yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Windows Phone 8 General] armada786:
I'm kinda in the same boat as OP. Currently enjoying my Galaxy Nexus but I'm mad that it's got VZW's taint all over it. Does Microsoft handle the updates for WP8 and doesn't take BS carriers when it comes to pushing them out? I like constant security updates, and Android just can't seem to handle that.

I want a Nokia because I've heard they're great but the 822's display won't cut it with it's resolution for me if it's anything like PenTile. I'm thinking about ditching VZW when my contract is up if it doesn't get the Nexus 4 (doubtful it will) so I don't know if I'd use my upgrade on any of VZW's WP8 lineup. The Nexus 4 still has these beat when it comes to unsubsidized pricing.

The only other thing keeping me from WP8 is that I heard there was a lack of a good turn-by-turn app and no notification center. Both of these are kind of turn-offs. But the UX, fluidity, Start, and Microsoft-handled updates are quite enticing.
[Windows Phone 8 General] falconyx:
Same dilemmas for me guys. I'm working at Nokia and have tested both new Lumia devices and they really are awesome. While I like the design of the 820 and how it feels in the hand, the display of the 920 is far superior. The 820 has just an average display imo, it is bright but not very sharp, given the low res and poor pixel density (217 lol..). Other than that it is quite the smooth operator and really a pleasure to handle. The thing about it's big brother is that it is kind of uncomfortable to hold and I don't like the rather sharp edges.

I am now debating with myself if I should go for a WP8 device since the OS is just awesome or get one of these http://android-sale.com/xiaomi-phone-2.html as soon as it becomes available. You cannot deny the bang for your buck with these, though I am a bit afraid when it comes to warranty and customer support + you cannot really play with the device beforehand. I was waiting for the new Nexus but I think it is disappointing and especially fragile with that glass backcover. I was even considering an iphone because of the smoothness since I've really grown to hate the android lag which is present even on latest quad cores....But after using a 4S for a whole evening I cannot imagine myself doing this daily, it is just too limiting and I fail to see how people say it is so 'easy' and it 'just works' - well it just works with more steps than android or wp...But that is another topic of course.

As for the apps, I am currently using around 40-50 apps on my droid and all of them (EXCEPT DROPBOX, mind you..) are available on WP. The development frameworks for WP8 and the support for DirectX, and also the shared core with windows 8 will surely attract alot of devs and app number will grow in the coming year. I have to say that the windows phone store might not have so many offerings, but the design, fluidity and and general look is just stunning. So is the whole WP8 ui. For example, I think the so much praised iOS app store looks terrible and is a pain to navigate throug. Play Store on the other hand is very functional and easy to use but looks plain and boring.

Well well, this is my pov, I think I will be getting a WP after all but let's see. Maybe I will buy the xiaomi device if it is possible, simply because of the price/spec ratio + I love MIUI, since it is as if you are not using android.
[Windows Phone 8 General] mcosmin222:
You don't need dropbox, you have skydrive.
[Windows Phone 8 General] falconyx:
I have to disagree with you, dropbox is very light and useful, also a lot of users have quite some storage space on dropbox and would like to have it available. Not to mention that I know a friend of mine has a small company where they run 100Gb+ shared dropbox folders full of working data. They sure cannot force all employees to go windows phone because of skydrive or the other way around. So yeah, lack of dropbox IS a big minus.
[Windows Phone 8 General] mcosmin222:
You still have dropbox on WP. just checked xD
[Windows Phone 8 General] falconyx:
Isn't it some 3rd party app? Btw I think I'm fully converted now, just played around with the city lens app and tried some offline maps. **** is ca$h :cool:
[Windows Phone 8 General] Ken B:
Hi Dadstar, I recently switched from a Lumina 710 (Windows 7.8) to a Samsung Galaxy Note II (Android-Jelly Bean) and I will give you some of my perceptions.

1. Note II is a remarkable phone, unbelievable screen, and some really cool apps.

2. Lumina 710 was a solid phone, but after the screen size of the Note II, I could never go back and settle for a small screen.

