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Microsoft Lumia 640 maintains midtier momentum with 8-megapixel camera, bright colors (hands-on)

This 5-inch phone pairs Windows Phone 8.1 OS with a quad-core processor and both single- and dual-SIM options.

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BARCELONA -- Microsoft's two new smartphones for Mobile World Congress carry forward the Lumia momentum in competing in the midtier markets -- meet the Lumia 640 and the larger, better equipped 640 XL.

We're still expecting big flagship news from Microsoft when Windows 10 is ready for public consumption, but for now, we're looking at two large handsets with specs that match more humble price tags.

The Lumia 640,which refreshed the 635, starts off with a 5-inch, 1,280x720-pixel display (that's a pixel density of 294 ppi) and Windows Phone 8.1 OS.

There's an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash on the back, and a tiny 1-megapixel camera on the front to engage in 720p HD video calls or the occasional selfie; Skype is integrated into the OS. The phone shoots 1080p full HD video, but remember that the screen is only 720p when you play back video on this phone.

Microsoft's Lumia 640 comes in four colors (photos)

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A 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor is the big internal spec you'll really want to know about. The phone also has 8GB internal storage and 1GB of RAM, with a microSD card that takes up to 128GB. If you're into cloud storage, you'll be happy to see you get 30GB for free on Microsoft's OneDrive, with the camera roll backup turned on. There's a removable 2,500mAh battery beneath the back cover.

The Lumia 640 has rounded corners and straight sides show off subdued white and black shades, though it also comes in bright orange (I mean, really bright) and the signature Lumia cyan blue (which in the UK will be exclusive to the EE network). This phone will come out globally in single-SIM and dual-SIM options, and with either 3G or LTE network support.

The smaller of Microsoft's two new phones. Sarah Tew/CNET

Pricing will come in at about $180 or £100 (or £15.50 per month on contract from all UK networks) for the LTE version, and $160 for the 3G model, which won't be available in the UK. Look for the phone to land around March or April.

If you're looking for a larger device, check out the 5.7-inch Lumia 640 XL.