Not a bad price, think someone has posted one a fiver cheaper but in case someone wants it from Amazon I thought it was worth a post.
Dimensions 151.9 x 78.4 x 8.1 mm
Weight 165 g
AMOLED Size 5.7 inches
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels (~518 ppi pixel density)
PLATFORM OS Microsoft Windows 10
CPU Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A57
MEMORY Card slot microSD, up to 200 GB
Internal 32 GB, 3 GB RAM
CAMERA Primary 20 MP
- MarioMan
Top comments
RoganWarrior
29 Dec 159#2
This is a fantastic phone. Fantastic screen, great battery life and windows 10 mobile is very nice.
Apps aren't everything.
Dryosh to Captainone
30 Dec 157#8
Just goes to show the mentality of android users.
The unwashed masses playing repetitive mindless "games" that are designed only to drain your money, you are the fabled "whale" that devs love.
bilbob to tightar5e
31 Dec 155#41
I remember calling you out over a year ago slating windows on phones... You said Win 8 was dead then, you were wrong, and now you are having another go.
We know you , and some others don't like it, and that's fine. That's what choice is about.
Yes, there is a small app gap, and I do mean small. Most users will find a few apps they want won't be there, but for most, they won't notice, and where there IS an app gap, most of the time, they can use the far better browser offered in Win10 to use the web page.
That said, there is always someone who is going to miss a specific app that they need. For me, there is only one. A youview app. That's it.
I also honestly DO think Win10 Universal apps will fix many of the app gap issues, we've already seen that with some high profile adoptions that were not present before hand.
And let's not forget Win10 is a brand new OS too. Unfortunately , it was released unfinished, hence why it hasn't rolled out to other devices yet, but to say MS will abandon it is simply FUD, they have repeatedly stated their continued support, and the surface phone proves that.
I believe many said the same thing about the surface tablets, and yet here we are, on the fourth iteration, and they keep getting better, and more people are buying them...
BTW, rant over, hot price :wink: But I want a dual sim...
How can I buy from Portugal at that price? :smile:
Dryosh
30 Dec 155#14
I've been 100% Windows phone the past 3/4 years, never missed one app.
All comments (93)
Captainone
29 Dec 152#1
wow high end phone and no clash of clans . no thanks microsoft i like my apps to much .
Dryosh to Captainone
30 Dec 157#8
Just goes to show the mentality of android users.
The unwashed masses playing repetitive mindless "games" that are designed only to drain your money, you are the fabled "whale" that devs love.
RoganWarrior
29 Dec 159#2
This is a fantastic phone. Fantastic screen, great battery life and windows 10 mobile is very nice.
Apps aren't everything.
glumglum to RoganWarrior
29 Dec 151#3
But android phones have those AND apps
kharma45 to RoganWarrior
30 Dec 151#7
Sadly they are for a smartphone.
Agharta to RoganWarrior
31 Dec 15#46
A phone with an O/S and no apps is pointless.
This has a limited range of apps so is a limited device.
If you have limited needs then so be it.
Of course it also does certain things that other phones don't.
Captainone
29 Dec 151#4
apps are everyhing for a SMART phone thats the whole point or u might as well dig out a nokia 3310. There are plenty of other phones with fantastic screen great battery life and a OS that has apps and cost less that half the price . Windows Phone’s market share was 1.6% in Q3 2015 . so how many developers are going to bother to cover that market share .
shauneco to Captainone
31 Dec 15#32
1.6% is still quite a few million devices.!!, Plus a lot of that market share is in China where android dominates, In the UK it's probably closer to 20% of the market etc.
monkey1999 to Captainone
2 Jan 16#84
windows 10 phone apps are to be universal for develpers and as 200+ million people have windows 10 devices the apps will all come but probably be another year the speed of microsoft
sundog
29 Dec 153#5
I have this phone and its superb, much better than my last 3 devices, an iPhone 6s, motorola x and a lumia 640.
hyenadog
29 Dec 152#6
its like a fanboy faceoff LOL
bottom line is the 950/950xl show all the signs of products pushed out of the door after most of the dev boys & girls have been canned - you only need to read the latest update Microsoft "patch" details to realise its really just a beta device + OS at flagship prices.
IMHO Windows Phone was a quantum leap ahead of Android/IOS in usability but ignored and now chucked in the trashcan by the Cloud Cuckoo boys n girls in Redmond
.. not ensuring decent WinPhone key apps are in the app store is dire enough - not ensuring your key own apps (office, onedrive etc) are at least as good as those you make for IOS/Android is just downright insulting
So bye Bye Cloud Cuckoos in Redmond sadly (after a life of Windows Mobile/Windows Phone) its Android for me (until Iphone's get good enough cameras)
Chaz_UK
30 Dec 15#9
Both CarphoneWareouse and Amazon.de have ceased selling these units for now due to issues (which should eventually be fixed by MS.
The price is good but the software doesn't seem to be there yet.
djh1975
30 Dec 151#10
Windows 10 and £300 too much.
plewis00
30 Dec 15#11
Maybe get off your soapbox, it's free-to-play and many people have never paid a penny to play it.
But there are some important apps missing and it's not until you try and go 100% Windows Mobile that you actually notice and miss them.
luke_home87
30 Dec 153#12
i eagerly await the surface phone. but i dont know what budget windows phone to get whilst i wait.
(too much of a fanboy)
luke_home87
30 Dec 15#13
heat added
Dryosh
30 Dec 155#14
I've been 100% Windows phone the past 3/4 years, never missed one app.
luke_home87
30 Dec 152#15
Wwhat wiqhsjsWhich windows phone do you have?
