Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Review

[@GhufranYousafi]

I switched to Lumia a year ago and I am never going back, I am in love with it.

[@riajaliofficial2767]

what things you get good in it?

[@Goldegearz]

Amazing phone, with such a beautiful camera. I took amazing photos at the Toronto Zoo last weekend. I wish more people would be interested.

[@garyleeheard3434]

Do you know if I can use a text now app with this phone?..

[@RubenGoMoRadioboyPlus]

Best phone on the market. Unfinished OS. :(

[@ExpensiveGarbage]

😂

[@reaperreaper5098]

+Frank the Ant Metal on phones have tendencies to break internals, plastic absorbs shock. Metal does not equal good build quality, after all, iPhones use metal and are some of the most fragile phones on the market.

[@91722854]

+Frank the Ant maybe it could be some kind of new composite material instead of polymer, lol

[@reaperreaper5098]

Justin Chan It's plastic, cheap and durable.

[@NecronomiconVids]

it looks good to me tho, but one good thing about new lumias is that you can replace the plastic if you dmg it, and trust me you will over time

[@stormeirman9673]

Let me just say, you are one of the very best tech review youtubers. I'm so glad I'm subscribed to you! 😊

[@nickackermanchannel]

Just bring the apps devs, it is the obvious thing windows phone needs, great video.

[@EstyVids]

I own the 950 XL dual sim and while I'm happy with the hardware the OS is a whole other story. Simply put I do not expect to have to beta test a £550 phone. The most severe of the problems concern stability, notification issues and battery life. Stability has been a nightmare with random restart loops that cannot be solved by a restart or even taking out the battery, notifications occasionally do not appear so I'm unaware I have received a text, and battery life, while I do get a day out of, just seems like it should be more. Apps like Baconit or games rapidly drain the battery, and I cannot understand why an AMOLED screen uses over 70% of the battery life! They're slowly getting there but that's Microsoft's problem - they're slow. I've been with them since Windows phone 7 and I see a lot of potential but I do wish I had waited for the Surface phone in this instance. With that said I do think this was a good and balanced review which is a rare thing. Subbed.

[@babiboib7]

@MobileTechReview Thank you for finally reviewing this phone..I've been looking forward to this for awhile, so thanks again Lisa👍😀

[@SagarShah12]

All the Windows Store issues are been fixed in latest build (10.0.14393.105).

[@riajaliofficial2767]

is it already fixed

[@jameshiggins4067]

but did they fix the issue of the lack of apps?

[@sterkriger2572]

lack of wich apps besides snapchat?

[@pauljamesburgin9966]

Thanks for the review. I have a Lumia 640XL, and use it for note taking in meetings because the predictive text is better than on my Android and Apple phones ... I'm going to upgrade to the much faster 950XL ...

[@pavitreelongtong1511]

I bought the phone and it's camera is awesome.

[@nobblynobody]

I didn't fancy paying through the nose to be a beta tester, so I got the cheapo 550. It actually works really well, if you just want to try out a w10m phone and you don't need some of the whistles and bells, I'd recommend it. No where near as many issues as the high end ones.

[@rossbennett76]

Just wish Microsoft stuck with their mobiles and sorted out the App Store.. it had potential to be the best but bad management ruined it

[@06Mtx]

If you press power button and volume up it will take the screen shots, that why I think the buttons are build that way. Its more easy to take the screen shots with one Hand on that way, with just one finger.

[@raiden824]

As someone who is a fan of the Windows OS I feel this phone should of been 200 dollars cheaper. I still don't feel the general market is going to shell out for a Windows flagship. This is a great phone but the continued lack of app support is going to be the death of this phone.

[@julzmax956]

I used to enjoy my Lumia 1520 but after a while it became apparent that Microsoft had given up on the OS. The apps are just not there and my phone would work terrible after every update. I was even beta testing win. 10 on my old 925 but it worked horrible. What is taking Microsoft so long to get things right? I've have long switched over to Android but I don't like that much.

