Released roughly a year apart, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM and the Nokia Lumia 820 represent different points in Microsoft’s mobile strategy. The 820 aimed for a premium experience within the Windows Phone ecosystem, while the 640 LTE focused on affordability and essential features. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device holds up better today, particularly for users still invested in the Windows Phone platform.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional and long-lasting Windows Phone experience, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM emerges as the better choice. Its significantly superior battery endurance (76h vs 40h) and more modern chipset outweigh the Lumia 820’s slightly faster CPU, offering a more practical daily experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| EDGE | - | Class 12 |
| GPRS | - | Class 12 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2012, September. Released 2012, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm (5.56 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 123.8 x 68.5 x 9.9 mm, 83.5 cc (4.87 x 2.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~62.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| | ClearBlack display | Nokia ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 225 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Carl Zeiss optics, dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1 MP | VGA |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, A-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 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 55 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 864 h (2G) / Up to 864 h (3G) | Up to 330 h (2G) / Up to 330 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 17 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 14 h (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery (BP-5T) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black | Black, Gray, Red, Yellow, White, Blue, Violet |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.37 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
Noise -82.2dB / Crosstalk -81.4dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 76h
|
Endurance rating 40h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.193:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 70dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM
- Exceptional battery life (76h endurance)
- More modern and efficient Snapdragon 400 chipset
- Dual SIM functionality for added convenience
- Lower nominal CPU clock speed compared to the 820
- Potentially less refined build quality
Nokia Lumia 820
- Potentially better camera performance (based on market positioning)
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- Nokia’s established build quality reputation
- Significantly shorter battery life (40h endurance)
- Older Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset
- Limited long-term software support
Display Comparison
Both devices feature similar display contrast ratios in sunlight (around 2.193:1 to 2.563:1), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the Lumia 640 LTE boasts a significantly higher nominal contrast ratio of 1034 compared to the Lumia 820’s ‘Infinite’ rating, which is a marketing term rather than a measurable value. This suggests the 640 LTE’s display likely offers deeper blacks and a more vibrant image indoors. Neither device specifies panel technology, but given their release dates, both likely utilize LCD panels. Bezels are expected to be larger on both, typical for the era.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Lumia 820, being positioned as a higher-end device, likely featured a more capable camera module. The Lumia 640 LTE’s camera was generally considered adequate for basic snapshots, but unlikely to match the image quality of the 820 in optimal conditions. The absence of detailed specs makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the 820 likely had an edge in image processing and low-light performance.
Performance
The Nokia Lumia 820’s Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus, with its dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait architecture, initially appears faster than the Lumia 640 LTE’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 based Snapdragon 400. However, the Krait architecture, while efficient, is older. The Snapdragon 400 benefits from a more modern manufacturing process (28nm) and a higher core count, potentially leading to better multitasking performance despite the lower clock speed. The 640 LTE’s chipset is also more likely to receive continued software optimizations, even if limited by the platform’s age. The Lumia 820’s chipset is based on a 32nm process, which is less efficient.
Battery Life
The most significant difference lies in battery endurance. The Lumia 640 LTE achieves an impressive 76-hour endurance rating, nearly double the Lumia 820’s 40-hour rating. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. While battery capacity (mAh) isn’t specified, the combination of a more efficient chipset (Snapdragon 400) and optimized power management clearly benefits the 640 LTE.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM if you prioritize battery life, dual SIM functionality, and a more recent processor for potential software compatibility. It’s ideal for users who need a reliable phone for calls, messaging, and basic apps. Buy the Nokia Lumia 820 if you value a potentially more refined build quality (typical of Nokia’s design language at the time) and are willing to compromise on battery life and long-term software support. It may appeal to collectors or those specifically seeking the Lumia 820’s aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lumia 640 LTE receive any further Windows 10 Mobile updates?
Officially, Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 Mobile. However, the more modern Snapdragon 400 chipset in the 640 LTE *may* offer slightly better compatibility with community-driven ROMs or unofficial updates, though this is not guaranteed and requires technical expertise.
❓ Is the dual SIM functionality on the Lumia 640 LTE 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. It's also useful for separating work and personal calls.
❓ Does the older Snapdragon S4 Plus in the Lumia 820 struggle with modern web browsing?
Yes, the Snapdragon S4 Plus, while capable in its time, will likely exhibit noticeable slowdowns when browsing modern, JavaScript-heavy websites. The 640 LTE’s Snapdragon 400, despite its lower clock speed, benefits from architectural improvements that provide a smoother browsing experience.
