Unveiling Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM Specs Prices and Insights

Network Capabilities

The Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is designed with a comprehensive range of network technologies to ensure seamless connectivity. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering broad compatibility with various mobile network providers worldwide. The phone covers multiple bands: for 2G, it operates on GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 for both SIM slots; 3G capabilities include HSDPA 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100; and 4G LTE bands cover 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, and 40. The device supports high-speed data transfer with HSPA at 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 offering up to 150/50 Mbps.

Launch and Availability

Announced in March 2015 and released the following month, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM quickly gained popularity among budget-conscious smartphone users who required reliable performance. Despite its initial success, like many devices in the rapidly evolving tech industry, the Lumia 640 was eventually discontinued. However, it remains a cherished device for its fans and is still available on secondary markets and through various online platforms.

Design and Build

The Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM showcases a sleek and modern design, characterized by its dimensions of 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 145 g. This makes the device easy to handle and operate with one hand. The phone employs a dual-SIM setup, using micro-SIMs with a dual standby feature, which is ideal for users who manage multiple numbers or travel frequently. The phone's outer shell is available in various colors, including Glossy Cyan, Orange, White, and Matte Black, allowing users to choose one that best suits their style.

Display Features

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD, the Lumia 640 offers a 720 x 1280-pixel resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio, resulting in ~294 ppi density for clear, sharp visuals. This screen size and resolution are optimal for content consumption, including browsing, streaming, and reading. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing robust defense against scratches and minor impacts, making it a durable choice for everyday use.

Operating System and Performance

The Lumia 640 LTE is powered by Microsoft's Windows Phone 8.1, with the potential for an upgrade to Windows 10, offering a user-friendly interface and a set of comprehensive productivity applications. The smartphone is built on the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This configuration delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media applications, and multimedia consumption.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage, facilitating basic multi-tasking and storage needs. Users looking for additional space can benefit from the microSDXC card slot, which supports memory expansion through an external SD card. This feature addresses the storage limitations of the device, allowing users to save more apps, multimedia, and documents directly to the phone.

Camera Capabilities

The Lumia 640 comes equipped with an 8 MP main camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and autofocus capability, providing decent image quality for casual photography. The inclusion of an LED flash enhances its low-light performance. The main camera can also record videos at 1080p@30fps. For selfies and video calls, there is a 1 MP front camera capable of capturing 720p video. While it might not compare to the high-resolution cameras found on modern devices, it still serves well for basic photography needs.

Battery Life and Efficiency

A significant selling point of the Lumia 640 is its Li-Ion 2500 mAh removable battery, which offers substantial battery life. Under normal usage conditions, the device boasts up to 864 hours of standby time and up to 26.5 hours (2G) or 17.5 hours (3G) of talk time. This longevity makes it an excellent device for users who prioritize battery performance and are often on the go without access to frequent charging.

Communication and Connectivity

For wireless communication, the Lumia 640 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, and can function as a hotspot. The Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP allows for effective and efficient pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The phone also features GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for well-rounded location services, which is crucial for navigation and location-based applications. NFC is included for contactless transactions and peer-to-peer data exchange, while FM radio and microUSB 2.0 round out the device's connectivity options.

Audio and Multisensory Features

The Lumia 640 features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring functionality with a wide range of audio accessories. The phone is equipped with an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance interactive applications and make the device more intuitive to use.

Market Position and User Experience

Priced modestly during its peak at around 150 EUR, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM found favor among budget-conscious users who favored its balance of performance, design, and functionality. Despite the device being discontinued, it remains relevant to individuals who appreciate its substantial battery life, reliable network performance, and utilitarian features. It is an excellent case study on capable smartphone offerings in the mid-2010s, forming a significant part of Microsoft's mobile device legacy.

Conclusion

In summary, the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM stands out as a well-rounded device that carefully balances performance, design, and affordability. Its connectivity options, alongside a reliable operating system, provide a solid user experience. Despite newer models replacing it, the Lumia 640 continues to offer value for those seeking a straightforward, dependable smartphone with excellent battery life and essential features.