10 Ways Windows Phones Outshone Android

Hey there, folks! Before you jump to conclusions, hear me out—I’m about to make a case for Windows phones, even though I know most of you won’t see eye to eye with me. I mean, let’s be real: with over 80% of the smartphone market share, Android pretty much dominates the competition.

Now, I get it—Android is the go-to choice for many top smartphone brands. But that widespread adoption comes with a downside: fragmentation. And boy, does it cause some headaches for Android users. If you don’t believe me, just check out this post by Azzief Khaliq—it delves into the whole fragmentation issue and debates its effects.

Hey there! So, I’ve got some really cool stuff to share with you about Windows Phones. You know, the Windows Phone has this super fast and easy-to-use operating system that works amazingly well with all the Microsoft stuff. And if you’re someone who’s always using Windows products, then this integrated mobile platform is definitely something you should consider.

Now, on the surface, it might seem like the Windows Phone is just like any other platform out there. But guess what? There are actually 10 awesome features that set it apart from Android phones. Yeah, you heard that right! So, buckle up and let me take you on a tour of the top 10 things that make Windows Phones stand out!

1. Amazingly Designed Phones That Are Perfect for Everyone

The most significant advantage of Windows phones is the partnership with Nokia. Nokia offers a wide range of phones, with prices ranging from $180 to $425 and screen sizes from 4″ to 6″. This gives you many options, whether you’re on a budget or looking for a powerful and stylish phone like the Nokia Lumia 1020, which has a 41-megapixel camera sensor and can record Full HD videos. If you’re willing to explore alternative options instead of sticking to a “popular” operating system, you’ll definitely find good value for your money by keeping an open mind. So, don’t limit yourself and be open to the possibilities!

2. Amazing Apps

While the Play Store may have more apps than the Windows App Store, what really matters with apps is their quality. Luckily, Windows phones cover all the essential bases. Unlike Android, Windows Phone has a more stringent criteria and rigorously selects which apps and games can appear in their marketplaces.

Because of this, the app store delivers superior and more polished apps compared to Android. These apps are sleek, beautiful, and simple, often looking better than their Android counterparts. You should definitely check out 6tag (an Instagram third-party app), Spotify, Skype, and Facebook.

3. Seamless Email And Social Media Integration

When it comes to Windows Phone, they’ve done something really special. They’ve created a built-in hub that brings together all your favorite social media platforms. It’s incredibly smooth and easy to use. They call it the People Hub.

The People Hub is a place where you can see all your friends’ updates and notifications in one convenient location. No need to open multiple apps; everything you need is right there. It’s like having all your social media networks merged into one.

One of the things that sets Windows Phone apart is its integration with Facebook. You can tag pictures like you would on any other platform, but with Windows Phone, it gets even better. You can use your phone contacts as tags, making it super simple to connect with people. And if you prefer texting over messaging on Facebook, you can easily switch between the two without any hassle.

4. Microsoft Integration and Support

If you’re familiar with Microsoft’s services and software, you’ll be pleased to know that Windows Phone seamlessly integrates with products like Outlook.com, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, and OneNote. What sets Windows Phone apart is that it comes equipped with free Office software built right into the operating system. This is especially handy for professionals who are always on the go. With Windows Phone, you can conveniently view and edit Excel, PowerPoint, and Word documents directly from your device. Plus, it effortlessly syncs with OneDrive, allowing you to save all your compatible files on Microsoft’s cloud storage service.

5. Consistency Across All Devices

When it comes to Android, there’s a lot of variety in terms of devices. With so many different shapes and sizes, it’s natural to wonder about performance and quality. However, when it comes to Windows Phone, you don’t have to worry. Whether you’re using the entry-level Lumia 520 or the high-end Lumia 1020, you’ll experience a smooth and lag-free performance. That’s because Nokia’s Lumia range of devices follows a minimalist design approach and is known for its top-notch build quality.

6. Customize Your Lock Screen

Guess what? With Windows Phone, you can do more than just view your notifications on your lock screen. You have the power to make it totally yours! Let me tell you how.

First things first, you can change the background picture by going to Lock Screen settings. Pick any photo you like, and voila! Your lock screen will be sporting a fresh new look.

But wait, there’s more! Windows Phones go the extra mile by allowing you to integrate live apps right on your lock screen. Isn’t that neat? Let me give you a couple of awesome examples.

