Some quick pointers on Microsoft's newest Lumias
The Microsoft Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL are Microsoft's latest devices to hit the market and both have the makings of being popular successors to the Lumia 635 and Lumia 1320 respectively. They're well priced, have decent hardware specs for the position in the market and that same great Windows Phone experience you get on phones that cost twice as much.
So, if you just picked one up, or you're thinking hard about it, here's seven things you need to know.
The Lumia 640 and 640 XL have 1GB of RAM
This is important for a number of reasons, not least app support. While better than ever, there are still some apps out there in the Windows Phone Store that just don't support devices with 512MB of RAM. Both new 640 phones have 1GB, so it isn't an issue. Windows Phone is still a slick experience on 512MB devices, but in this case more is definitely better.
For all that was good about the Lumia 635, it remained hampered throughout its life (until recently, at least) by this RAM restriction. Microsoft seems to have eliminated 512MB devices from its new range, and that's good news for everyone.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 on-board
As yet unseen on existing Windows Phones, Update 2 is the very latest version of Microsoft's mobile OS. It comes loaded up alongside Lumia Denim on the Lumia 640 and 640 XL.
While a lot of the changes are under the hood, there are some forward facing features we get to experience. Such as the new look Settings menu and ability to pin specific settings to the Start screen, a refreshed way to manage app permissions, some visual tweaks and perhaps most exciting of all, support for Bluetooth keyboards.
- Everything you need to know about Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2
LTE and dual-SIM to choose from
The Lumia 630 had an LTE sibling, the Lumia 635. Same phone, different name. This naming confusion isn't a part of the Lumia 640 experience, as the variants have the same name. But, there's still an option to have both with LTE and an option to have then in dual-SIM form that also have LTE. Which is pretty incredible for the price point these phones are hitting.
Microsoft sells its phones in a wide variety of global markets, but not all of them want the same from their phone. The LTE versions are a little more expensive, but not vastly, and it's good to know that there's something for (mostly) everyone.
The Lumia 640 and 640 XL take a microSIM
Something that's important to know if you're buying your Lumia 640 or 640 XL to use with an existing SIM. If you currently have a nanoSIM in your phone, you'll need to use an adaptor.
But it's handy to know also if you're buying a new SIM separately to go with it. No-one likes having the wrong sized SIM card.
The battery is removable
The battery in the Lumia 640 is a decent size as it is at 2500mAh, likewise with the 3000mAh in the Lumia 640 XL. But, both also have the added bonus of being removable. You shouldn't face too much trouble getting through even a relatively strenuous day, but it's handy for some to know that you can swap it out at any time.
With the XL in particular, Microsoft is pushing as a great device for business, and in that kind of arena a battery that can churn on all day is important.
One year of Office 365 included for free
Microsoft has branched out its free Office 365 offer to encompass its 2 latest Lumia phones as well as the large number of small tablets out there. With the Lumia 640 and 640 XL you can claim one free year of Office 365 to use on your phone, a tablet and a PC or Mac. You also get 1TB of OneDrive included and a bundle of Skype calling minutes as well.
To claim it you'll need to download an app from the Windows Phone Store. Follow the link below for everything you need to know.
- How to claim your Office 365 subscription on the Lumia 640
Glance Screen
Glance Screen is one of those things that you don't miss until you don't have it anymore. Or that you looked at on other phones, longingly, wishing you had it on yours. The good news is that the Lumia 640 and 640 XL both come with Glance Screen for the display along with the floating clock and notification indicators.
Some of the highest end Lumia phones don't have Glance Screen. The Lumia 640 phones do. And that's just great.
So, those are just some quick need to know facts on the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL. For more check out the links below.
- Lumia 640 - Everything you need to know
- Lumia 640 XL - Everything you need to know
