Microsoft is providing recommended Windows 10 Mobile hardware configurations in three categories—“Value Phone”, Value Phablet”, and “Premium Phone”—to help manufacturers choose various components for their new Windows 10 Mobile handsets (first spotted by NokiaPowerUser). Here’s what Microsoft is saying:
“Smartphones come in a wide range of sizes from low cost phones, small tablets (phablets) and industrial handheld devices. A typical smartphone combines cellular connectivity, a touch screen, rechargeable power source, and other components into a single chassis. Windows 10 Mobile can support a wide range of small form factors devices.”
The first category is the “Value Phone”, which would be a cheap entry-level handset for people who don’t need the best smartphone and are on a budget. Recommended specs include an entry-level CPU chip, 1 GB RAM, 4-8 GB of internal storage, a screen size of 3.5 to 5 inches with a WVGA to qHD display resolution, two cameras of 0.3 and 5 megapixels, and a weight of less than 135 grams.
The second category is the “Premium Phone”, which would be a high-end handset for those tech-savvy people or people who want a really good phone and don’t mind paying a hefty price. Key features of this phone should include Windows Hello which scans the user’s face to unlock the phone, and Continuum which displays a desktop interface when the phone is connected to a TV. Recommended specs for phones of this category include a premium CPU chip, 2-4 GB of RAM, 32-64 GB of storage expandable via an SD card, a screen size of 4.5 to 5.5 inches with a FHD to WQHD display resolution, a 5 MP front-facing camera with flash, a 20 MP back-facing camera, a weight of less than 160 grams.
The third category is the “Value Phablet” which would be a large phone or small tablet running Windows 10 Mobile as opposed to the full Windows 10 desktop OS. Microsoft recommends that this device use a mid-tier CPU, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, a screen size of 5.5 to 7 inches with a screen resolution of 720p or higher, two cameras of 0.3 and 5 megapixels, and a weight of less than 175 grams.
Windows 10 Mobile is set to launch sometime in the next couple months, so we should see phones running the new OS launch shortly afterwards. Be sure to follow WinBeta on Twitter or your favorite feed reader for the latest news as Windows 10 Mobile inches closer to launch.
What do you think about Microsoft’s recommended hardware configurations for manufacturers? Do you have a recommendation yourself? Share with us what you think in the comments below.
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone
