Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: comparison of features, specs, price, availability in Australia

Microsoft’s Lumia 950 XL can now be pre-ordered in Australia. This handset runs on the latest Windows 10 Mobile and comes packed with a slew of cutting-edge configurations.

Moving on to BlackBerry Priv, struggling Canadian tech giant BlackBerry, Inc. has taken a huge risk by opting for a retro slider keyboard. To top it off, the company moved away from the BlackBerry 10 OS and settled for Android, instead. Reviews so far, however, have been very positive.

The Priv can also be ordered in Australia via retailers. Carriers haven’t published the plan yet, however. Key configurations of this device include a physical QWERTY keyboard; a curved-edge display on the sides and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS.

For those planning to purchase one of these killer handsets, here’s a comparison of configurations and price.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Price

The Lumia 950 XL can be pre-ordered in Australia for $1,129 from the Microsoft Store. The pre-ordered handset will ship on Dec. 8. The BlackBerry Priv, on the other hand, is now available for $1,249 via retailer BBStore Australia.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Display, Design

The Lumia 950 XL carries a 5.7-inch display whereas the Priv features a 5.4-inch screen. Both handsets flaunt the same 1,440 x 2,560 pixels screen resolution. With more than 500+ ppi pixel density on board, it’s guaranteed the handsets will offer an excellent viewing experience with respect to depth and colour reproduction. In general, the higher the pixel density, the livelier the screen.

Moving on to the design aspect, the BlackBerry flagship stands-out with the dual-curved edge display, which is similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+. CNet notes that unlike the Edge+, the display on the Priv doesn’t wrap around effortlessly.

This is because of the space required to accommodate the sliding keyboard. The keyboard is reportedly narrow and therefore, those with huge hands might find it uncomfortable to hold until they get accustomed to it.

Although the curved display makes the device look stunning from every angle, the same site says it doesn’t add much value. Tech Radar, meanwhile, says the device’s glass front panel is perfectly matched by a metallic rim running through the edges, giving a premium look to the flagship.

Speaking of Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, the handset comes with the traditional polycarbonate (i.e. plastic) chassis. Needless to say, the plastic construction makes the Lumia weigh less. The premium look seen in the Samsung Galaxy S6 or HTC One M9, however, is missing in the Priv, according to Phone Arena.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Processor, Memory

The Microsoft device comes powered by a Snapdragon 810 SoC while the BlackBerry handset utilizes a Snapdragon 808 processor. Despite the difference, both phones are backed by a solid 3 GB of RAM.

Speaking of memory configuration, both the devices come equipped with 32 GB of internal storage space. There’s also a microSD card slot to facilitate memory expansion.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Camera, Battery

The Lumia 950 XL houses a killer 20 MP PureView primary camera with support for OIS. In addition, there’s also a 5 MP selfie-shooter at the front.

The Priv, on the other hand, comes with a phenomenal 18 MP Schneider-Kreuznach rear-facing sensor with OIS support. The front-facing snapper is a humble 2 MP sensor. The BlackBerry device settles for dual-LED flash whereas the Microsoft phone beats the Priv fair and square with a triple-LED flash.

When it comes to battery specification, there is a removable 3,410 mAh cell on board the Priv whereas the Lumia handset features a 3,340 mAh removable battery unit. To top it off, both handsets support wireless and rapid charging options.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Additional Pointers

Microsoft is the pioneer in introducing an “iris scanner” for authentication in its Lumia 950 series. Not to forget, other high-end devices released so far come with the now-omnipresent “fingerprint sensor”. But then, the Priv doesn’t feature any of the above. While the Microsoft handset comes with an USB Type-C port, the Priv settles for a microUSB v2.0 (SlimPort 4K).

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