The Microsoft Lumia 535 and 540 Dual SIM represent Microsoft’s attempt to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices launched within a relatively short timeframe and share a core chipset, making a direct comparison crucial for consumers seeking the most value. This analysis will dissect their similarities and differences, focusing on how the 540’s Dual SIM functionality and potential software optimizations impact the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones utilize the same Snapdragon 200 processor, the 540’s Dual SIM capability caters to a growing need for managing multiple lines, and its later release likely benefited from software refinements, offering a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, November. Released 2014, December | 2015, April. Released 2015, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) | 144 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm (5.67 x 2.90 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 302 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim |
| 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 | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 480p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 78 h | Up to 81 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 552 h | Up to 576 h (2G) / Up to 576 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 26 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) | Li-Ion 2200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue | Orange, white, black, gray, blue |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | - |
Microsoft Lumia 535
- Simpler single SIM experience.
- Potentially lower initial cost (depending on market conditions).
- Established as the original model in the series.
- Lacks Dual SIM functionality.
- May have less refined software compared to the 540.
- Smaller battery capacity.
Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM support for added convenience.
- Likely benefits from software optimizations.
- Larger battery capacity for slightly extended runtime.
- May be slightly more expensive than the 535.
- Still utilizes the entry-level Snapdragon 200 chipset.
- Low-resolution cameras.
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 535 and 540 feature a 5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. Given the identical specifications, display quality – including brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles – is expected to be virtually indistinguishable. Neither device boasts advanced display features like high refresh rates or HDR support, typical for this price segment. The 294 PPI pixel density is adequate for basic tasks but won't deliver a particularly sharp visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both the Lumia 535 and 540 are equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera. While megapixel count isn’t everything, the low resolution of both sensors suggests limited image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) further compounds this issue. Image processing algorithms will play a crucial role in determining the final image quality, and any software optimizations in the 540 could potentially yield slightly better results, but the fundamental limitations of the hardware remain. The front-facing camera is primarily suited for basic video calls.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) chipset, paired with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This means performance will be nearly identical in day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and basic app usage. The Snapdragon 200 is a decidedly entry-level processor, and users should expect some lag when multitasking or running demanding applications. The shared chipset and likely similar RAM configurations (though specifics are unavailable) preclude any significant performance advantage for either device. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low power draw of the Snapdragon 200.
Battery Life
The Lumia 535 packs a 1905 mAh battery, while the Lumia 540 features a slightly larger 2200 mAh battery. Given the identical Snapdragon 200 chipset, the 540 should offer marginally better battery life. However, the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely similar, relying on standard micro-USB charging with no support for fast charging technologies. The 540’s larger battery provides a small buffer for users who heavily utilize the Dual SIM functionality.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 if you prioritize simplicity and are solely focused on a single SIM experience. It represents the original entry point into the Lumia ecosystem at this price point. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM if you frequently travel, need to manage separate work and personal numbers, or simply prefer the flexibility of dual SIM support. The 540’s later release also suggests a more polished software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dual SIM functionality on the Lumia 540 support simultaneous active SIMs?
While the Lumia 540 supports Dual SIM, it's likely only one SIM can be actively used for calls at a time. Users can typically switch between SIMs in the settings menu. Full simultaneous active SIM support is uncommon in this price range.
❓ Will the Lumia 535 or 540 receive future Windows 10 Mobile updates?
Unfortunately, official support for Windows 10 Mobile on these devices has ended. Microsoft has discontinued updates for these models, meaning they will not receive any further feature enhancements or security patches. Users should be aware of the security implications of using an unsupported operating system.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 200 handle basic gaming on the Lumia 540?
The Snapdragon 200 is capable of handling very basic 2D games and older 3D titles. However, users should expect significant frame rate drops and lag when playing more demanding games. These devices are not designed for serious mobile gaming.
