Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is designed with a sleek and stylish look. It measures 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm and weighs 171 grams, making it relatively lightweight for a phone of its size. Its dimensions provide a comfortable grip, despite its large display size. The body is made of durable plastic that comes in a variety of colors including matte cyan, orange, black, matte white, and glossy white. This gives users the option to choose a color that best suits their personal style.

Display

The device features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 259 ppi. This resolution ensures that images and text are clear and detailed, providing a satisfactory viewing experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, adding an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor impacts. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 69.1%, which highlights its sizable display without making the phone overly bulky.

Performance

Under the hood, the Lumia 640 XL is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 chipset with a 28 nm process technology, featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. Although not the most powerful configuration by today's standards, this setup provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The device originally runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, but it is upgradable to Microsoft Windows 10, enhancing its functionality with better software features and improvements.

Memory and Storage

The Lumia 640 XL comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC card slot. While the internal storage may seem limiting, the ability to expand it makes it more versatile, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and media files. The 1GB RAM efficiently handles most Windows Phone applications and multitasking without significant lag.

Camera

Photography is one of the key strengths of the Lumia 640 XL. The main camera is a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm wide lens, and Zeiss optics. It includes features like autofocus and an LED flash, which enhance photo quality in low-light conditions. The camera can record 1080p videos at 30fps, delivering clear and precise video quality. The 5 MP selfie camera also captures 1080p videos and provides decent selfies with good color reproduction. Overall, the camera system on the Lumia 640 XL offers a compelling package for its time, particularly in the mid-range segment.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Lumia 640 XL is its impressive battery life. It houses a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which can last up to 936 hours on both 2G and 3G networks in standby mode. The talk time is also commendable, reaching up to 31 hours and 20 minutes on 2G and up to 23 hours and 40 minutes on 3G. This long-lasting battery life is an advantage for users who rely on their phones for extended periods, whether for work or leisure.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is equipped with a range of connectivity options. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, and hotspot features, allowing connectivity with a variety of networks. Bluetooth 4.0 ensures wireless connectivity with other devices, while GPS, GLONASS, and BDS provide accurate location services. The phone also supports NFC and includes an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Notable sensors include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and a sensor core.

Network and Communication

The device supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with speeds up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps. It covers a wide range of 2G and 3G bands, making it a versatile device for global use, even though it lacks 4G LTE capability. The Micro-SIM slot is standard for the time of its release, providing ease of use and compatibility with most carriers.

Audio and Multimedia

The Lumia 640 XL includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to traditional audio connectivity. The overall audio quality is decent with low levels of noise and crosstalk, ensuring a good listening experience. The inclusion of FM radio allows users to access free-to-air radio channels, offering diverse entertainment options.

Price and Availability

Originally launched in March 2015, the Lumia 640 XL was priced at approximately 170 EUR. While it has been discontinued officially, it may still be available through second-hand markets or clearance sales. Its features offered excellent value for money at the time of its release, particularly for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich Windows Phone.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL stands out as a contender in the mid-range smartphone sector during its time, thanks to its robust build, impressive battery life, and solid camera capabilities. While it doesn't compete with modern smartphones, it serves as a reliable device for those interested in the Windows Phone ecosystem or looking for a secondary device with expandable storage and substantial battery life. The upgradability to Windows 10 also ensures it benefits from software enhancements beyond its original OS, making it a practical choice for certain user segments.