The Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM and Lumia 550 represent Microsoft’s attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market during the Windows Phone era. While both devices target cost-conscious consumers, they feature subtle but important hardware differences, primarily in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Lumia 550 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Snapdragon 210 chipset, while only marginally faster on paper, represents a modest architectural improvement over the 540’s Snapdragon 200, offering a smoother experience with modern apps and services. Both phones offer identical battery endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, April. Released 2015, May | 2015, October. Released 2015, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm (5.67 x 2.90 x 0.34 in) | 136.1 x 67.8 x 9.9 mm (5.36 x 2.67 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 141.9 (5.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~315 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 59.7 cm2 (~64.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, |
| | ClearBlack display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP, f/2.8 |
| Video | 480p | 480p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 81 h | Up to 60 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 576 h (2G) / Up to 576 h (3G) | Up to 672 h (2G) / Up to 672 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) | Up to 16 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, white, black, gray, blue | Black, White |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 42h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM functionality provides flexibility for users with multiple numbers.
- Potentially lower price point compared to the Lumia 550.
- Identical battery life to the Lumia 550.
- Older Snapdragon 200 chipset offers less performance headroom.
- May struggle with newer apps and services.
Microsoft Lumia 550
- Snapdragon 210 chipset provides a slightly smoother user experience.
- More modern architecture offers better long-term compatibility.
- Identical battery life to the Lumia 540.
- Lacks dual SIM functionality.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Lumia 540.
Display Comparison
Neither Microsoft provided display specifications beyond resolution, making a detailed comparison impossible. Given their price points, both likely utilized LCD panels with similar color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels were substantial on both devices, typical of the era. The absence of any display-related specs means neither phone stands out in this category.
Camera Comparison
Both the Lumia 540 and 550 feature cameras capable of photo and video capture, but detailed specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. Given the target market, image quality is likely similar – acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but struggling in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits their low-light capabilities. It's safe to assume both cameras prioritize functionality over high-end image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Lumia 540 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 200, built on a 28nm process, paired with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The Lumia 550 steps up to the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210, also 28nm, but with a slightly slower quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. While the clock speed is lower, the Snapdragon 210 features architectural improvements in the CPU and GPU, resulting in better overall performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. This translates to slightly smoother scrolling and app loading times on the 550. The 540’s CPU, while adequate for basic tasks, will show its age more quickly.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 42 hours, indicating similar battery life performance. This suggests comparable battery capacities and power efficiency despite the chipset differences. The 28nm manufacturing process used for both chipsets contributes to reasonable power consumption. Real-world usage will vary depending on network conditions and app usage, but users can expect all-day battery life with moderate use on either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM if you prioritize dual SIM functionality and can find it at a significantly lower price point than the 550. It’s a viable option for users needing basic connectivity and minimal app usage. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 550 if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience and a chipset with a newer architecture, even if the performance gains are not dramatic. It’s the better choice for those who anticipate using a few more apps or want a phone that feels a bit more future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 550 run modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
While the Snapdragon 210 is an entry-level chipset, it offers a slight performance advantage over the 540’s Snapdragon 200. This means WhatsApp and Facebook should run acceptably, though users may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open. It's not designed for demanding applications.
❓ Is the dual SIM functionality on the Lumia 540 useful for international travel?
Yes, the dual SIM capability is particularly beneficial for travelers. You can use one SIM for your home network and another for a local SIM card, avoiding expensive roaming charges. This makes the Lumia 540 a practical choice for frequent international travelers needing to stay connected.
❓ Given the age of these phones, are software updates still available?
No. Both the Lumia 540 and 550 are no longer officially supported by Microsoft. They were originally released with Windows Phone 8.1 and received the Windows 10 Mobile update, but no further updates have been released. Security vulnerabilities are a concern.
