The Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM, though aging, remains a relevant option in emerging markets due to its robust build and software familiarity. The vivo Y17 represents a more modern approach to the budget segment, leveraging newer chipset technology. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best experience for today's user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and modern features, the vivo Y17 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Lumia 640’s Snapdragon 400, despite the Lumia’s superior endurance rating. However, those prioritizing maximum battery life and a proven, albeit older, ecosystem may still find value in the Lumia 640.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm (5.56 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | ClearBlack display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1 MP | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm - Global
16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm - China |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 840 h (2G) / Up to 840 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 27 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 20 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black | Mineral Blue, Mystic Purple, Peach Pink, Peacock Blue |
| Models | - | 1902, V1901A, V1901, 1901, 1902_19 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 76h
| - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM
- Exceptional battery life (76h endurance)
- High sunlight contrast ratio for outdoor visibility
- Proven reliability and build quality
- Outdated Snapdragon 400 processor
- Windows Phone 8.1 – limited app ecosystem
- Aging software – security updates are unlikely
vivo Y17
- Faster and more responsive Helio P35 processor
- Modern Android operating system
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Battery life likely lower than Lumia 640
- Camera quality potentially limited by budget sensors
- Build quality may not match the Lumia 640
Display Comparison
The Lumia 640 boasts a contrast ratio of 1034 (nominal) and 2.563 in sunlight, suggesting decent visibility outdoors. However, the Y17’s display specifications are unavailable, making a direct comparison difficult. Given the Y17’s market positioning, it likely features an IPS LCD panel, but likely with lower peak brightness. The Lumia 640’s higher contrast ratio indicates deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, potentially offering a more visually appealing experience, assuming the panel hasn't degraded significantly with age. The Lumia's sunlight contrast ratio is a key advantage for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for both devices are limited. The Lumia 640’s camera details are unavailable, but given its age, it likely features a single-lens setup with modest resolution. The Y17’s camera details are also sparse, and it's common for phones in this segment to include low-resolution secondary sensors (often 2MP) for depth sensing or macro photography, which offer limited practical benefit. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the Y17’s newer image processing capabilities likely provide an edge in dynamic range and low-light performance.
Performance
The vivo Y17’s Mediatek Helio P35, built on a 12nm process, represents a substantial architectural leap over the Lumia 640’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28nm). The Helio P35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the Lumia’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. This translates to smoother app launches, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user interface on the Y17. While the Snapdragon 400 was adequate for its time, it struggles with modern app demands. The 12nm process of the Helio P35 also contributes to better power efficiency, mitigating some of the performance gains.
Battery Life
The Lumia 640 shines in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 76-hour rating. This suggests excellent power efficiency from the Snapdragon 400 and a well-optimized software experience. The Y17, while lacking a specified endurance rating, compensates with 18W wired charging. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the Lumia 640, which likely supports slower charging speeds. While the Lumia 640 offers longer runtimes on a single charge, the Y17’s faster charging minimizes downtime, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM if you need a reliable, long-lasting phone for basic communication and are comfortable with Windows Phone 8.1. Its strength lies in its endurance and established ecosystem for users already invested in Microsoft services. Buy the vivo Y17 if you prefer a more modern Android experience with improved performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking, and appreciate faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P35 in the vivo Y17 capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain stable performance. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, so expect compromises in visual fidelity. The Lumia 640’s Snapdragon 400 would struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.
❓ Given the age of the Microsoft Lumia 640, are there any security concerns with using Windows Phone 8.1?
Yes, there are significant security concerns. Microsoft has ended support for Windows Phone 8.1, meaning no further security updates are being released. This leaves the device vulnerable to potential exploits and malware. The vivo Y17, running a more recent version of Android, receives regular security patches.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the vivo Y17 with the 18W charger?
With the 18W charger, the vivo Y17 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is considerably faster than the Lumia 640, which likely takes 4+ hours with a standard charger.
