The Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM and Nokia Lumia 630 represent Microsoft's attempts to dominate the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices ran Windows Phone 8.1, but differed significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the core performance implications of the Snapdragon 200 versus the Snapdragon 400, and how those translate to real-world user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Nokia Lumia 630 is the better choice. While both phones share a similar display and battery endurance, the Snapdragon 400 provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 200 in the Lumia 540, making everyday tasks feel less sluggish.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-976 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-977 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, April. Released 2015, May | 2014, April. Released 2014, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm (5.67 x 2.90 x 0.34 in) | 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm, 78.5 cc (5.10 x 2.63 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 134 g (4.73 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~221 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 54.3 cm2 (~62.9% 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 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 302 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 5 MP, 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 480p | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| 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, sensor core |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 81 h | Up to 58 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 576 h (2G) / Up to 576 h (3G) | Up to 600 h |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) | Up to 16 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 13 h 10 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1830 mAh, removable (BL-5H) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, white, black, gray, blue | Bright Orange, bright green, bright yellow, white, black |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.52 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.51 W/kg (head) 1.52 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 66h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 771:1 (nominal), 2.056 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB |
Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM support for managing multiple numbers.
- Similar battery life to the Lumia 630.
- Lower price point (likely, given the less powerful chipset).
- Significantly slower performance due to the Snapdragon 200.
- Less responsive user interface.
- Potential for lag during multitasking.
Nokia Lumia 630
- Faster performance thanks to the Snapdragon 400.
- Smoother multitasking and app loading times.
- More responsive user experience.
- Lacks dual SIM functionality.
- Similar display quality to the Lumia 540.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 540 and 630 share the same display characteristics, boasting a contrast ratio of 771:1 (nominal) and 2.056 (sunlight). This suggests similar outdoor visibility and color reproduction. However, the specific panel technology and resolution remain unspecified, implying both likely utilized budget-friendly LCD panels. The identical contrast ratios indicate a similar viewing experience, but neither device will offer the vibrant colors or deep blacks of more premium displays.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing are absent. Given their budget positioning, it's safe to assume both cameras utilize relatively small sensors and basic image processing algorithms. The lack of detailed specifications makes a direct comparison impossible, but it's unlikely either device will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced photographic features. Expect acceptable results in well-lit environments.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Nokia Lumia 630 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, while the Lumia 540 is equipped with the Snapdragon 200. Both utilize a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, but the Snapdragon 400 benefits from a more advanced GPU and improved memory bandwidth. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Lumia 630. While both are capable of handling basic tasks, the 400's architecture provides a tangible performance advantage.
Battery Life
Both the Lumia 540 and 630 achieve an endurance rating of 66 hours, suggesting comparable battery life. This indicates similar power efficiency despite the Snapdragon 400's slightly higher performance. The 66-hour rating implies approximately two and three-quarter days of typical usage. Charging speeds are not specified, but given the budget nature of these devices, it's reasonable to assume they support standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM if you absolutely require dual SIM functionality and are on the tightest of budgets, accepting a performance compromise. Buy the Nokia Lumia 630 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even if it means sacrificing the convenience of dual SIM support. Both are excellent options for basic smartphone needs, but the 630 offers a more fluid experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 630 handle basic games like Angry Birds or Candy Crush Saga without significant lag?
Yes, the Snapdragon 400 in the Lumia 630 is capable of running casual games like Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga without significant lag. While it won't handle graphically demanding titles, it provides a smoother gaming experience than the Snapdragon 200 in the Lumia 540.
❓ Is the lack of dual SIM support on the Lumia 630 a dealbreaker if I frequently travel internationally?
If you regularly travel internationally and rely on using two SIM cards for local connectivity and your primary number, the lack of dual SIM support on the Lumia 630 is a significant drawback. The Lumia 540's dual SIM functionality would be more convenient in that scenario.
❓ Can I expect to run modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger smoothly on either of these phones?
While both phones can run WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, the experience will be noticeably smoother on the Lumia 630 due to the Snapdragon 400. The Lumia 540 may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when running these apps, especially with multiple conversations open.
