Microsoft Lumia 950 & 950 XL

K

King of Heroes

[H]ard|Gawd
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Mar 26, 2008
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I know Windows phones are generally shat on around here, but the specs coming out for these look pretty decent. Here's hoping actual software follows:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/6/9459581/microsoft-lumia-950-features5.2-inch

5.2-inch WQHD (1440 x 2560) OLED display
3GB of RAM
Snapdragon 808
20MP camera with triple LED flash, 5th gen OIS (whatever that means), and dedicated camera key
$549

http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/6/9459835/microsoft-lumia-xl-announced-size-price-release-date

5.7-inch WQHD (1440 x 2560) OLED display
32GB onboard storage w/ microSD
Octo-core processor (probably Snapdragon 810)
Camera is the same as the 950
$649
 
They are definitely interesting devices, and I think we'll have to wait for reviews to show up to really get the details we need to make a judgment. We know the aperture is good for low light, but we don't currently know the sensor size. What helped make devices like the 1020 really work well definitely had to do with the fact that it's sensor is 4x the size of most other phones.

The other big thing a lot of people wanted was faster times from button press to taking a picture. They did improve this already on some of the current devices, but it could be faster still. They do have 4k video recording so that could be a nice feature.

For a lot of people the removable batteries, micro SD slots should also make them happy. The continuum feature certainly did more than I was expecting it to, in that it's basically like having surface RT on your phone. You literally got a full desktop UI when you connect it to a hub, and could plug in thumb drives and use them as volumes. Not sure how often anyone would actually use it, but it could provide decent impromptu support by carrying an extra little box in your pocket.

No mentions yet on how updates will be handled, but I'd guess they are going to be from windows update since it sure looked like you can get a full desktop UI from your phone. (Not on the phone screen, but via the dock) Hopefully they will play nice so you can get the extra carrier functionality but otherwise it's basically like have a laptop with a SIM card in it. The main concern is how that is going to affect battery life, but we'll have to wait and see.
 
I don't doubt that MS can build good hardware and its nice to see MS stepping up their game in the mobile segment, however. I feel like the success of their efforts will be tied to the OS, hardware alone cant save the ecosystem.

That said, it will be interesting to see what MS bring to the table for a camera this time around. there seems to be lots of marked improvement within the mobile segment in cameras this year.

My current foray into Windows Mobile with a 640XL has been eye opening. Email, navigation, integration with office 365 and exchange are all brilliant. Everything else is a bit lacking in my mind and in this case, there inst always an app for that. Or, if there is, it may be generations behind the equivalent iOS or Android versions.

With my 640XL I understand it that updates come from MS (already had one). It is ATT branded, but I am able to uninstall all of the ATT apps if I choose. I would imagine it would be similar moving forward.

Ill definitely check these out at the local MS store but want to see substantial progress in the app space before diving in.

**EDIT**
Hit reply then got the email from MS with the phones/surface Pro 4 specs

950XL

950
 
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I'm really interested in the Continuum stuff that MS is talking about with these new phones. I already run an image on a VM server that I RDP into which is where I do all my day to day work, so essentially my laptop is pointless. If I could just combine my work phone/laptop and use a keyboard and mouse on my phone and still access RDP I'd be set. No more clunky laptop or anything. I could just use my phone as an RDP portal when I'm at my desk and then use it as my work phone when I'm away from my desk.
 
USB 3.1 Type-C here!!!

Waiting for the reviews! If the 950 is just as good as 950XL, totally getting the smaller one and buying a dock and using it at work!

How do I convince the financial department to get me one for testing purposing???
 
I've had a Lumia 925 for the last couple years and I really like it. Chances are good that I'll upgrade to a 950 when they come out. It certainly looks (market-share-wise) that mobile Windows is circling the drain but I'd really like to see them get a foothold in phones / tablets and remain another alternative in the Android / iOS battle. Short term, at least, I'm happy to see some really nice new Windows phones coming out.
 