[@Afa913]

I love my new 950XL! No issues so far with the device. I was shocked to discover though, that Microsoft removed it's official radio feature from the OS. You can pull up the radio on a basic android phone, but can't with a Windows flagship. Makes me sad.

[@Mr.Nabil.Belhaj]

Dear Lisa thank you for the 950xl review :)

[@TheLastESPADAx0]

@Stephen Haunts how long ago was this? Some people had problems with that and u have to factory reset or they also came out with an update several weeks ago that fixed that

[@Tony14Stark]

I loved my 925.. I've moved on to the 1520, then to iphone 6s plus. It's relieving to finally be on an OS that actually gets attention heheh. I enjoyed my years with windows though

[@mistajammin]

My Icon screen broke. Should I get this phone or just wait for the surface phone for a year. My camera is also broken...

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

Wait for the surface phone. This is more an intermittent phone to test what works best.

[@Skitsocat]

I wonder if you have the new firmware update and are running the latest version of the OS? .71 seems pretty nice.

[@drocto4515]

@Stephen Haunts how you finding the nexus 6p? I'm getting mine tomorrow! Currently using and loving the Lumia 1520

[@zhayward3190]

Awesome Review Lisa also since the creators update for windows 10 mobile these phones have just gotten even better all admit the app store still isn't as polished as it could be but if your not tied to certain apps this phone is awesome

[@sjruksjruksjruk]

My 950XL easily lasts a full day, nearly two with moderate use and Windows Hello works from 15 inches away i don't think that's to bad. \it is better if you look at the sensor and not straight at the screen. I'm also on the insider preview and have no problems whats so ever it's much better thant the so called stable release.

[@shabanasayyad9390]

All popular apps available, amazing UI than android and unique, cortana - smarter than Siri and google voice, Office free available. Amazing camera- like DSLR. Fabulous Hardware. Who want even more? This phone is stunning! Windows Phone is future, we should get one - instead of android.

[@gregzeng]

Nova Launcher, to replace the factory launcher. ?

[@chromax1956]

Wtf? Why would you want Nova Launcher when you have a futuristic display

[@ps2050]

Thanks for posting the video, was considering one and the video was very helpful !!

[@WolfieSilveira]

950 vs 950xl ? I wanna upgrade my windows phone, had the nokia lumia 925 for over 3 years, and it has become a bit buggy from time to time, so within 6 months or so, I want a new phone.. however should I wait for the next flagship from windows?, I've heard tales that upcomming windows phones will be able to run android apps too.

[@reichlinsmall9765]

Lisa, do you play acoustic or electric guitar, and what kind of music? 😊

[@TallStarlite]

Wow, Sim cards, microSD and removable battery Wow!!

[@abdulln1439]

I'll wait for the Surface phone, If they did put a good work into it. I like the Idea of one ecosystem that manages all my devices in the same software environment, I use windows on my PCs and laptops for almost 16 years now, It would be awesome to have a phone with the same OS. MS needs to step up their game by releasing finished software and attracting more developers to their apps store. good review Lisa, found the answers for all my questions regarding Lumia 950xl.

[@1celloheaven]

Thanks Lisa...like your easy informative style. Great review.

[@TheCapeverdean]

PLEASE SOMEONE HELP....How much longer will 950 and 950xl work and what carrier will they work on. My 1520 no longer works as of 3 months ago. Got a Sony Xperia XA Ultra because of the size and the camera was supposed to be great. Just hate it. Would like to buy 950xl even if only for another year of use

[@p3wx4]

Windows Phone is great on its own! Windows 10 Mobile is amazing too! Continumm and exclusive camera experience only are enough to justify it as a great Android counterpart. If you want to start on apps, I'm a Lumia and iPhone user and I most of app of iPhone on my Lumia, except some. But similarly, there are many Lumia exclusives as well like Fantasia Painter, Disqus, Foundbite, Movie Maker 8.1 which is way better than found on iOS world and are some apps which I cannot actually make without! I would love to leave Lumia soon for Android, only when I get Fantasia Painter equivalent app on Android or iOS.

[@clementlukhele3321]

Thank you 😊 Lisa for a balanced review.