I have had the Lumia520,1520 and now the 1320. 1520 was the best. Mine unfortunately broke.
bussty3
30 Dec 15#16
I think an old stock Lumia 930 would still be the smarter option.
Dryosh
30 Dec 15#17
I had the huawei w1 a Lumia 635 and I'm using a Lumia 640xl at the moment.
thepeopleschamp1
31 Dec 152#18
I've had the Lumia 710, 820, 925 and just purchased the 1520 a few days ago. Waiting for it to get delivered and really looking forward to it.
slawekgem
31 Dec 15#19
You probably never had a Windows Phone device. I admit that when I had phones with windows mobile 6 it was bad... lumia 930 was one of the best phones I owned. I had smartphones like Galaxy s5, Lumia 930, Xperias t, z, z1 htc m8s plus many more. I changed my Lumia 930 only because somebody has dropped it. At the moment I am using Blackberry Passport Silver edition- yes Blackebrry is still alive. Great phone, fast safe and whats most important it has physical keyboard. Android apps run thru snap app or you can download google play store.
Houstieboy
31 Dec 151#20
I had one of these and it went back after a few days. Win 10 is buggy, "hello" doesn't work properly and none of my banking apps are available. Overpriced too.
JoeSpur
31 Dec 151#21
Didn't realise android phones had Windows 10 Mobile...
az1z
31 Dec 15#22
waiting for it to go below £400
luke_home87
31 Dec 152#23
where did you buy the 1520 from? I have been looking for ages. I loved that phone. it was incredible
Captainone
31 Dec 15#24
how can u miss apps that dont even show up in the store unless your android and apple friends tell you what apps they got you cant have .
JoeSpur
31 Dec 151#25
I had 620, 630 dual sim, 830, 425, 532 dual sim and also tried 550. I will agree Windows 10 Mobile is not yet ready though. Once all the existing devs update their apps and new devs jump onboard the universal OS idea it should get a lot better. I believe 950/XL were pushed out more due to the fact that we haven't had a flagship in ages than actually being the flagship devices they wanted to release. The next flagships will be the real ones, these ones more like 830 (2nd tier flagship). Something drastic will happen with their next models, I just hope we don't have to wait till the end of 2016 to see it.
...and from someone who has owned and extensively used all 3 of the mainstream phone OS's I have to say I like Windows best, but for most people the "app gap" cannot be ignored. Android is the most versatile and can do thit most but it is also the most frustrating, especially for the average (non-enthusiast?) user who will see a rapid decline in performance sometimes even with the highest of high end devices. iOS is the balance between performance, apps, ease of use but for me it's just so BORING. I'm not the biggest fan of the iOS interface but I will say for the average user it's the OS that will give the least problems by far.
monitor1
31 Dec 151#26
This phone is stunning.Hot.
abr
31 Dec 15#27
May I suggest adding to the main post that you can get a free Display Dock by redemption from Microsoft. For those interested, you can get a Dual SIM version of this phone from fnac Portugal for around the same price - €614.71 including delivery.
For those concerned about issues, I've been running Windows 10 on a Lumia 930 for a while now and the last three or so builds have been very stable. Feels like a very solid OS now. I had a dual SIM 950 for a few days and found no problems other than it was too large for me so I'm going with the 950. The design of this phone is pretty bland but the screen is great, it's hugely over-powered, good battery life and Continuum works smoothly although I can't see it being that useful. Yes it's lacking in apps still but personally I don't rely on them.
tightar5e
31 Dec 15#30
Even if you love Windows Phone its time to call it a day on the platform.
Keep the £439 in your pocket. Windows 10 Mobile will be canned in the next 12 months, even a much hyped Surface Phone won't save it. The App Gap is real, the Windows Phone platform is just too unpolished and buggy, verses the competition.
Its currently a bottomless pit regards MS investment, (investments that could be better spent elsewhere; iOS / Android MS Apps etc and the key players in its development have pretty much left the platform). Microsoft's own marketing probably managed the most harm though, over the years. Microsoft desperately needs a new head of Marketing.
thurrott.com published articles last week telling its readers how to move to iPhones and Android phones to use and integrate Microsoft Productivity Apps on those platforms, if thats not spelling it out for you, I really don't know what is. (If Paul Thurrott was a stick of rock it would have a big MS right the way through)
Microsoft always said there was no space for 4 platforms (in reference to Blackberry) it seems there isn't even space for three.
bilbob to tightar5e
31 Dec 155#41
I remember calling you out over a year ago slating windows on phones... You said Win 8 was dead then, you were wrong, and now you are having another go.
We know you , and some others don't like it, and that's fine. That's what choice is about.
Yes, there is a small app gap, and I do mean small. Most users will find a few apps they want won't be there, but for most, they won't notice, and where there IS an app gap, most of the time, they can use the far better browser offered in Win10 to use the web page.
That said, there is always someone who is going to miss a specific app that they need. For me, there is only one. A youview app. That's it.
I also honestly DO think Win10 Universal apps will fix many of the app gap issues, we've already seen that with some high profile adoptions that were not present before hand.
And let's not forget Win10 is a brand new OS too. Unfortunately , it was released unfinished, hence why it hasn't rolled out to other devices yet, but to say MS will abandon it is simply FUD, they have repeatedly stated their continued support, and the surface phone proves that.
I believe many said the same thing about the surface tablets, and yet here we are, on the fourth iteration, and they keep getting better, and more people are buying them...
BTW, rant over, hot price :wink: But I want a dual sim...
