Microsoft Lumia 430 is the most affordable Windows Phone of 2015. As competition grew more in this segment where end users have lots of reliable options like Moto E, Xiaomi Redmi ( yes this new company has gained our trust by offering good quality phones and is now in my reliable list ), Microsoft also introduced its low cost Windows Phone. This is also good for the ‘ smartphone for everyone’ strategy specially in a subcontinent like India where not everyone can afford a sub 500$ phone. This phone is perfect for those who need a secondary phone required for calling and other basic features but do not want to buy a simple feature phone. The plus point is that they will have a secondary smartphone which can run all the popular apps like Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, UC browser, etc.
This phone is powered by Snapdragon 200 chip clocked at 1.2 ghz with 1gb RAM. Internal memory is 8gb which is expandable upto 128gb by using microsd card. The front camera and back camera are very basic and shoot viewable photos in good light. Night photography is not nice and. Many users complained about
Technical Specifications
- 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor with Adreno 302 GPU
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB internal memory, up to 128GB expandable memory via microSD
- 4-inch (800 x 480 px) LCD transmissive display with 235 ppi
- Windows Phone 8.1 OS with Lumia Denim
- Dual SIM. Type = MicroSIM.
- 2MP fixed focus rear camera. No flash.
- VGA front camera
- Dimensions: 120.5 x 63.19 x 10.63 mm; weight 127.9g
- 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio
- 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS / aGPS
- 1500mAh battery with approx 9.1 hr talktime in 3G and 17.7 hr in 2G. Music 45hr. WiFi 8.9 hr
- Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor
Critisizing this phone by comparing the experience with high end / mid range phone is neither wise or justified. Rather, almost all non-windows phone at this price range lag a lot and provide sub standard quality. I liked Microsoft’s decision to enter low end segment as this will give more choices to users. Those who seek simplicity, zero lag, and decent battery backup can opt for this phone. Most people have their main smartphone from the android segment so this windows phone as a secondary one can be a nice, non-monotonous experience. Only downside is the camera but considering the price point, its not a bad deal. Afterall its Nokia ( now Microsoft ), we trusted it and still do.