Microsoft Lumia 550: Pros and Cons
Microsoft announced the launch of the Lumia 550 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.7 inch LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Lumia 550 series was launched with Microsoft Windows 10 pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus).
Table of Contents
- Microsoft Lumia 550 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Microsoft Lumia 550 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Microsoft Lumia 550 specifications
| Brand | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Name | Lumia 550 |
| Model | L550 |
| Release date | 2015 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.97 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.36 x 2.67 x 0.39 inch |
| Colors | black, white |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of Microsoft Lumia 550 is about 4.97 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Microsoft Windows 10 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | Adreno 304 |
The Microsoft Lumia 550 comes with Microsoft Windows 10 out of the box. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | LCD |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.7 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Lumia 550 has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 2 MP |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Lumia 550 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.1, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Lumia 550 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh |
|---|
The Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, proximity |
|---|
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Microsoft phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.