Here's the cheapest 4G smartphone from Microsoft

10 things you must know about Microsoft Nokia Lumia 638 before you pay Rs 8,300 for it!

Nokia Lumia 638 is Microsoft's cheapest Lumia device yet. The phone unveiled in June 2014, was finally launched December 17, with Amazon India confirming the same via its twitter handle.

With the launch of a wallet conscious Lumia phone, Microsoft seems to be betting big on the budget segment and it seems to be a wise move as well. The segment holds the key for the brand's chances of establishing its market share in India.

Bringing in a solid option for the budget conscious buyers, Microsoft might be able to somewhat arrest its slump in the mobile phone market to a certain degree.

But are you puzzled why Microsoft has still retained the Nokia branding? The logical explanation seems to be that the Lumia 638 shares quite a few features with Nokia Lumia 635 released earlier this year.

Let us take a look at the most cost effective Lumia device.

1. Sporting a 4.5-inch IPS display, the screen on the Lumia 638 carries a 480x854 resolution. The budget category justifies the humble pixel density of 218ppi. Users will be treated to a pretty good sized display.

To boost its usability, Microsoft has thrown in the ClearBlack display technology as well. This means the display won't leave the users high and dry when held under direct sunlight.

2. Running Windows Phone 8.1, the phone is powered by a 1.2 Ghz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and is ably assisted with 1 GB of RAM. This should ensure that the phone functions smoothly, thereby providing the same stutter-free experience Lumia series has now become synonymous with.

3. Microsoft decided to provide a 5 megapixel worth rear camera. The phone lacks a flash for the camera, but thankfully is equipped with auto focus to boost its credentials.

Sadly, the Lumia 638 lacks a front facing camera as well. This might be a turn off for the selfie, or a video chat enthusiast.

4. The phone comes with 8 GB of internal storage on board which seems to be paltry, but again justified due to its segment.

Very thoughtfully, Microsoft decided to include a memory card slot. This allows the user to expand the memory up to 128GB, which should prove to be more than sufficient.

5. For connectivity options, the phone supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G TD-LTE (support for Indian bands), and A-GPS. The phone lacks NFC, a huge disappointment. Microsoft should have made efforts to bring NFC on what seems like an upgraded Nokia 635.

6. Microsoft included the ClearBlack display to provide the phone with something extra. Seems like that was not the only trick Microsoft pulled with this phone.

The phone also comes with 'SensorCore' technology, which allows applications to use the sensors in a Lumia phone without worrying about the battery life taking a drastic plunge.

This means the users can look forward to run sensor based apps like Endomondo or Fitness Pro during their workouts without having the concerns for a massive drop in battery life.

For a budget phone, extras like ClearBlack and SensorCore just might be the extra bits which tilts the balance in its favour.

7. The phone provides some colour options as well. Sporting a new matte polycarbonate design, the phone comes with changeable shells and is available in matte black and white colour.

8. Coming to the pricing, the phone can be purchased for as low as Rs 8,299. But this pricing is available only during pre-orders. The regular pricing, that is, post pre-order window closes, will be Rs 9,499.

The pre-orders went live on Amazon India's website on the December 17. The phone happens to be the first to be made available exclusively on Microsoft Brand store as well.

9. Microsoft has partnered with Airtel to provide some region-based exclusive offers. For example, interested buyers in Bengaluru will be able to purchase the Lumia 638 with Airtel post paid, getting 5GB worth of data limit as a bundled freebie.

The offer will be available till March 31, 2015.

10. The Microsoft Nokia Lumia 638 will be pitted directly against the likes of Asus Zenfone 5 and the more recently launched Xiaomi RedMi Note 4G owing to their immediate sub 10k pricing.

Microsoft's general image, a pretty capable budget phone with Windows mobile OS, and with the recent news of embargo against Xiaomi's product, Lumia 638 stands to gain a good deal of advantage.