We always thought the first Windows Phone 8 handset we’d see would be a Nokia, especially given the upcoming set of Nokia events next week, not to mention Microsoft’s tight relationship with the Finnish hardware giant. We were wrong. Instead, our first taste of Windows Phone 8 hardware comes in the form of the Samsung Ativ S, a striking flagship with a rich 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor from Qualcomm.
Weighing 135g and measuring in at just 8.7mm thick, the Samsung Ativ S will be a lithe smartphone packing all the specs to suggest it’s their Windows Phone flagship for the upcoming OS refresh.
What are its main features?
Screen: 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED (720p)
Processor: 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon
RAM: 1GB
Memory: 16/32GB internal, microSD support
Camera: 8-megapixel camera with autofocus, f/2.4 lens and LED flash
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, NFC
Dimensions: 137.2 x 70.5 x 8.7mm / 135g
What operating system will the Samsung Ativ S run?
The Ativ S will run Windows Phone 8. This refresh to Microsoft’s mobile platform will carry forward the same slick UI with some key improvements in homescreen layout and hardware support.
What are the alternatives?
The obvious alternative to the Samsung Ativ S would be the Samsung Galaxy S3. Bearing the same HD Super AMOLED HD display as the Ativ S, the S3 will offer a more customisable user interface thanks to the fact it runs Android. If you’re looking for a Windows Phone device, you can look to the Nokia Lumia 800 or 900. We would recommend these with caution though. The reason for this is that Windows phone 7.5 handsets available now won’t be upgraded to the upcoming Windows Phone 8.
How much will the Samsung Ativ S cost?
No pricing has been revealed for the Samsung Ativ S. Being a Windows Phone flagship, if past releases are anything to go by we can expect it to launch for free on a £30 a month contract.
When will the Samsung Ativ S launch?
We can expect the Samsung Ativ to launch in October when Microsoft have suggested the first Windows Phone devices will be arriving. That said, Samsung haven’t revealed when we can expect it to hit shops.
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