Choosing between two capable budget smartphones can be a tough decision. If you’re weighing up the options between the Microsoft Lumia 550 and the Microsoft Lumia 640, you’re likely looking for a reliable Windows Phone experience without breaking the bank.
Both devices offer a familiar interface and access to the Windows Store, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities. Understanding their key differences is crucial to making the best choice for your daily use.
This comparison will dive deep into what sets the Lumia 550 and Lumia 640 apart. We’ll explore their performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life to help you decide which one truly fits your lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | lumia 550 | lumia 640 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.0 inches |
| Display Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels | 720 x 1280 pixels |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Expandable Storage | microSD, up to 200 GB | microSD, up to 128 GB |
| Rear Camera | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Front Camera | 2 MP | 0.9 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2100 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 131.8 x 68.9 x 9.3 mm | 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 141.9 g | 145 g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Lumia 550: Features a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While it offers decent sharpness for its size, the colors can appear a bit washed out, and it lacks the vibrancy of higher-end displays.
- Lumia 640: Boasts a slightly larger 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, also with a 720 x 1280 resolution. It generally provides better color reproduction and contrast compared to the 550, offering a more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Winner: lumia 640
Processor & Performance
- Lumia 550: Powered by a 1.1 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor. This is an entry-level chipset that can struggle with demanding apps and multitasking, leading to occasional lag.
- Lumia 640: Equipped with a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor. This slightly more capable chip offers smoother performance for everyday tasks and is better suited for running multiple applications simultaneously.
- Winner: lumia 640
RAM
- Lumia 550: Comes with 1GB of RAM. This is a limitation that can impact multitasking capabilities and app loading times, particularly with more resource-intensive applications.
- Lumia 640: Also features 1GB of RAM. While the same as the 550, the slightly better processor in the 640 helps to mitigate the impact of this RAM limitation more effectively.
- Winner: lumia 640
Internal Storage
- Lumia 550: Offers 8GB of internal storage. This is quite limited and will fill up quickly with apps, photos, and videos, necessitating the use of a microSD card.
- Lumia 640: Provides 8GB of internal storage as well, with some variants offering 16GB. Similar to the 550, expandable storage is highly recommended for practical usage.
- Winner: lumia 640
Rear Camera
- Lumia 550: Equipped with a 5MP rear camera. It’s capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions, but lacks advanced features and struggles in low light.
- Lumia 640: Features an 8MP rear camera. This offers slightly better detail and clarity in photos compared to the 550, and often includes a better LED flash for low-light situations.
- Winner: lumia 640
Front Camera
- Lumia 550: Has a 2MP front-facing camera. It’s suitable for basic video calls but won’t produce high-quality selfies.
- Lumia 640: Comes with a 1MP front-facing camera. This is a downgrade from the 550 and is primarily for very basic video calls.
- Winner: lumia 550
Battery Life
- Lumia 550: Packs a 2100 mAh battery. It can typically last a full day of moderate use, but heavy users might need a top-up before the end of the day.
- Lumia 640: Equipped with a larger 2500 mAh battery. This provides noticeably better endurance, allowing for more extensive usage between charges, which is a significant advantage.
- Winner: lumia 640
Build Quality & Design
- Lumia 550: Features a more compact and rounded design with a plastic build. It feels sturdy and is easy to hold in one hand, but the overall aesthetic is quite basic.
- Lumia 640: Has a slightly larger and flatter design, also with a plastic build. It often comes in a wider range of colors and can feel a bit more premium, though still firmly in the budget category.
- Winner: lumia 640
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | lumia 640 |
| Rear Camera | lumia 640 |
| Battery Capacity | lumia 640 |
| Processor Speed | lumia 640 |
| Price/Value (Entry Level) | lumia 550 |
| Compactness | lumia 550 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices feature IPS LCD displays with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, offering decent clarity and color reproduction for their class.
- Processor Architecture: They share a similar quad-core Cortex-A7 architecture, providing adequate performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
- RAM: Both the Lumia 550 and Lumia 640 come equipped with 1 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for the Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile operating system.
- Storage Expansion: Users can expand the internal storage on both phones using a microSD card, offering flexibility for storing apps, photos, and videos.
- Windows Ecosystem: Both devices run on the Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile operating system, providing access to Microsoft’s suite of services and apps.