Microsoft announces Lumia 950 and 950XL water-cooled Windows Phones
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/2...mia-950-and-950xl-water-cooled-windows-phones

The Snapdragon 810 has a reputation for heating up rapidly, which might be why Microsoft has opted to bring the phase-change liquid cooling technology from the Surface tablets over to its phones. We can surmise a bit about how this will work based on the Surface. In these devices, the liquid cooling system consists of a thin copper heatpipe connected to the processor. There’s water inside the heatpipe, which turns into vapor as the CPU ramps up. That vapor travels through the heatpipe to a fan that cools it off and lets it condense into liquid water again. The Lumia phones won’t have a fan, so it’s not clear how Microsoft is going to radiate off all that heat. There may just be fins on the heatpipe with larger surface area someplace in the device.
 
Why are people so fascinated by something as basic as a heatpipe? Sheesh, they act like Microsoft invented heatpipes when they put them in the Surface tablet....
 
EDIT: Nvm. There was a rumor about AT&T exclusivity but it's not true. I'm guessing there will be AT&T branded phones, and the rest will just be unlocked.
 
Can wait to get 2 of Lumia 950 to replace mine and gfs aging though still very good 1020. Too bad they didn't announce 1030 :(
 
I really want to give windows phone another shot. Enjoyed the HTC one I had, but the Gapps ecosystem integration and my reliance on Yatse for XBMC/Kodi is making switching out hard.

Has the map/GPS situation improved and does anyone know of a yatse alternative for windows phone?
 
I wonder how much better the liquid cooling on SD808/810 would be. Dunno what kind benchmarks they could do on Windows for mobile. Windows phone also does much better in battery life than in a comparable android phone as we saw in HTC One M8 vs W8. So benchmarks might already not prove anything in comparison to Android.
 
It's using a single heat pipe to distribute cooling, could be effective but I think it will only serve as better phone warmer than to show case the strengths of the 810.
 
Regarding the sensor size: The lumia 1020 has a 1/1.5" sensor, whilst the 950XL (probably also the 950) has a 1/2.4" sensor. The lens on the 950(xl) is better though, f/1.9 vs f/2.2. Half a stop of light.
The camera tech has also improved quite a bit in the last 3 years, so I feel comfortable upgrading from my 1020.
 
Long time WP user here and I can attest that these are wonderful devices. Started with a HTC Trophy on Verizon, then a 920 on ATT and currently a 1520 on ATT. All have been bulletproof, and I still get strange looks when I whip it out in public and people don't recognize the OS.

I've had all 4 major OS in the past few years starting with the original iPhone. Great concept that changed the industry but boring after awhile. I had a OG Droid (with GameGripper!), Droid X, Palm Pre 2 (RIP WebOS), and then I switched to WP and haven't looked back.

If you want ease of use with a boring interface, get an iPhone. If you want something to tinker with, get an Android, and if you want something a little in between, get a Windows Phone.

For me, I'm anxiously awaiting the 950xl as I think that is the perfect size of phone for me. The 1520 is just slightly bordering on ridiculous size wise so the 950xl should be a good step downward without sacrificing a whole lot of screen real estate.
 
Uhhhh this is the phone we all want on Android.

1) Nice 5.7 screen
2) Top processor
3) MicroSD
4) Built it wireless and quick charging
5) Solid Camera
6) Large battery
7) 3gb RAM


I'm tempted to get a 950xl and a surface book.
 
big_aug said:
Uhhhh this is the phone we all want on Android.

1) Nice 5.7 screen
2) Top processor
3) MicroSD
4) Built it wireless and quick charging
5) Solid Camera
6) Large battery
7) 3gb RAM


I'm tempted to get a 950xl and a surface book.
Click to expand...

Ha, I actually had that though when they released. The 3GB of ram made me think 'Whaaa?' WP has been great with smaller amounts of RAM to date. Makes me wonder if it has to do with a change in the OS (continuity ability) or if MS is just playing the specs game. Surprised to see the 810 in there as well.

Give us the apps and we will come.

Curious what other WP supporters feel is missing in the ecosystem?

Cant wait to check them out. Any idea when these will be in store?
 
