Mid this year, Microsoft released the Microsoft Lumia 640XL together with the Lumia 540 and 430 Dual SIM in Uganda after releasing the devices in Kenya and South Africa.
The Microsoft Lumia 640XL comes in different variants; Single SIM, Dual-SIM, 3G and 4G LTE models. The one we’ve been playing with for over a month now is the dual-SIM 3G version.
Summary
The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is definitely a beauty. If you are the kind that likes big screens, then this 5.7″ screen smartphone with an IPS LCD capacitive display with a 259 ppi pixel density is your best friend. The Lumia 640XL ships with Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim but it’s up-gradable to Windows Phone 10, the next mobile OS from Microsoft. In summary, here’s what we liked and what we didn’t like about the Lumia 640XL.
What we liked
- Stunning screen display
- Programmable navigation buttons
- 30GB of free online cloud storage
- Camera that shoots in full HD
- Host of useful productivity Apps
- OTA Updates
What we didn’t like
- Host of pre-installed Apps NOT useful in Africa
- Not enough App options compared to other platforms like Android
- Multimedia experience still lacking
The Unboxing
The Microsoft Lumia 640XL comes in a white, thin and minimalist box compared to the previous version of Microsoft or Nokia Lumias we’ve seen. This box is a lot thinner but slightly larger than the phone itself.
Inside the box, you’ll find the phone itself, a pair of earphones and a phone charger. Once again, we don’t like Microsoft Lumia smartphone chargers since they don’t have detachable Micro-USB cables. Microsoft insists on making the cable and charging head one instead of separating the two, giving you the flexibility to charge the phone using your PC or power socket.
Lumia 640XL Full Specifications
Release Date: Match 2015 Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim (upgradeable to Windows Phone 10) Dual SIM : YES (Micro SIM) 4G: NO (there are models that come with 4G LTE) 3G: YES (HSPA 42mpbs) Display: 5.7 inches, IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Dimensions: 157.9 x 81.5 x 9 mm (6.22 x 3.21 x 0.35 in) Battery: Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery removable battery Processor: Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7,Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400, Adreno 302 GPU Camera: 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, LED flash, 5 MP, 1080p front-facing camera Memory: 8 GB ROM, 1 GB RAM, microSD, up to 128 GB + 30GB OneDRIVE free cloud storage Features: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot Bluetooth v4.0, A2DP microUSB v2.0 FM Radio GPS with with A-GPS, GLONASS Colors : Orange, white, black, gray, blue
#2. Features and functionality
What’s new
From our last review of the Microsoft Lumia 435 , Microsoft has added a few features to their smartphones. Specifically, unlike previous versions of Lumias, the new smartphones come with programmable navigation buttons similar to what you would find on Google Nexus or other Stock Android devices. Now some people like programmable buttons while others don’t. I personally don’t mind them since the functionality of the phone can easily be changed via software updates.
Also we notice gesture controls on the latest Microsoft Lumias. For instance to unlock your phone, you can simply double tap on the screen rather than using the power button to wake the device from sleep. This is totally cool for some of us who don’t like tapping hard buttons all the time. You can also lock the phone by double tapping on the navigation buttons.
Lumia users can also now enjoy folders. Yeah, we know this is so yesterday for Android and iOS users. But Microsoft Windows Phone OS has been known to be slowly trailing behind the main Operating systems.
Finally, the much-needed File manager called “Files” is here. Now it comes with some other devices as a pre-installed App while for this particular phone, you have to separately install it from the windows store.
Otherwise, aside from the new stuff, Microsoft Lumia 640XL does pretty much what today’s smartphone is expected to do. The smartphone is capable of Internet sharing, Screen mirroring, comes with productivity Apps such as MS Office, Texting and Email, Calendar, Web browsing, Voice assistant, File manager, Maps among others.
