Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) & Peers: There Are Differences

Great tag lines: Where Samsung really scored was in simplifying its message with a single tag line: “The next big there is already here.” Microsoft and Nokia are heading down this same path with their catch phrase: “Don’t fight. Switch.” If the message can work its way into the American psyche, the Lumia has the chance to become a real contender.

There are differences
While Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Nokia may be borrowing from Samsung’s playbook, there are some important differences between its efforts and those of the Galaxy-maker. First, Windows is a far less established OS for smartphones than Android was at the time that the Galaxy S III rocketed to the front of the pack. For that matter, because Samsung had good competition from HTC and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s own Motorola, the platform received hype beyond the Samsung offerings. Furthermore, Android was the only real alternative to iOS, so Samsung was benefiting from this critical battle.

The Lumia is the flagship Windows Phone and is still fighting for legitimacy. While Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) has gotten a foothold in the smartphone arena, it does not have the same tacit acceptance that Android lent to the Galaxy line. With this in mind, however, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has demonstrated for decades its ability to leverage the ideas of its competitors and do it even better. Both Nokia and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) look attractive at current levels and are worth considering for your portfolio. Microsoft, in particular, continues to establish itself and deserves an allocation.

The article Microsoft Takes a Page From Samsung’s Playbook originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Doug Ehrman.

Fool contributor Doug Ehrman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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