Lumia 640 arrived

[Bradtech519]

I have a Galaxy S6 Active, and work iphone 5s. I had contemplated selling my S6 Active. Prior to that I was a Windows Mobile/Phone user for years. Had a bad experience and jumped ship. Thought I'd see how the platform has matured app wise since I gave up. Initial impressions is that this is a lot of phone for $39.99 hardware wise. Snapdragon 400 and 1 GB of RAM isn't great but it sips on the large removable battery. Screen is better than my 5s, camera isn't that good at all but once again $39.99. It is running Windows Phone 8.1 update 2. I'm not going to do Windows 10 Mobile for a while and let them work out the bugs. Apps that are missing that I use on a regular basis are fishbrain, amazon music, Dishanywhere, and a working Waze app. I've found a substitute to Waze I believe. I can also "preload" music from youtube through metrotrube or use Mix Radio. A lot of apps that weren't there when I last used the phone are there now. Life360 family locator, Slotomania. Overall I am impressed with what I got for the price, and was surprised that some of the apps have started to show up. I doubt most of the ones I mentioned will ever come though. This would be a good replacement for someone running a Lumia 520 like my dad.

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[RossMAN]

I need a Nokia Lumia 640 and $30 - $40 would be perfect, where did you buy it from?

 

[stlc8tr]

I don't think it's available anymore for that price. Best Buy had the AT&T GoPhone for $30 on Black Friday. The Microsoft Store had it for $40. It's $60 now at both. I don't think anyone carries the TMobile version anymore.

 

[RossMAN]

Thanks, guess I'll wait or search eBay/FSFT here.

 

[KeithP]

I few weeks ago I was looking for a replacement for my iPod shuffle. I happen to see a deal on the Lumia 640 Gophone at Best Buy for $60 so I figured that would work and I bought it.

After using a few weeks I have come to the conclusion that it is a great phone. Granted, it wasn't originally targeted for the sub $100 market. I think the sales currently happening are designed to clear out old stock. But it seems to be a better phone than my Moto G 2014.

Windows Phone 8.1 took a little getting used to but I like it as well. I really hope Windows Phone 10 eventually helps the app situation on Windows Phone because from my experience, it is every bit as good as Android or iOS if not better.

Thanks, guess I'll wait or search eBay/FSFT here.

I think a lot of people jumped on the BB $30 deal (I got 2 myself) and the $40 MS deal. You will probably see a lot of them pop for sale online from people looking to make a quick buck.


Here is a reddit post on getting the phone unlocked. It is important to pull out the SIM card before you power it up for the first time...follow instructions carefully:

https://www.reddit.com/r/windowspho..._to_unlock_your_att_lumia_640_gophone_united/

I see Frys has it on sale (today only) for $43/free shipping. However you need to sign up for their promo code email.
http://images.frys.com/art/email/120315_thu210sde_2/thu_web.html?site=cemail120315#set4

-KeithP

 

[tsupersonic]

I got mine for $19 on Black Friday. Excellent hardware for $19. However, the software is still bad. As an previous owner of a WP7 device, I'm disappointed to see so little change. The platform doesn't work with my work email, and the app gap is a serious problem.

 

[Teabaghead]

640 has been awesome for me. Everything works 100%

 

[RossMAN]

KeithP - thank you so much for the frys heads up and generous offer. Feel free to give away your code because I'm already subscribed and have a few codes.

If anyone wants a frys promo code please check my profile and email me. I won't be able to read or respond to my PMs until tonight, so again email me.

 

[Bradtech519]

I got mine for $19 on Black Friday. Excellent hardware for $19. However, the software is still bad. As an previous owner of a WP7 device, I'm disappointed to see so little change. The platform doesn't work with my work email, and the app gap is a serious problem.

yeah it is painful coming from ios or android. I kind of started out the other way. I had Windows Mobile 6.x and then went to WP7 and subsequent versions like 8/8.1. I then jumped to ios, and then android. Now I'm jumping back in and it is painful. The obvious thing is apps load slow which is to be expected going from an Exynos 7420 to snapdragon 400. So that isn't really a negative to me I expected it. There are some apps you can tell aren't ever getting updated again. Linkedin is pretty much dead. Facebook messenger is missing features. Waze is dead, and doesn't work. I don't see tweetcaster anymore so I'm using Peregrine.