[@chomper720]

I still do not get why so many hate on the Windows phones, now in 2017 I see no issues while testing a Lumia 640 LTE as my secondary phone. ((tough some apps are not updated or no longer supported by its creator which sucks)) :(

[@tracybeaty7183]

Great review Lisa. I've been waiting for you to do the review on this phone. I'm in the market for a new phone and would like to try something new. Will wait a little longer and look at more reviews and hope the kinks get worked before I take the plunge. I've been wanting a windows phone since 1520 but I had already gotten another phone before I saw it. I have been hesitant because I have the Gear S watch with a plan so that's another obstacle getting in the way. Buuuuttttt, I do like this one. Will work nice with my Surface Pro 4!

[@GrymligastPS4]

On paper, the 950 sounds, brilliant..

[@rickysukhi]

+Grymligast PS4 In actual, it's even more :)

[@capvazquez3137]

Make a BLU Vivo XL 2016 review

[@greyareaRK1]

I used to love the idea of a large phablet. Now that I have Surface Pro I find that a smaller phone looks a lot more attractive. Also, the W10 start menu less intriguing if you use it all the time, and W10 doesn't do a great job of remembering all settings. The current trend of keeping things in the cloud, however, has meant that between Microsoft and Google (even Facebook) the iMac I now use for work was able to get set up in very little time. How long will it be before any device you use will be a dummy device for an online OS?

[@chonaV]

I've always been an iPhone user. Thinking of trying something new. Would it be hard to switch to something like this? How's their apps selection. Does it have instagram?

[@orirune3079]

+Alex There's a fantastic instagram app in 6Tag. I haven't tried the official app though, as I believe it's rather sparse.

[@dumitrascuclaudiu7097]

Hi, Those Lumia 950 XL has HOT SPOT???

[@garyleeheard3434]

Anyone know if we can use this with boost mobile, straight talk and or net ten?

[@fatweevlogs]

i love my lumia, sometimes better than my droids. i only have an entry level lumia 540, i cant imagine owning this 950xl. that would be awesome. if i could afford it i would really gladly buy one.

[@mikehughes1356]

will this work on at&t or what other carrier's will it work on

[@dominique___1980]

Great review. Thanks. This tells me that after 10 years of windows loyalty, it is time for me to switch to either android or ios

[@Dknightxs]

currently using a iphone 6 plus... and really am seriously considering upgrading to a xperia z5 premium or the 950xl... but i keep hearing Windows 10 is buggy as hell.

[@ArtiGWarMaker]

*was! Windows 10 is updating yet so we will have an amazing os in 2 months already! The only minus of WP is the store now, but I hope they will add more apps soon.

[@Dknightxs]

ArtiG WarMaker i am not concerned about the apps tbh, even on ios i use the default apps and a book reader and a pdf editor which i am sure windows phone also have.But ill wait for it to get stable, xperia z5 premium also seems tempting.

[@ArtiGWarMaker]

dknight xs Than you can be sure that Lumia 950 is for you!

[@iconocl4st]

You do a fantastic job at reviewing!

[@ricardocrts]

i wanted to buy a windows phone but they didn't have the lift app does anyone know if they have it now

[@waycoolscootaloo]

My first ever smartphone was a Samsung Focus which had Windows Phone 7. I liked many aspects of the phone and OS. But unfortunately the things that I disliked about it ultimately had me abandon ship and go for the Samsung Galaxy S4 when it came out which i'm still using today. Windows Phone 7 was user friendly and all and i liked the whole tile system and menu system. But the biggest problem was that there were no apps on the phone. It had nothing that I wanted. And just trying to watch a KZbin video was a feat in of itself. The app it had was called "SuperTube" I remember. Another thing I hated was the lack of full bluetooth support. I couldn't even send a simple picture or music file to a friend through it. My Nokia flip phone before it, could even do that. And I had to wait three months before I could get a simple update from Microsoft that allowed me to be able to copy and paste text. The final nail in the coffin was when Microsoft abandoned all Windows 7 users when they released Windows Phone 8. They promised originally that our phones would get the update. And then months later they retracted that statement saying our phones weren't powerful enough, which was BS! My phone had the minimum specs required to run Windows Phone 8! So instead they gave out a striped down version called Windows 7.8 that had only some of the new features. But the problem with that was that they delayed it for months. And finally when they did release it, most providers offering the Windows Phone OS never released it anyway. So the only way to get it, was to buy a new lower end Windows phone that had the same specs as my Windows phone from 2 years earlier. So I walked away from the OS and went Android and never looked back. And now seeing Windows Phone today, it's still exactly where it was back in 2011. It even still has the same market share it had in 2011. Windows Phone still only has 1.7% market share! Windows Phone 7 had that in 2011!!! In the second quarter of 2011, Windows Phone 7 had a 1.6% market share. In *February of 2016*, Windows phone today only has 0.1% more market share than Windows 7 of 2011!!! So in 5 years, Microsoft has increased market share by 0.1%

