Microsoft Lumia 950 XL The Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices and Features

Design and Build Quality

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL boasts a sleek design typical of the Lumia series, exhibiting a modern aesthetic appeal. The device measures 151.9 x 78.4 x 8.1 mm and weighs 165 grams, making it comfortably light and easy to handle. Equipped with a polycarbonate back, the phone is available in minimalist black and white options. The build quality is robust, featuring a removable back cover, which facilitates easy battery, SIM, and SD card access. This design choice enhances usability, catering to users who prioritize flexibility and ease of maintenance in their mobile devices.

Display

The Lumia 950 XL’s display is one of its standout features. It sports a 5.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The display delivers a pixel density of approximately 518 ppi, ensuring crisp and clear visuals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which provides resistance against scratches and accidental drops. The AMOLED technology enhances performance in direct sunlight, maintaining visibility and ease of use under various lighting conditions.

Camera Capabilities

The device is equipped with a powerful 20 MP primary camera featuring Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization (OIS), autofocus, and a triple-LED RGB flash. These features contribute to excellent photography abilities, with vibrant colors and detailed images. The camera supports 4K video recording, enhancing the appeal for videographers and enthusiasts who desire high-resolution video capture. Additionally, the device includes a 5 MP front-facing camera for selfies, capable of recording videos in 1080p at 30fps.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Lumia 950 XL is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 430 GPU. This configuration ensures robust performance capable of handling multitasking and demanding applications. The device is paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC card support. The Lumia 950 XL operates on Microsoft Windows 10, providing a seamless integration with Windows ecosystem services, enabling productivity features geared towards business users.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable 3340 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering substantial battery life to last through a day’s typical use. It supports 18W wired charging, presenting quick recharging capabilities, and wireless charging contingent on market availability. With an endurance rating of 62 hours, the Lumia 950 XL ensures prolonged usage with efficient power management.

Connectivity Options

The Lumia 950 XL provides comprehensive connectivity options. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, offering versatility in various network environments. Other connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NFC, FM radio, and a USB Type-C 3.1 port, enabling fast data transfer and varied connectivity solutions.

Additional Features

This Lumia device includes a range of sensors such as an iris scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and sensor core. These sensors enhance user interaction through features like Windows Hello for secure, password-free login using biometric authentication.

Audio and Sound Quality

The device offers satisfactory audio performance with a loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio connections. The speaker outputs decent quality with voice levels at 74dB, noise at 75dB, and ring at 84dB, ensuring clear audio output for calls and media consumption.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL represents a significant endeavor into the high-end smartphone market with a Windows Mobile operating system. Despite being discontinued, its well-rounded features, robust camera capabilities, and integration with the Windows ecosystem made it a considerable option for users seeking productivity-focused smartphones. Although outpaced by modern standards, it remains a testament to Microsoft’s push into mobile from a prior era.