AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) just announced their decision to carry both Windows 8 smartphones, including the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820. They’re also going to carry HTC 8X (another Windows phone).
While most smartphone carriers have lost faith in hard-to-sell Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK)’s smartphones, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) wants to give the company another chance, which should help them boost their portfolio in the process. It also makes a lot of sense that AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) would keep Nokia Lumia phones in their store, as they have the best proven track record for selling these phones.
During a comment regarding the launch, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) also confirmed they were bringing back their cyan model to the Lumia 920 range.
Both new Nokia models will hit stores in November. The Nokia 820 will come in black only, but the Nokia 920 will come in a large array of colors, including red, black, white, cyan, and yellow. The latter also features 808 Pureview Camera with high resolution, a floating lens, 4.5 inch display, 720p HD resolution, and NFC support. The Lumia 820 is a more budget-friendly model, with a 4.3 inch display, interchangeable color cases, and more limited features. Both smartphones feature the same chipset and LTE Radios.
There is little doubt that Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) is failing to deliver the type of smartphones consumers want, but I think this might be their last chance. While the new Nokia Lumia models do seem to have impressive features, those features will mean nothing, if the quality of the phone is poor. Nobody is going to care about the 8mp camera if the phone freezes every time you take a picture. If a smartphone is hard to use, has poor battery life, or lags every time you try to use an application on it, it’s just not a good phone.
That said, I do think that Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) can redeem themselves, even if it’s just making a few minimal improvements. The Lumia most likely will never measure up to the iPhone or Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) Galaxy S III, but it’s possible that they can become a smart alternative if they play their cards right.
