The Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM and Lumia 640 XL represent Microsoft’s attempts to capture the budget smartphone market with Windows Phone. While both devices share a similar aesthetic and operating system, key differences in their chipsets and display characteristics create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these differences to help you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lumia 640 XL is the better choice. While both phones share the same 74-hour endurance rating, the Snapdragon 400 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 200 in the 540, making it more capable for multitasking and demanding applications. The larger screen is also a benefit for media consumption.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, April. Released 2015, May | 2015, March. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm (5.67 x 2.90 x 0.34 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) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 88.9 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | ClearBlack display | 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 MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim | 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 | Zeiss optics, LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/3.0", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | 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, sensor core |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 81 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 576 h (2G) / Up to 576 h (3G) | Up to 936 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) | Up to 31 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 23 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, white, black, gray, blue | Matte cyan, Orange, Black, Matte white, Glossy white |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 74h
|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1119:1 (nominal), 3.065 (sunlight) |
Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM
- More affordable price point.
- Dual SIM functionality for convenient multi-network use.
- Compact size for easier one-handed operation.
- Significantly slower performance due to the Snapdragon 200.
- Less enjoyable media consumption experience due to the smaller screen.
- Potentially limited future software support.
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
- Noticeably faster performance with the Snapdragon 400.
- Larger display for improved media viewing and productivity.
- More future-proofed chipset with better codec support.
- Higher price compared to the Lumia 540.
- Larger size may be less comfortable for some users.
- Similar battery life despite a more powerful chipset.
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 540 and 640 XL share the same contrast ratios of 1119:1 (nominal) and 3.065 (sunlight). This suggests similar outdoor visibility performance. However, the 640 XL’s larger display size is a significant advantage for media consumption and productivity. While the resolution isn’t specified, the larger screen real estate on the 640 XL will result in a lower pixel density compared to the 540, potentially impacting sharpness. The shared contrast ratio indicates both displays utilize similar LCD technology, likely IPS, offering decent viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Given both phones target the budget segment, it’s safe to assume they feature similar camera sensors and image processing capabilities. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the Snapdragon 400’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more capable than the 200’s, potentially leading to slightly better image quality on the 640 XL, particularly in low-light conditions. It's unlikely either phone will excel in photography.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Lumia 540 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 200, while the 640 XL features the Snapdragon 400. Both employ quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPUs, but the Snapdragon 400 boasts a more advanced architecture and a more powerful Adreno 305 GPU compared to the 200’s Adreno 300. This translates to noticeably faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance on the 640 XL. The Snapdragon 400 also supports more advanced features and codecs, offering a more future-proof experience.
Battery Life
Both the Lumia 540 and 640 XL achieve an endurance rating of 74 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. This is despite the 640 XL likely having a larger battery capacity to power its larger display and more powerful chipset. The efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 400 likely offset the increased power draw. Charging speeds are not specified, but given the budget nature of these devices, fast charging is unlikely to be supported.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM if you prioritize extreme affordability and dual-SIM functionality is essential. It’s a suitable option for basic communication and light usage. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL if you prefer a smoother user experience, a larger display for better media viewing, and a slightly more future-proofed platform thanks to the Snapdragon 400 chipset. It’s ideal for users who want a more versatile budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 640 XL struggle with modern apps, even though it has a Snapdragon 400?
While the Snapdragon 400 is a step up from the 200, it's still a relatively old chipset. Expect some slowdowns with demanding apps or heavy multitasking. However, it will handle basic apps like social media, email, and web browsing without significant issues. The Windows Phone operating system was also less resource-intensive than Android or iOS.
❓ 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 in the country you're visiting, avoiding expensive roaming charges. It's also useful for separating work and personal calls.
❓ Given these phones are older models, is software support still available?
Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows Phone. This means no further security updates or feature enhancements will be released. Using these devices carries inherent security risks, and compatibility with modern services may be limited.