[@BadenPowellTux]

is this phone as big as the note 3 ? or bigger?

[@dumitrascuclaudiu7097]

hI, Those 950 XL is having Hot Spot???

[@jameswarden9136]

I should be buying a 950 XL tomorrow

[@Insirtnamehear]

I'm guessing MobileTechReview's video resolution reflect's their impression of the device being reviewed...

[@sjruksjruksjruk]

+Joe Young I'm guessing you don't know how KZbin works when uploading videos

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

Lisa, please consider reviewing the Lumia 640 phone, if you can. It would be interesting to see what you think of it. Peace! ♐

[@ahigazy5198]

Which is better black or white color?

[@jasonm1067]

Black leather MOZO cover is always getting compliments from my friends/ associates. Lovely looker!

[@davelospinoso9022]

nice review. unfortunately windows mobile OS is... and always has been...a day late and dollar short. In my opinion.

[@JVinholi]

+Dave Lospinoso You should try. Much faster and pleasureable than Android, overall.

[@davelospinoso9022]

João Vinholi i had the htc 8x and lumia 929. Camera was great on the 929 and the animations were smooth but i didnt like the tiles. Android 6.0 runs as smooth as windows though so I'm gonna stick to that for the near future

[@JVinholi]

Dave Lospinoso In the end, personal preference is what counts most. Indeed, Android 6 is good and fast. However I feel Windows to be more consistent and user friendly. I've bought a LG G3, because a junkie robbed my L930. Missed the 930 very much. Windows Insider is great to those who, as me, like to see new things and have a opinion on the future decisions. Google is losing its "podium" in user closeness to Microsoft, in my opinion. But, as I said, personal preference is what mostly counts. You have experience with Windows and can talk about and blame it. I sure disrespect those who have never wasted a hour with Windows and goes around saying shit.

[@gregzeng]

Does Microsoft allow 3rd party Windows Launcher, like Android's "Nova Launcher" ?

[@buddymack6184]

The business men said they needed their pda's. I'm still not sure what for, but I need this!

[@buddymack6184]

Especially if steam develops a store for this mobile version, with playable games, unlike Android, with a bulk of garbage. Except quadropus rampage.

[@ranbuch]

With time this phone will be better and software issues will resolve but: 1. I wish it looked more premium. 2. I wish it would dual-boot with android - That's the best way for Microsoft to gain mobile popularity! Overall I like the phone and the OS.

[@miguelcapili3741]

Can you review the razer blade stealth. Please? And give one for me if you can. Haha

[@donidino3349]

Lisa, your hair looks cute! And I love the color of your shirt!

[@CMUchippewa]

I have already sold my Lumia 950 a month ago and went with iPhone. I am a Windows fan and loved my Icon, but there is no way Windows 10 mobile OS is ready for release. Apps wouldn't open, random restarts, freezing and crashing. It's a total mess and inconsistent as some users aren't reporting issues while others are. It's not stable enough for public release.

[@darksaga80]

The crazy thing is the Lumia brands only ran 3GB of RAM and were still screaming fast. The MS Win10 OS just felt snappier and faster than Android.

[@iga4184]

Are you Leslie Winkle from Big Bang Theory?

