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Welcome to the 2016 Microsoft Lumia 550 review. We like the Lumia phones and Windows phone OS, it is simplest of all the operating systems to use and amazingly powerful yet doesn't use much power. The new Lumia 550 uses Windows 10 Phone OS which enhances the core features of the Windows Phone 8.1 this interface is more modern and resembles the desktop PC version. The Lumia 550 priced under $199 outright is one of the cheapest and nicest 4G capable smartphone for sale at the moment.
In terms of construction the Lumia 550 is really good, nice and solid and feels like it will take daily punishment without a phone case. Mind you a screen protector would probably help. It's a cheap entry level phone so you don't expect much and you'll be impressed. There is not much on the spec list that's for sure but it is an inexpensive phone.
In terms of hardware the Lumia 550 has only one standout out feature and that is the 4.7 inch HD screen. The screen resolution and quality gives it a look that impresses even when compared to phones in the mid-range category. Apart from that all the usual features including FM radio with RDS is built in along with an expandable memory. The quality of the camera images are really quite good, better than the Samsung Galaxy J1 for example.
In terms of use the Lumia 550 is standard Windows 10. It can do anything that other operating systems can do with ease. We think it is the easiest phone to use. Since you can improve functionality by installing the various apps it matches any other phone you can think of. There are lots to choose from but less in number than other other phones. Although the operating system is pretty slick the slower CPU will mean it will take longer to open any App that said it no different to any other phone in the entry level category. Speaking of Apps,while there are plenty to choose from you will still be missing some the key ones and often the latest releases it just a matter of time and marketing.
The Microsoft Lumia 550 is a good entry level phone. The key selling point is that the screen makes it look like a more expensive phone. Windows Phone 10 OS means it works great with any Windows 10 PC and is seamless if you use Skype, OneDrive to hotmail/live/outlook email accounts, be it emails or pictures or any other document you've created on your phone. We highly recommend it if you're just starting out with 'smart phones' and not into Apps.
Specifications
- Microsoft Lumia 550
- Network
Quad-band GSM - All
Tri-band 3G - All
Tri-band 4G - All
- Design
Touch screen
L136.1 x W67.8 x D9.9 mm
- Weight 141 grams
- Display
4.7 inch 720 x 1080
- Camera
8MP auto-focus LED Flash
2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
- Video Camera
720p FPS main video camera
- Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V4
- CPU
Quad-core 1.1 Ghz Snapdragon 210
Separate Andreno 430 Graphics CPU
- Memory
1Gig RAM
Up to 8 Gig for user
Up to 200 Gig micro-SD expansion
- Features
A-GPS, Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient Light
FM Radio with RDS
Speaker Phone/Hands free
Li-Po 2100 mAh battery
Up to 28 Days Standby
Up to 17 hours Talk Time
- Price history
Approx under $200 March 2016 (Outright)