How can I buy from Portugal at that price? :smile:
pascal03
31 Dec 15#31
I really want this phone, but I put my hand up to say the app gap will irritate me.
IOS is great but can get bland quickly. Android is the best medium so far but sometimes it's too finnicky too. I found Windows to be excellent in between IOS and Android but like others say, the future looks bleak in the Windows mobile market.
chaz1992
31 Dec 151#33
The app gap will annoy you as it has widened a bit imo over the past year. Having said that, using an iPad and having a windows phone is fine. Even so, if you're spending a lot of money on a smartphone you expect to have apps.
The only reason I haven't gone back to android is because windows OS feels superior, my battery hasn't deteriorated as much as my old android phone, and still hasn't slowed down/become obsolete as have many android phones of similar price band when I bought my Nokia.
I believe windows is the best OS for the low end market and maybe the best of the mid range market, but without apps it can't compete against the popularity of iPhones and top end android handsets. This is why I'd give the 950 a miss, despite continuum or any advances windows 10 makes.
amsok
31 Dec 153#34
I have the 950xl since release day, it's by far one of the best phones i have had, the battery life is great and the screen is excellent, yes there are some apps that are not available but I have not found this a huge problem and there seems to be more appearing every day. I had been as solid android personbut have become board of android the user interface is not great and i find them to be buggy at times for instance wifi on the galaxy phones is not great and drops ut alot on my wifes as where my 950xl dos'nt, the problem is people don't like change and always hate the unknown as I bet most people that say windows phones ar crap are people that have not tried one. I hadn't tried windows phone until my sone got one and liked his so much thats why I changed to the 95-xl from my htc one and I have not retreated it. the price of the phoe listed is good and I have added heat. if you are not interested in a windows phone why are you commenting on thread regarding a good price for a good phone . HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL ON HOT UK DEALS :smiley:
a_user
31 Dec 153#35
So lets kill off Microsoft's phone division and leave the world with just two choices, what a great plan that isn't. The more choices the better surely!
For me, Microsoft's phone OS suits me very well, has done for years, I'll take the live-tiles of Microsoft's OS over the dead icons of Android and IOS any day. I've never owned an IOS device so cannot criticise them too much, but my Nexus tablets are way more buggy than my Lumia 930 running Windows 10 Mobile, and those tablets are supposedly running Google's latest and greatest OS version (and they're supposed to be less complicated what with not being a phone as well)... "force-close" anyone!
There is an app gap, I can't deny that, but the OS is good, better in some ways than the others, and worse in other ways, but overall it's a solid offering worthy of being given a chance.
It amazes me the amount of people that feel they have to justify their own choice by slagging off the competition, many people just **** off Windows phones without ever having tried them. I get that some people are so used to doing something one way, that it's hard for them to even contemplate doing it differently. I don't mind the Android way of doing things, but it's a bit 25 years ago with the dead icons, the Windows OS just seems smarter to me, all the info I need is already there on the screen without having to open any apps.
I probably shouldn't have bothered with this post, but hey... More choice is better, so please feel free to say what you like about your choice of OS, rather than negative comments about something you don't... Wouldn't that be a breath of fresh air - won't happen, but it would be nice.
The 950XL is too big for my liking, but I will pick up a regular 950 when I can get one for under £200 - on Ebay or something. My 930 will do just fine until then.
Paddy22222222111111111
31 Dec 152#36
Love how people slate this phone when they have probably never even used/held a windows phone. Also the lack of apps isn't as bad as its made out to be for me I have everything I need which is Xbox one games,bit torrent downloader,Cineworld,British airways,facebook,whatsapp and metro tube. Really don't need anything else that's why I switched from iphone and I use to download apps just for the sake of it but never use them more than once on iphones.
So this 950 xl is the best phone i have had the camera is the best I have used the weight of the phone is super light, looks very sleek, VERY fast and nice and the phone for full charge only takes 50mins with the upgraded usb 3 charger. Seriously cant fault it but time will tell obviously but love the fact I used the phone all day today and still have 40% battery and that was settings at 50% and watching vids and texting.
Paddy22222222111111111
31 Dec 15#37
@ a_user Yeah the 950xl on my smaller mates hand he was struggling to use it and never looked right hahaha but the XL perfect for me my hands are huge first phone were I can text without hitting all the letters at once lol
seacam
31 Dec 152#38
I played with the phone for a month or so. The hardware is fine, the software is around the same. As for the camera, it is fab. If you like windows phone and want the best handset available for the system, this is a no brainer. If you aren't already invested in the system, you'd be best to look elsewhere.
At this point, we're past what system is 'better', all have their merits. Instead its about what suits you, and that's what you should think about before making a decision, not the inane ramblings of myriad fanboys.
jaydeeuk1
31 Dec 15#39
I wish I could ditch android and go windows, but too many of the apps aren't available.
Three in touch (essential as no signal on any network in our metal building)
Popcorn time
Kodi
Moonlight or any decent steam streaming app
Full pebble support
Numerous games
None of the above can be fixed either at present moment.
scoobiedoo
31 Dec 15#40
cold. these won't sell and will be going for peanuts son.
luke_home87
31 Dec 151#42
I love windows OS. I am very excited if a surface phone ever comes out. I wish they do release it. hopefully early 2016
afroylnt
31 Dec 15#43
Apps are key; how can an android or IOS user move to windows phone if they can't carry over key data in productivity aps? Simple answer is they can't so won't. The OS is very good but for MS it must be like pushing water uphill...you can only do it for so long.