That being said, the Lumina 710 is way ahead of the Note II in voice dialing over bluetooth. I would never have to get my Lumina out of my pocket to make a call (I have about 1200 contacts in Outlook with multiple listings for each), but with the Note II, it is a constant battle of it being slow to decide who it thinks I want to call and then gives me multiple choices on the screen. So it really defeats the role of voice dialing over bluetooth and that is a deal breaker for me and I am sending the Note II back within the 14 day trial period. Hopefully, Tmobile will come out with a new Windows 8 phone soon. Ken B.
[Windows Phone 8 General] circleofomega:
Google announced Nexus 4 for 350$! Thats a steal..but as the dust settled, and the picture became clearer, it is for anything but that price..So, I am with the OP on this one too...

8X or N4??

On one side, you have a large display, quad core processor et all...and on the other you have a dual core, with the same sized screen as I have now. Also, with Android, there are tons of apps and games I can get (sometimes for free).

SO, Will i sacrifice a smoother OS for an OS that may not be that smooth but has tons of other features...?
[Windows Phone 8 General] hotnikkelz:
N4 is your best bet...and I'm pretty sure, the N4 will be VERY smooth. The processor plus 2GB ram will make it fly with Jellybean. WP8 is great, but it's not quite there yet. Cannot download from browser, no file explorer on phone, can't even silence a call with volume rocker, no notification center. The list goes and on with the little things its missing.
[Windows Phone 8 General] hompsar:
I think I am finally able to say, with confidence, that I will be getting my Nokia Lumia 810 afterall :)
[Windows Phone 8 General] robstunner:
It might have little conveniences missing but the new window phone 8 phones have one BIG convenience that the nexus 4 lacks:

L.T.E.

sure, the app drawer will be fast and you can show that off to your friends, but they'll be laughing at you when their old ass thunderbolt loads literally anything your connected to 10x faster.
[Windows Phone 8 General] vetvito:
^ you forgot one big caveat, *dependent on location and carrier*.

I've seen LTE be as low as 600kb and high as 22mb. Average speeds around here are 10mb. HSPA+ can do that too with the same caveat.
[Windows Phone 8 General] robstunner:
Well if you live in an area without lte and you never go to any areas with it then I suppose I'm wrong. I'd love the nexus 4 too but after a week without lte in my very strong lte area I would loose my excitement for it pretty quick. At least that's what happened with my international one x when I had that.
[Windows Phone 8 General] DoogieDC:
Setting aside the specific phone choice, the phone contract timing and pressure is a phantom. Interested in one of the new phones? If you have an upgrade, use it. Don't worry about the contract. This is mobile phone service we're talking about, not indentured slavery.

You can switch phones at any time by selling the old phone and paying retail for the new one. You will lose very little money in the transaction. (Think of it as a lease.)

In the same way, if there is something better on another carrier then sell your existing flagship phone and pay off the pro-rated ETF. Again, it's usually a wash.

Really, the carriers are trying to scare you into thinking that your choices are limited to what they "allow", but eBay puts you on the drivers seat.
[Windows Phone 8 General] FrankieZee07:
In kind of the same boat here. Financially, upgrading through a new contract is the best option for me. I have lines that are due for an upgrade, and I'm thinking about taking one.

I'm on a Motorola Bionic now, and there have been issues with it since its release, so I'm looking forward to upgrading.

Previously, I had been dead set on getting a GS3, but I I recently upgraded both of my PC's to Win8 and I love it. Enough to explore the idea of a WinPhone8.

For anyone switched to WinPhone8 from Android, what (if any) features do you miss the most? I use Google Maps quite a bit, along with the local area search. Is there anything like that for WinPhone8?
[Windows Phone 8 General] ryude:
I was an Android dev and I know how good Google is when it comes to search and maps. Honestly, the Nokia Lumia 920 has a great maps and navigation. It is right up there with Google on accuracy, time-to-lock (GPS), and the ability to download offline maps is just awesome. Bing is even better than Google when it comes to searching. You can look up just about anything you want with just one tap of the search icon, or use the TellMe just like you would Siri/Google Now. Some applications even let you talk directly to them, letting you search within that app or do functions in the app.

If there is one thing I am really happy about with WP8, it's Bing.
[Windows Phone 8 General] FrankieZee07:
I've never used Bing before, but that's good to know. I can't tell you how many times I've used the local search on my Droid to find restaurants when out-and-about.

