Price and specifications of Microsoft Lumia 550 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Microsoft Lumia 550

Microsoft Lumia 550 is a budget smartphone that was launched in December 2015. Despite being introduced to the market as a low-cost phone, it offers significant features that were competitive at the time, making it a worthy consideration for those seeking basic smartphone functionalities without the hefty price tag. With Microsoft's Windows 10 platform, the Lumia 550 brought a refreshing OS experience in a market dominated by Android and iOS.

Design and Build Quality

The Lumia 550 sports a modest design typical of the Lumia series. It features dimensions of 136.1 x 67.8 x 9.9 mm, making it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. With a weight of 141.9 grams, it is relatively light and compact. The body is made of polycarbonate plastic, offering durability and a pleasant grip. It comes in two color variants, black and white, which are appealing yet understated, catering to users who prefer classic aesthetics.

Display

Equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, the Microsoft Lumia 550 offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 315 ppi. This ensures clear and sharp visuals, making text and images appear crisp. The screen-to-body ratio stands at 64.7%, which is decent for a phone of its class, providing ample screen real estate for the user interface while maintaining a pocket-friendly form factor.

Camera Capabilities

While the camera is not a highlight feature for this device, the Lumia 550 still provides functional photo-taking capabilities. The main camera is a 5 MP shooter with an f/2.4 aperture and autofocus. It also comes with an LED flash, allowing for better pictures in low light conditions. The front-facing camera is a 2 MP unit suitable for basic selfie needs and video calls. Video recording is supported at 720p for the main camera and 480p for the selfie camera.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Microsoft Lumia 550 hosts a Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset. This is a quad-core processor clocked at 1.1 GHz and paired with an Adreno 304 GPU. While not designed for intensive tasks or gaming, this hardware configuration is sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and using social media apps. The device comes with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, with the option to expand storage via a microSDXC slot.

Operating System

The Lumia 550 operates on Microsoft Windows 10, a continuation of the software giant's push into the mobile sector. Windows 10 offers a unique user experience with its tile-based interface and integration with Microsoft services. Users have access to a range of productivity applications and tools suited for personal and business use. Despite its discontinuation, the system provides reliable performance and security updates during its lifecycle. However, users must manage their expectations regarding the app ecosystem compared to Android and iOS.

Network and Connectivity

On the network front, the Lumia 550 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE, covering a broad spectrum of bands to ensure good reception in various regions. Its LTE Cat4 capabilities allow download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. For local connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.1. GPS, GLONASS, and BDS are available for location services, while microUSB 2.0 is used for charging and data transfer. Notably, the device lacks NFC but retains an FM radio and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Battery Life

Powering the Lumia 550 is a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery. This size is typical for low to mid-range smartphones. According to specifications, the standby time reaches up to 672 hours on both 2G and 3G connections. Talk time can last up to 16 hours on 2G or 14 hours on 3G, and users can enjoy up to 60 hours of music playback. The endurance rating is 42 hours, indicating a device that can handle a day of average use on a single charge.

Conclusion

Even though it's discontinued now, the Microsoft Lumia 550 remains a memorable device from Microsoft's lineup, representing a significant attempt to gain traction in the competitive smartphone market dominated by Android and iOS. It caters to users looking for basic functionalities with the added bonus of the Windows 10 experience. While it may not pack in the highest specs available, its affordability, decent design, and reliable software make it a valid option for users seeking simplicity and functionality in one package.