Top 10 Windows Smartphones of 2017: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Devices
Explore the top 10 Windows smartphones of 2017, featuring devices designed for productivity, multimedia, and affordability. From flagship models like Lumia 950 XL to budget options like Lumia 535 Dual SIM, this guide provides detailed insights into each device's performance, camera, and key features, making it easier for users to choose a Windows phone that suits their needs. Discover reliable options that continue to support Microsoft services and enhance your mobile experience with this comprehensive overview of the best Windows smartphones of 2017.
Top 10 Windows Smartphones of 2017: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Devices
In the rapidly changing landscape of mobile technology, Windows-based smartphones have maintained a dedicated following, especially among business professionals and enthusiasts who rely heavily on Microsoft services. Despite the dominance of Android and iOS, Windows phones continue to offer unique advantages, such as seamless integration with Microsoft Office, Cortana, and Windows Continuum features. The year 2017 saw a variety of impressive Windows devices from different manufacturers, each bringing their own strengths to the table. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 Windows smartphones of 2017, highlighting their features, performance, and what makes each one special for consumers seeking reliable and versatile mobile solutions.
Microsoft labored to keep its Windows Phone ecosystem alive, adapting to market demands by offering devices optimized for productivity, multimedia, and everyday use. While the platform’s market share decreased, the quality and innovation of these devices remain noteworthy. Whether you're a business user wanting seamless integration with your Windows environment or a tech enthusiast interested in unique features, these smartphones offer a compelling choice. Let’s take a closer look at each of these top contenders, their specifications, and what they bring to the table.
Lumia 950 XL: The Lumia 950 XL stands out with its expansive 5.7-inch display boasting a resolution of 1440p (QHD), delivering crisp visuals perfect for multimedia consumption. Equipped with a 20-megapixel PureView camera, it captures stunning photos with detailed clarity, while its Zeiss lens ensures professional-quality shots. Under the hood, the device features a robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor complemented by 3GB of RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and performance. Its 3340mAh battery offers enough stamina to last through a busy day, making it a reliable choice for power users. The Lumia 950 XL also supports Windows Continuum, transforming it into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse—ideal for business professionals on the go.
Lumia 650: Designed with affordability in mind, the Lumia 650 serves as an excellent entry-level Windows device. It sports a 5-inch AMOLED display with 720p resolution, offering vibrant visuals and excellent color accuracy. Its 8-megapixel rear camera captures clear photos, while the 5-megapixel front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls. The device supports microSD cards up to 200GB, providing ample storage expansion, an essential feature for users with large media libraries. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 chipset and 1GB of RAM, the Lumia 650 delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. Its sleek aluminum frame and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry.
HP Elite x3: As a business-centric device, the HP Elite x3 combines high-end specifications with enterprise features. Featuring a 5.96-inch AMOLED display with 1440p resolution, it provides stunning visuals to enhance productivity. The device is optimized for Microsoft Office apps and supports the Continuum feature, which allows users to connect to external displays and use the phone as a mini PC. The Elite x3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for demanding applications. Its built-in biometric security, such as fingerprint and IRIS scanning, adds an extra layer of protection, catering to professionals who need secure and efficient devices. The device also includes a sizable battery and fast charging capabilities for extended use.
Alcatel Idol 4S: Combining style with functionality, the Alcatel Idol 4S offers a sleek design with a glass-and-metal body. Its 5.5-inch AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it an excellent device for multimedia enthusiasts. With 64GB of onboard storage expandable via microSD, users have ample space for apps, photos, and videos. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and equipped with 4GB of RAM, it delivers snappy performance. The 3000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, while the lightweight construction enhances portability. The Idol 4S’s immersive display and premium build quality make it an attractive choice for style-conscious consumers seeking a versatile Windows smartphone.
Microsoft Lumia 950: A flagship Windows device, the Lumia 950 offers a powerful 5.2-inch display with high resolution for sharp visuals. Its camera system, featuring a 20MP PureView sensor and Carl Zeiss lens, captures excellent photos in various conditions. The Lumia 950 supports Windows Hello, enabling secure facial recognition, and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft services for productivity. The device’s processor, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808, paired with 3GB RAM, provides solid performance. Additionally, support for Windows Continuum transforms the Lumia 950 into a desktop environment when connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Ideal for professional users, it balances performance, security, and productivity features.
Lumia 535 Dual SIM: Designed for users who need connectivity flexibility, the Lumia 535 Dual SIM features a 5-inch display with 540x960 resolution, suited for basic smartphone tasks. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 chipset with a quad-core processor and 1GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation for everyday use. The device includes an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, providing decent photography capabilities. Its dual SIM functionality allows users to manage multiple phone numbers, ideal for business or international travel. Despite its budget-oriented specs, the Lumia 535 Dual SIM remains a reliable and functional device for those seeking affordability and flexibility.
XOLO Win Q900S: Catering to budget-conscious consumers, the XOLO Win Q900S packs a quad-core Snapdragon 200 processor with 1GB RAM, ensuring efficient performance for standard tasks. Its 4.7-inch HD display offers sharp visuals, and its 5-megapixel front and 8-megapixel rear cameras cover basic photography needs. The device runs Windows 8.1 Mobile, providing access to essential apps and services. Its compact size and lightweight build make it suitable for everyday portability. The XOLO Win Q900S is an excellent choice for users seeking an affordable Windows smartphone that performs reliably for daily activities without unnecessary frills.
Nokia Lumia 925 LTE: Although from an earlier generation, the Lumia 925 LTE remains a capable device with dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus processor and 1GB RAM. Its 4.5-inch display strikes a good balance between size and usability. The 8.7-megapixel camera with dual LED flash captures high-quality images, and the device supports LTE connectivity for fast mobile data. Its 2000mAh battery delivers dependable performance throughout the day, perfect for users who prioritize reliability and camera quality. The Lumia 925 LTE is a testament to Nokia’s enduring legacy in producing durable and functional Windows smartphones.
Nokia Lumia 720: As a mid-range device from its era, the Lumia 720 features a 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, coupled with 512MB RAM. Its 4.3-inch display with ClearBlack technology offers improved visibility in various lighting conditions. The 6.7-megapixel camera enables decent photo capturing in different environments. Although discontinued, the Lumia 720 still appeals to those interested in budget-friendly options, with its solid build quality and reliable Windows Phone experience. It remains a notable device from Nokia’s extensive lineup of Windows smartphones.
Nokia Lumia 625: An affordable option that can be upgraded to Windows 8.1, the Lumia 625 sports a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and a 4.7-inch display with an 800x480 resolution. While these specs are modest, they are suitable for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming. The device’s large screen size and microSD support up to 128GB provide flexibility for storing media. Its lightweight design and competitive pricing made the Lumia 625 a popular choice among budget-conscious users looking for a Windows smartphone that offers decent performance and longevity.
While Windows smartphones may not dominate the global market, they continue to serve a dedicated user base that values their unique integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem, strong security features, and productivity tools. The devices listed above exemplify the variety of options available in 2017, catering to different needs—from high-end performance to budget-friendly functionality. For those committed to Microsoft’s ecosystem or seeking a reliable secondary device, these top Windows smartphones of 2017 remain worthy candidates for consideration.