Take Bing, for instance. This awesome app displays the Bing Picture of the Day right on your lock screen. Now you’ll never miss out on seeing the most stunning images.

And speaking of photos, Facebook has got your back. It brings your personal photo albums to your lock screen, so you can relive your favorite memories every time you glance at your phone.

But hey, the fun doesn’t stop there. You can also choose to have photos of yourself displayed on your lock screen, or even create a stunning collection of photos that rotate and keep things interesting.

And here’s a little secret: you can take your lock screen customization to the next level by configuring it to show artist information when you’re jamming out to some music. How cool is that?

So go ahead, make your lock screen your own personal masterpiece. It’s like having a little slice of you right at your fingertips.

7. Enjoy your XBox games on your Windows Phone

If you have an XBox, you’re in luck! Windows Phone offers incredible integration with XBox, allowing you to make the most of your gaming experience, even on devices with low memory. The Microsoft team has dedicated themselves to integrating XBox features, which means you can interact with your console avatar, earn points, check your Gamerscore, send messages to your friends, and see your avatar right on your phone.

Even though Android has more games available, Windows Phones give you access to exclusive XBox games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Jetpack Joyride, Six Guns, and FIFA 14 – all completely free! And the best part? These games run incredibly smoothly, even on older Nokia Lumia Phones. Playing games on your Windows Phone is an absolute breeze!

8. The Endless Possibilities of Live Tiles

When it comes to Windows Phones, the power is in your hands. You have the freedom to pin and arrange things exactly the way you want. Unlike ordinary widgets, each app on your home screen becomes a living, breathing Live Tile. These tiles give you a sneak peek into what’s happening inside each unique app. For instance, you can stay up-to-date with the time and weather right from the weather tile, and you won’t miss any important notifications from Twitter, WhatsApp, SMS, or email because they all pop up on your main screen.

Unlike on Android, where widgets exist separately and follow their own unique designs created by their developers, Live Tiles blend harmoniously with the overall aesthetic of your Windows Phone. They seamlessly change and adapt, adding a touch of dynamism to your home screen. It’s like having your own curated gallery of mini masterpieces that perfectly complement each other, making your phone truly one-of-a-kind.

9. Using Maps without Internet

Windows Phone has a special feature called HERE Maps and HERE Drive that are built into its Lumia range. It is a different option to Android’s Google Maps. These maps have the ability to work offline, which means you can use them even without an internet connection. Some Android phones, like the Galaxy S4, also offer offline navigation in Google Maps. However, there is a difference. Google Maps only allows you to download small areas of offline maps, whereas with Nokia Lumia phones, you can download maps of entire countries and use them to navigate without internet while driving.

10. Endlessly Expanding Storage

Did you know that most Windows Phones, even the more affordable ones, come equipped with a generous 8GB of internal storage? And that’s not all – they also support a microSD card of up to 64GB, giving you plenty of room for all your files, photos, and apps.

But wait, it gets even better! With the amazing Onedrive, you get an additional 7GB of cloud storage completely free. That means you can back up your important content to the cloud and access it from anywhere – your Windows tablet, PC, or of course, your Windows Phone.

Gone are the days of worrying about running out of space or relying on third-party online storage that may not be compatible. With Onedrive, your storage worries are a thing of the past. It’s seamless, convenient, and fully integrated into the Windows ecosystem.

In Conclusion…

Android may have more app options, but Windows Phone has its own unique strengths. It’s a platform with great potential that offers seamless integration across multiple devices, like mobile, desktop, and the cloud. In today’s ever-changing smartphone market, we need a solid and versatile platform that can adapt to our needs. That’s where Windows Phone excels.

By choosing Windows Phone, you’re not just getting a smartphone; you’re tapping into a full range solution that can meet your needs in a variety of settings. Whether you’re working on your desktop, accessing files on the cloud, or staying connected on the go, Windows Phone has you covered.

Some may argue that Android currently dominates the smartphone OS market, but the landscape is always shifting. With Nokia and Windows Phone working together, they have the potential to challenge Android’s stronghold and bring some healthy competition back into the market.

So, when it comes to choosing a smartphone platform, don’t just follow the crowd. Consider the potential, the versatility, and the integration that Windows Phone has to offer. Who knows? One day, it might just be the top dog in the smartphone world.