Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM was introduced in the market as one of the flagship models from Microsoft, aiming to revitalize the Windows Phone platform. Released in December 2015, after being announced in October of the same year, this device came with a range of features that made it appealing to both the tech enthusiast and the average consumer seeking efficiency in a smartphone device.

Design and Build Quality

The Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM features a sleek, professional design with dimensions of 151.9 x 78.4 x 8.1 mm and weighs 165 grams. The build quality is robust, featuring a plastic back that is detachable, allowing easy access to the battery and SIM card slots. The device sports a dual SIM feature with both slots supporting Nano-SIM with dual stand-by functionality, making it convenient for users who need to separate personal and professional communications.

Display

The device is equipped with a 5.7-inch AMOLED screen, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that enhance the viewing experience. The screen resolution stands at 1440 x 2560 pixels, providing sharp and clear visuals with a pixel density of approximately 515 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is about 75.2%, giving the device a sleek appearance. To protect against scratches and damage, the display is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 4.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset, the Lumia 950 XL ensures a smooth user experience with its Octa-core CPU comprising of four 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 2.0 GHz Cortex-A57 cores. It also includes an Adreno 430 GPU, supporting high-quality graphics and demanding applications. The device runs on Microsoft Windows 10, providing seamless integration with Microsoft services and productivity tools.

Memory and Storage

The Lumia 950 XL comes with 3GB of RAM, delivering adequate performance for multitasking and running applications. It offers 32GB of internal storage, suitable for most users' needs, and is expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to augment storage as required to store additional apps, photos, and files.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The rear camera is one of the standout features of this device. The 20 MP camera is complemented by f/1.9 aperture, dual-LED RGB flash, and Zeiss optics for enhanced photo quality. It also includes features such as panorama and HDR for creating professional-grade images. The camera allows for 4K video recording at 30fps, along with stereo sound recording, ensuring high-quality video capture.

Selfie Camera

The front camera offers a 5 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, suitable for high-quality selfies and video calls. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring your video calls and vlogs are clear and smooth.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 3340 mAh battery, which is sufficient to last through a busy day. It offers up to 25 hours of talk time on 2G networks and up to 19 hours on 3G networks. For music enthusiasts, the device provides up to 75 hours of continuous music play. The Lumia 950 XL supports 18W wired fast charging, and some markets offer wireless charging using Qi technology, providing flexible charging options.

Connectivity and Extras

The Lumia 950 XL ensures excellent connectivity features, supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP. Positioning services include GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, providing accurate location data for travelers. NFC is supported, allowing for convenient mobile payments and connections. The phone also includes an FM radio and is equipped with a USB Type-C 3.1 port for fast data transfer and charging.

Sensors and Security

The device boasts a range of sensors including an iris scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and sensor core, ensuring enhanced security and functionality for users. The iris scanner, in particular, enables secure authentication, complementing the security features within Windows 10.

Audio and Multmedia

Audio quality is a notable feature of the Lumia 950 XL, with clear and high-fidelity sound quality facilitated by the 3.5mm headphone jack. The loudspeaker offers decent audio output for calls and media consumption. It's engineered to provide a balanced sound experience for everyday use.

Market Position and Conclusion

Available at an approximate price of 350 EUR, the Lumia 950 XL was positioned as a mid-range device upon its release, appealing primarily to productivity-focused users and fans of the Windows ecosystem. Although the device has been discontinued, its features and capabilities still make it a notable model in the history of smartphones, showcasing Microsoft's ambition in integrating hardware with its software excellence.