I would rather they polish Win 10 Mobile a bit more and then release a Surface phone. A surface phone should represent the best that Microsoft can do, so it would be better that they smooth out the remaining issues and release as near a perfect phone as they can. I'm a fan of Win 10 Mobile, and I run it on my Lumia 930, and it's great, but for a Surface phone, which will likely command a premium price, it needs to be right. I'm happy to wait for this, there aren't any show stopping bugs (for me at least) with the current version, but there are a few things that can be fixed and/or improved.
Agharta
31 Dec 15#47
Maybe small for your personal requirements but when I looked to see if the small number of Android apps I use are available none of them were. These are from Sony, Panasonic and other large corporations and add functionality to their cameras, TVs etc.
ukbondraider
31 Dec 15#48
£400? This should be its RRP
Dryosh
31 Dec 151#49
I have an iPad and an android tablet and android tv. I know what's on each store.
mikerj
31 Dec 152#50
It kicks an equivalent Android phone into the gutter in terms of the fluidity of the user interface and most of the actual useful apps are available. I moved from Android, to IOS and finally to Windows Phone and have stayed with it. I don't appear to have suffered this apparently insurmountable problem of not being able to move data between them.
Agharta
1 Jan 162#51
I find my Nexus 6 with stock Android 6 so fluid that if it flowed any more it would be a gas! :smiley: I think people who like Windows Phone which I also like are often in denial about the massive app gap. Love the O/S but don’t delude yourself on the app gap. We aren’t all just following the herd using the top 40 most commonly used apps. There’s more to a smartphone than twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp etc.
Useful is a subjective term as I find being able to control my Panasonic camera remotely a very handy feature which is why pro level cameras have offered a form of remote shutter release for decades.
SubZulu
1 Jan 16#52
lol. paying for games? You can download them free if your savvy enough. Having said that, I'd happily pay for an app if I feel it is worth it as appreciation for the dev.
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#53
Windows Phone was a great OS, and tried to do at least something different from Android or iOS. In many respects, easier to use than iOS, and very responsive on all types of devices (unlike Android).
Unfortunately, many apps are really poor compared to their Android counterparts, and most new apps are not released on Windows Phone, due to the small market share (vicious circle).
Given the billions of dollars invested and still lack of traction, in term of great apps or devices sold/market shares, I think Windows Phone is dead, and Microsoft will stop making phones soon (or shareholders will ask). They can't keep subsidizing phones forever, without even getting market shares.
I am not sure either what the use case is for new features like "Continuum" (using the phone like a light PC): can't really see many people using this, so technically it's nice, but won't attract users.
Maybe they should focus on features that will attract users, or device-specific apps with added values (Skype, Office etc). Maybe they should have bought some app dev firms, instead of wasting billions on Nokia (now written off).
When considering the Nokia purchase, the Windows Phone "experiment" must have cost $10 billions or more by now, so time to stop it.
a_user to tomtomato
1 Jan 162#59
The use case for Continnum is for business users to be able to work from anywhere (subject to having an internet connection) on full sized screen without having to lug a notebook everywhere. You can get a full PC experience without having to actually have a PC at all. Many of the new apps (that are ready fro continuum) actually change their appearance to suit the active mode too, i.e. one interface for the phone screen, and a more appropriate interface when hooked up to a larger screen. This could represent a massive saving to large companies, as they would only have to provide their staff with a phone instead of a notebook as well as a phone. This is a good move by Microsoft and I hope it takes off in the way it should do. Of course all of the data will be stored in the cloud, and so is accessible from anywhere, much like businesses that use Microsoft products do already. Obviously Microsoft Office is already on the phone, so it's totally realistic to be able to do real work without a PC at all.
pengwyn
1 Jan 16#54
For me the one reason to get windows was office apps now android have them I see no reason to waste your money. Microsoft are getting worried at pc money and the network effect bleeding away from them that they where giving away lumina 435 at a fiver on cpw I have been giving these phones like sweeties to my nieces stockpiling a couple so that when they break one I can easily replace it. Face facts Microsoft are finished. Pcs as well as mobile. Everything they've done has been to protect their money stream and now it's failed I won't lose any sleep that's for sure
tomtomato
1 Jan 163#55
I don't think Microsoft is finished, quite the opposite. Check their turnover, profits and share price over the last year. Those make it one of the most successful company around. True, their steady source of income from Windows had to be replaced by other streams. However, Office/Office 365, Azure etc are strong income alternatives, in the professional market. Their presence in the consumer market however will be less than in the past, with people shifting usage to Android and iOS (although apparently, Surface tablets overtook the iPad sales in October).
Sogaaddict
1 Jan 162#56
The obsession with apps from mostly Android users is puzzling, unless their market is aimed at 11-13 year olds who like to have 1000 variations of the same pointless game. As for banks not having Windows apps, well it's easy enough to use the browser on the phone or tablet or whatever. I think people complain because they enjoy complaining.
codge
1 Jan 16#57
Good phone but still to expensive compared to Iphone
Muffy to codge
5 Jan 161#87
iPhone 6 plus 16Gb unlocked = £619
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL 32Gb unlocked = £439
Maybe maths isn't your strong point.
Seems like Android app obsessives are kicking themselves for not having Windows Phones, the way they go on and on and on...
a_user
1 Jan 162#60
A nice challenge for Android users that are regular people (not fanbois) would be to switch off your Android handset for a week, use a Windows phone for a week instead, have someone nearby that know Windows phones that can help if you don't know how to do something, and then see what you think after a week.
It's one thing to try a Windows phone, but if you're used to Android/IOS you may struggle initially, so having someone that can answer your questions while you try it makes a world of difference. I would be interested to see the feedback from people that did this, they may still not like it, but at least they would have given it a fair go, and any criticisms would be far more valid.
