Earlier this week, Microsoft launched the Windows Phone 8.1 duo that went official at the MWC 2015 tech show in India. Well, the talk is about the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL Windows 10 ready smartphones that have been released for Rs 11,999 and Rs 15,799 respectively. Another device that has been selling well in the mid range market is the Lumia 730 smartphone. If you want to buy a Windows Phone device and you are confused on which one to choose, here is a detailed comparison between the three models.
Key Specs
| Model | Microsoft Lumia 640 | Microsoft Lumia 730 | Microsoft Lumia 640 XL |
| Display | 5 inch, HD | 4.7 inch, HD | 5.7 inch, HD |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 400 | 1.2 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 400 | 1.2 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 400 |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB, Expandable up to 128 GB | 8 GB, Expandable up to 128 GB | 8 GB, Expandable up to 128 GB |
| OS | Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim | Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim | Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim |
| Camera | 8 MP/ 1 MP | 6.7 MP/ 5 MP | 13 MP/ 5 MP |
| Dimensions and Weight | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm and 145 grams | 134.7 x 68.5 x 8.7 mm and 130 grams | 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm and 171 grams |
| Connectivity | 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC | 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC | 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC |
| Battery | 2,500 mAh | 2,200 mAh | 3,000 mAh |
| Price | Rs 11,999 | Rs 15,299 | Rs 15,799 |
Display and Processor
The three handsets differ in terms of screen size largely as the Lumia 640 boasts of a 5 inch display, Lumia 730 sporting a 4.7 inch display and the Lumia 640 XL flaunting a larger 5.7 inch display. In terms of resolution, all Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL have IPS LCD panels boast a HD screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels. On the other hand, the Lumia 730 is an AMOLED panel. However, the Lumia 730 is better among the trio with an increased pixel count of 316 pixels per inch, whereas the Lumia 640 has 294 ppi and the Lumia 640 XL has only 259 ppi. The panels are ClearBlack screens that eliminate reflections with a sequence of polarization layers and they are protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Internally, all the three smartphones are identical with a 1.2 GHz quad core Snapdragon 400 processor operating under this hood. This processor is teamed up with Adreno 305 graphics unit and 1 GB of RAM for smooth graphic handling and multitasking respectively. The chipset has been used by several mid range smartphones and we know that it will perform well without any clutter and it will be enough for the Windows Phone platform to sail through smoothly.
Camera and Internal Storage
When it comes to the imaging aspects, these phones have unique aspects as per their class. The Lumia 640 houses an 8 MP mains snapper with LED flash, autofocus and support for FHD 1080p video recording. Also, there is a 1 MP front facing selfie shooter with HD 720p video calling ability. The Lumia 730 is given a 6.7 MP primary camera at its rear that uses Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash, autofocus and FHD video recording and a 5 MP front facing shooter also with FHD video recording capability.
The Lumia 640 XL is the high end model with a 13 MP main camera with Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, LED flash and a 5 MP selfie snapper as well. Both the snappers in the Lumia 640 XL support Full HD 1080p video recording. Eventually, the Lumia 640 XL is the best one in terms of imaging has it includes a high end imaging hardware. They also feature Nokia Selfie camera app to capture impressive self portrait shots.
Storage wise, all the three models are identical with 8 GB of native storage space that would not be enough for all the users to store their content. For this purpose, these smartphones arrive with expandable storage support up to 128 GB.
Battery and Features
The Lumia 640 is powered by a 2,500 mAh battery that will pump in up to 2.5 hours of talk time and 840 hours of standby time. The Lumia 730 gets energized by a 2,220 mAh that is rated to deliver 600 hours of standby time and 17 hours of talk time respectively. Finally, the Lumia 640 XL has a mammoth 3,000 mAh battery that is claimed to render up to 23.5 hours of talk time and 936 hours of standby time.
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The three smartphones run on Windows Phone 8.1 operating system alongside Lumia Denim update. Interestingly, the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL are Windows 10 ready hinting that they will receive the update once it is made available. They also have connectivity aspects such as Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, inbuilt NFC and 3G. Like the other Windows smartphones, these smartphones include Microsoft’s popular features and apps such as Cortana, Skype, Office, Outlook, and OneDrive.
Points in Favor of Lumia 640
- Reasonable pricing
Points in Favor of Lumia 730
- Impressive display
- Selfie focused camera
Points in Favor of Lumia 640 XL
- Impressive imaging hardware
- Capacious battery
Conclusion
The Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL and Lumia 730 are impressive Windows Phone 8.1 smartphones that pack in decent specifications and features for their pricing. The Lumia 730 and Lumia 640 XL take the advantage of including selfie focused front facers and the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL arrive with Windows 10 ready hardware. Based on your budget, you can avail any of these smartphones to enjoy a wonderful Windows Phone experience.
