14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has started receiving pre-orders for the Razer Phone 2, as the company expands the lineup of Android devices available at the Microsoft Store.
The software giant being truly committed to the Android ecosystem isn’t a new thing, and several other devices are already up for grabs from its retail and online stores.
Razer Phone 2, which was announced earlier this month, can be pre-ordered from Microsoft for $799, with the release date set for October 22 at 10 AM. The device comes with a 5.7-inch 120Hz UltraMotion screen, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, and features 8GB RAM and 64GB storage.
Microsoft is also selling the first-generation Razer Phone for $699, and this device is already in stock, so it’ll ship faster than its successor.
Android phones sold by Microsoft
In addition to the two Razer Phone models, Microsoft lets you buy the latest-generation Samsung flagships, including the Galaxy Note 9 and the Galaxy S9 and S9+. The Galaxy Note 8 is also listed on its official store page, but is currently marked as out of stock.
Microsoft uses these Android devices to promote its apps built for Google’s mobile operating system, like Microsoft Launcher, Cortana, and the Office productivity suite.
Microsoft has become a big supporter of Android and iOS, especially after the demise of Windows 10 Mobile. The company has pledged to make all of its apps available everywhere, especially as the latest trends show a massive migration towards mobile devices.
Since Microsoft itself isn’t a key player of the mobile OS game, the firm has no other option than to invest in Android and iOS, and selling devices from other manufacturers is part of the strategy.
Expect more Android phones to make it to the Microsoft Store in the coming months, though by the looks of things, Microsoft just wants to stick with the flagships for now.