Interest level of 950XL edges out the Nexus 6P. Boils down to universal apps availability but to be honest it'll be difficult to supplant the Note 5 with pen as an ideal companion to a Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book. Most tools I use on Windows x64 has equivalent Android counterpart. Applause to Microsoft though for one step closer to the ultimate phone running Windows x64 or a low overhead translator that allows running full Windows x64 software on ARM.
 
I had Lumia 1020 for 2 years now and will be in the market for a new phone sometime in the near future. I really enjoy the Windows phone, all the essential applications I need are available but on the other hand, Android and iPhone seems to be more fun because it has more applications.

I remember at one point that Microsoft said Andriod and iPhone applications can now run on Windows 10. Is it still the case?
 
I tried to spend a day with a 535 and just couldn't do it- I even got 10 up and running on the phone. I did find some apps for things like podcasts which were good, but compared to the android appstore there is an amazing quantity of apps not present- amazon music for example is totally absent to say nothing of the plethora of medical apps that are out for iOS and Android. I'm hopeful that the ability to run android apps on windows phone will fix everything.... the new 950s look like great phones and I actually kind of like the windows UI.
 
The good news is MS seems to be pushing the universal apps thing in windows 10 more than when it was introduced in 8.1. With windows 10 seeming to be popular on the desktop one can hope this will help with an influx of new apps for the phones.

almalino said:
Can wait to get 2 of Lumia 950 to replace mine and gfs aging though still very good 1020. Too bad they didn't announce 1030 :(
Click to expand...

Yea I'd love a replacement for my yellow 1020. Most people still look at that phone weird wondering what it is. Mine is still running 8.1 as the alpha of 10 on it kept locking it up. I plan on picking up the 950 when it ships. Depending on the price of the dock I might pick one up as well to try it. I've already ordered my surface pro 4 to go with the phone so we'll see how the universal apps run between them.
 
Since I have gone through the PAINFUL and I do mean PAINFUL upgrade to Windows Mobile 10, it has been alright and I have seen the return of some of my WP 7 apps that did not work in 8

When it works, WP 10 is great, when it does it, it sucks. They said October release for final version but imho it has a LONG way to go. Maybe they can pull off an Oct 31st release....

The biggest suck part is if you swap your SD card, you have to factory reset your device and start all over again.... I just upgraded from a 64GB to a 128GB card....

and to the OP OIS refers to optical image stabilization
 
YeuEmMaiMai said:
Since I have gone through the PAINFUL and I do mean PAINFUL upgrade to Windows Mobile 10, it has been alright and I have seen the return of some of my WP 7 apps that did not work in 8

When it works, WP 10 is great, when it does it, it sucks. They said October release for final version but imho it has a LONG way to go. Maybe they can pull off an Oct 31st release....

The biggest suck part is if you swap your SD card, you have to factory reset your device and start all over again.... I just upgraded from a 64GB to a 128GB card....

and to the OP OIS refers to optical image stabilization
Click to expand...

I was referring to the "5th gen" part.
 
Price is too high on these. They need to be trading blows with a Oneplus 2 on pricing, not pretending they can fight Apple /Sammy for yet another round at $650 (Plus the $100 dock, and $60 leather back, ...)
 
gunbust3r said:
Price is too high on these. They need to be trading blows with a Oneplus 2 on pricing, not pretending they can fight Apple /Sammy for yet another round at $650 (Plus the $100 dock, and $60 leather back, ...)
Click to expand...

Uhhh, no. Being considered a peer to OnePlus (given their tumbling reputation) is not a benefit at this point.
 
No, but MS needs to entice people to move over to an ecosystem that isn't growing.

The only reason I have a Windows phone is because they have awesome ones at $50.
 
A very well written article about Microsoft setting themselves up for another failure:
http://www.fool.com/investing/gener...t-mobile-us-inc-isnt-carrying-the-new-wi.aspx

Obviously, I hope it come to T-Mobile, with wifi calling and everything. I agree with the article that T-Mobile customers are probably more likely to experiment with Windows 10 Mobile. Hope that Microsoft tries to get that phone on every carrier. It's got radios for Verizon and Sprint, and yet it won't work for them because of meid.
 
