Although the OS itself isn’t nearly as bad as some would have us believe, at this point it is quite clear that it is turning into a pricey and embarrassing flop. Very few phone makers embraced it, and those that did are now offering Windows Phone 7 devices at massive discounts, prompted by poor demand.
Take the HTC 7 Trophy for example. It is a pretty sleek device, in fact it is one of the best looking HTCs around and it also has an impressive spec sheet. Qualcomm 1GHz processor, 512MB of memory, 8GB storage, 3.8-inch 480x800 capacitive touchscreen – all this can be yours for a measly €179. The phone launched with a €399 MSRP, so now it is nothing short of a bargain.
Samsung’s i8700 Omnia 7 is based on the same processor, but it has a 4-inch 480x800 AMOLED screen. Just like the HTC it packs 8GB of storage and everything else you would expect from a €500 handset. However, it is no longer selling for €500, or €400. It costs just €249. The same goes for the LG E900 Optimus 7. It is on a par with the HTC in terms of specs and its price tumbled from €379 to €189. The Dell Venue fared a bit better, losing just dropping just €100 in the single month it has been on sale.
Getting one of them might seem like a very tempting deal, and it is, but it is hard to recommend them. Considering the unpopularity of the OS, it is safe to assume that consumers will be stuck with a rather limited number of apps and it is unlikely the manufacturers will offer any significant software upgrades. Still, they might be worth it if you are on a tight budget, or if you are not an app addict.