There haven't been a lot of Windows Phone apps or devices released during the year, but here are the top phones that work on Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile phone platform.
Windows 10 Mobile Phone Platform
According to PCMag, Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft's mobile-phone platform is not enjoying great popularity among mobile phone users. In fact, while Microsoft is busy working on its rumored Surface Phone, just very few apps or Windows Phone devices have been released during the year. According to a study by Kantar World Planet, the U.S. market share for Windows Phone is just around one percent.
For those users who need to fit into Microsoft-centric enterprises or value ease-of-use, the Windows 10 Mobile OS is still worth recommending. Windows Phones have the advantage that they are very easily managed by IT departments.
The Windows Phone OS offers big, bold tiles that are easy to use. The operating system's lack of brand-name apps works just fine with users who are just looking for basic smartphone functions such as calling, texting, email, Web browsing and photos.
For those who are shopping for a Windows Phone, it is important to ensure that it's running Windows 10 and not 8.1. You'd also need, ideally, a phone that supports the Windows feature called Continuum that, with the appropriate docking station, allows you use the phone like a desktop PC.
Microsoft Lumia 950
According to CNET, right now the best value in Windows Phones is offered by the unlocked Microsoft Lumia 950. The mobile device supports Continuum and comes with the latest version of Windows 10 Mobile. It is compatible with T-Mobile, AT&T, and some cheaper carriers and it costs in the range of $249-$329.
The Lumia 950 was released in late 2015 and since then it had several software upgrades. When it was first launched, the device used to cost $600, but now, at $300, it makes indeed a pretty amazing deal.
HP Elite x3
A far more expensive Windows Mobile option is the HP Elite x3 that comes with a price tag of $649. Because of HP's enterprise support policies, the HP Elite x3 is the best choice for enterprise users. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor rather than the previous year's Snapdragon in the Lumias, right now the Elite x3 is also the fastest available Windows Phone.
The Elite x3 comes with special features like HP Workspace that virtualizes Win32 apps in Continuum mode so users are able to run on the mobile device all of their business-critical Windows apps. The x3 also comes with powerful front-facing speakers and a great 6-inch AMOLED screen.
Lumia 550
The Lumia 550 is a less expensive and smaller new device that comes with a price tag of $139. This Windows phone works with T-Mobile, AT&T and budget mobile network providers such as Simple Mobile, Ting and US Mobile. The device comes with a 4.7-inch screen.
The major down side of the Lumia 550 is the fact that its performance will lag on more complex tasks because the Snapdragon 210 processor is quite slow. With Lumia 550 there is no way to use Continuum.
