Microsoft

Microsoft Lumia 650: Pros and Cons

Microsoft Windows 10
Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 MSM8909v2
Adreno 304
1 GB / 16 GB
5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

Microsoft announced the launch of the Lumia 650 smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 MSM8909v2 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Lumia 650 comes with Microsoft Windows 10 pre-installed. The smartphone features a high-end AMOLED screen. They offer a wide range of colors. This allows for more accurate and vivid color. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's see what makes this device stand out.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Microsoft Lumia 650 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 650 / 1

Microsoft Lumia 650 specifications

BrandMicrosoft
NameLumia 650
ModelL650
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.3 oz
Dimensions5.59 x 2.79 x 0.27 inch
Colorsblack, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Microsoft Lumia 650 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

Microsoft Lumia 650 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionMicrosoft Windows 10
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 212 MSM8909v2
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 304

The Microsoft Lumia 650 comes with Microsoft Windows 10 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.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

The Lumia 650's AMOLED display has deep blacks and vibrant colors. It also has fast response times and features like Always-On Display. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Microsoft Lumia 650 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 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 650 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 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 main camera of Lumia 650 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP, LE
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Lumia 650 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Lumia 650 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Lumia 650 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Lumia 650 comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh

The Li-Ion 2000 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, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

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

  • AMOLED display
  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • 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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