Verizon's latest Windows Phone is the uninspiring LG Lancet

There is an obvious trend in the Windows Phone market of offering more and more affordable smartphones. That is because most users of the tiled operating system gravitate towards low-end devices come purchase time. So, naturally, when Verizon decided to finally include a new Windows Phone in its portfolio, big red did not stray from this path.

Verizon's first Windows Phone since the launch of HTC One (M8) for Windows, nearly nine months ago, is the LG-branded Lancet, which can be had for as little as $19.99 on a two-year contract. And it is not just cheap in this trim, but off-contract too.

Those who wish to get their hands on Lancet without signing a two-year agreement with big red only have to shell out $120 for LG's Windows Phone. That may seem like a low price tag until you take a look at Microsoft Store and find the AT&T-branded version of Lumia 635 at just $49, also off-contract.

Switching carriers might not be an option for everyone, but it just goes to prove that if you really, really want a Windows Phone then going with Verizon does not get you the best-possible deal, financially speaking. With that out of the way, let us take a look at what Lancet offers.

The smartphone, which runs Windows Phone 8.1 out-of-the-box, has a 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 480 by 854, is powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor (likely Qualcomm-made) and a 2,100 mAh battery, has 8 GB of internal storage, supports microSD cards, features an 8 MP camera on the back, supports 4G LTE, is 5.11 inches high and 2.55 inches thick and weighs 5.05 ounces. These are the main specs Verizon has revealed.

Basically, it has similar specs to Lumia 635, with a few improvements (slightly bigger battery and a main camera with more MPs are the main differences). Except it costs more than twice as much. For just $10 more, Cricket Wireless will sell you a Lumia 640, which has much better specs and is likely to receive better support from Microsoft.

The $19.99 asking price is actually the on-sale price, as normally Verizon wants $69.99 for Lancet. Those who wish to get the smartphone using Verizon Edge plans, will have to shell out $5 per month for it. There is only one color option available and that is blue.

It should be pointed out that Verizon is not among the biggest Windows Phone supporters. Big red now has only three -- yes, three -- smartphones running the tiled operating system in its portfolio, with the most interesting of the bunch being One (M8) for Windows. The third is Samsung's ATIV SE, which was unveiled 13 months ago. Really, there is nothing exciting in Verizon's Windows Phone lineup.

Big red also has the bad habit of suddenly dropping Windows Phones from its portfolio, and leaving users waiting for updates longer than other carriers. So do not get your hopes up of getting Windows 10 Mobile as soon as everyone else, if you decide to get Lancet.