[@theworldeatswithyou]

If Windows Mobile is ripe at the end of this year I will take a look at the surface phone or whatever it will be. If not, I guess it will be a Nexus again.

[@louro802]

can you introduce any lenovo telephone

[@behnamnowzari5777]

Even if WhatsApp would not work , I would like to use windows phones specially. Microsoft

[@frankcantero563]

Will that work with Verizon?

[@VaunShiz]

that volume button placement is just plain stupidity, who thought that was a good idea ?

[@06Mtx]

+matthew von If you press power button and volume up it will take the screen shots, that why I think the buttons are build that way. Its more easy to take the screen shots with one Hand on that way, with just one finger.

[@VaunShiz]

+Dennis Cotto haha I never thought the normal placement for screen shots was difficult

[@TheLastESPADAx0]

@Michael A this phone was for windows users waiting on am upgrade, not a device like the isheep marketed towards dummys

[@medoshahen2271]

please guys i want to buy lumia 950xl now can anyone say to me if win10m still buggy like a hell or no ? i need any help and i need your opinions thanks all :D

[@AliASHTV]

Windows and the phones are ok.but there are no apps.its a piece of shit dont waste your money.

[@chromax1956]

It's really good! I highly recommend 10/10! DOnt listen to +Ali A.SH

[@Bprovo]

yes no snap chat. Don't buy it because you need to take a snap of your lunch every 5 mins

[@AliASHTV]

thats just sad to see people are slave to a Product,go get a life!the product have to serve me,i dont serve the product.there are many design and architecture apps for measuring etc that Windows doesnt have.but you know stupid people gonna stay stupid!good luck with your windowsphones you no lifers!stay with a platform that even the same company doesnt care! (By the way i had a windows phone until after the anniversary update!)

[@jasonm1067]

The most up to date version (Non-Insider) 10.0.14393.6XX on my 950XL is faultless. One time it had a freeze/ restart issue, has not done anything wrong since then, very stable OS nowdays. Insider builds are interesting but still a tiny bit buggy. Language packs seem to be a regular & ongoing issue with Insider builds on my gear (950, 735, 520). The 520 is low tech and low powered but still works with Win Phone 10 without issue. Any new Windows Phone has great promise as far as I concerned.

[@samhhuffman]

How fast is Windows Hello?

[@ChargePositive]

+Sam Huffman 2-3 seconds I find

[@samhhuffman]

ChargePositive Thanks!

[@michaelnotmike5515]

thought of something different. 950 XL its time to buy.

[@typingcat]

Windows Phone is the new Blackberry. It is too late and not enough.

[@CMUchippewa]

The Nokia Lumia Icon was awesome. These new phones are crap.

[@VaunShiz]

+Paul Stenzel ya windows phone is sinking quick

[@NecronomiconVids]

+matthew von i dont think so, microsoft has fixed many bugs lately, no more random restarts, apps don't crash anymore, performance in games has been fixed or at least for me

[@PatrickDKing]

It's ashame that there's so many things that need fixed. I had high hopes for this one.

[@gameshoes]

I like my 950XL, but I would never recommend it to anyone else. Too many issues with it. You can find many posts by me on the Microsoft Community boards.

[@XandarXam]

+gameshoes I agree. I have the 950 and the OS requires understanding and patience. Something only real fans can bear with. I find myself constantly wondering if I should go iPhone or Android, but I'm so involved with the MS ecosystem and I really love the concepts. The OS just needs more work.

[@gameshoes]

Ryles Malone I'm pretty much on the same boat as you. Plus, I'm totally bought into the design philosophy that Microsoft has behind Windows 10. Despite Microsoft support their own apps better on iOS than on W10, I can't give up the tiles.

[@NecronomiconVids]

+Ryles Malone i tought about going to android but then again i remember how it was using it so i stick to windows mobile at the end.

[@reknralph5968]

+gameshoes Gotta remember, Windows 10 is still "beta." It's new and updates are a thing.

[@gameshoes]

Rekn Ralph It's no longer a "beta". You stance on this is absolutely unacceptable. We cannot keep giving free passes to Microsoft for their faults.

