I don't know a bunch about smart phones, but I've done enough research to know I'm going to make the jump to a Windows phone when 10 comes out. Sprint has three Windows phones, the Lumia 635, the Samsung ATIV S Neo, and the HTC 8XT. They're very close in specs - the Lumia takes a bit of a hit in memory size, but takes a 128g memory card compared to 64g in the other two, and it has a better battery life which is important to me. The Samsung's 16GB ROM/1GB RAM is better than the other's, but it's a Samsung - my S3 is garbage and I'm a little leery of Samsung stuff now.

Any particular reason to stay away from any of these phones? Are there any other Windows phones I could buy 3rd party and bring to the Sprint network that I should be considering?

I would look at the htc m8 for windows or the higher model nokia lumia. Out of the phones you pick? nokia 635. Have a decent battery and best CPU I believe.

Lumia. HTC may go under in another year or two...if not bought out. Lumia at least has the backing of Microsoft.

Samsung is nice, but you gotta wonder about Samsung's focus...they are heavy into Android and also creating their own OS (Tizen). Windows will be 3rd in line in their focus.

if its a windows phone, lumia series.

but I have no idea since I am android biased. but from ad's, reading around lumia stands out in my mind.

just picked up a LG G4 for the daughter since she needs a replaceable battery and memory card. the S6 doesn't have that. son is on a Note 4, wife just converted from iphone 6 to S6, and I am waiting for the Note 5.

Htc going under was news in 2012&13 I believe they are doing good last quarter of 2014 and 2015. Even if they do, they will most likely sell and you will still have support. I repair plenty of phones and there are endless supplies of aftermarket makers if needed. Htc are a pain to work on though.

If I were to own any Nokia it would be a lumia 930. Others I've handle seem to bog down fairly quick and likes to reset itself.

I have an LG g3 upgraded from a Samsung skyrocket s2.

Thought I'd throw another option into the ring just in case you're not 100% committed to a Windows phone- I have the Samsung S5, which I like way better than my old Iphones, but the Kyocera Brigadier caught my eye:

Kyocera Brigadier hands-on, first impressions and sapphire screen test | Android Central

I have a hunch you're a lot like me- pretty rough on electronic equipment in general, which is why I like what this phone offers: Its also got great hardware to back up the rugged shell: Just another possibility for ya.

Not sure about the specs...S400 is used in most Android Wear WATCHES, which does far less processing with a screen with not many pixels! S400 in a phone will quickly run into a wall in terms of processing. Forget gaming. Forget any HD apps. Forget about future software updates.

Remember, when you buy a phone, you also buy the OEM and the carrier. Being a relatively small company with many failures in smartphone category in the past, Kyocera may not be equipped to give this phone timely updates, which requires enormous R&D. In addition, any updates must go thru the phone carrier for approval. Kyocera is a tiny spec on the carrier radar...priority for that phone may be down at the bottom.

Samsung is a big brand with power behind them. Tons of R&D and dollars.

Smartphone is not where I would go with a small company. Always go big. Thus, my comments above.

I really like Samsung phones. I've got an S4, and it's the perfect size. I've had it for 18 months now and it's been great. It's nearly indestructible, I dropped it in the ocean, had it out in the rain several times, very dusty conditions, sitting in the black 4Runner for hours on end in the Alabama summer heat, and dropped multiple times. I guess I'm kinda rough on my phones... It literally took me kicking it screen first into a curb for it to break, don't ask, it was an accident...

It didn't really break either, the screen cracked but all the functions on the phone still work. I've got an insurance replacement S4 now and plan to keep it for a while. The removable battery and SD card are important to me, and they seem to be going away with the newer phones.

Is there any particular reason you want a Windows phone?

Thanks fellas, exactly the sort of conversation I was hoping to have, good info here. To answer a couple of the questions upthread:

1) I don't think any but the three above phones are an option. I'll ask Sprint, but from what I'm reading elsewhere they're quite strict about what phones they allow. I think I'd have to play games to get another phone on their network and even if I knew how I don't really want to go there.

2) I'm switching to Windows because I'm tired of Android/Google's shit and I'm seduced by the idea of having all my devices on one platform and running (mostly) the same software.

More research to do, but keep the info coming!

Just curious what android/google shit are you tired of exactly?
You are correct I read an article wrong I thought htc m8 for windows was on sprint. You are stuck with the phones you listed, I would get the nokia.

It's another thread, but Google is in the business of selling information. Our information. Everything they currently do is calculated to get them more domination in more markets so they can collect more info on you and I and sell it to other companies who will use that information to make more money (money they'll get from you and I), and that includes their Android operating system. I'm tired of watching my phone like a hawk to make sure it's not phoning home when I'm not looking. Once I've ditched the phone and my Gmail account, I'll be pretty close to Google-free.

I'm leaning towards the Nokia. It's not as powerful as the other phones, but I don't need it to be and I like the battery life.

But..............here's the thing.............Microsoft does have a history of spying on folks and reading your email via Outlook (I believe). Bing, for example, for the longest time was not encrypted...I think they started to encrypt searches 1.5 yrs ago.

Link: Microsoft's Windows 10 has permission to spy on you

Some years ago, Outlook helped police in a crime or something because it was able to read emails.

There is really only one company that does end-to-end encryption on all its services...but I won't mention it here since it is not an option for you.

I don't think that this is a problem. Windows runs lean and does not require massive amounts of horsepower and RAM (like Android does). You should be good to go for future updates from Microsoft. I don't like HTC or Samsung to further add crap to your phone, which may burden your processor more.

The ONLY issues are:

1. Lack of apps that you may need because Windows is a distant 3rd in priority to most app developers; so make sure that apps that YOU need are on Windows first.

2. No Google Maps. You're relying on HERE maps which is even worst than Apple Maps! I have used it a few times and it is lacking.

You are talking about their adtracking "service"? That was implemented in 2012. It is pretty much what google+ is for. If you youtube something or google something youll notice you will see it later as an ad trying to sell you a product related to it. Making you more likely to click it getting them more money.
I remember when the policy came out, it was when everyone was freaking out. Posting on facebook all photos and infomation use here is my property or some shit like that.

It goes beyond that. Google services lack end-to-end encryption. So, anyone who breaks thru Google servers have 100% access to everything about you (emails, texts, pics, docs, photos, contacts, attachments, etc.). It has been done before (2009-2010). Or any 3rd party who has agreement with Google can look at certain things in your account without your permission (because you agreed already to Google privacy policy when you signed up for their free services).

Or just like yesterday...you read about this:Not OK, Google: Chromium voice extension pulled after spying concerns | Ars Technica

Chrome users can have their microphone turned on at any time (not by you)........even if you set "OK Google" OFF.