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#61
Apart from the fact that you need to carry an adapter box, various cables, a keyboard and a mouse, making the solution not too mobile and a bit pointless. A wireless screen sharing option, working without the need for any attachments would have made at least some sense.
And no, it's not a full PC experience either...
Instead of having dozen of engineers working on such niche features, they should really be working on mainstream features that would make Windows Phone a must-have...
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#62
You are missing the point: it shouldn't be too hard to convince people that a product is better than others, they should ask for it. In this case, many people have tried a Windows phone and are now back on Android or iOS.
At £400, and with average reviews, this phone does not compete well with many other alternatives.
Microsoft did well at selling cheap Windows phones in many countries, but those were heavily subsidized and this is not sustainable. It was a strategy to become a loss leader, but now market shares are flat again. Also, aiming for the low end of the market is not great either, given the Chinese competitors.
Microsoft is now trying to aim at the top end of the market, but without really key competitive advantages. Only the hard fanboy will buy this, and Microsoft will keep releasing a few phones over the next months/couple of years, out of pride and will then eventually pull the plug, having had no traction after billions of investment. Anybody with a business mindset would have pull the plug a long time ago.
Sogaaddict
1 Jan 162#63
Quite the reverse actually. I hve found that the biggest critics of Windows Phones are those who have never had or used one, and I know personally of people who have switched from Android to Windows Phones after using mine.
Chaz_UK
1 Jan 16#64
Until Continuum is released on a phone with an x86 processor, the feature is severely constrained in what it can do and what software it can run. As it stands today, the Lumia 950 and XL in continuum mode do not have access to vast swathes of software that users and businesses need to operate on a daily basis.
It may get there at some point but it falls far short of a full PC experience on the current hardware.
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#65
I have had various Windows phones for work for several years, and while I like the OS, most apps I need are not available and the ones available are buggy or no longer maintained. Therefore, I also have a top of the range Android phone, which I much prefer. I would only recommend a cheap Windows phone to someone not needing apps , and only using basic features, e.g. older person doing SMS, web browsing and email (in which case, preferable to a cheap Android as easier to use and more fluid).
I cannot see myself recommending a £430 Windows phone to anyone, as I cannot foresee any massive improvements soon in the app market, quite the opposite, and the phone does not have any killer features. There is a high probability MS will pull the plug, and it should, from a financial standpoint.
turnaround37
1 Jan 16#66
Sorry but this is not a deal.I plumped for the 930 last year and I have regretted it ever since.just a pure nightmare and all relating to the OS.its simply terrible along with the always terrible app store. 1 more year to endure on this phone and then I can get back to a decent phone,decent app store and a stable app store
turnaround37
1 Jan 16#67
[quote=turnaround37]Sorry but this is not a deal.I plumped for the 930 last year and I have regretted it ever since.just a pure nightmare and all relating to the OS.its simply terrible along with the always terrible app store. 1 more year to endure on this phone and then I can get back to a decent phone,decent app store and a stable os
Captainone
1 Jan 162#68
Yeah might well be is 20 % of uk market (i doubt it but ok ) but all the people I know who have windows phones are over 60 and just buy a cheap windows phone and struggle to use more than 3 functions . Its a phone for those that know no better . It was only the nokia name that casued any interest in 1st place .
a_user
1 Jan 161#69
Sorry to hear about your negative experience with your 930, my wife and I love ours, fabulous camera too, and ultraHD 4K video if that's your bag.
Captainone to a_user
1 Jan 161#73
Ultra 4 k video real usefull on a tiny screen or even on a telly at home all from a camera covered in finger prints and pocket fluff . Now if you want to realy see 4k go to the cinema and watch something taken with a proper camera on a screen big enough to show it .
Sogaaddict
1 Jan 163#70
Ridiculous comment based on your own prejudices.
a_user
1 Jan 162#71
Windows phone is a good alternative to the more established Android and IOS phones, but people tend to stick with what they know, this is the main problem for Windows phones as people generally don't like change, and if they're happy with what they have, why waste the time learning something new... I'm the opposite to this, I like to try new things, sometimes I get my fingers burnt, but other times I discover something really worth knowing and/or investing in. Windows phone was one of those things. One of my friends had a Samsung Windows phone when they first came out, I had a quick play with it, and immediately wanted one, I was running an Android handset running Cyanogen at the time which I did like, but the Windows phone represented to me at least a better way of doing a lot things, I've had Windows phones ever since. I stick with Windows phones because of my preferences, but also other people stick with their phones because of their preferences, it's very difficult for Microsoft to crack this situation, they need to come up with a game changer with either hardware or an exclusive app or both, Continuum may be one part of this (for business users at least), but they need more, a premium Surface phone will help too, but they need to come up with something really cool (for want of a better way to describe it) that the other OS's can't copy so easily, then they might attract new users, at the moment, there's not enough to tempt people away from the other camps.
Captainone
1 Jan 16#72
Since i have a windows phone supplied by my work its not prejudice is experience of using the hatefull operating system on a phone . If you want a cheap nasty smart phone and have limited skills nothing wrong with it but no matter what the spec they can never be a flagship phone with such limitations .
Dryosh
1 Jan 161#74
I said nothing about paying for apps, the game he referred to is "free to play" I'm talking the idiots pouring money into these kinda games like candy crush etc. Paying to skip levels and paying for time skipping.
If you knew anything you would have got what I was talking about by calling him a whale.
Maybe look up what a game whale is.
