Microsoft

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL: Pros and Cons

Microsoft Windows 10
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994
Adreno 430
3 GB / 32 GB
5.7 inch (1440 x 2560 px)
20 MP, 4992 х 3744 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Microsoft announced the launch of the Lumia 950 XL smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.7 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 SoC, and 3 GB of RAM. The Lumia 950 XL comes with Microsoft Windows 10 pre-installed. The smartphone features a high-end AMOLED screen. They offer a wide range of colors. This allows for more accurate and vivid color. This phone has only one rear-camera (20 MP, 4992 х 3744 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL / 1

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL specifications

BrandMicrosoft
NameLumia 950 XL
ModelL950XL
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.82 oz
Dimensions5.98 x 3.09 x 0.32 inch
Colorsblack, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionMicrosoft Windows 10
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A57
GPUAdreno 430

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL comes with Microsoft Windows 10 out of the box. This octa-core CPU consists: Octa-core, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A57. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5.7 inch
Resolution1440 x 2560 px
Multitouch supportyes

The Lumia 950 XL's AMOLED display has deep blacks and vibrant colors. It also has fast response times and features like Always-On Display. The 5.7 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM3 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Lumia 950 XL has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage of the Lumia 950 XL (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera20 MP, 4992 х 3744 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Lumia 950 XL offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Lumia 950 XL supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Lumia 950 XL smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Lumia 950 XL has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Lumia 950 XL comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3340 mAh

The Li-Ion 3340 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity, sensor core
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Microsoft phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • AMOLED display
  • microSD slot
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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