The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL and 950 represent distinct eras in Microsoft’s mobile strategy. The 640 XL, released as a budget-friendly option, prioritized battery life and affordability. The 950, a later flagship, aimed to compete with the high-end Android and iOS devices, boasting a more powerful processor and advanced features. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which Lumia best suits your needs, even years after their initial release.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user today, the Lumia 950 is the better choice, despite its shorter battery endurance. The significantly faster Snapdragon 808 processor and superior display quality offer a more responsive and enjoyable user experience, outweighing the 640 XL’s longer battery life. However, the 640 XL remains a viable option for those prioritizing extreme battery longevity above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2015, October. Released 2015, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm (6.22 x 3.21 x 0.35 in) | 145 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (5.71 x 2.88 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~564 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 88.9 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.8 cm2 (~70.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| | ClearBlack display | ClearBlack display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 418 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Zeiss optics, LED flash | Zeiss optics, triple-LED RGB flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/3.0", AF | 20 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.4", 1.12µm, AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, stereo sound rec., 1080p@30/60fps (after SW update) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, sensor core | Iris scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, sensor core |
| | - | Microsoft Continuum support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | - | Up to 67 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 936 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G) | Up to 288 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 31 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 23 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 23 h (2G) / Up to 18 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte cyan, Orange, Black, Matte white, Glossy white | Black, White |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
Noise -91.3dB / Crosstalk -91.6dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 74h
|
Endurance rating 48h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1119:1 (nominal), 3.065 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3512 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 77dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1281Basemark X: 26330 |
Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
- Exceptional battery life (74h endurance)
- More affordable price point
- Larger display size (5.7 inches)
- Significantly slower processor
- Inferior display quality
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Microsoft Lumia 950
- Faster and more powerful processor (Snapdragon 808)
- Superior display quality (OLED, Infinite contrast)
- Wireless charging (Qi) and faster wired charging (18W)
- Shorter battery life (48h endurance)
- Higher price point
- Smaller display size (5.2 inches)
Display Comparison
The Lumia 950’s display boasts an ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio, a marketing term indicating a true black level thanks to its OLED panel, compared to the 640 XL’s 1119:1 nominal contrast ratio on its LCD. This translates to richer colors and deeper blacks on the 950. While both phones achieve a respectable 3512:1 contrast ratio in direct sunlight, the 950’s OLED technology provides a superior viewing experience in all other conditions. The 640 XL’s larger screen size (5.7” vs 5.2”) may appeal to some, but the 950’s superior panel technology is a clear win.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature cameras capable of photo and video capture, but the Lumia 950 offers a more advanced imaging experience. While specific sensor details are unavailable in the provided data, the 950, as a flagship, likely features a larger sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The 640 XL’s camera is sufficient for casual snapshots, but the 950 will deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of details regarding optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device makes a direct comparison difficult, but it’s a feature typically found on flagship models like the 950.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Lumia 950’s Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808, a hexa-core processor built on a 20nm process, significantly outperforms the 640 XL’s MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (quad-core, 28nm). The 808’s combination of Cortex-A53 and A57 cores allows for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications. The 20nm fabrication process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The 640 XL’s Snapdragon 400 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with modern applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Lumia 640 XL’s endurance rating of 74 hours is a standout feature, significantly exceeding the 950’s 48 hours. This difference is primarily due to the 640 XL’s less power-hungry processor and display. However, the 950 compensates with 18W wired charging and the convenience of Qi wireless charging (market dependent), features absent on the 640 XL. While the 950 requires more frequent charging, its faster charging speeds and wireless charging options mitigate this drawback. The 640 XL’s longevity is ideal for users who prioritize minimizing charging frequency, while the 950 offers a more flexible charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL if you need a phone that can reliably last through multiple days on a single charge and prioritize affordability. It’s ideal for basic communication and light usage. Buy the Microsoft Lumia 950 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, photography, and consuming media, and value features like wireless charging and a higher-quality display, even if it means more frequent charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 808 in the Lumia 950 experience significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 808 is a capable processor, it was known to experience some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. However, the 20nm fabrication process and Microsoft’s thermal management implementation likely mitigated this issue to a degree. Expect some performance reduction during extended gaming, but it shouldn’t be severe enough to render the experience unplayable.
❓ Is the difference in battery life between the 640 XL and 950 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The 640 XL can easily last two full days with moderate use, while the 950 will likely require daily charging. If you frequently travel or are away from power outlets for extended periods, the 640 XL’s battery life is a significant advantage.
❓ Given the age of these devices, are replacement batteries readily available?
Replacement batteries for both the Lumia 640 XL and 950 can be found online through third-party retailers, but availability may be limited and quality can vary. It's crucial to purchase from reputable sources to ensure compatibility and safety.
