Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM Specs Pricing & More

Design and Build Quality

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM boasts a design that reflects simplicity and functionality. With dimensions of 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm, it is a substantial device but still manages to fit comfortably in the hand. Weighing 171 g, it offers a balanced heft that reassures durability without being overly cumbersome. The body features a removable back panel, allowing easy access to the battery and SIM card slots. The device is equipped with a dual SIM functionality (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), catering to users who wish to use two numbers simultaneously. Available in a variety of colors including Matte cyan, Orange, Black, Matte white, and Glossy white, the Lumia 640 XL offers customization to suit personal styles.

Display

The Lumia 640 XL is equipped with a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, providing vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The screen resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels, giving a pixel density of approximately 259 ppi. While not Full HD, the display is sufficient for daily tasks and media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio is around 69.1%, which means bezels are noticeable but not intrusive. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which offers reasonable resistance to scratches and minor drops.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Lumia 640 XL is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This configuration, while dated by today's standards, was quite adequate during its release for handling Windows Phone 8.1 smoothly. Users can expect seamless multitasking, although more demanding applications and games may present challenges. The device includes 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot, a useful feature for users needing additional space for apps and media.

Operating System and Software Updates

Out of the box, the Lumia 640 XL runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1. However, it is upgradable to Windows 10 Mobile, extending the usability with newer features and an improved interface. The Windows Phone OS is known for its fluid performance and intuitive live tiles, providing a unique user experience compared to Android and iOS. While app availability has been a concern in the Windows ecosystem compared to competitors, essential applications are available, and the integration with Microsoft services enhances productivity for those invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Camera Capabilities

The Lumia 640 XL shines in photography with its primary 13 MP camera, equipped with an f/2.0 aperture and a 28mm wide lens. The inclusion of Zeiss optics enhances image quality, ensuring sharpness and color accuracy. With features like autofocus and an LED flash, the device performs well under various lighting conditions. It can record videos at 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera is a 5 MP shooter, also capable of 1080p video recording, catering to selfies and video calls effectively. While it may not compete with today's high-end smartphones, it provides excellent camera performance for its class.

Battery Life

The Lumia 640 XL comes with a robust Li-Ion 3000 mAh removable battery. This capacity translates to excellent battery life, achieving up to 936 hours of standby time on both 2G and 3G networks, and substantial talk times of up to 31 hours on 2G and up to 23 hours and 40 minutes on 3G. This makes it an ideal device for users who require long battery life without frequent recharging. The removable aspect of the battery also allows for easy replacement, extending the overall lifespan of the device.

Connectivity and Network Support

In terms of connectivity, the Lumia 640 XL supports a wide range of technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, covering a wide array of frequencies to ensure compatibility with various carriers worldwide. It offers LTE Cat4 speeds up to 150/50 Mbps, accommodating high-speed internet applications and streaming. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support for accurate location tracking, NFC for contactless payments and data transfer, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 for wired data transfers.

Sound and Audio

The device includes a loudspeaker with reasonable output, characterized by voice, noise, and ring levels of 72dB, 67dB, and 73dB respectively. For audio enthusiasts, the device maintains a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing the flexibility to connect a wide range of headphones and external speakers without requiring an adapter. The audio quality is decent, with noise and crosstalk measurements of -93.0dB and -94.4dB respectively, ensuring clear sound output.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Lumia 640 XL is equipped with several sensors that enhance user experience, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and sensor core. These sensors contribute to the device's functionality in applications ranging from navigation to motion sensing in games. The device's endurance rating stands at 74 hours, meaning it can last several days of use on a single charge, depending on usage patterns.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE Dual SIM is a testament to the thoughtful design and reliable performance of mid-range devices during its time. While it may not boast the newest features by today's standards, its balance of essential features, competent camera, long battery life, and the possibility of a Windows 10 Mobile upgrade make it a noteworthy option for users. Its durability, combined with a commitment to practical functionality, demonstrates why it was a favored choice for many during its peak. As part of the now discontinued Lumia line, it holds a nostalgic value for Windows Phone enthusiasts and remains a reminder of Microsoft's venture into mobile hardware.