Nokia Lumia 822

“In the world of Windows Phone 8 devices, there isn’t a big selection at the present time, but Nokia is clearly trying to make its presence know. The Lumia 822 is a solid device with good features that complements its $100 on contract price. We like its overall design and comfortable feel, and the 4.3” ClearBlack AMOLED display shows relatevely accurate colors and is bright enough for outside use, even if the resolution isn’t the best we’ve seen. The Windows Phone 8 interface is very polarizing, as you will either love it or hate it, but the Lumia 822 provides a nice implementation of it in a modest priced handset.”

“While the Nokia Lumia 822 has a lot to recommend it -- an attractive design, zippy performance and service on Verizon's fast 4G LTE network -- the phone doesn't wow. Not only is the Lumia 822 thicker than competing $99 phones, it suffers from a lower resolution display and short battery life. If you want a better Windows Phone, pick up the identically priced Nokia Lumia 920 on AT&T, which has a better PureView camera along with integrated wireless charging.The Lumia 822 makes a good first impression, but unfortunately the good vibes don't last as long as we'd like.”

“The Lumia 800, with a screen measuring just 3.7 inches, was a beautiful device intended to slot into the high end of Nokia's lineup (sales figures notwithstanding). With the possible exception of Apple, though, virtually every phone manufacturer has moved away from the notion that a smaller phone can be high-end — and that leaves us with the fat, under-designed Lumia 822 that we have today. Just imagine if Nokia had instead created a true 800 successor by scaling down the massive 920 and charging a few more dollars. I'd buy one.Windows Phone isn't yet good enough or feature-complete enough to skimp on hardware — the app ecosystem will almost certainly improve over time, but the phone you buy today will be the same phone tomorrow. If you're going to pick up a Windows Phone 8 device this winter, make it one that rocks in as many ways as it possibly can — spend a few more dollars and get the 8X, which, despite its flaws, is unquestionably a better device than the 822. And remember that if you want wireless charging (a feature I didn't think I needed until I started to really use it), you're looking at perhaps another $100 or so beyond the price of the 822 itself for the cover and pad. Makes the $150 difference in contract price between the 822 and 8X seem a little more palatable, doesn't it?”

“For $99 (with a new 2-year contract), the Lumia 822 is a pretty great deal as long as you’re ready to try something new (if you’ve never used Windows Phone before). For current owners of Windows Phone devices, whether the same caliber or higher end, the 822 is a bit more of a pause. It’s “more of the same” to last years hardware. Meanwhile, the new wave of high-end Windows Phone hardware packs nicer HD displays and more premium fit and finish. If staying within the Windows Phone ecosystem and on Verizon in the U.S. is something you seek, it’s really your only choice. If things are more-so simply about carrier and price, the Android powered Motorola RAZR M that we checked out back in early November is also a very good option for the price. Choosing between the two will primarily come down to ecosystem and to a lesser degree, size. For the former, Windows Phone still trails in number of meaningful, quality apps to Android. For the latter, the Lumia 822 is a sexy but thicker device whereas the RAZR M is thin and very industrial in its design. Still, whether you pick the Lumia 822 or the RAZR M, you’re going to get a great device for the money and one you should be plenty happy with for the next 1-2 years. But after using the 822 for the last week, we’re finding ourselves enjoying it more, and reaching for it more often than the other Android devices currently in-house. It’s really that good.”