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Handsets like the Lumia 950 and 950 XL have very much overshadowed the Microsoft Lumia 550 in recent weeks. Maybe ever since the three smartphones were announced on October 6.

That said, this budget friendly phone is very much likely to secure some big wins when it comes to sales, and is almost certain to sell more units than the 950 and 950 XL — maybe even combined. It is almost a perfect device for people that want to buy a secondary, backup phone.

Anyway, one reason why it is getting less attention from fans is that the launch of the Lumia 550 is still a while away, as Microsoft has confirmed that it will not be available until December.

The other two, Lumia 950 and 950 XL, on the other hand, are in line for release this month.

There is some good news for UK customers, though.

They can now preorder the Lumia 550.

The cheapest Windows 10 smartphone is up for preorder at major retailer Carphone Warehouse. They are offering the Lumia 550 for just £90 outright, which translates to oh, some $135 or €125.

Customers can also get it for free on a £9.50/month contract, by the way.

Interestingly, Clove UK is offering the Microsoft Lumia 550 for £99, which is $125 or €140 and a heavy markup from the base price.Unlocked Mobiles is also taking preorders for this phone, asking £95 for it, or $145 or €135, in other words.

So as you can see, the pricing is varying by quite a bit here, for a budget device, that is.

These UK based retailers plan on delivering this phone in the second week of December, with estimate dates like 8 or 10 of next month being thrown around.

That’s quite alright for the Holiday shopping season, be my guess, so hopefully we will be treated to some good sale numbers for the Lumia 550 in this quarter and the next.

A lot rides on this phone, in the low end side of the market.

Microsoft will only take the decision to launch newer budget and midrange models, if the Lumia 550 moves some reasonably big numbers.