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REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£620RAM capacity:3 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:5.7 inchesMain camera megapixels:20 MP

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB)
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

90%

5.9

Technical score

10%

7.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% of smartphones
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

25%

4.9

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.6

Camera

15%

6.5

Display

15%

5.0

Battery

10%

6.3

Software

10%

7.0

Connectivity

4%

5.3

Audio

3%

6.9

Design

â–¼Worse than 77%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 73%
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

25%

4.9

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.6

Camera

15%

6.5

Display

15%

5.0

Battery

10%

6.3

Software

10%

7.0

Connectivity

4%

5.3

Audio

3%

6.9

Design

5.9
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Popularity:
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) has a popularity of 7.6 points, which is higher than 70.5% of smartphones.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

6.4
Brand name
Microsoft
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 processor model which is slower than processors in 99.2% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.1% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
3 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 3 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 96.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Internal storage
32 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 32 GB which is smaller than the storage of 97.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.7% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 84.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Windows
This smartphone uses the Windows operating system. 0% of smartphones use a different operating system.
Windows 10 Mobile
Android version
N/A
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
no
This smartphone does not use an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
no
This smartphone does not include a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
20 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 20 MP which is lower than that of 85.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 which is narrower than that of 90.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.1% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
25.1 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 25.1 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 71.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.12 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.12 µm which is larger than in 78.2% of smartphones and equal to the size in 5.6% of smartphones.
Show more
Number of SIM slots
1
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 1 SIM slots, which is fewer than in 96.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 3.7% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
5.7 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 5.7 inches which is smaller than the screens of 96.5% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.5% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1440x 2560 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1440x2560 px which is higher than that of 89.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.8% of smartphones.
Pixel density
518 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 518 ppi which is higher than that of 95.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
?
Show more
Battery capacity
3,340 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 3,340 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 95.4% of smartphones and equal to those in 0.1% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
4
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 4 microphones, which is more than in 96.9% of smartphones and equal to the number in 3.1% of smartphones.
FM radio
yes
This smartphone includes an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
151.9 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 151.9 mm which is shorter than 94% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Width
78.4 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 78.4 mm which is wider than 86.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.1 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.1 mm which is thinner than 58.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.2% of smartphones.
Weight
165 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 165 g which is lighter than 95.4% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.3% of smartphones.
Device volume
94,224 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 94,224 cm³ which is smaller than 62.4% of smartphones.
Show more

