Earlier on today we were at the Microsoft event where Stephen Elop and co announced the Lumia 640, the 640 XL and a bluetooth keyboard that actually works with Windows Phone. At the time details about the devices were sparse. We’ve since had the official press release and a few minutes hands on with both devices. So let’s have a look at the devices.
Lumia 640
The Lumia 640 is a mid range 5″ device that is basically an updated Lumia 635 with 1GB of RAM to better cope when Windows 10 arrives. It has replaceable shells similar to the Lumia 620 and it is available in single or dual SIM and also 3G or 4G variants. the 720p display seemed really quite good and it felt really quite nice in the hand.
Specifications
Operating system
Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim
HERE location services
Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+Free HERE Transit available in the Store
Microsoft have published a video on their YouTube channel.
http://youtu.be/9aBXxSxuYx8
I got some pictures of a bright orange Lumia 640
As regards price and availability Microsoft had the following to say:
The Lumia 640 will begin a global rollout in April. Pricing will vary by market and operator, but is estimated to be around EUR 139 for the 3G model and EUR 159 for the LTE model, before taxes and subsidies.
Lumia 640 XL
The Lumia 640 XL is the larger version of the 640, it basically is the same spec as the 640, but with an improved 13MP Zeiss lense. The shell is replaceable and the 5.7″ 720p display amazingly doesn’t look as bad as you’d expect, in actual fact it is really rather nice. The feel in the hand is more angular and sharp though thanks to some nice angles on the back.
Specifications
Operating system
Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim
HERE location services
Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+Free HERE Transit available in the Store
Microsoft have a video for the Lumia 640 XL as well:
http://youtu.be/GTARu0YOl-E
I got some hands on time with the Lumia 640 XL as well:
As regards price and availability they have said the following:
Lumia 640 XL will also be available as a single-SIM 3G variant. Pricing will vary by market and operator; Lumia 640 is estimated to be around 139 euros for the 3G model and 159 euros for the LTE model, before taxes and subsidies. Lumia 640 XL will be around 189 euros for 3G and 219 euros for LTE, before taxes and subsidies.
Microsoft also announced a bluetooth keyboard that will work with Windows Phone which is a first, whether this is going to be a Windows 10 thing or not remains to be seen. It folds in half, it works with any OS and it feels really quite nice to type on. Anyhow here are some shots of it.
Overall it was a shame not to see a new flagship from Microsoft, it would have been an ideal time to announce a new flagship……… Although saying that these two new phones should capture the imagination of new users wanting something a little unique.
Microsoft Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL: keeping you prepared for anything
LONDON, UK — March 2, 2015 — Today at Mobile World Congress 2015, Microsoft Corp. introduced Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, two new smartphones that give people greater flexibility and freedom to choose when and where they get things done. Both phones are upgradeable to Windows 10, which offers more personal computing and greater productivity, and will be available later this year.
In a competitive marketplace, Microsoft continues to deliver innovative smartphone experiences at all price points. Both devices offer the seamless integration of hardware essentials — with a choice of screen sizes and camera capabilities — and Microsoft services to offer incredible productivity with affordability. With Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, people are prepared for anything — for work, at home and on the go:
Smoothly and quickly access important documents or run popular websites, apps and games thanks to the onboard 1 GB of memory and powerful Qualcomm ® Snapdragon ™ processor featuring quad-core CPU running at 1.2GHz.
Enjoy photos and videos on a crisp high-definition (HD) display — either 5 inches on Lumia 640 or 5.7 inches on Lumia 640 XL.
Power through the day with battery to spare with a long-lasting battery — 2500 mAh for Lumia 640 and 3000 mAh for Lumia 640 XL.
Capture detail-rich photos even in low light with the 8MP camera on Lumia 640 or 13MP ZEISS optics on Lumia 640 XL. Both feature LED flash, a front-facing camera for Skype video calling, and Lumia Camera software right out of the box.
Enjoy the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1 and the Lumia Denim update, complete with one-swipe Action Center, Word Flow and Live Folders. People can also upgrade Lumia 640 and 640 XL to Windows 10 and enjoy its benefits as it becomes available later this year.
Have the best of both worlds with LTE support available on dual-SIM models for the first time. In addition, all dual-SIM models will feature Smart Dual SIM to help ensure people never miss a call.
Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL customers will be able to access new Windows 10 features and innovation through the Windows Insider Program, as well as upgrade to Windows 10 later this year. Key features and improvements of Windows 10 include new universal apps such as Office, Mail and Calendar, and Photos; Internet Protocol-based messaging from Skype and others integrated directly into the messaging experience; an entirely new browsing experience with the new Project Spartan browser; and extended integration of the Cortana personal assistant.
Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL also come with a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, which includes the latest Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote) on the Lumia as well as on one PC or Mac and one tablet, plus 1TB of OneDrive storage, and 60 free minutes of Skype Unlimited Worldwide calling per month.**
“Our newest Lumia devices build on our momentum in the affordable smartphones space,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice president for Phones at Microsoft. “With the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, we continue to make innovation accessible to more people. We have packaged competitive hardware with innovative Windows software and Microsoft services to help you achieve more, wherever and whenever you want.”
Lumia 640 XL will begin rolling out globally in March and will be available in matte cyan, orange and black, as well as both matte and glossy white. Lumia 640 will be available starting in April and will be available in glossy cyan, orange and white, as well as matte black. Both Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL will be available in single-SIM and dual-SIM LTE and dual-SIM 3G variants. Lumia 640 XL will also be available as a single-SIM 3G variant. Pricing will vary by market and operator; Lumia 640 is estimated to be around 139 euros for the 3G model and 159 euros for the LTE model, before taxes and subsidies. Lumia 640 XL will be around 189 euros for 3G and 219 euros for LTE, before taxes and subsidies.
