The Microsoft Lumia 435 and 640 XL represent two points within Microsoft’s budget-focused Windows Phone lineup. While both aimed to deliver affordable smartphone functionality, they differed significantly in processing power and display size. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you understand which device offered the best value proposition when they were current, and what insights they offer even today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a larger screen and slightly better performance for multitasking, the Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 400 chipset and larger display offer a more fluid experience, while the 74-hour endurance rating provides a noticeable battery life advantage over the 435.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, January. Released 2015, February | 2015, March. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 118.1 x 64.7 x 11.7 mm (4.65 x 2.55 x 0.46 in) | 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm (6.22 x 3.21 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 134.1 g (4.73 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 88.9 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD |
| | - | ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Zeiss optics, LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.7, 36mm (standard), 1/5.0" | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/3.0", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, sensor core |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 64 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 504 h (2G) / Up to 504 h (3G) | Up to 936 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 11 h 45 min (3G) | Up to 31 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 23 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1560 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Orange | Matte cyan, Orange, Black, Matte white, Glossy white |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 64h |
Endurance rating 74h
|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1119:1 (nominal), 3.065 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 72dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 73dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM
- More affordable price point
- Compact and pocketable design
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Slower processor and limited multitasking capabilities
- Smaller display size
- Potentially lower camera quality
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM
- Faster quad-core processor for smoother performance
- Larger display for enhanced media consumption
- Longer battery life
- Slightly higher price
- Larger form factor may not suit all users
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 435 and 640 XL share a similar contrast ratio of 1119:1 (nominal) and 3.065 (sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the 640 XL boasts a significantly larger display, which impacts usability. While neither device featured high-end panel technology, the larger screen size of the 640 XL makes it more suitable for viewing photos, videos, and browsing the web. The 435’s smaller screen is more pocketable, but sacrifices viewing comfort.
Camera Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of a camera are absent. Given their budget positioning, it’s safe to assume both devices featured relatively basic camera sensors. Focusing on the chipset, the Snapdragon 400 in the 640 XL offers a slightly more capable image signal processor (ISP) than the 200 in the 435, potentially leading to marginally better image quality and faster processing. However, expecting flagship-level camera performance from either device would be unrealistic.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Lumia 435 utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200, a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The 640 XL steps up to the MSM8226 Snapdragon 400, featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 configuration. This doubling of cores translates to a noticeable performance improvement in multitasking and app loading times on the 640 XL. While both are based on the Cortex-A7 architecture and manufactured on a 28nm process, the 400’s architecture is optimized for better efficiency and responsiveness. The 640 XL will handle more demanding apps and light gaming with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Lumia 640 XL boasts a 74-hour endurance rating, compared to the 435’s 64-hour rating. This 10-hour difference, while not massive, is significant for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day. The Snapdragon 400’s improved efficiency contributes to this longer battery life. While both devices likely featured similar battery capacities (specific mAh figures are unavailable), the 640 XL’s chipset manages power more effectively, extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM if you need an extremely affordable, compact smartphone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. It’s ideal for users on a very tight budget or those seeking a secondary device. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM if you prefer a larger display for media consumption, a more responsive user experience thanks to the quad-core processor, and a longer-lasting battery for all-day use. This is the better option for users who want a more capable, all-around smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 640 XL struggle with modern app updates, given its age and processor?
While the Snapdragon 400 was a capable processor for its time, modern app updates are increasingly demanding. The 640 XL may experience slowdowns or compatibility issues with some newer applications, particularly those with intensive graphics or processing requirements. However, for basic tasks and older apps, it should remain functional.
❓ Is the dual SIM functionality on both phones truly useful, or is it a marketing gimmick?
The dual SIM functionality is genuinely useful for users who need to manage two separate phone numbers – for example, one for work and one for personal use, or when traveling internationally. It eliminates the need to carry two separate devices, offering convenience and cost savings.
❓ Given the age of these devices, are replacement batteries readily available?
Finding replacement batteries for these older Lumia models can be challenging. While third-party batteries may be available through online retailers, their quality and reliability can vary significantly. It's crucial to research the seller and read reviews before purchasing a replacement battery.