I do like the podcast lounge app. It was worth $2.99 for me because I listen to premium podcasts that require authenication. For the life of me I don't get why they haven't integrated the flashlight with the action bar. I read they might be doing that with Windows 10 Mobile. I'll be honest, and say I think removing builtin messaging capabilities with facebook was not good along with killing some options in the People Hub. They seem to be forcing people to the Facebook apps and away from OS integration. I recall some problems between microsoft and facebook on Windows Phone 7 where People Hub and messaging capabilities got broke. They may not want to deal with facebook changing code on them. Overall I do things have improved in some areas but degenerated in others. I'd like to have at least a snapdragon 800/801 though but you can't complain for the price with the hardware you get for 19-39 bucks. I am eying the HTC One M8 with Windows but if I'm paying 100+ I might as well grab the android version.

 

[leilah]

haven't tried a windows phone or that sort.how does it goes compared to android & ios?

 

[Bradtech519]

haven't tried a windows phone or that sort.how does it goes compared to android & ios?

Operating System UI is based around live tiles. Displays changing information kind of like a hybrid between a widget & static app icon. If you have seen live tiles in windows 8/8.1/10 you get the idea. App ecosystem is not at the level of ios or android. Some of the 3rd party apps I actually prefer over the native ones on ios or android but that isn't the norm. Some of the native apps rarely get updated. It is something I would recommend someone try before getting rid of their Android or iPhone to see if they can deal with it.

 

[glenn1]

yeah it is painful coming from ios or android. I kind of started out the other way. I had Windows Mobile 6.x and then went to WP7 and subsequent versions like 8/8.1. I then jumped to ios, and then android. Now I'm jumping back in and it is painful. The obvious thing is apps load slow which is to be expected going from an Exynos 7420 to snapdragon 400. So that isn't really a negative to me I expected it. There are some apps you can tell aren't ever getting updated again. Linkedin is pretty much dead. Facebook messenger is missing features. Waze is dead, and doesn't work. I don't see tweetcaster anymore so I'm using Peregrine.

I do like the podcast lounge app. It was worth $2.99 for me because I listen to premium podcasts that require authenication. For the life of me I don't get why they haven't integrated the flashlight with the action bar. I read they might be doing that with Windows 10 Mobile. I'll be honest, and say I think removing builtin messaging capabilities with facebook was not good along with killing some options in the People Hub. They seem to be forcing people to the Facebook apps and away from OS integration. I recall some problems between microsoft and facebook on Windows Phone 7 where People Hub and messaging capabilities got broke. They may not want to deal with facebook changing code on them. Overall I do things have improved in some areas but degenerated in others. I'd like to have at least a snapdragon 800/801 though but you can't complain for the price with the hardware you get for 19-39 bucks. I am eying the HTC One M8 with Windows but if I'm paying 100+ I might as well grab the android version.

I just got mine yesterday and can confirm the bolded. Hope the UX design starts making quantum leaps in the next few hours else I'm not going to keep it. And whoever decided to put the power button dead center of the right side deserves to be fed into a wood chipper.

Edit: What are other Lumia owners using for a browser? Opera Mini? UC Browser? Had good luck in days past with the desktop version of Opera so thinking to start there but open to options.

 

[Deeko]

I just got mine yesterday and can confirm the bolded. Hope the UX design starts making quantum leaps in the next few hours else I'm not going to keep it. And whoever decided to put the power button dead center of the right side deserves to be fed into a wood chipper.

Edit: What are other Lumia owners using for a browser? Opera Mini? UC Browser? Had good luck in days past with the desktop version of Opera so thinking to start there but open to options.

Where would you prefer the power button? The top is a terrible, terrible place for a power button, especially with big phones - impossible to reach with one hand. I much prefer it to be the middle of the right side over every other option.

I just use IE/Edge as a browser.

 

[glenn1]

Where would you prefer the power button? The top is a terrible, terrible place for a power button, especially with big phones - impossible to reach with one hand. I much prefer it to be the middle of the right side over every other option.

I just use IE/Edge as a browser.

Upper right hand side so I can push with my left hand index finger when holding the phone in its natural position with the volume rocker on the upper left to be operated by my thumb. Just like the iPhone 6, Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S3 and every other phone I think I've owned. I guess if you hold the phone with the top half of it sticking up above the upper edge of your hand you might prefer it mid-body.

