BLU launches its first Windows Phone 8.1 handset, the Win JR, to compete with the Lumia 530

Not long ago, we told you that BLU would release two Windows Phone handsets in the near future, both being targeted at users on a budget. The first among the two devices is now available to purchase, and it’s one of the cheapest Windows-based smartphones ever.

Called BLU Win JR, the new handset can be bought via Microsoft Store and Amazon. Interestingly, while Amazon is selling the phone for $89, you have to pay $10 more - $99 - if you’re getting it from Microsoft Store. Both prices are for an unlocked unit.

BLU is positioning the Win JR as a Lumia 530 competitor, and points out that its handset offers a few more advanced features, including a VGA front-facing camera, a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and 720p video recording, and a 1950 mAh battery. That aside, the BLU Win JR comes with a 4-inch display with 480 x 800 pixels, HSPA, 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200 processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 4 GB of internal memory (these are features that the Lumia 530 is also offering).