Upcoming Windows 7 Phones

Microsoft is very much back in the game with the launch of Windows Phone 7 which has surprised many critics by actually offering an impressively user friendly and above all unique take on the modern smartphone operating system. Here are just some of the mobiles which will be running the platform and what they have to offer.

HTC HD7
This is the big boy of the first Windows Phone 7 handsets, sporting a 4.3 inch screen which the Taiwanese manufacturer has previously slapped on other entrants in the HD line including the HD2 and the Desire HD. Because of Microsoft`s enforcement of minimum system requirements the HD7 has a 1GHz processor and a five megapixel camera which can record video in 720p, so you can expect to see this similar base level of hardware specifications across many of the following mobiles.

Samsung Omnia 7
The Omnia 7 sports a Super AMOLED display measuring four inches across which makes it the perfect alternative for anyone who had considered buying the Android-based Galaxy S. Where the Omnia 7 wins out over Samsung`s other high end smartphone is in the quality of its materials and construction. The plastic feel is exchanged for more durable and premium-quality metal, so it is a real looker.

Dell Venue Pro
With a 4.1 inch screen the Venue Pro is a good compromise between the sheer size of the HTC HD7 and the quality of the Samsung Omnia 7. It also packs a physical QWERTY keypad arranged in a portrait orientation which is hidden by the display when not in use. This will make it a great choice for anyone who has been used to using a physical keypad on smartphones like the BlackBerry range. Dell may not be particularly well established in the smartphone market, but it has proven with previous releases such as the five inch Streak that it can deliver the goods.

LG Optimus 7
In terms of raw stats the Optimus 7 outclasses its immediate rivals in one key area; it comes with 16GB of storage onboard rather than the obligatory 8GB. This means that it will really be able to make use of its 720p video capture without quickly filling up the available space. Its 3.8 inch screen is also a blessing if you only have small hands or pockets into which the larger devices might not fit. LG is apparently planning a version of the Optimus 7 which packs a physical QWERTY keyboard, with a launch pencilled in for the Christmas period.

HTC 7 Mozart
While its 3.7 inch touchscreen display and 1GHz processor do not mark it out as the most noteworthy release from HTC`s initial Windows Phone 7 series, the Mozart has a significant advantage in that it is aimed at those who love photography. Its eight megapixel camera outshines the other options and it has a Xenon flash which will be much more capable than the LEDs stuck on the rears of its rivals.

All of the Windows Phone 7 handsets will need to be given rigorous testing in mobile phone reviews as well as on the open market before they are deemed to be successful, but initial signs are looking positive.

(this is a guest post by one of my visitors)