Sprint has reduced the price of the HTC 8XT and the Samsung ATIV S Neo just after a few weeks of launch.

U.S. carrier Sprint was the last of the top four major carriers in the country to offer Windows Phone 8 (WP8) handsets. The company announced its first line-up of WP8 smartphones, the HTC 8XT and the Samsung ATIV S Neo, on June 26 this year.

The HTC 8XT made its way to shelves on July 19 and the ATIV S Neo was released on Aug. 16 this year. Within just a few weeks of release, Sprint customers can now get both WP8 handsets at a reduced price.

Initially, the HTC 8XT had a price tag of $99 on a two-year contract and now you can get the handset for free on Sprint. The Samsung ATIV S Neo, which was released for $149.99 on a two-year contract, is now available from the carrier for only $49.99.

It's not uncommon for carriers to reduce the price of their handsets to attract more customers. AT&T recently reduced the price of its Nokia Lumia 920 from $99.99 to $49.99. However, the Lumia 920 was released in Nov. 2012 and a few upgraded Nokia WP8 handsets such as Lumia 925, Lumia 928 and Lumia 1020 have launched recently.     

Sprint has only the HTC One 8XT and the Samsung ATIV S Neo in its WP8 smartphones portfolio, but customers will likely welcome the chance to get these handsets at a discounted rate. The carrier doesn't mention if the recent reduction on its WP8 handsets is a part of a limited time promotion offer or if it is permanent.

Customers who have already bought the HTC 8XT or the Samsung ATIV S Neo from the carrier may feel disappointed as they have paid the full price for their device. However, according to a WPCentral report, the carrier will credit your account if you have purchased your handset within the past 14 days. You will have to contact Sprint in order to get the credit in your account.