The Microsoft Lumia 640 and 640 XL represent a pivotal moment in Microsoft's mobile strategy – a push towards affordable Windows Phone devices. While sharing a similar design language and software experience, key differences in screen size, display quality, and subtle chipset variations separate these two. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is the superior choice. Its larger display with a demonstrably better contrast ratio in both nominal and sunlight conditions, coupled with a nearly identical battery life, makes it a more enjoyable daily driver. The price difference, if minimal, justifies the upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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) | 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm (6.22 x 3.21 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 171 g (6.03 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 (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% 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 MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8226 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 | 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 | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| 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, sensor core |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 864 h (2G) / Up to 864 h (3G) | Up to 936 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 17 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 31 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 23 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black | Matte cyan, Orange, Black, Matte white, Glossy white |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 76h
|
Endurance rating 74h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1119:1 (nominal), 3.065 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE
- More compact and pocketable design.
- Slightly lower price point (potentially).
- Good battery life for its size.
- Inferior display contrast ratio.
- Smaller screen size may be limiting for some.
- Performance is identical to the XL for most tasks.
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
- Superior display contrast ratio for better visibility.
- Larger screen for enhanced media consumption.
- Potentially slightly more efficient chipset (MSM8226).
- Larger form factor may be less comfortable for one-handed use.
- Slightly heavier than the Lumia 640.
- Battery life is only marginally better.
Display Comparison
The Lumia 640 XL boasts a clear advantage in display quality. While both utilize similar LCD technology, the XL’s contrast ratio of 1119:1 (nominal) and 3.065 (sunlight) significantly outperforms the 640’s 1034:1 and 2.563 respectively. This translates to deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a more readable screen under direct sunlight. The larger screen size of the XL also contributes to a more comfortable viewing experience for videos and browsing. While neither display is cutting-edge, the XL’s superior contrast makes a noticeable difference.
Camera Comparison
Both the Lumia 640 and 640 XL are equipped with basic photo and video capabilities. The context data doesn't provide specifics on sensor size or aperture, suggesting both utilize similar, entry-level camera modules. Given the shared chipset and likely similar image signal processing, image quality will be comparable. Users shouldn't expect flagship-level photography from either device; they are adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28nm), featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. However, the Lumia 640 XL utilizes the MSM8226 variant. While both are based on the Snapdragon 400, the MSM8226 often indicates a slightly refined version, potentially offering minor improvements in power efficiency. In real-world usage, the performance difference will be negligible for typical tasks like calling, texting, and social media. Both phones will struggle with demanding games or multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery endurance is remarkably similar between the two devices, with the Lumia 640 achieving 76 hours and the 640 XL scoring 74 hours. This suggests that despite the XL’s larger screen, its slightly more efficient chipset (MSM8226) and optimized power management largely offset the increased power draw. Both phones offer solid battery life for moderate usage, easily lasting a full day on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE if you prioritize ultimate portability and a slightly lower price point. It’s ideal for users who frequently use their phone one-handed or need a very compact device. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL if you value a larger screen for media consumption, improved outdoor visibility, and a more immersive experience, even if it means a slightly larger form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 400 in either phone struggle with Windows 10 Mobile's performance?
Yes, the Snapdragon 400 is a budget chipset and will exhibit noticeable lag when running Windows 10 Mobile, especially with multiple apps open or during demanding tasks. Expect slowdowns and occasional stutters. These phones are best suited for basic functionality.
❓ Is the difference in display contrast noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Lumia 640 XL's higher contrast ratio results in richer colors, deeper blacks, and significantly improved readability in bright sunlight. This makes a tangible difference when browsing the web, watching videos, or simply checking notifications outdoors.
❓ Given the age of these devices, are software updates still available?
No. Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 Mobile, meaning neither the Lumia 640 nor the 640 XL will receive further software updates, including security patches. This is a significant security risk and should be considered before purchasing either device.