- Build Quality: While specific materials might differ slightly, both Lumias are known for their robust and durable polycarbonate builds, typical of Nokia/Microsoft devices.
Lumia 550 Vs Lumia 640 Buying Guide
Budget-Conscious Choice
If your primary concern is keeping costs down, the Lumia 550 emerges as the more economical option. It provides a solid Windows 10 experience at a significantly lower price point. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and social media without breaking the bank.
The Lumia 550 is ideal for first-time smartphone users or those who prioritize affordability above all else. Its straightforward interface and essential features ensure a user-friendly experience for everyday communication and light internet usage. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Multimedia and Performance
For a more robust multimedia experience and slightly better performance, the Lumia 640 takes the lead. Its larger, higher-resolution display offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. The enhanced processor also contributes to smoother multitasking and app performance, making it a more capable device for demanding users.
If you enjoy consuming media on your phone or frequently switch between multiple applications, the Lumia 640 will offer a noticeably more fluid and enjoyable experience. It bridges the gap between basic functionality and a more premium smartphone feel without a significant price jump.
Camera Capabilities
When photography is a key consideration, the Lumia 640 generally offers superior camera hardware. Its rear camera often boasts higher megapixel counts and better low-light performance compared to the Lumia 550. This translates to sharper, more detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
If capturing memories with good quality is important to you, the Lumia 640 is the clear winner in this department. While the Lumia 550 can take decent pictures, the 640 provides a more satisfying photographic output for casual users and aspiring mobile photographers. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Long-Term Value and Durability
Considering long-term value, the Lumia 640 often presents a more compelling case. Its slightly more powerful hardware and potentially better build quality can contribute to a longer lifespan and a more consistently smooth user experience over time. While both are Windows phones, the 640 feels a bit more robust.
For users who plan to keep their phone for an extended period and want a device that can keep up with slightly more demanding usage, the Lumia 640 offers better long-term investment. It provides a more well-rounded package that is likely to satisfy users for a longer duration.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy lumia 550 If…
- You are on a very tight budget and need a functional Windows smartphone.
- You prioritize a more compact device that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- Your primary usage involves basic communication, social media, and web browsing.
- You are looking for an affordable entry into the Windows ecosystem.
Buy lumia 640 If…
- You want a slightly larger screen for better media consumption and typing.
- You desire a slightly better rear camera for improved photo quality.
- You value a larger battery for potentially longer battery life.
- You can find it at a comparable or slightly higher price point for the added features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in screen size and quality?
The Lumia 550 features a 4.7-inch display, while the Lumia 640 boasts a larger 5-inch screen. The Lumia 640’s display also typically offers a higher resolution (HD vs. FWVGA), resulting in sharper images and text. This makes the Lumia 640 a better choice for media consumption and reading.
How do their processors compare for performance?
The Lumia 550 is powered by a quad-core 1.1 GHz processor, whereas the Lumia 640 usually comes with a slightly more capable quad-core 1.2 GHz processor. While the difference isn’t massive, the Lumia 640 generally offers smoother multitasking and application performance, making it feel a bit snappier for everyday use. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Which phone has a better camera for taking photos?
The Lumia 640 generally has a superior camera system. It typically sports a higher-resolution rear camera (e.g., 8MP) with better low-light performance compared to the Lumia 550’s 5MP camera. This means the Lumia 640 is better equipped to capture clearer and more detailed photos, especially in less than ideal lighting conditions.
Is battery life significantly different between the two models?
Both phones offer decent battery life for their respective specifications. The Lumia 640 often has a slightly larger battery capacity, which, combined with its efficient hardware, can lead to marginally longer usage times. However, for moderate users, both should comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
Which operating system do they run, and is it still supported?
Both the Lumia 550 and Lumia 640 were released with Windows Phone 8.1 and were upgradeable to Windows 10 Mobile. It’s important to note that Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 Mobile, meaning no further updates or security patches will be released. However, the core functionality of the devices will remain operational.
Final Verdict
The Lumia 640 stands out as the more capable and well-rounded smartphone. Its larger, higher-resolution display, improved camera, and slightly better performance make it a more enjoyable device for multimedia consumption and general use. While the Lumia 550 is a budget-friendly option, the Lumia 640 offers a significantly better experience for a modest increase in price, making it a smarter long-term investment for most users.
Winner: Lumia 640