Unfortunately, I'm a Verizon customer and on a family plan. So switching providers isn't really an option at this point. Because of this, it looks like right now, the HTC 8X is the only WinPhone8 for me. Unless I can find an unlocked one that will work on Verizon's network, or more will be released by the time I'm ready.
[Windows Phone 8 General] ryude:
Nokia has it's own apps for maps and navigation, so keep that in mind.
[Windows Phone 8 General] Poecifer:
I'll put it this way, I was a hardcore android fan and by October when wp7 came out I'd owned 37 android devices. I then picked up a hd7 cheap on Craigslist and hated it... Or I thought so. I went back to my dell streak and everything just seemed so abysmal. So slow and unintuitive and haphazardly tossed together. Now, I still use both, I have a oneX and a Lumia 920. The one X is pretty much only used for torrenting now... It's the only thing I miss. I like getting the latest tv shows because I'm never home. If we get an app for that, the One X will probably have to hit the internet.
[Windows Phone 8 General] FrankieZee07:
Well, Verizon only offers the HTC 8X, Nokia Lumia 820, and next month, the Samsung ATIV Odyssey. Going purely on looks, the HTC has my attention for now. Maybe I should hold off a few more weeks and see what more comes out about the Samsung.

Also, how's the app store coming along? I watched a video where they said they want apps to work, so each one needs to be submitted and cleared by MS before they put it out there. Do different apps show up if you're browsing the store on different devices?

Edit: and by that I mean if I browse the app store on my Win8 desktop will different apps show up than if I browse it on the WinPhone8.
[Windows Phone 8 General] tinyXperia:
Anyone who used to be a die-hard tweaker on Android, flashing ROMs weekly and now using WP8?

I'm considering an HTC 8X or Lumia 820, but I'm not sure I I can deal with it being so closed. Is there any development or tweaking possible without having to buy developer licenses etc.?

Also: based on what's known about these two phones, and considering the Nokia is not much cheaper than the 8X (€499 currently), is it a no-brainer for the 8X, or are there mayor advantages for the Nokia?
[Windows Phone 8 General] robstunner:
I'm not 100% committed to my lumia yet, but yea my One X was through a ton of rom flashing. Currently on CM10.0 Stable and 4.2 Gapps. It's hard to let go.
[Windows Phone 8 General] Gh0s7_Dj:
Hi there.

Sorry for jumping in, but I'm about to do the same thing as the OP and I'd like to ask something.

I already know WP world as I've got a Lumia 610 at home, so I'm pretty sure that I'm doing the right thing.

I'm moving from an iPhone 3GS to a Lumia 820.

What I need to do is if I will find some "killer" apps that I absolutely need.

I'm talking about:

Dropbox

KeePass (MiniKeePass on iOS)

Google Authenticator

I'm open to any kind of alternative if they just work without any problem.

What I mean is that I've got no problems in installing an unofficial app for Dropbox but I actually need to stay on Dropbox because I can't move my 20GB folder (I've got just 7GB on SkyDrive and I don't want to buy more).

I don't mind having a slow and ugly version of KeePass but I need to know that I've got my passwords with me if something goes wrong, so any app that can open kdbx files is good.

Google Authenticator is a must but, again, it's not a problem to use an unofficial version if it works.

That includes the fact that, if Google changes its APIs or something, the app will be updated asap, so I need an app from a good developer.

So, sorry again to "hijack" the topic but I didn't feel comfortable in opening a duplicated one, and sorry for my English, I don't have time to read it again :(
[Windows Phone 8 General] GoodDayToDie:
There are many Google Authenticator apps on the Marketplace for free (it's a very simple thing to implement). There's really no major risk of them changing the design any time soon; too many third-party programs use it.

There's no official DropBox client that I can see on WP7 (it's possible there's a WP8 one, I haven't upgraded yet; WP7 apps work in any case) but there are a large number of third-party ones, most of them free or very inexpensive and some with excellent ratings.

Extremely highly-rated free and paid KeePass third-party clients are available (again, for WP7 but they'll work on WP8) with lots of features.
[Windows Phone 8 General] :
Is something like DSP Manager available for windows phone 8? DSP on CM7 ROM on android gives awesome bass everything..

How does Nokia or HTC equalizer compare with DSP?
[Windows Phone 8 General] eddy4823:
I switched from Android to Windows and then again to Android. Now I'm regretting my decision of selling Lumia 710. I am missing the smooth interface and Nokia Drive/Maps as they helped me a lot in travelling. Might switch to windows again. :confused:
[Windows Phone 8 General] AREMA:
My Opinion? Definitely Yes!