 

[Deeko]

Upper right hand side so I can push with my left hand index finger when holding the phone in its natural position with the volume rocker on the upper left to be operated by my thumb. Just like the iPhone 6, Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S3 and every other phone I think I've owned. I guess if you hold the phone with the top half of it sticking up above the upper edge of your hand you might prefer it mid-body.

I hold the phone with my right hand and the middle button is exactly where my thumb goes. Samsung and the iPhone use the configuration you suggest (and we all know where Samsung gets its inspiration ), but almost every other phone I've owned has the power button on the right side in the middle or on the top. And the top is the worst.

 

[phantom404]

Windows 10 mobile makes a lot of difference. You should be able to download the insider app and then update to the preview version of win 10 mobile. Not sure how it would run on the 640 though. These were taken from my 950. They did add the flash light in the action bar along with alot of others. It shows 1 row or can be expanded like the screen shot shows. You can also reply directly from notifications. Also facebook its still someone integrated in that it will sync with your contacts, change their profile pic and also shows up in the people hub in which you can swipe over to the "Whats new tab" to see your facebook feed. If you click on to reply or anything it opens the app. Also instead of facebook they integrated skype in their messaging app. You can send a text message or skype message, flipping back and forth between the 2. Can also use it to make skype calls.

 

[thebestMAX]

Bought my 640 for $60 to replace my 635 that I loved and then a few days later it was $40, grrrr but not a disaster.

Havent started to use it yet as the 635 is working perfectly and Im hoping the settings for the 640 will also. Waiting for windows 10 to be available, might be by now.

Very happy with the windows operating system on phones and Im no windows fanboy. Bought the 640 because windows 10 will be available for it but not for the 635. A few other benefits like a larger screen and better camera are nice also.

These phones are a huge bargain unless you cant live without certain unavailable apps.

 

[glenn1]

I hold the phone with my right hand and the middle button is exactly where my thumb goes. Samsung and the iPhone use the configuration you suggest (and we all know where Samsung gets its inspiration ), but almost every other phone I've owned has the power button on the right side in the middle or on the top. And the top is the worst.

Debatable if the top side like the older iPhones or on the back like the LG Gx series is worse, but the worst of the worst is top side and flush with the casing like on the Amazon Kindles.

 

[Deeko]

Bought my 640 for $60 to replace my 635 that I loved and then a few days later it was $40, grrrr but not a disaster.

Havent started to use it yet as the 635 is working perfectly and Im hoping the settings for the 640 will also. Waiting for windows 10 to be available, might be by now.

Very happy with the windows operating system on phones and Im no windows fanboy. Bought the 640 because windows 10 will be available for it but not for the 635. A few other benefits like a larger screen and better camera are nice also.

These phones are a huge bargain unless you cant live without certain unavailable apps.

I have a 635 and a 640 for development purposes - I can attest while both were a good value at $30, the 640 is definitely a huge improvement over the 635. Much better performance, much better screen. Having 1 GB of RAM (vs the 635's 512 MB) makes a HUGE difference in Windows Phone.

 

[sobr0801]

I have a 635 and a 640 for development purposes - I can attest while both were a good value at $30, the 640 is definitely a huge improvement over the 635. Much better performance, much better screen. Having 1 GB of RAM (vs the 635's 512 MB) makes a HUGE difference in Windows Phone.

My kids a 640 and a 635. It's no contest between the two.640 blows the 635 out of water.

 

[Gunbuster]

Bumping up. The ATT 640 has been on and off sale for $30 lately. You can now de-brand it and flash to other ROMS (Like T-Mobile)

http://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-phone-8/general/brand-att-lumia-640-lte-t3294971

 

[nerp]

Good phone. Been using it for some time. Bought an iPhone 6s though. The App gap in W10 mobile is killing me.

 

[desura]

I really feel like windows phone hasn't really evolved much over the past two to three years. There are definitely ways that it could have evolved so that it was at least on-par with the iPhone-- gapless music playback, browser HTML5 support for video (much works on the iphone but not the windows phone), just getting a proper youtube and gmail client would have been huge and would have been worth MS donating engineering talent to get done.

But yeah, using windows phone today is exactly like windows phone back then. Meanwhile, Android and iPhone are very different.

 

[quikah]

...just getting a proper youtube and gmail client would have been huge and would have been worth MS donating engineering talent to get done.

MS made a youtube app ~2 yrs ago, but Google forced them to remove it.

 

[phantom404]

Just received mine from Wal-Mart last week. Got it on sale for 29.99. For such little hardware this thing zips on windows 10 mobile.