Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. Google Nexus 6P: comparison of price, features and specs

Running the powerful Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest device, the Lumia 950 XL, is now available for purchase in Australia. Google’s Huawei-built Nexus 6P, on the other hand, has been touted as one of the best Android handsets that comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow pre-installed.

This device started selling Down Under from October onwards. For those planning to purchase one of these incredible smartphones, here’s a comparison of price and configurations.

Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Price

Buyers in Australia can now pre-order the Lumia 950 XL for $1,129 via the official Microsoft Store. The device will reportedly reach door steps on Dec. 8.

Meanwhile, Google has reportedly been listing the Nexus 6P time to sync with the Google Store, according to Gizmodo. As it turns out, this handset sells like hotcakes when available. Hence, potential buyers are advised to keep an eye on the Google Store to grab the device. The 32 GB and 64 GB variants of the Nexus 6P will set the buyers back by $899 and $999, respectively, in Australia.

Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Design

Both handsets features the same 5.7-inch AMOLED display; 1,440 x 2,560 pixels screen resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. With 518 ppi pixel density, the devices are guaranteed to give brilliant viewing experience with regard to depth and colour reproduction.

Known for excellent handset design, Huawei has lavishly ensconced the Nexus 6P in a full metal chassis. The device has chamfered edges, giving it a smooth outlook.

According to Trusted Reviews, the antenna bands have been disguised in an aesthetic way. The back of the device is slightly curved and hence stays comfortable in a user’s hands. Tech2, meanwhile, says the “Silver Aluminium” variant of the 6P “screams elegance”. Other variants of the device include Graphite and Frost hues.

The Lumia 950 XL features the conventional polycarbonate (plastic) exterior. It goes without saying the plastic build material makes the new device weigh less. But then, Phone Arena says the handset lacks premium look sashayed by flagships from other OEMs like the Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9. Unlike the Nexus handset, Microsoft hasn’t experimented with colours and hence, the device comes in standard Black and White hues.

Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Under The Hood

Interestingly, both smartphones are powered by the same Snapdragon 810 processor and backed by the same 3 GB of RAM. The software configuration, however, defers as reported earlier. While the Lumia device runs on Windows 10, the Nexus handset runs on Android 6.0 OS.

When it comes to memory configuration, the Lumia 950 XL offers 32 GB of internal storage space and a microSD card slot to facilitate expansion. The Nexus 6P offers 32 GB / 64 GB / 128 GB storage choices with no option to expand.

Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Camera, Battery

With OIS support on board, Microsoft has housed a brilliant 20 MP PureView rear-facing camera unit on its Lumia 950 XL. In addition, a 5 MP selfie-clicker has been mounted at the front.

The Nexus 6P, on the other hand, features a relatively inferior 12.3 MP rear-facing sensor. The front-facing shooter is a generous 8 MP sensor, however. While the Nexus device settles for a dual-LED flash, the Microsoft handset goes one step further with a triple-LED flash.

Speaking of battery capacity, there is a non-removable 3,450 mAh cell on board the Nexus 6P while the Lumia 950 XL features a removable 3,340 mAh battery unit. Plus, both devices support rapid charging option.

Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Misc

• For authentication, the Lumia 950 XL uses the built-in iris scanner, whereas the Nexus 6P settles for the fingerprint scanner.
• The new norm is to house a USB Type-C port on the high-end devices. Following the trend, both the handsets feature this connector.

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