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The first phone to run on Microsoft’s Windows 10 is coming to AT&T on November 20, the carrier announced on Monday. The same day sales begin for the Microsoft Lumia 950, AT&T will also stock the 18.4-inch Samsung Galaxy View tablet.
Both these devices have interesting features beyond the norm. The Microsoft Lumia 950 can function like a traditional PC when you pair it with a monitor and keyboard. The extra-large Samsung Galaxy View, meanwhile, opens the door to new uses in school and work environments as a screen that many can see together.
Related Links
- Samsung Galaxy View review
- Microsoft Lumia 950 hands-on
- Windows 10 Mobile gives us a glimpse at Universal Office apps (hands-on)
As the first smartphone to run Windows 10, the Lumia 950 features a 5.2-inch 2,560×1,440 pixel display and a 20-megapixel rear camera. Powering things are a hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 3GB RAM. Storage is pegged at 32GB internally, however a microSD expansion card slot supports up to 200GB for pictures, music and other media.
Whereas the hardware falls in line with what you might expect from a higher end smartphone, it’s the software that sets the Lumia 950 apart from the pack. Windows Hello, for instance, lets users log in using biometric iris scanning and leads to added security.
The “Continuum” feature bridges the gap between smartphone and desktop computers, and gives phone owners flexibility when working with apps such as Microsoft Word . Using either wireless software or a hardware-based Microsoft Display Dock (sold separately), you can view and work with the phone contents on a monitor, while navigating with a keyboard and mouse.
The Samsung Galaxy View runs Android 5.1 Lollipop and does offer a traditional tablet experience. But, as noted in CNET’s review, the Galaxy View boasts a big, bright screen that lends itself to watching video. Indeed, the device features a carrying handle which lets users move it from one room to another. However, because of it’s size, the Galaxy View isn’t exactly designed with mobility in mind.
AT&T will sell the Lumia 950 for the full retail price of $600, or for $150 with a two-year service agreement. Customers can also spread equipment costs out over a number of AT&T Next plans, too. Doing so, buyers will pay $19.97 per month on a Next 24 plan, $24.96 per month on Next 18, or $29.95 per month on Next 12. You can preorder it starting November 17.
The Samsung Galaxy View will carry a price tag of $600 or $500 with a two-year contract. The AT&T Tablet Installment Plan breaks down to 20 monthly payments of $30 each.
As part of a limited-time promotion, customers who sign up for new DirecTV service can purchase the Samsung Galaxy View for $100 with a two-year wireless agreement. Existing DirecTV customers who activate a new line of service on an AT&T Next can also score the Galaxy View at the same price.
