to your phone. As a device, the Nokia itself has a few advantages.

It is the faster phone, running a 1400 MHz processor, rather than the slower 1000 MHz one on the HTC, so it’s more powerful, snappier and more responsive. It has a larger screen, measuring in at 4.3 inches rather than the four inch display on the HTC. It also has a higher resolution built in camera. 8 MP as opposed to the 5 MP on the HTC make for pictures that have more fine detail and are simply better quality. Finally, the Nokia has a built in FM radio. Not a big deal when there are so many radio apps on the market, but it might be a nice thing to have if you’re a radio fan.

Why You Should Get an HTC Windows 8S…
Actually, there aren’t that many reasons why you would want the HTC over the Nokia. The screen has around ten per cent more PPI (pixels per inch), which does make it a little crisper and more well defined, but it’s not a hugely noticeable difference. The HTC does come in smaller, thinner and lighter than the Nokia. On the other hand, it also has a smaller screen.

Which Is the Best Deal?
We go for the Nokia over the HTC. Even though the Lumia 900 runs the slightly older operating system, it supports the app marketplace and can run multiple apps at the same time. Windows 8 just doesn’t support these functions. Plus, as a device, we get something that’s more powerful, has a larger screen and a better camera. These are added bonuses. The HTC Windows 8S is nice, but the Nokia Lumia 900 is just better.

Rizwan Ahmad