Erasmus354 said:
Why are people so fascinated by something as basic as a heatpipe? Sheesh, they act like Microsoft invented heatpipes when they put them in the Surface tablet....
Click to expand...

It's because it's cutting edge to use a heatpipe in a phone, and geeks like us eat that shit up.

However, from an engineering standpoint if you're using an SoC in a mobile device that requires a heatpipe you really need to question your priorities.
 
Trimlock said:
No, but MS needs to entice people to move over to an ecosystem that isn't growing.

The only reason I have a Windows phone is because they have awesome ones at $50.
Click to expand...

This, it was definitely part of the draw for Google Nexus devices, even if the pricing is now back to ridiculous levels.
 
Trimlock said:
No, but MS needs to entice people to move over to an ecosystem that isn't growing.

The only reason I have a Windows phone is because they have awesome ones at $50.
Click to expand...

Agreed- if the 950 was $300 I would buy one and give it a really good go... I'm unconvinced that the app ecosystem is large enough to meet my needs, but again, at $300 I would give it a chance.... at the current prices I could replace my android phone with another flagship and know for a fact that all my apps would be there for me.

As for the SMS.... that's cool you can SEND, but any word about receiving (such as a unified messaging system like Apple has)?
 
big_aug said:
Uhhhh this is the phone we all want on Android.

1) Nice 5.7 screen
2) Top processor
3) MicroSD
4) Built it wireless and quick charging
5) Solid Camera
6) Large battery
7) 3gb RAM
...
Click to expand...

I'm definitely not anti-windows phone, or even remotely in love with Samsung... But I feel like you just described the Note 4.. Other than a top processor as the N4 is 'old' now, it has everything you described. I suppose the wireless charging requires you to buy a new back for it, but it'll take a 128gb microSD card, has fantastic battery life (I can consistently get 6 hours screen on in nearly a 14 hour period), the now 'legacy' removable battery as well. Camera hasnt been disappointing yet and it has a 1440x2560 resolution.

I am however looking forward to all this Windows 10 and Windows Phone cross-over stuff.
 
Err... But the same battery size on WM is like 40% more than Android on the same hardware... So if battery life is such a big deal to you, you really should be getting the 950XL.
 
Look what showed up today.

bFKRjX.jpg


Sadly the dock hasn't shipped yet but yea I bought one even though I don't think I'll use it for anything other than testing.

The ATT 950 doesn't have the dual nano sims. I kinda wish it did because I kinda want to try putting my work sim in at the same time and check that out(I have a 6s 64gb att iphone from work).
 
Sweet! Curios about that camera.

swatbat said:
/snip/

The ATT 950 doesn't have the dual nano sims. I kinda wish it did because I kinda want to try putting my work sim in at the same time and check that out(I have a 6s 64gb att iphone from work).
Click to expand...

I thought I remember reading something about dual nano sim phones and that only one SIM could be on LTE. Is this still true? Radio limitations?
 
It opens the camera as fast as my iphone 6s if not a big faster(the 1020 in the picture was pretty slow in that respect but it has a crazy camera on it).

My biggest concern is the lack of resolution on the new camera. It is a good bit newer so I expect it to be really good but in the end dropping from a 38 megapixel image to a 20 is a pretty big hit if you want to zoom in.

I will say the phone feels lighter than my 6s although it is a tiny bit heavier. The side buttons don't feel nearly as good as my 6s or the lumia 1020. This is because the back pops off with the buttons included though. Having the ability to add a microsd card is nice.

Most of the dual sim phones I've seen just have the LTE on one of them. I honestly didn't pay attention to realize they had a single and dual sim version. I don't see it as a big deal for the vast majority of people. If I had it I might have used my work sim in it as well to test it out. I can only see a few situations where I'd use it.
 
I decided to replace my work blackberry with a 950. Should have it in a few days. really hoping the exchange integration is better than the competition because the blackberry was perfect.
 
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