Affordable Windows 7 Models for Straight Talk Sim Program
The Windows 7 mobile platform is relatively new comparatively speaking. Despite this, there are quite a few models to choose from if you're ready to dive right into the Straight Talk Sim program. Models can be found from around $100 for the Samsung Focus or LG Quantum C900 and upwards of over $400 for the latest models. We will cover the more affordable options here, the original 4 GSM models to be precise. After all, the Straight Talk Sim card program is all about saving us some straight cash. You should be aware that none of these phones will work with MMS when on Straight Talk, so yes, they are quite affordable but you must sacrifice MMS for affordability.
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All of the Windows phones are similarly spec'd, at least the things that matter so no need to pay extra if you don't have to. One thing to keep in mind is to not mistake the older Windows devices for the new Windows 7 platform because they completely different, sort of like comparing Win 98 to Win 7. If you've looked around and found cheaper options than those listed here, it's likely they are the old generation Widows devices. Basically, if it was made prior to 2010, it's not a Windows 7 phone and you probably don't want it because it won't do half of what these do.
LG Quantum C900
The LG Quantum C900 is a compact full QWERTY slider with touchscreen. This is probably the most affordable on the used market of the 5 shown here. It's one of the original GSM models to offer the Windows 7 platform. The Quantum offers a 1ghz processor so it's plenty fast with 16gb of storage. Other notable features is 5mp rear facing camera, WiFi, GPS and 3g connectivity. This is an excellent and most importantly, affordable phone to get started with the the Straight Talk Sim Card plan.
Used market pricing: Around $80
Features: 3.5" screen, GPS , compact design, 5mp camera, HD recording, 3g Data, WiFi
Storage Capacity:16gb storage. Does not have expandable SD card though.
Straight Talk Sim card type Standard sized SIM also known as Mini Sim
Straight Talk Carrier Most used models are AT&T locked. Locked models are available for a little extra cash and can be activated on TMobile. Additionally, this phone can easily be unlocked by purchasing an unlocking code relatively cheap.
Cons: Does not have expandable memory so 16gb is what you get.
Recommendation If affordability is what you're after, this is the phone to get assuming you like or at least don't mind the full QWERTY slider. Check Straight Talk Sim Availability
Samsung Focus
The Samsung Focus is another affordable Windows 7 device. This is another 1ghz model like the LG Quantum above. All in all, very similar in spec and pricing to the Quantum though it has less internal storage memory. The Focus is standard slate/candy bar variety without QWERTY so it's a good affordable alternative to the Quantum above if you prefer a non QWERTY model.
Used market pricing: Under $100
Features: 4" screen, GPS , 5mp camera with extra features (auto focus, zoom, geotagging), HD video recording, 3g Data, WiFi
Storage Capacity:8gb storage. Only model of the first Windows devices with expandable memory.
Straight Talk Sim card type Standard sized SIM also known as Mini Sim
Straight Talk Carrier This is another AT&T locked model. Locked models are available for a little extra cash and can be activated on TMobile. Additionally, this phone can easily be unlocked by purchasing an unlocking code relatively cheap.
Cons: Limited 8gb storage capacity. Though it has an expandable SD slot, it will only take certain SD cards which according to AT&T should be Samsung Focus "approved".
Recommendation If QWERTY is not your thing, this is another excellent affordable Windows 7 model for use on the Straight Talk Sim card plan. Check Straight Talk Sim Availability
HTC Surround
The HTC Surround is a similarly spec'd phone as the LG Quantum above. This one, however, has a bit of a twist, having slide out Dolby Surround speakers, hence the name. Other than the slide out speakers, specs are about the same as the other two phones above, this includes pricing. By the way, those speakers do actually sound pretty good, for a phone anyway.
Used market pricing: Under $100
Features: Slide out dolby speakers, 3.8" screen, GPS , 5mp camera with extra features (auto focus, zoom, geotagging), HD video recording, 3g Data, WiFi, kickstand
Storage Capacity:16gb storage with no expandable SD memory.
Straight Talk Sim card type Standard sized SIM also known as Mini Sim
Straight Talk Carrier As with the other two above, this is another AT&T locked model. Locked models are available for a little extra cash and can be activated on TMobile. Additionally, this phone can easily be unlocked by purchasing an unlocking code relatively cheap.
Cons: Speakers sound pretty good but more of a marketing ploy, don't expect full surround sound or anything. Speakers add extra weight and lower battery life when used.
RecommendationIt's a toss up between the Focus and this one. The only thing that sets this phone apart are the speakers which I don't find particularly useful considering the added weight, though I must admit they do sound better than the typical phone speaker. Overall, it's a nice phone with a gimmick. If you don't care for gimmicks, go for the Focus above. I will say that I like the kickstand which comes in handy when watching Netflix. Check Straight Talk Sim Availability
HTC HD7
The HD7s claim to fame, is a large 4.3" so called Super LCD which offers better resolution than your run of the mill regular SD screen. As with anything else, the larger LCD does come at a cost as this phone costs a bit more than the first 3. Other than the better screen, all other specs are the same as the other phones.
Used market pricing: Around $100
Features: Large 4.3" super LCD screen, GPS , 5mp camera with extra features (auto focus,led flash), HD video recording, 3g Data, WiFi, kickstand
Storage Capacity:8gb and 16gb storage. Does not have expandable SD memory.
Straight Talk Sim card type Standard sized SIM also known as Mini Sim
Straight Talk Carrier This is another AT&T locked model. Locked models are available for a little extra cash and can be activated on TMobile. Additionally, this phone can easily be unlocked by purchasing an unlocking code relatively cheap.
Cons: Rather large and clunky.
Recommendation If you can justify paying the extra cash for the benefits of larger screen, then this is an excellent phone. Remember that the specs are pretty much the same across the Windows 7 platform, at least on the original models. If you're a big movie watcher, then this would be make for a very nice Straight Talk to be device. Check Straight Talk Sim Availability
Dell Venue Pro
The Dell Venue Pro is probably the slickest of the Windows 7 devices. It's got a very modern look to it with a large 4" screen and a slick slide out keyboard that's oriented vertically, sort of like a Blackberry. It's also the only phone on this list that is available locked to either AT&T or Tmobile so if you don't want to spend extra for unlocking you can just get one to suit your preference of carrier. The Dell Venue Pro is a bit pricey considering it's one of the original WP7 phones. .
Used market pricing: Around $120
Features: 4" screen, Vertical slide out keyboard , 5mp camera with led flash, HD video recording, 3g Data, WiFi
Storage Capacity:16gb and 8gb models. No expandable SD slot.
Straight Talk Sim card type Standard sized SIM also known as Mini Sim
Straight Talk Carrier This phone was available with both Tmobile and AT&T so you can find one to suit your needs.
Cons: This is a pricey phone compared to most other original Windows 7 phone that are now less than $100, maybe just because it looks so cool. Spec wise, the phone is similar to the others so hard to justify the price. First batch of Dell Venue Pros could not connect to secure WiFi networks, so Watch out!
Recommendation If you want the coolest looking Windows 7 phone, then this one is probably for you. Be careful when buying this phone used, especially if you will be using a secured WiFi connection. Some of the earlier phones could not connect to Secure WiFi. I imagine it's possible an unscrupulous seller could pass it off as a full working model . Other than that, this is an excellent option for the Straight Talk plan if you don't mind paying more for looks. Check Straight Talk Sim Availability