AT&T’s Windows Phone portfolio is going to grow by two on April 8th. The first device, the Nokia Lumia 900, we covered earlier today. It’s basically the Lumia 800, but with a 4.3 inch screen and 4G LTE connectivity. Not bad for $99. The second device though, the HTC Titan II, is a beast. It has a 4.7 inch screen, 4G LTE connectivity, and an industry first 16 megapixel camera. Those extra hardware specs will cost you an extra $100, bringing the total to $199 with a 2 year contract. Which device is better? That’s a complicated question to answer. If you have bad eye sight or just want an ultra large device, then get the Titan II. If you want an awesome camera, again, get the Titan II. Some will say the Lumia 900 has a better industrial design, but that’s a personal preference.
If you want this author’s opinion, it’s a good idea to skip both of these devices. Why? Windows Phone 8 is going to come out later this year and it’s set to bring the platform to a completely different level. We’re talking support for dual core processors, 720p resolution screens, NFC, and all the latest bells and whistles that are going to come with this summer’s hero phones. Is it really that hard for you to keep your wallet shut for the next six months?
More importantly, there’s a strong rumor floating around that today’s Windows Phones will not be upgradable to Windows Phone 8. Why? Windows Phone 7.5 is powered by the Windows Embedded Compact kernel. Windows Phone 8 is said to be powered by the same kernel that’ll power the desktop version of Windows 8. That alone should be enough reason to be patient.
Look, if you need a smartphone right this second, then either of these devices will be fine. But chances are that if you’re reading this then you have a device that’s more than adequate; you can live with whatever smartphone you have for another quarter or two.