MetroPCS to launch Microsoft Lumia 640 'mid to late May', priced at $99

The Lumia 640 was only announced by Microsoft a few weeks ago, but many people are eagerly awaiting its release, slated for 'April'.

MetroPCS is evidently primed for the sale of the entry-level Lumia in 'mid to late May'. The date is slightly later than open market availability although it is not too far pushed back.

Cost of the device is looking to be $99 likely off-contract, although final pricing is not locked in 100% just yet. MetroPCS's version will support LTE although it is not clear if it will be dual SIM.

The information comes to us from a MetroPCS employee who shared with us some internal documentation from the carrier.

The Lumia 640 looks to be a solid entry-level Windows Phone or even a carry over for people waiting for a flagship Windows 10 phone later this year. The specifications make it an admirable choice, especially for just $99 flat.

Microsoft Lumia 640 Core Specifications

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 1.2 GHz quad-core processor  
  • 5-inch HD (1280x720) IPS LCD, 294 PPI, Glance screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Sunlight readability enhancements  
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8 GB internal mass memory + up to 128 GB Micro SD & 30GB free OneDrive cloud storage  
  • Rear camera: 8 MP AF, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30 fps video (continuous autofocus), LED flash, Lumia Camera 5.0 (with Dynamic Flash, HDR)
  • Front camera: HD 1 MP wide angle, f/2.4, 720p video

We had a chance to play with the phone at Mobile World Congress and came away impressed. Many of you have also responded well to this device, at least on paper.  

In the US, T-Mobile is also ready to get the Lumia 640, although no formal date has been announced. Meanwhile, AT&T is getting both the Lumia 640 and its bigger brother, the Lumia 640 XL, bragging that they are the first to carry the budget 5.7-inch Windows Phone. No date is set for either, but we cannot imagine it will be more than a few weeks from now.

Thanks to our source who wishes to remain anonymous

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.