The Microsoft Lumia 640 series offered a compelling entry point into the Windows Phone ecosystem. But with two models – the 640 LTE and the 640 XL LTE Dual SIM – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM edges out the 640 LTE thanks to its larger display, slightly better sunlight readability, and dual SIM functionality. While battery life is nearly identical, the XL's larger screen and features justify its slight advantage for most users.
| 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 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 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 | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 200 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
|
Voice 72dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 73dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE
- Compact size
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Smaller display
- Limited multitasking
- Basic camera
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM
- Larger display
- Dual SIM support
- Good battery life
- Slightly better sunlight readability
- Larger size (less pocketable)
- Performance similar to 640 LTE
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
The Lumia 640 XL LTE boasts a noticeable advantage in display size. While both offer a respectable contrast ratio (1034:1 for the 640 LTE vs 1119:1 for the 640 XL LTE), the XL's improved sunlight readability (3.065 vs 2.563) makes it more usable outdoors. The 640 LTE's smaller size can be a plus for one-handed use, but the XL's larger screen is generally preferred for media.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable on both devices. Both feature an 8MP rear camera capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. Video recording is limited to 1080p. Image quality won't rival flagship phones, but it's sufficient for casual snapshots. Low-light performance is expected to be average on both.
Performance
Both devices share the same Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset and a 1.2 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. Performance will be very similar in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds, but they're adequate for basic usage. RAM is a key factor here, with the XL often having more (typically 2GB vs 1GB), which can improve multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life is remarkably similar, with the 640 LTE achieving an endurance rating of 76h and the 640 XL LTE a slightly lower 74h. This suggests both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The XL's larger battery capacity contributes to its longevity despite the larger screen.
Buying Guide
The Lumia 640 LTE is ideal for users prioritizing a compact size and basic smartphone functionality. The Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM is better suited for those who value a larger display for media consumption, dual SIM capabilities for managing multiple phone numbers, and a slightly more immersive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system did these phones run?
Both the Lumia 640 LTE and 640 XL LTE Dual SIM originally shipped with Windows Phone 8.1 and were later updated to Windows 10 Mobile. However, Microsoft has ended support for these operating systems.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Given their age and lack of software updates, these phones are generally not recommended for new purchases. However, they might be suitable for users needing a very basic, affordable phone for calls and texts, understanding the security risks associated with outdated software.
