Overview
The Nokia Lumia 638, released in December 2014, represents an era where Nokia was making significant strides in the smartphone industry, primarily through its collaboration with Microsoft. A noteworthy device, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset and runs on the Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 operating system. Despite being discontinued, it remains a topic of interest amongst tech enthusiasts due to its unique platform and specifications.
Network and Connectivity
The Nokia Lumia 638 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring users were connected at all times. It supports a range of 2G (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), 3G (HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-1010), and 4G bands (3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41), with download speeds of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. This broad network support allowed for robust connectivity across various regions.
Design and Build
The Lumia 638 has dimensions of 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm and a weight of 136 g, offering a solid yet comfortable feel in hand. The device accommodates a Micro-SIM card and is available in a classic black color, projecting a sleek yet professional look.
Display Features
Sporting a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (~218 ppi density), the display provides clear and vibrant visuals. The display is further safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, known for its durability and scratch resistance, enhancing the device's longevity.
Hardware and Performance
The device is powered by a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU alongside an Adreno 305 GPU, all housed within a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset. This configuration offers reliable performance for everyday tasks and multitasking needs. The Lumia 638 includes 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, providing flexibility in storage management.
Camera Capabilities
The main camera is a 5 MP shooter featuring autofocus and the capability to capture panoramic shots. Despite being modest by today's standards, at the time of its release, it offered reasonable photography features for capturing everyday moments.
Sound and Audio
The Lumia 638 is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring traditional audio connectivity options. These features provide users with the ease of connecting a variety of audio peripherals.
Communication and Sensors
In terms of communications, the Nokia Lumia 638 comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 support is enhanced with A2DP and further enabled by aptX after the WP8 Denim update. For navigation, the device supports GPS and GLONASS, while it lacks NFC capability. It includes an FM radio and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. The device also includes an accelerometer for various orientation and motion-based applications.
Battery Life
The phone is powered by a removable 1830 mAh Li-Ion battery (BL-5H), which provides sufficient battery life for regular daily activities. Removable batteries were a significant advantage during that period, allowing users to replace them easily in case of wear or in the event of carrying spares for extended usage.
Operating System
Running on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1, the Lumia 638 offers a distinctive user experience noted for its tiles-based interface. While it might not have had the app ecosystem of its Android and iOS competitors, Windows Phone provided a smooth and fluid user experience with strong integration with Microsoft services as a unique selling proposition.
Pricing and Market Availability
Upon its release, the Nokia Lumia 638 was available for about 100 EUR, making it a competitive choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for LTE connectivity in an affordable package. However, it has since been discontinued and may only be available in secondary markets or as used devices.
Conclusion
The Nokia Lumia 638 is a testament to Nokia's effort to maintain its relevance in the smartphone market amidst stiff competition, focusing especially on the entry-level segment. With its use of the Windows Phone OS, Nokia could combine Microsoft’s software proficiency with its hardware design. Though it might not stand against the technological advances of subsequent smartphones, it remains a significant piece of tech history reflecting both the innovations and limitations of its time.
Main Features of Nokia Lumia 638
- Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE for wide network compatibility.
- Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU.
- Comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC card slot.
- 5 MP autofocus main camera with Panorama feature.
- Equipped with an IPS LCD 4.5-inch display.
- Windows Phone 8.1 operating system for smooth performance.
- Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE; supports aptX after WP8 Denim update.
- GPS and GLONASS for enhanced location positioning.
- FM radio for on-the-go entertainment.
- Removable Li-Ion 1830 mAh battery for easy replacement.
Disadvantages of Nokia Lumia 638
- Discontinued status, meaning lack of support and updates.
- Low-resolution display (480 x 854 pixels), which affects screen clarity.
- Limited internal storage of 8GB, potentially necessitating frequent use of expandable storage.
- No front-facing camera, limiting selfie and video call capabilities.
- Absence of NFC technology, restricting contactless payment capabilities.
- Basic 5 MP main camera with no advanced features like LED flash.
- Runs on the outdated Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 operating system.
- Limited app ecosystem compared to iOS and Android counterparts.
- Relatively low battery capacity (1830 mAh) which may require regular charging with heavy use.
View Also
More Phones
All Rights Reserved +13585 Phones © Mobilawy 2025