Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

By Team Digit | Updated Nov 30 2015
Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

Microsoft finally launched the two Lumia flagship smartphones in India today. The Lumia 950 and 950XL come to India with a big price tag and with the promise of being a PC in need. The shift from the Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 has not just changed the layout of Windows on a device but has added the flexibility to use desktop class “universal apps” on the phone. We were there at the Lumia launch event and had the chance to take a look at all the products. Here are our thoughts.

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

This is the Lumia 950. Before we start, here is a quick look at the spec sheet

Display: 5.2-inch, 2K
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32GB
Camera: 20MP, 5MP
Battery: 3000 mAh
OS: Windows 10
Price: 43,699

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

This is the Lumia 950XL, which is not just a bigger variant of the Lumia 950 but a more powerful one as well.

Display: 5.7-inch, 2K
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32GB
Camera: 20MP, 5MP
Battery: 3340 mAh
OS: Windows 10
Price: 49,399

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

Both phones have a 2K clear black display which offers very good viewing angles. Outside visibility was pretty good and touch sensitivity felt top-notch, which is expected from flagship devices to start with.

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

Both phones are entirely made up of typical polycarbonate material, much like every other Lumia phone we have seen in the past. This is a different approach in this day and age when all other smartphone manufacturers are going for more premium metal and glass build.

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

Microsoft hasn't cut any corners in the optics department though. Both phones get a 20 MP rear sensor with Lumia’s signature Pureview Carl Zeiss lens. Microsoft has even given the phones triple LEDs to tackle those night time photos.

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

Images taken by the camera look crisp at first glance. With the revised software and the updated camera app the focusing speeds and image capturing speeds have been improved by a big margin. While it is hard to asses the quality of the images taken in such a short while, it is quite promising.

 

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

USB Type-C ain't a new thing anymore but what Microsoft has been able to do with that port is what makes it unique. Both the Lumia 950 and the 950XL make the USB Type-C port to connect with Microsoft Dock which takes the processing power of your phone and turns it into a Windows 10 PC.

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

This is the Microsoft Display Dock we were talking about. At the other end of this dock is the single USB Type-C port which connects to the Lumia phones. And, at this buisness end, one can see three USB ports, 1 USB type C port, 1 Display port and 1 HDMI port. Connect it to your phone, a display and I/O peripherals and you have a Windows PC at your disposal. The dock is priced at Rs. 5,999 in India.

Hands On: Microsoft Lumia 950, 950XL and the new Microsoft Display Dock

As for the Windows UI, it ran smooth as ever. While navigating through the UI, there was no noticeable difference between the two phones, the Lumia 950XL felt a split second faster than the Lumia 950.