Nov. 13 is a big day for Microsoft, Nokia, Verizon, and HTC as two of the top Windows Phone 8 smartphones, the HTC 8X and Nokia Lumia 822 saddle up for consumer consumption.

Verizon announced on its Web site not too long ago that both the Nokia Lumia 822 and HTC 8X Windows Phone 8-based devices will make it to stores on Nov. 13. These devices are among the most anticipated Windows Phone 8 (WP8) handsets. However, not very many WP8 devices (which are nowhere close to double digits) are slated for release and, therefore, consumers have a limited pool to choose from.

The HTC 8X is the most anticipated of the two handsets. This phone sports a 4.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel camera, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, wireless charging built in, Verizon LTE support, 16GB storage without microSD card support. For all these features, consumers are asked to pay $199 with a two-year contract. However, it is not certain how much the phone costs without a contract or if that option is available.

Even though the Nokia Lumia 822 has similar specifications, it is cheaper but not by much. The price for this smartphone is $149 on a two-year contract; however, those who would prefer to purchase the device online will get an additional $50 discount, which brings the price down to $99. For that low price, consumers can get a phone with a 4.3-inch display, 8-megapixel camera, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, LTE, 16GB on-board memory, and a microSD card slot for additional storage.

Many fans of the Windows Phone 8 platform are not happy with Nokia's decision to make the Lumia 920 exclusive to AT&T. However, Nokia's decision should be adequate to hold the company over until AT&T's exclusive hold on the Lumia 920 finishes.