AdDuplex: Windows 10 for phones shows signs of life, low-end Lumias expected at MWC

As loyal readers know, we monitor a number of different channels for Windows Phone stats. Today’s report is based on the latest AdDuplex data, which is likely the largest cross-promotional network of Windows 8.x and Windows Phone apps, empowering developers to promote apps for free by helping each other.

As you can see from the charts above, Windows Phone 8.x now runs on 89% of all Windows phones, and Windows 10 shows the first signs of life in February 2015, thanks to the enthusiasm of users that want to test the first public preview of Windows 10 for phones.

Microsoft/Nokia made a jump to 96% of all Windows phones in use, even though more and more manufacturers choose to build Windows Phones, taking advantage of the “zero dollar licensing” policy adopted in 2014. That may change soon, with Samsung looking to release more Windows phones this year.

Low end Lumias continue to dominate the Windows Phone market, with devices such as the Lumia 63x and 53x making significant gains, especially in the U.S. The Lumia 635 now sits at the same level with the Lumia 521, and Lumia 535 is now among top 10. Diversity is also improving a bit, with the 'Other' category now at 32.3% worldwide.

Lumia devices are still top 10, but it's worth noting that four of them were released after Microsoft bought Nokia's devices business.

New Devices

Microsoft is expected to unveil a number of new low-end and mid-range Lumias at the Mobile World Congress next week, and this is also reflected in the AdDuplex data.

• Microsoft/Nokia RM-1031 - 480x800, 4": The model number matches the Nokia XL, an Android phone that was short-lived, so Microsoft may soon be launching a successor for the Nokia X.
• Microsoft/Nokia RM-1062, 63 (AT&T), 64, 65, 66, 67 - 720x1280, 5.7": These are all mid-range 1520-style phablets expected at MWC 2015, one of them headed to AT&T.
• Microsoft/Nokia RM-1072, 73 (AT&T), 74, 75, 76, 77 - 720x1280, 5": A 720p mid range device that is expected to be released very soon, originally rumored to target Finland.
• Microsoft RM-1109, RM-1113 - 720x1280, 5": Apparently this is the Lumia 640, a dual SIM handset with a PureView shooter that has been spotted in Brazil and Asia. The device was previously rumored to be a replacement for the Lumia 1320.
• Microsoft/Nokia RM-1099 - 480x800, 4“: This is a device that is rumored to be similar to Lumia 435 in specs, but sporting a better camera.

You can check the full report on the AdDuplex Blog.