Microsoft launches Lumia 638 in India; to be available exclusively on Amazon

In an unusually quiet announcement, Microsoft today launched the most affordable smartphone 4G device in India, the Lumia 638.

The latest affordable Lumia on the block, the 638 features a quad-core processor with 1GB RAM. The device sports a 4.5" LCD ClearBlack display. In a first, the Lumia 638 will retail exclusively on the newly launched Microsoft Store at Amazon India at a price of ₹8,299 ($135). The device will be available for pre-booking from December 17.

Raghuvesh Sarup, Director – Marketing, Nokia India (a subsidiary of Microsoft Mobile Oy), had this to say during the launch of the device in the country:

"With the Lumia range we have always focussed on delivering new experiences and features to our consumers at affordable price points. Now, we are introducing Lumia 638 which is the most affordable 4G smartphone on Windows Phone 8.1.""It builds on the success of the Lumia range in the fast growing affordable smartphone segment and aims to address the consumers' demand for a device that lets them enjoy uninterrupted video content. We are confident of the success of the Lumia 638 as a comprehensive package and are certain that the device will help us consolidate our position in the affordable smartphones segment further."

The Lumia 638 packs in a 5-megapixel autofocus camera at the back and signature imaging applications like Lumia Camera and Cinemagraph. The lack of a front camera will be sorely missed by users. The device also includes the low power motion sensing, SensorCore, and a 1,830 mAh battery.

The new Lumia 638 comes bundled with an exclusive offer on Airtel 4G. Lumia 638 consumers on Airtel post-paid in Bengaluru can enjoy up to 5 GB of free data on 4G for 2 months post activation of their Airtel SIM on the new Lumia 638. This offer will be available till March 31, 2015.

Lumia 638 Specifications

  • Display: 4.5" FWGA display, ClearBlack LCD
  • Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
  • Camera: 5MP AF
  • Battery: 1830 mAh
  • Memory: 1GB RAM
  • Storage: 8GB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB

The Lumia 638 showcases a new matte polycarbonate design with changeable shells available in matte black and white. Yes, you read that correct, there are no usual color options available.

Microsoft has now several options in the market for customers looking for a sub-10k Windows Phone device. Which one is your pick? Tell us in the comments.

Abhishek Baxi