Sogaaddict
1 Jan 161#75
And there you go again. Android fan boy. You may or may not have a windows phone supplied by your work, anyone can claim anything. If you don't like Windows Phones, so what. Not everyone wants to play endless pointless mindless game apps.
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#76
That's right, but many other "useful" apps are not present either, or of very poor quality compared to the Android or iOS versions... I am talking about banking apps, news etc.
Someone who want to stick to the built-in apps (e.g. email) will be fine, but apart from that, it's very poor.
Most app developers won't develop for Windows Phone, or have stopped doing it, so the platform is pretty much dead in that respect. Even Microsoft has released better apps for Android and iOS now. Even Microsoft employees don't seem to stick to Windows Phones (most appear to have either an iPhone or Android phone, in addition to their work phone).
luke_home87
1 Jan 161#77
I have to say I use the NatWest app on my windows phone and it is brilliant. the msn news app is great as well. I have had apple and android and I am staying with windows because I love it. we all like different things but you don't know until you take the time to try something different. :smiley:
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#78
Good to know it's working well for you, given the specific apps you use. I have been using Windows phone for over 4 years, so I have tried and compared with Android. Most apps I use on Android don't exist on Windows phone, or are very poor versions. Understandingly, app developers are going to focus on the main platform first.
Sogaaddict
1 Jan 161#79
Yes yes, we get the message, yawn.
tomtomato
1 Jan 16#80
What a nice and constructive way to conclude a structured discussion... I guess you ran out of arguments? Anyway, continue your crusade about Windows Phone, and we will see where it leads, but it's not looking so good, after probably $10Bn down the drain in term of achieved market shares.
Captainone
1 Jan 16#81
Amazing how i managed to get so many people so upset and angry over a rubbish phone with missing apps all becasue i said it cant play CLASH OF CLANS . Reel them in hook , line and sinker . If you still dont belive me watch this you tube video it explains it all !!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy88lhw8ZV0
revmacca
1 Jan 16#82
I agree with most comments here, the o/s has lacked polished apps for years, the fiasco of the in-house music app is a biggie, this has continued with ios / android versions of ms apps being more advanced than on wp!
Due to the last 5 years of endless reboots and it'll be better next year bs, ms should have sacked the entire mobile division management for gross negligence!
However I do feel if ms keep going with the unified platform they will emerge with sustainable market share around 15 / 20 %, the universal app model is producing results and Win 10 (PC) has been very well received with 200+ million installs, adding in xbone and you've got a huge market, also as mentioned earlier I'd prefer 3 platforms to 2.
I've just returned my 1520 if anyone can post a deal that would be cracking...
monkey1999
2 Jan 16#83
and androids are buggy as hell I hate my samdung s5 and after iphone windows and android I can't wait to go back to windows even if they have only 50 torch apps
Agharta
2 Jan 16#85
That's the official party line but reality will be very different.
Why? Because the app developers who only target iOS and Android don't use Visual Studio so why will they suddenly change or add another development environment in Visual Studio to address a market that they've ignored up until now?
For companies that already target WP or intend to it helps but that's a minority I sense.
Universal apps (UA) are a great idea but you still have to write 3 different interfaces for phones, tablets and desktops so it's not exactly a free lunch.
Plus in going the UA route you are restricting your development choices in certain areas which will kill their usefulness for some.
MS are so desperate for UA to help keep them relevant that they give away Visual Studio to everybody but enterprise customers now. Desperate times.
revmacca
3 Jan 16#86
The apps I personally missed were from banks and actual companies, I'm sure to access the 200 million to potentially half a billion plus w10 users they'll find a way to master a new development method :wink:
Not actually to be honest its selling for £440 but remember Microsoft give you a free display dock worth £80 so can easily sell it minimum £70 so for a high speced phone and best camera going its only £370 absolute bargain.
Captainone
7 Jan 16#92
yep but that still wont help you play clash of clans
monkey1999
10 Jan 16#93
Most big companies and banks have apps now and I'm sure microsoft universal apps will be the solution in a year along with a sutface phone me personally had all 3 and windows phones I have had have been better os
Opening post
Dimensions 151.9 x 78.4 x 8.1 mm
Weight 165 g
AMOLED Size 5.7 inches
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels (~518 ppi pixel density)
PLATFORM OS Microsoft Windows 10
CPU Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A57
MEMORY Card slot microSD, up to 200 GB
Internal 32 GB, 3 GB RAM
CAMERA Primary 20 MP
- MarioMan
Top comments
Apps aren't everything.
The unwashed masses playing repetitive mindless "games" that are designed only to drain your money, you are the fabled "whale" that devs love.
We know you , and some others don't like it, and that's fine. That's what choice is about.
Yes, there is a small app gap, and I do mean small. Most users will find a few apps they want won't be there, but for most, they won't notice, and where there IS an app gap, most of the time, they can use the far better browser offered in Win10 to use the web page.
That said, there is always someone who is going to miss a specific app that they need. For me, there is only one. A youview app. That's it.
I also honestly DO think Win10 Universal apps will fix many of the app gap issues, we've already seen that with some high profile adoptions that were not present before hand.
And let's not forget Win10 is a brand new OS too. Unfortunately , it was released unfinished, hence why it hasn't rolled out to other devices yet, but to say MS will abandon it is simply FUD, they have repeatedly stated their continued support, and the surface phone proves that.
I believe many said the same thing about the surface tablets, and yet here we are, on the fourth iteration, and they keep getting better, and more people are buying them...
BTW, rant over, hot price :wink: But I want a dual sim...
