The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL and 640 LTE represent Microsoft’s attempt to dominate the budget smartphone market with Windows Phone. While both devices share a similar core philosophy, subtle differences in display quality, battery performance, and chipset implementation cater to slightly different user needs. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which Lumia best suits your priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lumia 640 LTE emerges as the slightly better choice. Its marginally superior battery endurance (76 hours vs 74) and improved display contrast in sunlight (2.563 vs 3.065) offer a more consistently usable experience, despite the XL’s larger screen. The shared Snapdragon 400 chipset means performance is largely equivalent.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | 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 | 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm (6.22 x 3.21 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 | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 88.9 cm2 (~69.1% 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 MSM8226 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 | Zeiss optics, LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/3.0", AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 1 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| 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, sensor core | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 936 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G) | Up to 864 h (2G) / Up to 864 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 31 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 23 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 26 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 17 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte cyan, Orange, Black, Matte white, Glossy white | Glossy cyan, Orange, White, Matte black |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 74h
|
Endurance rating 76h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1119:1 (nominal), 3.065 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1034 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
|
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
- Larger display for enhanced media consumption
- Slightly higher nominal display contrast
- More immersive viewing experience
- Slightly lower battery endurance
- Lower sunlight contrast ratio
- Larger form factor, less pocketable
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE
- Better battery endurance for all-day use
- Improved sunlight contrast for outdoor visibility
- More compact and portable design
- Smaller display size
- Slightly lower nominal display contrast
- Less immersive viewing experience
Display Comparison
Both the Lumia 640 XL and 640 LTE utilize similar display technology, but differ in contrast ratios. The Lumia 640 XL boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 1119:1, improving to 3.065:1 in direct sunlight. Conversely, the 640 LTE achieves 1034:1 nominal contrast and 2.563:1 in sunlight. While the XL’s nominal contrast is higher, the 640 LTE’s sunlight contrast is notably better, suggesting improved visibility under bright conditions. This difference is likely due to panel calibration and coating differences, impacting how effectively the screen rejects glare. The XL’s larger screen size is the primary visual distinction, offering a more immersive experience for video playback.
Camera Comparison
Both the Lumia 640 XL and 640 LTE feature a camera system described simply as 'Photo / Video' in the provided data. Without specific sensor details or megapixel counts, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, given their budget positioning, it’s safe to assume both cameras utilize similar, relatively low-resolution sensors. Image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will suffer in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits low-light performance. The camera is a functional component for casual snapshots, but not a key selling point for either phone.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8226/MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28nm), featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. While the MSM8926 in the 640 LTE is a slightly newer revision, the performance difference is negligible in real-world usage. Both chips are adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing, but will struggle with demanding applications or multitasking. The 28nm manufacturing process is relatively inefficient, meaning neither device excels in thermal management, and sustained heavy loads may result in throttling. The shared architecture ensures a similar user experience regarding app loading times and responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Lumia 640 LTE edges out the 640 XL in battery endurance, achieving a rating of 76 hours compared to the XL’s 74 hours. This difference, while small, suggests the LTE model is more efficient in power consumption, potentially due to the slightly newer chipset revision or optimized software. Both phones offer respectable battery life for their class, capable of lasting a full day with moderate usage. Charging times are not specified, but given the lack of fast charging technology, a full charge is expected to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL if you prioritize a larger display for media consumption and don't mind a slightly shorter battery life. It’s ideal for users who frequently watch videos or browse the web. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE if you value a more compact form factor, slightly better outdoor visibility, and a bit more battery life for all-day use. This is the better option for users who prioritize portability and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 400 in either phone struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the Snapdragon 400 is a relatively old and low-powered chipset. While it can handle basic tasks, it will likely struggle with demanding apps, multitasking, and newer games. Expect slow loading times and occasional lag.
❓ How does the difference in sunlight contrast affect real-world usability?
The Lumia 640 LTE’s higher sunlight contrast (2.563 vs 3.065) means the screen will remain more readable when used outdoors in bright sunlight. The XL’s screen may appear washed out in the same conditions, requiring you to find shade or increase brightness.
❓ Is the battery life difference between the two phones significant?
The 2-hour difference in endurance rating is noticeable but not dramatic. Both phones should last a full day with moderate use, but the 640 LTE offers a slightly larger margin for error if you're a heavy user.
