Released within a year of each other, the Microsoft Lumia 535 and Lumia 640 LTE represent Microsoft’s attempts to capture the budget smartphone market with Windows Phone 8.1. While both devices share a similar aesthetic, key internal differences, particularly in the chipset and display characteristics, dictate which phone offers a better user experience. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE is the superior choice. The upgrade to the Snapdragon 400 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 200 in the 535, making everyday tasks and app usage smoother. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the 640 LTE’s slightly improved processing power justifies its small price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - T-Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, November. Released 2014, December | 2015, March. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140.2 x 72.4 x 8.8 mm (5.52 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm (5.56 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 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 (~67.6% 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 MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft 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 | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 1 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 78 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 552 h | Up to 864 h (2G) / Up to 864 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 26 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 17 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1905 mAh, removable (BL-L4A) | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, green, white, black, gray, blue | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 76h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 535
- Lowest possible price point for a Windows Phone.
- Acceptable battery life for basic usage.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Slow performance due to the Snapdragon 200 chipset.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Camera performance likely subpar.
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE
- Noticeably faster performance with the Snapdragon 400.
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness.
- Similar battery life to the Lumia 535.
- Slightly higher price than the Lumia 535.
- Camera performance still likely limited.
- May not be significantly better in all real-world scenarios.
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 535 and 640 LTE share the same nominal contrast ratio of 1034, and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.563. This suggests similar outdoor visibility performance. However, the context data lacks specifics on resolution or panel type. Given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The lack of information on pixel density means we can’t definitively say which display is sharper. The shared contrast ratios suggest a similar viewing experience in varying lighting conditions, but the 640 LTE’s slightly higher price *could* indicate a marginally better quality panel, though this is speculative without further data.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or megapixel count. Given their budget positioning, image quality is unlikely to be a standout feature on either device. Without further specifications, it’s impossible to determine which phone has the better camera. It’s reasonable to assume both cameras perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either model further limits their low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Lumia 535 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 200, while the 640 LTE boasts the Snapdragon 400. Both utilize a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, but the Snapdragon 400 features a more advanced GPU and improved memory bandwidth. This translates to a significantly smoother user experience on the 640 LTE, particularly when launching apps, browsing the web, and multitasking. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the 400 offers a tangible performance advantage for everyday use. The 28nm fabrication process is shared, so thermal differences are likely minimal.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Lumia 535 and 640 LTE are rated for an endurance rating of 76 hours. This suggests similar battery life in real-world usage, despite the 640 LTE’s more powerful processor. The Snapdragon 400 is likely more power-efficient under load, offsetting its increased processing power. The lack of information on battery capacity (mAh) and charging wattage prevents a detailed analysis of charging times. However, the identical endurance rating indicates that users can expect comparable all-day battery life from both devices with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 535 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point for a functional Windows Phone and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, slightly better multitasking capabilities, and future-proofing for potential app updates, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 640 LTE handle basic games like Angry Birds or Candy Crush Saga without significant lag?
Yes, the Snapdragon 400 in the Lumia 640 LTE is capable of running less demanding games like Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga without significant lag. The Snapdragon 200 in the 535 might struggle with even these titles, exhibiting noticeable slowdowns and frame drops.
❓ Is the 4G LTE connectivity on the Lumia 640 LTE significantly faster than the 3G connectivity on the Lumia 535?
Yes, the Lumia 640 LTE supports 4G LTE, which offers significantly faster data speeds compared to the 3G connectivity on the Lumia 535, assuming you have 4G LTE coverage in your area. This translates to quicker web browsing, faster app downloads, and smoother streaming.
❓ Can either of these phones be upgraded to Windows 10 Mobile?
Both the Lumia 535 and 640 LTE were eligible for the Windows 10 Mobile upgrade. However, Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 Mobile, meaning neither device will receive further updates or security patches. This is a significant consideration when purchasing either phone today.