For solid serious (for working), smooth, fast, reliable phone, yo can get over WP7.5/WP8.

And Android its just for fun and waste your time while on waiting room or something. Here, Android offer a freedom app. :LoL:

But, for lag and not responsif matter? Sorry Android... You'll never free from this trouble, again.. until you put a dual, triple, quad, octa Processor in it..
[Windows Phone 8 General] chch:
That is such a bad description of the 8S. Maybe the 8X and 920 but the 8S is not fast, smooth or reliable (I do own one)

I love my nice looking and feeling phone but when I turn it on to do something it's like, oh no
[Windows Phone 8 General] JGS_:
I love the Android system and you'd be crazy to go to the closed Windows system. I have to admit that early Android versions weren't completely smooth, but current Android on a current device is rock solid in my experience.

If the phone is getting unreliable or slow, mostly it's just because people are installing all kind of crappy apps!!
[Windows Phone 8 General] giddorah:
I spent a few hours every month customizing my previous Android phones and had alot of experiences making it "feel right".

I haven't spent more than an hour in total since I got my first WP a year ago making it feel right. Android is great for people who wants a tinker-toy. WP feels more like having a professional companion that you can rely upon in your pocket.

I doubt I'll ever go back to Android.
[Windows Phone 8 General] vetvito:
I did the same thing to my Android. Now I do it to my iPhone. Who needs options, useless stuff. Just pick a color and pin a polling tile.
[Windows Phone 8 General] scrannel:
I'm on T-Mo USA and wifi-calling is important. Disappointed that the 810 didn't come with it. But the new IMS version should work -- maybe in an update? I love the Windows 8 phones and find Android tedious. But holding fire at the moment to see if BB 10 comes with wifi-calling.
[Windows Phone 8 General] WizeGuyDezignz:
I made the switch to WP8 and switched right back to Android a week later. I was like a lot of people and wanted something new and fresh. And that's exactly what I got. But at the end of the day it wasn't for me.

WP8 isn't bad by any stretch. It's smooth, simple and it has great integration. I just like doing more with my phone and I couldn't find adequate replacement apps that I was so used to on Android. And no built in navigation was an issue (8X).

At the end of the day you need to get what works for you and what makes you happy.

Merry Christmas!
[Windows Phone 8 General] mcosmin222:
You can download nokia maps and drive from 8x...
[Windows Phone 8 General] Fuse8499:
I'm in the same boat. For me, It was gonna have to be the L920 to get me to jump from Android to WP8. Wasn't really interested in the 8x or the L822. So I decided to stick with Android and grab the Note II. We'll see how things progress in the future. Windows Phone 8 looks so good!
[Windows Phone 8 General] 3clectic:
Lumia 920 for xmas gift. If I didn't have to give the SGS2 to my partner, I think that I might have switched back straight away.

Positives > build quality, smooth interface, maps, city lens, camera (very awesome), native intergration (takes a little getting used to), battery life (although not as much as I would have hoped, only an hour more than the SGS2 with JellyBam)

Negatives > Single volume control (ringtone, playback, system notifications), auto brightness doesn't seem to work, 2 restarts in a week and a bit, FB integration is limited (need ot install the app to do most functions), no system notification customization

Also, missing most of my core apps (springpad, wunderlist, XDA, Pulse.Me, DI.FM)

All in all, it is a good phone. Solid, runs well and learning curve isn't that steep, but if you like to tinker and use your phone as an almost PC replacement, then you may want to stick with Android for the time being. Just my opinion.
[Windows Phone 8 General] riko540:
I had a Nokia Lumia 800 and that phone was fantastic. The only issue I had was the apps. Most of the apps I use on a daily basis aren't available on WP and the ones that were cost money but are free on android. Now that was a head scratcher.

