Microsoft announces the budget minded Lumia 430 handset

The effort to provide inexpensive handsets around the world continues today as Microsoft officially unveiled their latest offering the Lumia 430 Dual SIM.

The phone will come with Windows Phone 8.1 and the Lumia Denim update already on the handset but according to Microsoft the Lumia 430 can be upgraded to Windows 10. However, they do include the caveat that certain features and experiences will require more advanced future hardware.

This new device will be available in APAC (Asian/Pacific), IMEA (India/Middle East/Africa), Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus starting next month.  Although pricing will be slightly different for each country the estimated retail price is $70 before taxes and subsidies.

Here are the specs:

-  Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim
-  4 inch WCGA display (800 x 480, 15:9 ratio and 235 PPI)
-  1500 mAh replaceable battery
-  1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm SnapDragon 200 processor
-  2MP Main Camera with fixed focus
-  0.3MP VGA Front Facing Camera
-  8GB storage on phone with MicroSD (up to 128GB)
-  Dimensions are 120.5 x 63.19 x 10.63 mm (4.75 x 2.48 x .41 inches)
-  Weight is 127.9 grams (4.5 ounces)
_  Available in bright orange or black

Of course you get all the normal services you expect on Windows Phone 8.1 such as OneDrive and Microsoft Office.

Budget phones can really help grow market share and it is good that Microsoft continues this process of getting these inexpensive phones into user’s hands around the world.

However, many users are watching and waiting to see what they do for the next flagship phone. The Nokia Lumia 1520 has become very long in the tooth and users are looking for an upgrade. At this point that next flagship device will be based on Windows 10 and should come out sometime this summer or fall as the new OS hits the market. 

Whenever it does come out or get announced they really need to nail this next flagship phone to try and slow down the departure of their biggest fans.

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