[@JasonHendry22]

@Rubén Gómez Radioboy not with a budget looking plastic body it isnt. It looks like the Lumia 520 and that's not good enough for a flagship device

[@TheLordofcod]

it costs 450-550 euros in the majority of European countries

[@RandyWHorton]

XL should be for extra lame! I think we can go ahead and dig the grave for windows phones. For a great buy try the Huawei mate 9. However, I do love your reviews and that thanks again for this one.

[@laurakane6426]

It has some good design aspects. The volume thing is just odd. $650 is a lot of cash for a phone.

[@sjruksjruksjruk]

+Laura Kane The volume keys were strange at first but give it a week and you never hit the wrong buttons.

[@laurakane6426]

cool thanks for sharing!

[@vojenske]

did you have Facebook page?

[@chazzychaz9313]

removable battery, SD card, dual sim, good camera ~ just awesome but I want andriod version.........

[@Zydia]

+Chazzy Chaz but ... but y u no like our Windows XD

[@gregzeng]

My cheesy back cover is gone from similar Android phones. Use a 3rd party case instead, allowing greater cooling, lighter weight and diy wrist/neck strap.

[@sankarasubbaiyer]

lumia phone lines were good. fast and did what a phone had to do. the absence of apps made these die out. also ppl do not buy good non-flashy things.

[@johnrudd629]

Great review

[@TomCorbett420]

nice review by the way i believe you said 2gb of ram but i actually it's 3gb.. i have a nokia lumia 930 which have 2gb and a 20mp but no card slot and still waiting for windows10 mobile update i don't want to use insider

[@ZeljkoAnzulovic]

If it was possible to instal Steam app on Lumia, I would definitely get it :D

[@solerf13]

Is this system better than Android,? phone looks nice

[@solerf13]

+Nick too bad,nice looking but not worth the price

[@sjruksjruksjruk]

+Nick In your view. Windows is in my view the best.

[@solerf13]

+Simon Rhodes what about security?is it good?

[@sjruksjruksjruk]

Windows mobile is the most secure 2nd place is Apple and then Android which is pretty dreadful to be honest.

[@ChargePositive]

+Simon Rhodes No, Windows is the most secure. Apple has had numerous issues how could you even say Apple is first? Definitely Windows. www.winbeta.org/news/hacker-steve-lord-says-windows-phone-thehardest-nut-crack

[@becontentandsilencethemind1562]

damn...so it can't run regular windows software? -.-

[@chancesareshewears]

Windows should rethink their stategy...for one, sell it l for $399...no one will switch from andoid at this price....

[@ipad4arab949]

So I buy a Windows Phone device just to get away from Google and then suddenly get an error code 1X042545 only go back to Goggle for searching that error code loool

[@gamingmindlp]

ipad 4arab You can use Bing

[@xdarkblade9336]

I'm not a very big fan of Windows Phone right now... It was nice, but then nothing was ever updated...

[@eduardomillan2028]

@Yuki T. Dude, it's different. I really like WP, I own and ouse everyday a Lumia but if you give this phone to an older guy who never got a phone, he will use it so damn easy. Yes tiles are better than android and iOS crap but IQ have nothing to do with tastes.

[@asadgun]

Cool, thanks.

[@uno1r]

im new to windows phone i really love the quality of the phone but for god sakes they need to get all the apps android and apple have . thats all

[@anonymousted7302]

360p？

[@StephenHaunts]

I sent mine back to Microsoft for a refund. It kept on crashing when I was out taking photos. I got a Nexus 6p instead.

[@TAEbot]

Real shame windows phones don't do better. MS should give app developers some kind of incentive(s) to build their app store and keep apps updated.

[@vicentebinladen1352]

3 gbs ram im buying this bad boy

[@zein298]

Great vid!

[@BennyBlawnk]

U said the camera won't beat the pants off galaxy 6 or iPhone 6s. But will it atleast beat it?

[@ChargePositive]

+Benny Blanco from the Bronx I made a camera test with this phone on my channel if you want to see it :)

[@geedeleo]

The price of this phone is rediculous