14 DAY TRIAL // The cheapest smartphone that comes with Windows 10 Mobile out of the box, Lumia 550, is now available for purchase at US Microsoft Store.
We reported last month that Lumia 550 hit shelves at US retailer B&H Photo for $150, but starting today, Windows Phone fans will be able to grab the smartphone slightly cheaper.
Microsoft has decided to make the Lumia 550 available to customers through its official store at a lower price, $140. Both black and white versions of the smartphone are now available for purchase, but no free goodies are offered with the Lumia 550.
The Lumia 550 was launched in some European markets last month, but since Windows Phone market share in the United States is so low Microsoft decided to bring the affordable smartphone in the country with some delay.
Aimed at low-end tier market
Unlike the other two Windows 10 Mobile handsets, Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, this one is intended for the low-tier market.
The smartphone comes equipped with a 1.1GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor inside, coupled with an Adreno 304 graphics processing unit and 1GB of RAM.
Also, Lumia 550 packs 8GB of internal memory that can be expanded up to 200GB via microSD card slot. Microsoft's entry-level smartphone features a decent 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with touch focus, LED flash and HD (720p) video recording.
There's also a modest 2-megapixel camera in the front for selfies and video calls. Lumia 550 offers LTE support, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, FM Radio, microUSB 2.0 and GPS with AGPS and GLONASS.
The Lumia 550 sports a 4.7-inch capacitive touchscreen display that supports HD (720p) resolution, but it doesn't feature any glass protection.
Microsoft also confirmed the Lumia 550's 2,100 mAh battery should provide up to 28 days of standby time or up to 16 hours of talk time.