950 XL vs. Lumia 950

Attribute	950 XL	Lumia 950
Operating System	Windows 10 Mobile	Windows 10 Mobile
Display Size	5.7 inches	5.2 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2560 pixels	1440 x 2560 pixels
Processor	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)	Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57)
RAM	3 GB	3 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB	32 GB
Expandable Storage	microSD, up to 200 GB	microSD, up to 200 GB
Main Camera	20 MP	20 MP
Front Camera	5 MP	5 MP
Battery Capacity	3340 mAh	3000 mAh
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	151.9 x 78.4 x 8.1 mm	145 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm
Weight	165 g	150 g

Design and Display

The Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950, both flagship devices from Microsoft, share a similar design language with a polycarbonate body and a removable back cover. However, the Lumia 950 XL features a larger 5.7-inch display compared to the 5.2-inch display on the Lumia 950. This difference in size translates to a higher pixel density on the Lumia 950 XL, resulting in sharper and more vibrant visuals. Both devices utilize AMOLED technology, providing deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios.

While the Lumia 950 XL offers a larger display, some users may find it less comfortable to hold due to its size. On the other hand, the Lumia 950 strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics, making it easier to handle with one hand.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, both devices are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance. However, the Lumia 950 XL boasts 3GB of RAM compared to the 2GB found in the Lumia 950, allowing for better handling of resource-intensive tasks and improved overall performance.

When it comes to storage, both devices offer 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot. This flexibility allows users to store a vast amount of media, apps, and files without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, both devices support USB-C connectivity, enabling faster data transfer and quick charging.

One notable difference between the two devices is the battery capacity. The Lumia 950 XL packs a larger 3340mAh battery, providing extended usage time compared to the 3000mAh battery found in the Lumia 950. This difference in battery size may be appealing to users who prioritize longer battery life.

Camera Capabilities

Both the Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950 excel in the camera department, offering a 20-megapixel PureView rear camera with Carl Zeiss optics. This high-resolution camera captures stunning details and vibrant colors, ensuring exceptional image quality. Additionally, both devices feature a dedicated camera button, allowing for quick access to the camera app and effortless capturing of memorable moments.

Where the Lumia 950 XL shines is in its front-facing camera. It boasts a 5-megapixel wide-angle lens, perfect for capturing group selfies or fitting more into the frame. The Lumia 950, on the other hand, features a 5-megapixel front camera without the wide-angle capability. This difference may be a deciding factor for users who frequently engage in video calls or enjoy taking selfies with friends.

Software and Features

Both devices run on Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile operating system, providing a seamless integration with other Windows devices and services. The Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950 offer features such as Continuum, which allows users to connect their device to a monitor and use it as a PC-like experience. This feature is particularly useful for productivity tasks or when a larger screen is needed.

Another noteworthy feature is Windows Hello, which is available on both devices. Windows Hello utilizes iris recognition technology to unlock the device securely and quickly. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of security and convenience for users.

While both devices offer similar software experiences, the Lumia 950 XL's larger display makes it more suitable for utilizing the Continuum feature effectively. The extra screen real estate allows for a more immersive desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950 share many similarities in terms of design, camera capabilities, and software features. However, the Lumia 950 XL offers a larger display, more RAM, and a larger battery, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize multimedia consumption and extended battery life. On the other hand, the Lumia 950 strikes a balance between screen size and ergonomics, making it a more comfortable device to handle with one hand. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on individual preferences and priorities.