Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review: The Master Chief

07 December, 2015
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, the long-awaited comeback of the Windows phone phablet, is eagerly anticipated by every fan of the brand. It makes use of one of the best hardware around and it’s the perfect demo platform for all newly introduced Windows 10 Mobile features.

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  • AnonD-362866
  • NHU
  • 09 Dec 2015

yann, 09 Dec 2015I know a lot European countries that can afford Mac, but th... moreExactly there are more people on earth with less money you know. You know why So many use Microsoft PC's? Because it is basically the Android of the desktop world. Easily accessible to those who don't have the cash to shell out on a fleet of Mac's, not to mention the cost of the enterprise software required per company, also repairing is much more viable on a Microsoft PC, it makes financial sense for most companies. They get the functionality they need for cheap. Were they able to afford it, they would definitely go mac, but they cant so they settle for what they can get. Funny thing is, the upper echelons of these companies DO use mac, it's only the lower level employees who use Microsoft windows.

    • y
    • yann
    • pct
    • 09 Dec 2015

    AnonD-362866, 09 Dec 2015Don't you know microsoft is huge in india and other develop... moreI know a lot European countries that can afford Mac, but they do not use it.
    Like Germany, France, Italy, Spain etc...
    It is not a matter of money, but functionality over price. Every company is fighting for profit. In that point of view - Mac is not very welcome in Europe.
    As far as I know, only US market have big Mac share.
    In fact more than 85% all over the world using PC, not Mac.

      • D
      • AnonD-362866
      • NHU
      • 09 Dec 2015

      AnonD-467404, 09 Dec 2015from which country you are ?. in india we have all those ap... moreDon't you know microsoft is huge in india and other developing countries? Like 99% of all your countires companies use Microsoft PC's because they simply cannot afford to go Mac lol. They would be stupid not to support you guys.

        • D
        • AnonD-467404
        • rAM
        • 09 Dec 2015

        AnonD-459976, 09 Dec 2015not really , the Apps that are Missing are the commercial o... morefrom which country you are ?. in india we have all those apps in wp. banking ,ticket booking,shopping and other commercial apps. may be because ios is not that popular as windows here.

          • d
          • darkich
          • gIQ
          • 09 Dec 2015

          Continuum looks like an ultimate useless gimmick.

          Watch how a 3 year old Android, connected to the external screen and peripherals, humiliates it in terms of multitasking and overall capabilities! Everything works, even the games:

          https://youtu.be/9nh2NSLgaII

            • D
            • AnonD-73651
            • pKb
            • 09 Dec 2015

            I looked at this phone online last night. I'm with O2 and they don't sell it yet, so I looked at the MS site. They have a link to offers and you can get this for free (On O2!) with 3gb data and unltd calls/texts for £31 a month. Half the price of some other makes. https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/mobile/phone/lumia950-xl/offers/?obc=monthly_cost&opp=10#filter-container

              • s
              • samir sha
              • w43
              • 09 Dec 2015

              superb

                • D
                • AnonD-383187
                • 4DI
                • 09 Dec 2015

                Anonymous, 08 Dec 2015Battery score for me is just average but it is removable so... moreI use Foxit Reader for PDF. Windows 10 mobile has superior YouTube apps. Tubecast, MyTube, and Metrotube.

                  • D
                  • AnonD-467404
                  • YTY
                  • 09 Dec 2015

                  yann, 08 Dec 2015Dude, my old year and half back Nokia 930 have 4 mics with ... moreif it was apple you would have said how fantastic. but when Microsoft is first to bring you say " how dump.".

                    • M
                    • Milo
                    • tCQ
                    • 09 Dec 2015

                    yann, 08 Dec 2015This cycle is more like spiral.. They can escape if make p... moreIt's hard for MS to sell more pirated multimedia capacity, self-promotion capabilities, school-ruining gaming variety, and NSA paranoia when the Koreans and the Japanese and the Apples have got a lot of that.

