New Microsoft Lumia 640 Vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2: Specifications, Features And Price Showdown Of Entry-Level Handsets

Microsoft's latest smartphone Lumia 640 has recently been unveiled alongside the bigger sibling Lumia 640 XL. Meanwhile, the widely popular Xiaomi Redmi 2 smartphone was released in January in selected regions. Readers who are interested in the wallet-friendly Xiaomi Redmi 2 or the latest Microsoft Lumia 640 should check out the comparison between the two impressive phones.

Lumia 640 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2: Display, Design And Size

The Microsoft Lumia 640 features an impressive 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, bundled with a killer resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The Redmi 2 handset, on the other hand, comes with a comparatively smaller 4.7-inch IPS LCD display but the screen resolution is same as the Lumia device. Hence, the pixel densities of Xiaomi and Microsoft phones stand at 312 ppi and 294 ppi, respectively. As a rule of thumb, the higher the pixel density, the handset’s screen looks sharper and clearer offering brilliant viewing experience.

When it comes to exterior, many Lumia devices are apparently starting to look similar in the design department. And the Lumia 640 is not an exception either. The device apparently comes with the same plastic chassis with vibrant colours to choose from. However, the corners of the handset are rounded and the device is slightly slippery on the hand and therefore, it may not provide the best grip, notes Tech Radar.

The Xiaomi Redmi 2, on the other hand, is the successor of the well-received Redmi 1S. Therefore, the tech giant has not changed the design element of the device. And apparently, the Redmi 2 features a matte-effect laden finish on the plastic/polycarbonate back. In any case, the phone comes with good build quality and the matte finish helps in providing comfortable grip, according to Tech2.

Speaking of size, the thickness and weight of the Redmi 2 and Lumia 640 are (0.37-inch and 133 g) and (0.35-inch and 145 g), respectively. Needless to say, the latest Lumia 640 is lighter than the Xiaomi device, whereas the Redmi 2 is thinner when compared to the Lumia phone.

Lumia 640 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2: Hardware, Software And Memory

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is powered by a 64-bit, quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 410) processor, whereas the Microsoft device settles for a relatively inferior quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 400) processor. Despite the difference, both the handsets are backed by a respectable 1 GB of RAM. However, the Redmi 2’s 16 GB variant comes with 2 GB of RAM configuration. On the software side, the Xiaomi device runs on Android v4.4.4 KitKat with MIUI 6.0 on top of it, whereas the Microsoft Lumia 640 runs on Windows Phone 8.1 bundled with Lumia Denim update.

As far as the memory configuration goes, both the budget-friendly phones come equipped with 8 GB of internal storage. However, as mentioned earlier, there’s also a 16 GB Xiaomi Redmi 2 variant. Plus, both the devices support microSD card. On the other hand, the expansion limits of the Xiaomi and Microsoft handsets stand at 32 GB and 128 GB, respectively.

Lumia 640 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2: Camera And Battery

Both the handsets sport the same 8 MP primary camera unit with LED flash. However, when it comes to secondary unit, the Lumia handset houses a 1 MP shooter, whereas the Xiaomi Redmi 2 features a 2 MP unit. Furthermore, the camera unit of the Xiaomi supports geo-tagging, touch focus, smile/face detection and HDR, whereas the Lumia 640 doesn’t. Moving on to the battery configuration, the Redmi 2 comes equipped with a Li-Po 2,200 mAh unit, whereas the Lumia 640 houses a relatively better Li-Ion 2,500 mAh unit.

Lumia 640 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2: Additional Features

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is a dual-SIM handset, whereas the Microsoft Lumia 640 is a single-SIM model, however, Tech Radar says, a dual-SIM variant will also be offered. Speaking of colour choices, the Lumia 640 comes in glossy cyan, orange, white and matte black, while the Redmi handset comes in black, white, yellow, pink and green hues. Aside from the standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microUSB port, both the handsets support LTE.

Lumia 640 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2: Price And Release Date

Speaking of the Microsoft Lumia 640 price, the device will reportedly set the buyers back by 139 euro in case of a 3G version (i.e. $156), while the LTE version will cost 159 euro (i.e. $180), reports Tech Radar. Also, the Lumia 640 release date is set for April 2015. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Redmi 2 price is pegged to be 6,999 rupees in India that roughly translates to $112, notes Tech2.

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