What we didn’t like is that phone comes with a host of Apps that aren’t contextualized for the African or Ugandan market. We are talking about apps like Mix Radio, Food and Drink, Health and Fitness, Games, Travel, Sports, Money, Wallet and Weather. Other apps like Gaana, Olacabs, Paytm, Star sports, Snapdeal seemed to be famous in India but not useful in Uganda. These take a lot of your smartphone memory which you could have used for something else. Fortunately, we could uninstall some of them.
#3. Performance and connectivity
Performance-wise, the Microsoft Lumia 640XL stunned us. It’s crisp HD display ensures that you are viewing photos in the highest resolution, watching videos and reading web page with the most crystal-clear display on a smartphone thanks to its 259 ppi screen.
When we played some games with the Microsoft Lumia 640XL, which is a good performance test for smartphones, the 640XL stood the test. We are were able to play Temple Run 2 with a fluid and seamless experience that can make your friends jealous of your phone. That’s partly because of the Quad-core processors and the Adreno 305 GPU.
When it comes to connectivity, the Microsoft Lumia 640XL is a 3G device. It also comes with NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n which is DLNA compatible, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS. Nothing out of the ordinary. If you want 4G LTE (which you should), there’s a version that supports 4G in the market as well.
#4. Camera and Multimedia
File Manager made things a bit easy: Now we have always had a big problem (and we still do) with Microsoft Lumia devices when it comes to working with multimedia. The latest Microsoft Lumia comes with Xbox Music, Xbox games and Xbox Video to handle your entertainment center. Unfortunately these platforms don’t give you enough freedom and flexibility to enjoy your multimedia content compared to Android for instance.
Xbox Music App give you the option of adding your music from your computer. But you need Windows Media player to correctly sync your music files with your smartphone. That’s a lot of cables and geeking. Otherwise, you have to signup for an account with Xbox music and perhaps buy or stream music online — which in Africa is just not feasible.
However, with the new “Files” app which is a file manager created by Microsoft itself you can browse your music collection added via USB cable from your PC or from your SD Card. However, the experience isn’t fluid. When we for instance played a file using the Files manager, the music instantly stopped as soon as we navigated away from the player. That’s just lame.
Camera shoots in Full HD with DSLR capabilities: Now we definitely like the Microsoft Lumia 640XL camera. First, it shoots in 1080p which is Full HD. You can view your photos on High resolution screens such as your home smart TV which we promise you will impress your friends.
With a rear 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics camera with autofocus and LED flash, you can do a lot with the Microsoft Lumia 640XL camera especially if you are an enthusiast. You can adjust pro settings such as ISO, White Balance, Aperture instead of shooting in auto.
But if you simply into selfies, then you can wow your friends with the Microsoft Lumia 640XL 5MP front-facing camera. Just like the rear camera, the front cam also shoots in 1080p. But that’s not where the magic is. Microsoft got something right about their front camera. They call it the “Lumia Selfie”. This camera app utilizes the front camera and software to deliver awesome selfies by auto enhancing the image to give your selfies a boost. We are sure selfie lovers would find this amazing.
Microsoft added the Lumia Creative Studio and storyteller to help edit and share your photos better. We played around and had a lot of fun editing photos using the creative studio. Another plus is that with the Lumia 640XL comes 30GB of OneDrive storage to keep all your precious memories in the cloud.
#5. Battery
The Microsoft Lumia 640XL battery isn’t exempt from smartphone battery issues. We were able to squeeze about 8 hours while doing basic things like making a few calls, checking email every now and then and may be a little bit of social media. However, if you are constantly surfing on 3G, tweeting and Facebooking, then be assured of 5 hours max.
#6. Price and availability
The Microsoft Lumia 640XL is available in Uganda at retail price of Ugx 850,000. But this price varies from one vendor to another. You can buy the Microsoft Lumia 640XL from MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Jumia Uganda, Simba telecom and Midcom at about that price.
Dignited Rating
4.1/5
Microsoft Lumia 640XL Image gallery
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David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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