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1440x2560 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1440x2560 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 31.1% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (518 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    518 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 0.32 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.12 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 2 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    4 vs 2
  • 2 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (3 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    3 vs 1
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • 40.2% more popular
    Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.62 vs 5.4).
    7.62 vs 5.44
  • Supports desktop mode
    This smartphone includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 0.32 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.12 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 2 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (3 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    3 vs 1
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This smartphone allows manual shutter speed control, the average smartphone does not. 29.8% of smartphones include this.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Has an RGB LED flash
    This smartphone features an RGB LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 3.9% of smartphones include RGB flash.
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.1 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.1 vs 2.0
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Has an iris scanner
    This smartphone features an iris scanner, the average smartphone does not. 0.7% of smartphones include iris recognition.
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1440x2560 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1440x2560 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 31.1% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (518 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    518 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 2 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    4 vs 2
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Has FM radio
    This smartphone features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 34.2% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
  • 15.9% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (165 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    165 g vs 196.2 g
  • 11.7 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (151.9 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    151.9 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 0.2 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (8.1 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    8.1 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 87.5% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (32 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 256 GB
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (62 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    62 vs 99.5
  • 3.33x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (20 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    20 nm vs 6 nm
  • 5 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (3 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    3 GB vs 8 GB
  • 33.2% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (3340 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    3,340 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 14% worse value for money
    Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.43 vs 7.3).
    6.43 vs 7.34
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£620 vs £260).
    £620 vs £260
  • 1.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
    the average smartphone
    Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB) has a lower user score than the average smartphone (7.89 vs 8.000).
    7.89 vs 8
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 87.5% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (32 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 256 GB
  • 3.33x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (20 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    20 nm vs 6 nm
  • 5 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (3 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    3 GB vs 8 GB
  • 31.6% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (650 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    650 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 57.1% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (6 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    6 GB vs 14 GB
  • 75% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (1024 KB vs 4096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4096 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 41.8% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (1600 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2750 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 16.7% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 60.9% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (10 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    10 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • Supports older OpenGL ES version
    This smartphone supports a lower OpenGL ES version than the average smartphone (3.1 vs 3.2). The average smartphone supports OpenGL ES version 3.2.
    3.1 vs 3.2
  • Supports older OpenCL version
    This smartphone supports a lower OpenCL version than the average smartphone (1.2 vs 2). The average smartphone supports OpenCL version 2.0.
    1.2 vs 2.0
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (8x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    8x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 25% fewer shader units
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (192 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    192 vs 256
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Runs closed-source/proprietary OS only
    This smartphone does not use an open-source OS, the average smartphone does. 94.6% of smartphones use open-source systems.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Single-lens main camera
    This smartphone has a single-lens main camera, while the average smartphone has a multi-lens setup. 93.7% of smartphones use multiple lenses.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (20 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    20 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (5 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    5 MP vs 16 MP
  • 21.6% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (25.1 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    25.1 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (4.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    4.1 vs 5.2
  • 1 fewer SIM slot/s
    This smartphone has fewer SIM slots than the average smartphone (1 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 SIM slots.
    1 vs 2
  • No fingerprint scanner
    This smartphone does not have a fingerprint scanner, the average smartphone does. 96.4% of smartphones include a fingerprint scanner.
  • 0.97 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (5.7 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    5.7 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 53.9% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (304 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    304 nits vs 660 nits
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass 4 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 4 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (62 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    62 vs 99.5
  • 33.2% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (3340 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    3,340 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 9 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2015 vs 2024). 9.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    November 2015
    2015 vs 2024
  • 2.4 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (78.4 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    78.4 mm vs 76 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
hothardware.com
29/03/2016
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Review: The Windows 10 Mobile Flagship
I
itpro.com
26/02/2016
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950XL review
T
techadvisor.com
09/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review Would you like a similar list of video-based reviews or a comparison of this model's camera performance against its 2015...
E
expertreviews.co.uk
14/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review
T
techradar.com
26/02/2016
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review
T
theverge.com
18/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review
C
cnet.com
15/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review: This capable phone lacks the sparkle of a true flagship
G
gsmarena.com
07/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review: The Master Chief
S
scmp.com
11/01/2016
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL – can a Windows phone beat the Androids or iPhones?
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t3.com
17/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL review: a top phone if it wasn't for Windows 10 Mobile
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thomasmaurer.ch
29/11/2015
Summary of the review
First Impressions of the new Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Would you like to see a comparison of the camera performance or Continuum features mentioned in th...
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smartworld.it
25/03/2019
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Review - SmartWorld
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alground.com
02/11/2015
Summary of the review
Nokia Lumia 950 XL review: A good phablet, looks aside
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panorama.it
14/01/2016
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Microsoft Lumia 950 XL: the review - Panorama
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dday.it
12/02/2016
Summary of the review
Lumia 950 XL review: many strengths, but Windows 10 is still a drawback
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andreagaleazzi.com
16/12/2015
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL | my review
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telegraaf.nl
15/01/2016
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id.nl
01/03/2016
Summary of the review
The Lumia 950 XL is a great first Windows 10 device
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id.nl
07/01/2016
Summary of the review
Review: The Lumia 950 XL is a beautiful first Windows 10 Mobile device
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techzine.nl
25/03/2016
Summary of the review
Microsoft Lumia 950 (XL): perfect flagships?
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB)

  • High-quality 20MP PureView camera with excellent low-light performance and triple-LED flash
  • Vibrant 5.7-inch Quad HD AMOLED display with deep blacks and great color accuracy
  • Support for Continuum, allowing the phone to function like a desktop PC when docked
  • Practical hardware features including a removable battery, microSD expansion, and a dedicated camera button
  • Fast charging and wireless charging capabilities
  • Smooth performance in native applications thanks to the Snapdragon 810 processor

What we don't like about Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (3GB + 32GB)

  • Severe 'app gap' with many popular third-party applications missing or poorly maintained
  • Build quality feels cheap and 'plasticky' compared to rival metal or glass flagships
  • Windows 10 Mobile OS was often described as buggy and unfinished at launch
  • Inconsistent battery life that frequently struggles to last a full day of medium use
  • The Iris scanner (Windows Hello) can be slow and unreliable depending on lighting
  • Display brightness can be insufficient for comfortable use in direct sunlight

Verdict

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL was a late flagship device for the Windows Phone operating system, featuring a 5.7-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixel) AMOLED display and powered by the Hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. Key pros included its excellent 20MP PureView camera with Zeiss optics, triple-LED flash, and the innovative Continuum feature that allowed users to connect the phone to a monitor for a PC-like experience. It offered 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), alongside a removable 3340mAh battery and USB-C support. The primary downside was the severely limited app ecosystem of the Windows 10 Mobile platform at the time of release, which ultimately led to the platform's demise.

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