Unveiling the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE offers extensive network compatibility, supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. With 2G bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, and 3G bands such as HSDPA 850, 900, and 2100, users can expect broad coverage. The 4G LTE bands include bands 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20, providing fast connectivity options with LTE Cat4 rated speeds of up to 150/50 Mbps. This ensures that users can experience high-speed internet, making the device suitable for streaming and browsing.

Launch and Availability

Announced in March 2015 and released in April of the same year, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE was positioned as a mid-range smartphone. Although it’s discontinued, the device gained popularity among users looking for quality and affordability during its market life. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a relevant choice for users interested in Windows Phone operating systems.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm and weighing 145 grams, the Lumia 640 LTE offers a sleek and lightweight design. It fits comfortably in hand, balancing screen size and portability. The device features a Micro-SIM slot, providing easy functionality for users maintaining separate numbers or regions.

Display

The phone sports a 5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. This display offers vivid colors and decent viewing angles, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides durability and scratch resistance – ideal for daily usage. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 67.6%, providing ample display area for its size.

Performance and Platform

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Adreno 305 GPU, the Lumia 640 LTE handles everyday tasks seamlessly. It originally came with Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, but it’s upgradable to Windows 10, broadening application support and providing a fresher user experience. Despite being a mid-ranger by today’s standards, the phone’s efficient processing power makes it versatile enough for basic to moderate smartphone use.

Memory and Storage

Offering 8GB of internal storage, the Lumia 640 LTE includes a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage providing ample room for media files and applications. The 1GB RAM ensures smooth operation for average applications and light multitasking, making it suitable for users with moderate needs.

Camera Quality

The main camera is an 8MP unit with an f/2.2 aperture and 28mm wide lens, supplemented by autofocus capabilities and an LED flash. It allows for respectable image quality and can capture 1080p video at 30fps. The 1MP front camera is more basic, suitable for video calls and simple selfies, supporting 720p video. Though basic by modern standards, the camera setup provides adequate performance for casual photography.

Audio and Sound

The Lumia 640 LTE comes with a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to connect personal audio devices. The audio performance is satisfactory for a device of its category, catering to everyday music and call needs with decent clarity and volume levels.

Communication Features

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and includes GPS with support for GLONASS and BDS. It also features NFC capabilities for supported applications and FM radio for traditional audio entertainment. Connectivity is versatile, enabling multiple communication options for users.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable 2500 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Lumia 640 LTE provides commendable battery life. It offers up to 864 hours of standby time on both 2G and 3G networks and can sustain talk times up to 26 hours and 30 minutes on 2G and 17 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. This ensures that users can rely on the device for a full day’s typical use without frequent charging.

Additional Features and Sensors

The device includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, assisting in various applications and providing a rounded user experience. These sensors enhance functionality across different types of applications, ensuring a smooth and responsive interaction.

Variety and Pricing

The Lumia 640 LTE was available in various color options, including Glossy Cyan, Orange, White, and Matte Black, offering a variety of aesthetic choices to users. It was priced competitively, around 120 EUR during its release, representing a balanced offering of features and affordability.

Conclusion

Overall, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE was a well-rounded smartphone with enough features to cater to moderate needs. While it may not compete with modern high-end smartphones, its sufficient processing power, reasonable camera capabilities, and solid build quality delivered an impressive user experience for its category. With the added advantage of a Windows 10 upgrade, the device maintained relevance for users loyal to the Windows ecosystem.