Microsoft Lumia 650 is an affordable Windows 10 Mobile device, but does a missing feature make it a fail?
When Microsoft purchased Nokia's handset business, it was viewed by many as a way to stop the Finnish company from defecting from Windows Phone. In other words, Microsoft may have thrown money at a problem to prevent embarrassment. Since the purchase, Lumia hardware has been fairly beautiful and affordable, but sales have continued to be abysmal, while Windows 10 Mobile has seen delays.
Despite dark skies in Lumia Land, today Microsoft cranks out yet another handset. The Lumia 650 body is aluminum, and at $199, the phone is affordable too. Unfortunately for Microsoft fans, there is a huge catch that, for many, could make this business-focused smartphone worthless.
"We've paid attention to every detail, pairing the highest level of craftsmanship with maximum everyday productivity. The 5 inch OLED display is bright and crisp; colors really pop and blacks are deep and clear. It’s by far our most beautiful screen ever at this price point. Lumia 650 also features a highly polished, diamond cut and anodized aluminum frame, giving it an unparalleled and premium feel. Importantly, we didn't sacrifice the removable battery and expandable storage, something we know our customers enjoy having. And with a profile of only 6.9mm and weighing just 122 grams, it’s incredibly thin and light", says Samuli Hänninen, GM, Phones Program Management, Microsoft.
Hänninen further says, "Lumia 650 also features a 5MP wide-angle, front-facing camera and Microsoft’s flagship imaging algorithms, providing remarkable photo and video capabilities. Leveraging our world-class optics, the advanced 8MP rear-facing camera includes options for rich capture and living images enabling you always to capture the memory as it happens".
Notable Specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 212
- Storage: 16GB (expandable)
- RAM: 1GB
- Battery: 2000 mAh
- Display: 5 inch OLED, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Display resolution: HD720 (1280 x 720)
- Height: 142 mm
- Width: 70.9 mm
- Thickness3: 6.9 mm
- Weight: 122 g
On paper, an affordable Windows 10 Mobile handset with decent specs and an aluminum body sounds like a winner, right? Unfortunately, this phone comes with a big catch. Microsoft often touts the Continuum feature of its OS, but it is not found here due to the fairly anemic Qualcomm Snapdragon 212. In other words, the business-focused Lumia 650 cannot double as a desktop like the more expensive consumer-focused 950 series devices. Arguably, Continuum would make more sense on a business device. Oh well.
Continuum aside, this could be a smart choice for businesses where app availability is less important than it is for consumers. If security, email, and Microsoft solutions like Office and Lync for Business are what you need, this affordable smartphone makes much sense. While the loss of Continuum stings, if you aren't ready to ditch traditional workstations anyway, it could be inconsequential.
READ MORE: I'm sorry, Lumia fans, but Microsoft Continuum can't run two apps side-by-side
The removable battery in particular will make this attractive to road warriors, where carrying a few extra packs of juice can save the day. The micro SD card slot is appreciated, although I'm dubious that businesses will truly want removable media on an employee device. Quite frankly, besides Microsoft calling this a business-focused smartphone, I am not sure what really makes it so. In other words, consumers should appreciate the low price and metal body too.
Unfortunately, it will only be sold in European markets for now. Starting February 18th, people in that region can purchase it in white or black. Whether it will come to the USA is unknown at this time.
Is it odd for Microsoft to release a Windows 10 Mobile device without Continuum in 2016? Sound off in the comments.