Sent from my Nexus 4
[Windows Phone 8 General] gluonyc:
i'm thinking in change from android to wp8 too, but i use the phone a lot to see movies, and i know that the wp8 doesn't read subtitles yet.

does someone know if with some uptade or with any future app will be possible to read subtitles in wp8 ?
[Windows Phone 8 General] eddy4823:
no update yet from Microsoft regarding this feature.
[Windows Phone 8 General] eraser0:
i've tested sgs2 sgs3 they lags as hell, updates!! that is fu** issue>>>

my friends 920 is working as charm no lags even on multi tasking, no need for "task manager"

and you know the build quality of nokia! it is the better

but the apps, as youtube, google+, google, Gdrive, maps, earth, instagram they arenot there!
[Windows Phone 8 General] nemov:
Thinking of switching from Android to Nokia Lumia 720

Hi Folks,

I have just seen the announcement for the new Nokia Lumia 720.... finally a slim Nokia, with excellent battery life (claimed!)... I am tempted, but as wit the OP... I wonder if WP8 is mature enough... I was surprised how smooth it is to use, but I think I read something about Gmail App not being available? Does anyone have a decent way of accessing gmail on the WP8 OS?

http://www.nokia.com/gb-en/products/phone/lumia720/
[Windows Phone 8 General] Harvick_29:
I got the 8x last weekend and I love it. I have my Prime for running games on (S3 just too small for games like NBA Jam). Right out of the box I was able to setup and use gmail, Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn without downloading a thing! Yes, the app store is smaller, but so was android's when it first came out. I love the Xbox integration...now if someone could just write a Sirius radio and a NASCAR app....it'd be great. BTW... battery life is great, even with 4g, Bluetooth and occasionally wifi too.
[Windows Phone 8 General] geeve420:
I have a Lumia 920 and would love to get rid of it! I regret not going with the Samsung Note. The phone itself is well built and the camera is really good, however if you are a rom kinda person, stay with Android. there is a lack of development for WP8, and it doesn't seem to be picking up any steam...

The other thing I have noticed over the past couple of months is the lack of apps. There is no Teamveiwer, Hulu+, temple run, and you have to pay for most apps that are free for Android and there is no file explorer either. It all makes this phone seem like a microsoft iPhone, walled in and all the same, but at least with iPhone you can jailbreak....

Like I said, the Nokia is a solid phone and does what it needs to do and has a great camera, but I wish I would have stayed with Android and when my contract is up (2 years) I will go back to Android unless some serious development has occured, I am not holding my breath as the boot loader seems to be killing the devs.

This is my opinion of course....

Geeve
[Windows Phone 8 General] nemov:
[QUOTE This is my opinion of course....[/QUOTE]

It's good to hear from all angles on this - good and bad. I have rooted my samsung tablet, but really just to take all the bloatware off it and speed up the UI. As long as a WP8 device can work quickly, without lag, and is not crammed with bloatware - then im happy :) from the looks of it, the Nokia apps like HERE/Drive, music+, and the augmented reality app... they all seem like valuable additions, unlike most of the Samsung rubbish that is added. Proof is in the tasting though!... so i will definitely try before I buy! ...
[Windows Phone 8 General] GretaLewd:
Don't Do It !!

My wife has just gone from a 4 yr old BlackBerry to an HTC 8S and wants to go back because:

no notification light for missed calls, missed sms, missed email

only one overall volume setting

no repeat of notifications

can't choose a custom notification sound

She just wants to be able to look at the phone without picking it up & switching on the screen to know if she's missed a call/text/email.

I'm shocked that these things are missing - it's like going back 10 years in time. It's obvious Microsoft have forgotten the basics - THIS IS A PHONE NOT A PC !

And as for apps....well, what a poor show. Either half-hearted attempts or poor ports of apple/android versions.

I think her phone will be on ebay soon...android here we come.
[Windows Phone 8 General] theguitarman94:
I had the 8x for about 4 weeks as my daily driver. All I can say is stunning device, fantastic design as always from HTC and absolutely fantastic sound quality (it really is fantastic) the problem with windows phone in my opinion is the basics and the lack of good quality apps. Yes the apps were getting better and windows phone seemed to be picking up with the lumia and all but what's happened this year? Nothing. Everyone's totally forgot about windows phone, I certainly did and I only stopped using my 8x about 7 weeks ago! The Nexus 4, HTC One and now Galaxy s4 will completely eclipse windows phone. I personally don't recommend getting a windows phone and I certainly don't recommend switching between android to windows phone I seriously can't think of any reason why you would there is absolutely NOTHING on a windows phone that puts it above an android phone, yes it's my opinion but factually I can't see anything. People saying "android lags all the time" clearly haven't 1. Used an android device running 4.1 + 2. Used a decent spec phone. My nexus 4 pretty much never lags. It is smoother than my windows phone that's for sure!