The Microsoft Lumia 640 series represented a key moment for Windows Phone, aiming to deliver affordable smartphones with essential features. While both the Lumia 640 LTE and Dual SIM share nearly identical core specifications, the crucial distinction lies in their SIM capabilities. This comparison dissects these devices to determine which best suits your needs, particularly regarding connectivity and travel.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM is the more versatile choice. While both phones offer the same Snapdragon 400 performance and battery life, the ability to manage two SIM cards simultaneously provides significant convenience for frequent travelers or those separating work and personal lines.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - T-Mobile | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2015, March. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm (5.56 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm (5.56 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% 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 MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 | 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1 MP | 1 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 864 h (2G) / Up to 864 h (3G) | Up to 840 h (2G) / Up to 840 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 17 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 27 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 20 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 76h
|
Endurance rating 76h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE
- Potentially better carrier compatibility in specific regions (LTE focused)
- Slightly simpler software experience for single SIM users
- Identical performance to the Dual SIM model
- Limited to a single SIM card
- Less flexible for travel or managing multiple numbers
Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM functionality for convenience and cost savings
- Ideal for frequent travelers or those with separate work/personal lines
- Identical performance to the LTE model
- Potential for slightly more complex SIM management
- May have slightly different LTE band support compared to the LTE-only model
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 640 LTE and Dual SIM feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of 1034 and a significantly improved sunlight contrast ratio of 2.563. This indicates good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. While the resolution isn't specified, both likely share a 720p panel given the price point. The identical contrast ratios suggest the same panel technology is used, meaning color accuracy and viewing angles will be comparable. The improved sunlight readability is a key benefit for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both the Lumia 640 LTE and Dual SIM are equipped with a 'Photo / Video' camera system, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or megapixel count are absent. Given the budget nature of these phones, it's reasonable to assume a similar camera setup. Image quality will likely be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect limitations in low-light scenarios. The lack of detailed camera specifications makes a direct comparison difficult, but performance is expected to be comparable.
Performance
At the heart of both devices lies the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset, fabricated on a 28nm process. This translates to a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, providing adequate performance for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The identical chipset means performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two models. The 28nm node, while older, is efficient enough for the intended use case, but won't deliver flagship-level speeds or sustained performance under heavy load. Expect similar app loading times and multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating similar battery life. This suggests a comparable battery capacity and efficient power management. While the exact mAh rating isn't provided, 76 hours of endurance implies a solid day of moderate use. The Snapdragon 400's 28nm process contributes to reasonable power efficiency, maximizing the battery's lifespan. Charging times are not specified, but are likely to be standard for devices in this price range.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE if you primarily need a single SIM phone for a specific carrier and prioritize potentially slightly better network compatibility in certain regions. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM if you frequently travel internationally, need to manage separate work and personal numbers, or want the flexibility of switching between carriers without swapping SIM cards. The Dual SIM model offers a clear advantage for multi-faceted users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Lumia 640 Dual SIM drain battery faster when both SIM cards are active?
While having two SIM cards active will consume slightly more power than a single SIM, the Snapdragon 400 chipset and the overall battery endurance rating of 76 hours suggest the impact will be minimal for typical usage. Standby drain will be higher, but active usage differences will be negligible.
❓ Can I use two different carrier networks simultaneously on the Lumia 640 Dual SIM (data on one, calls on the other)?
Yes, the Lumia 640 Dual SIM supports dual SIM standby, allowing you to have two SIM cards active at the same time. However, it doesn't support simultaneous data connections on both SIMs. You'll need to choose which SIM card handles data connectivity, while the other can be used for calls and SMS.
❓ Is the LTE connectivity on the Lumia 640 LTE significantly faster than the Dual SIM model?
The Lumia 640 LTE is optimized for LTE networks, potentially offering slightly better compatibility with specific carrier bands. However, the actual speed difference will depend on network conditions and carrier support. The Dual SIM model also supports LTE, but may have a slightly different band configuration.
