Sprint gets its first Windows Phone 8 devices -- HTC 8XT and Samsung ATIV S Neo

On Wednesday, US mobile operator Sprint announced that the new HTC 8XT and Samsung ATIV S Neo will be the first Windows Phone 8 devices to join its portfolio. The two handsets arrive this summer in Sprint's online and brick and mortar stores.

"We know our customers are anxious to get their hands on these Windows Phone 8 smartphones, HTC 8XT and ATIV S Neo", says Sprint's Fared Adib. "Without a doubt, they will rival any smartphone on the market today". On a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate, the 8XT and the ATIV S Neo will be available for $99.99 and $149.99, respectively.

The highlights of the 8XT include 4.3-inch display with a resolution of 480 by 800; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor; 1 GB of RAM; 1,800 mAh battery; 8 MP back-facing camera; 1.6 MP shooter on the front; 8 GB of internal storage; microSDXC card slot; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n; Bluetooth 3.0; NFC (Near Field Communication) and HD voice. BoomSound and burst-shot mode for the camera are included as well.

The ATIV S Neo features a 4.8-inch HD display; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor; 1 GB of RAM; 2,000 mAh removable battery; 8 MP back-facing shooter; 1.9 MP camera on the front; 16 GB of internal storage; microSDXC card slot and international roaming. Samsung also adds the ATIV Beam app and the Beauty Shot camera option.

"We are excited to be bringing the most personal smartphone experience to Sprint customers this summer", says Microsoft's Terry Myerson. "With compelling hardware from HTC and Samsung, coupled with unlimited 4G LTE from Sprint, these Windows Phones will offer the complete package".

Based on shipments, Microsoft's Windows Phone is currently the third-largest mobile platform after Android and iOS. The tiled smartphone operating system held a 3.2 percent market share in Q1 2013, with shipments topping seven million units. Windows Phone grew significantly (in both market share and shipments) over Q1 2012 and, with expanded carrier support coupled with an increasing number of devices, it could further strengthen its position on the mobile podium.