Microsoft launched its entry-level Windows 10 Mobile handset, the Lumia 550, in the UK in December, priced at £99.99 SIM-free. Last week, it reduced the 550"s price to £89.99 in a two-month special offer, although leading independent device retailer Carphone Warehouse has been selling the low-cost Lumia at that price for several months.
Now, Carphone Warehouse has reduced its price further, cutting an extra £10 off the SIM-free 550, bringing it down to £79.99. There"s no indication that this is a short-term deal, with no details relating to an expiry date for this lower price.
We reviewed the Lumia 550 earlier this year, and were less than impressed by its weak performance, sub-par camera and lacklustre design. Those who want a Windows 10 Mobile device, and who can afford to pay a bit more, would be better off purchasing the far superior Lumia 650.
But if your budget is more constrained, and you have your heart set on the Lumia 550, you can get one for even less than the £79.99 SIM-free price offered by Carphone Warehouse. Indeed, the same retailer is offering the 550 for £59.99 when purchased with a new £10 pay-as-you-go (PAYG) SIM card on EE, Vodafone and O2. But since the retailer actually sells almost all of its PAYG handsets unlocked anyway, going for that option would save you a further £10 compared with the SIM-free purchase.
And if you shop around, you may be able to save a bit more on the device - Amazon, for example, is selling the Lumia 550 for £68.99 with free delivery, and slightly cheaper options are also available there from Marketplace sellers.
Source: Carphone Warehouse