                    I think it has to fight on the OS front, too. It's not any easier, though. So yeah MS is stuck between a rock and a hard place - they need to become Superman.

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                      • AnonD-459976
                      • LbH
                      • 09 Dec 2015

                      Macieyla, 08 Dec 2015Haha expensive at launch!? Its tooooooooo much expensive! T... moreI agree ,

                      the 950 XL should be $500 and the 950 $400

                        • D
                        • AnonD-459976
                        • LbH
                        • 09 Dec 2015

                        not really , the Apps that are Missing are the commercial ones Banks , Supermarkets , Shops , Train stations services , booking services , that companies only code for IOS and Android .

                        you ask them about WP version and they say : sorry we dont have it.

                          • N
                          • NechPech
                          • 9LB
                          • 09 Dec 2015

                          AnonD-474053, 08 Dec 2015Nokia always (now Microsoft) has had the best camera phones... moreTrue that.
                          Tried all brands and OS'.
                          Prefer Windows. Has the buttery smoothness of iOS with the non-restrictiveness of Android.
                          Essential productiveity apps are on WP.
                          Others (time wasting games, etc) aren't. No biggie.
                          Cant wait for my Lumia 950XL

                            • ?
                            • Anonymous
                            • uS$
                            • 08 Dec 2015

                            Having just viewed its photo and video samples, I am officially impressed judging by them alone. Now, I wonder how DxO would rate any of the 950 duo

                              • M
                              • Macieyla
                              • pm1
                              • 08 Dec 2015

                              Haha expensive at launch!? Its tooooooooo much expensive! They are stupid as hell!!!! Microsoft make up your mind!

                                • y
                                • yann
                                • gxF
                                • 08 Dec 2015

                                AnonD-474053, 08 Dec 2015Nokia always (now Microsoft) has had the best camera phones... moreDude, my old year and half back Nokia 930 have 4 mics with rich capture.
                                So this isn't something new.
                                IRIS scanner is useless compared to fingerprint. Everyone looks stupid staring at his phone like dumb dude.

                                  • M
                                  • MG
                                  • gJr
                                  • 08 Dec 2015

                                  why the lack of custom contact field IS NOT mentioned in the review under the telephony department? It is a MAJOR drawback for a lot of people!

                                    • y
                                    • yann
                                    • gxF
                                    • 08 Dec 2015

                                    Anonymous, 08 Dec 2015So MS is stuck in a vicious positive feedback cycle? Bad... moreThis cycle is more like spiral..
                                    They can escape if make phone with inspiring design and look.
                                    That means metal or glass or combination of polycarbonate with metal, but must be inspiration for the consumers. Also good feature set: sd card slot, fingerprint beauty display and nice battery life, combinet with strong camera performance. IMO they can sacrifice wireless charging and replaceable battery. Who need second battery exept hard fans? MS need masses with money. That mean fashion and that mean DESIGN. And marketing of course.
                                    No easy. With 950's became even harder.

                                      • D
                                      • AnonD-474053
                                      • L5I
                                      • 08 Dec 2015

                                      Nokia always (now Microsoft) has had the best camera phones, network coverage and resistance. Now, continue with these characteristics but improved, simplicity, fluidity, high yielding, anyway. for someone who really needs a powerful mobile, does not need much garbage or install applications million, it has the right at the right time. The best camera, dedicated and selected applications that do not damage the cell, the novelty of iris recognition, 4 mirofonos, clean interface, simple configuration, network security default browser, in short, who wants something different, easy and powerful , lumia is what you need. I consider myself a fan of the brand and I've had all platforms, android, ios, the truth, I prefer windows.

                                        • D
                                        • AnonD-464705
                                        • KxK
                                        • 08 Dec 2015

                                        Welcome to the Future of Flagship Smart-Phones:
                                        Can double up as a computer (to some extent), has something that wont require me swiping my finger for security (old days thumb impression), has removable battery, expandable storage, reversible USB and wireless charging...
                                        Android flagships should learn from the master (Nokia re-branded as Microsoft)