How can I buy from Portugal at that price? :smile:
All comments (93)
The unwashed masses playing repetitive mindless "games" that are designed only to drain your money, you are the fabled "whale" that devs love.
Apps aren't everything.
This has a limited range of apps so is a limited device.
If you have limited needs then so be it.
Of course it also does certain things that other phones don't.
bottom line is the 950/950xl show all the signs of products pushed out of the door after most of the dev boys & girls have been canned - you only need to read the latest update Microsoft "patch" details to realise its really just a beta device + OS at flagship prices.
http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/flow/item/21153_The_mystery_of_MDG_and_the_new.php
IMHO Windows Phone was a quantum leap ahead of Android/IOS in usability but ignored and now chucked in the trashcan by the Cloud Cuckoo boys n girls in Redmond
.. not ensuring decent WinPhone key apps are in the app store is dire enough - not ensuring your key own apps (office, onedrive etc) are at least as good as those you make for IOS/Android is just downright insulting
So bye Bye Cloud Cuckoos in Redmond sadly (after a life of Windows Mobile/Windows Phone) its Android for me (until Iphone's get good enough cameras)
The price is good but the software doesn't seem to be there yet.
But there are some important apps missing and it's not until you try and go 100% Windows Mobile that you actually notice and miss them.
(too much of a fanboy)
I have had the Lumia520,1520 and now the 1320. 1520 was the best. Mine unfortunately broke.
how can u miss apps that dont even show up in the store unless your android and apple friends tell you what apps they got you cant have .
...and from someone who has owned and extensively used all 3 of the mainstream phone OS's I have to say I like Windows best, but for most people the "app gap" cannot be ignored. Android is the most versatile and can do thit most but it is also the most frustrating, especially for the average (non-enthusiast?) user who will see a rapid decline in performance sometimes even with the highest of high end devices. iOS is the balance between performance, apps, ease of use but for me it's just so BORING. I'm not the biggest fan of the iOS interface but I will say for the average user it's the OS that will give the least problems by far.
edit: although I just read this, so could be fine! :smiley:http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_says_lumia_950_xl_is_out_of_stock_at_some_uk_retails_due_to_high_demand_not_due_to_alleged-news-15803.php
Keep the £439 in your pocket. Windows 10 Mobile will be canned in the next 12 months, even a much hyped Surface Phone won't save it. The App Gap is real, the Windows Phone platform is just too unpolished and buggy, verses the competition.
Its currently a bottomless pit regards MS investment, (investments that could be better spent elsewhere; iOS / Android MS Apps etc and the key players in its development have pretty much left the platform). Microsoft's own marketing probably managed the most harm though, over the years. Microsoft desperately needs a new head of Marketing.
thurrott.com published articles last week telling its readers how to move to iPhones and Android phones to use and integrate Microsoft Productivity Apps on those platforms, if thats not spelling it out for you, I really don't know what is. (If Paul Thurrott was a stick of rock it would have a big MS right the way through)
Microsoft always said there was no space for 4 platforms (in reference to Blackberry) it seems there isn't even space for three.
We know you , and some others don't like it, and that's fine. That's what choice is about.
Yes, there is a small app gap, and I do mean small. Most users will find a few apps they want won't be there, but for most, they won't notice, and where there IS an app gap, most of the time, they can use the far better browser offered in Win10 to use the web page.
That said, there is always someone who is going to miss a specific app that they need. For me, there is only one. A youview app. That's it.
I also honestly DO think Win10 Universal apps will fix many of the app gap issues, we've already seen that with some high profile adoptions that were not present before hand.
And let's not forget Win10 is a brand new OS too. Unfortunately , it was released unfinished, hence why it hasn't rolled out to other devices yet, but to say MS will abandon it is simply FUD, they have repeatedly stated their continued support, and the surface phone proves that.
I believe many said the same thing about the surface tablets, and yet here we are, on the fourth iteration, and they keep getting better, and more people are buying them...
BTW, rant over, hot price :wink: But I want a dual sim...
How can I buy from Portugal at that price? :smile:
IOS is great but can get bland quickly. Android is the best medium so far but sometimes it's too finnicky too. I found Windows to be excellent in between IOS and Android but like others say, the future looks bleak in the Windows mobile market.
The only reason I haven't gone back to android is because windows OS feels superior, my battery hasn't deteriorated as much as my old android phone, and still hasn't slowed down/become obsolete as have many android phones of similar price band when I bought my Nokia.
I believe windows is the best OS for the low end market and maybe the best of the mid range market, but without apps it can't compete against the popularity of iPhones and top end android handsets. This is why I'd give the 950 a miss, despite continuum or any advances windows 10 makes.
For me, Microsoft's phone OS suits me very well, has done for years, I'll take the live-tiles of Microsoft's OS over the dead icons of Android and IOS any day. I've never owned an IOS device so cannot criticise them too much, but my Nexus tablets are way more buggy than my Lumia 930 running Windows 10 Mobile, and those tablets are supposedly running Google's latest and greatest OS version (and they're supposed to be less complicated what with not being a phone as well)... "force-close" anyone!
There is an app gap, I can't deny that, but the OS is good, better in some ways than the others, and worse in other ways, but overall it's a solid offering worthy of being given a chance.
It amazes me the amount of people that feel they have to justify their own choice by slagging off the competition, many people just **** off Windows phones without ever having tried them. I get that some people are so used to doing something one way, that it's hard for them to even contemplate doing it differently. I don't mind the Android way of doing things, but it's a bit 25 years ago with the dead icons, the Windows OS just seems smarter to me, all the info I need is already there on the screen without having to open any apps.
