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The Hauwei Ascend Y550 comes running Android 4.4 KitKat, but it's been given the Chinese firm's heavy overlay in the form of the Emotion UI.
It's a slightly upgraded version of the software we saw on handsets at MWC earlier this year, with the Y550 officially rocking Emotion UI 2.3 - but that's already been superseded by version 3.0 on the Ascend G7 and Ascend Mate 7.
The main feature of the Emoition UI, aside from its questionable icon design and colour scheme, is the total lack of an app tray, with all your applications kept on homescreens.
That does make things a little easier for first time users who may be a little confused when an app appears in two locations, but for the Android purists out there Emotion UI can be a jarring experience.
Huawei is really aiming the Ascend Y550 at new smartphone users, allowing the late adopters to jump direct to a 4G capable handset - although it'll still work on a cheaper 3G contract if you're looking to save some money for now.
Another way new users may be enticed by the Ascend Y550 is with the 'Simple UI' theme, which does away with the standard Android theme in favour of a much more locked-down, large button design.
Only key apps are available in this mode, and the tiled layout is reminiscent of Windows Phone - although you won't get any live data on these tiles.
This isn't a new function, Huawei has included Simple UI on a number of handsets, but it's something which may tempt the older generation to pick up a mobile device.
Performance wise the Ascend Y550 is quite intriguing. The 1.2GHz quad-core processor is pretty standard at the bottom end of the mobile market now, but this is actually a 64-bit Snapdragon chip.
While 64-bit processors are still relatively unnecessary, applications are expected to get a lot more complex in the near future and thus these chips provide a certain level of future proofing.
That said, a low end Huawei handset is likely to struggle with the more complex apps anyway, so there's little appeal of the Ascend Y550 sporting 64-bit.
It's 4G functionality is more interesting, as the Huawei Ascend Y550 has CAT 4 LTE, allowing you to garner data speeds of up to 150Mbps (if your network allows).
The 5MP camera on the rear of the Ascend Y550 is a middle of the road effort and the kind of snapper that's been slapped on a number of budget smartphones.
You won't be taking any stunning shots with the Y550, but a quick snap for social media it's perfectly acceptable.
The 2MP camera on the front of the handset is a decent grade for an entry-level device, and it will be perfect for anyone who is a little selfie-obsessed.
The Huawei Ascend Y550 will be available in white, grey, red and blue - although the latter two colours will arrive at a later date.
Early verdict
The Huawei Ascend Y550 is more of the same from the Chinese firm. It's a well built, low cost Android handset which allows you to do all the basics without really standing out.
It could well be an attractive option on contract, and the Simple UI makes it a decent offering for those looking to enter the smartphone market for the first time.
The Ascend Y550 will probably make its way into the hands of school children via their parents' wallet, but anyone looking for the best value for money at this price point may want to check out the Moto G and Nokia Lumia 630.
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