Microsoft

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL: Pros and Cons

Microsoft Windows 8.1
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8226
Adreno 305
1 GB / 8 GB
5.7 inch (720 x 1280 px)
13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus

Microsoft announced the launch of the Lumia 640 XL smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.7 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8226 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Lumia 640 XL comes with Microsoft Windows 8.1 pre-installed. This phone uses a high resolution 720 x 1280 px, 5.7 inch IPS display. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL / 1

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL specifications

BrandMicrosoft
NameLumia 640 XL
ModelL640XL
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.03 oz
Dimensions6.22 x 3.21 x 0.35 inch
Colorsblack, glossy white, matte cyan, matte white, orange
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionMicrosoft Windows 8.1
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8226
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 305

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL comes with Microsoft Windows 8.1 out of the box. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.7 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5.7 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Lumia 640 XL (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Lumia 640 XL does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. The Lumia 640 XL supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Lumia 640 XL smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Lumia 640 XL has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. This phone is NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh

The Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, light, proximity, sensor core
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant. It reduces the likelihood of everyday scratches and abrasions.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Microsoft phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 4G support
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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