I probably shouldn't have bothered with this post, but hey... More choice is better, so please feel free to say what you like about your choice of OS, rather than negative comments about something you don't... Wouldn't that be a breath of fresh air - won't happen, but it would be nice.
The 950XL is too big for my liking, but I will pick up a regular 950 when I can get one for under £200 - on Ebay or something. My 930 will do just fine until then.
So this 950 xl is the best phone i have had the camera is the best I have used the weight of the phone is super light, looks very sleek, VERY fast and nice and the phone for full charge only takes 50mins with the upgraded usb 3 charger. Seriously cant fault it but time will tell obviously but love the fact I used the phone all day today and still have 40% battery and that was settings at 50% and watching vids and texting.
At this point, we're past what system is 'better', all have their merits. Instead its about what suits you, and that's what you should think about before making a decision, not the inane ramblings of myriad fanboys.
Three in touch (essential as no signal on any network in our metal building)
Popcorn time
Kodi
Moonlight or any decent steam streaming app
Full pebble support
Numerous games
None of the above can be fixed either at present moment.
Phone is good but expensive.
http://wmpoweruser.com/microsoft-denies-lumia-950-xl-withdrawn-due-issues-says-stock-due-strong-demand/
I think people who like Windows Phone which I also like are often in denial about the massive app gap. Love the O/S but don’t delude yourself on the app gap. We aren’t all just following the herd using the top 40 most commonly used apps. There’s more to a smartphone than twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp etc.
Useful is a subjective term as I find being able to control my Panasonic camera remotely a very handy feature which is why pro level cameras have offered a form of remote shutter release for decades.
Unfortunately, many apps are really poor compared to their Android counterparts, and most new apps are not released on Windows Phone, due to the small market share (vicious circle).
Given the billions of dollars invested and still lack of traction, in term of great apps or devices sold/market shares, I think Windows Phone is dead, and Microsoft will stop making phones soon (or shareholders will ask). They can't keep subsidizing phones forever, without even getting market shares.
I am not sure either what the use case is for new features like "Continuum" (using the phone like a light PC): can't really see many people using this, so technically it's nice, but won't attract users.
Maybe they should focus on features that will attract users, or device-specific apps with added values (Skype, Office etc). Maybe they should have bought some app dev firms, instead of wasting billions on Nokia (now written off).
When considering the Nokia purchase, the Windows Phone "experiment" must have cost $10 billions or more by now, so time to stop it.
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL 32Gb unlocked = £439
Maybe maths isn't your strong point.
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/apple-iphone-6-128gb-sim-free-499-john-lewis-2365840
It's one thing to try a Windows phone, but if you're used to Android/IOS you may struggle initially, so having someone that can answer your questions while you try it makes a world of difference. I would be interested to see the feedback from people that did this, they may still not like it, but at least they would have given it a fair go, and any criticisms would be far more valid.
And no, it's not a full PC experience either...
Instead of having dozen of engineers working on such niche features, they should really be working on mainstream features that would make Windows Phone a must-have...
At £400, and with average reviews, this phone does not compete well with many other alternatives.
Microsoft did well at selling cheap Windows phones in many countries, but those were heavily subsidized and this is not sustainable. It was a strategy to become a loss leader, but now market shares are flat again. Also, aiming for the low end of the market is not great either, given the Chinese competitors.
Microsoft is now trying to aim at the top end of the market, but without really key competitive advantages. Only the hard fanboy will buy this, and Microsoft will keep releasing a few phones over the next months/couple of years, out of pride and will then eventually pull the plug, having had no traction after billions of investment. Anybody with a business mindset would have pull the plug a long time ago.
It may get there at some point but it falls far short of a full PC experience on the current hardware.
I cannot see myself recommending a £430 Windows phone to anyone, as I cannot foresee any massive improvements soon in the app market, quite the opposite, and the phone does not have any killer features. There is a high probability MS will pull the plug, and it should, from a financial standpoint.
If you knew anything you would have got what I was talking about by calling him a whale.
Maybe look up what a game whale is.
Someone who want to stick to the built-in apps (e.g. email) will be fine, but apart from that, it's very poor.
Most app developers won't develop for Windows Phone, or have stopped doing it, so the platform is pretty much dead in that respect. Even Microsoft has released better apps for Android and iOS now. Even Microsoft employees don't seem to stick to Windows Phones (most appear to have either an iPhone or Android phone, in addition to their work phone).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy88lhw8ZV0
Due to the last 5 years of endless reboots and it'll be better next year bs, ms should have sacked the entire mobile division management for gross negligence!
However I do feel if ms keep going with the unified platform they will emerge with sustainable market share around 15 / 20 %, the universal app model is producing results and Win 10 (PC) has been very well received with 200+ million installs, adding in xbone and you've got a huge market, also as mentioned earlier I'd prefer 3 platforms to 2.
I've just returned my 1520 if anyone can post a deal that would be cracking...
Why? Because the app developers who only target iOS and Android don't use Visual Studio so why will they suddenly change or add another development environment in Visual Studio to address a market that they've ignored up until now?
For companies that already target WP or intend to it helps but that's a minority I sense.
Universal apps (UA) are a great idea but you still have to write 3 different interfaces for phones, tablets and desktops so it's not exactly a free lunch.
Plus in going the UA route you are restricting your development choices in certain areas which will kill their usefulness for some.
MS are so desperate for UA to help keep them relevant that they give away Visual Studio to everybody but enterprise customers now. Desperate times.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B016BOFRZG/ref=olp_f_freeShipping?ie=UTF8&f_freeShipping=true&f_new=true