T-Mobile’s announced availability of the Lumia 521 all the way back in February at Mobile World Congress and Nokia’s keynote event. Which makes todays short press release the second official announcement for the Lumia 521 — coming in May to Walmart, Microsoft Retail Stores and T-Mobile retail channels. T-Mobile is playing coy with pricing and exactly availability saying they “will be shared at a later date.” Oh, how I hate that wording.

The Lumia 521 brings a 4” 800 x 480 display to the table, 512RAM, 8GB storage with a microSD slot, 5 megapixel camera with 720p video recording, 9.9mm thick and HSPA+ 21Mbps connectivity. Early hands-on show the Lumia 521 is “solidly” built, if a little cheaper feeling than higher-end Lumia handsets, but comfortable to hold.

For those of you looking for a budget-entry device that isn’t Android or iOS, the Lumia 521 is likely to catch your eye. Let’s hope we hear official pricing and availability direct from Magenta soon.

T-Mobile Statement:

T-Mobile will partner with Nokia to bring customers the Lumia 521 – an exclusive to T-Mobile.  Powered by Windows Phone 8, the Lumia 521, which will run on T-Mobile’s fast nationwide 4G network, is a perfect, everyday smartphone that will embody a range of high-end features at an affordable price.

The Nokia Lumia 521 features a super sensitive 4” touch screen, 5MP camera with auto focus and 720p HD video recording.  It will also include exclusive Nokia applications such as Nokia Music, Cinemagraph, Creative Studio, Panorama, Smart Shoot and HERE Drive, Maps and Transit.

Beginning in May, the Nokia Lumia 521 will be available through Walmart, Microsoft Retail Stores and T-Mobile retail channels.  Exact availability and pricing of the device will be shared at a later date.