14 DAY TRIAL // They say Windows phones are dead, and so is the Lumia brand, and this obviously drives more potential buyers to Android and iOS, especially because Microsoft doesn’t seem to be too keen on proving them wrong.
But in the meantime, Lumia phones continue to be available for purchase, even from the Microsoft Store, despite all the rumors that Redmond would announce its demise by the end of December, and some people are still trying to figure out if it’s worth buying it.
The answer to this question pretty much depends on what exactly you expect to get from a phone because we all know that a Lumia won’t bring you the huge collection of apps that you get on Android, for example. But on the other hand, if you put a Lumia 950 XL and an iPhone 7 Plus side by side, Microsoft’s device still has a few advantages, and today we’re going to discuss 5 of them.
Obviously, feel free to add your own in the comment box below, but keep in mind that what you see here doesn’t necessarily mean that the Lumia is overall a better choice than the iPhone 7. These things can only prove that Lumia 950 XL is still worth a look even after more than a year since its launch.
#1 - It’s more secure
If we are to judge from a marketing perspective, the iPhone is one of the most secure devices on the market, but in real life, nobody can deny that it has its flaws too.
Every once in a while, people discover more or less critical flaws that are super-easy to exploit, such as this iOS bug that makes it possible for anyone to bypass the passcode and access photos and messages.
In the meantime, Microsoft is making security of its devices a really big deal, and the Lumia 950 XL comes not only with the traditional security PIN but also with Windows Hello, which is a biometric authentication feature that others are copying too these days. And there are rumors that even Apple could get it for the iPhone 8.
Plus, it hurts to say, but given its small market share, nobody wants to develop hacks for Windows 10 Mobile.
#2 - It’s Windows
Lumia 950 XL does not run full Windows, but Windows 10 Mobile shares the same core, so it brings several advantages that you won’t find elsewhere. And given the fact that more than 90 percent of the world’s PCs are running Windows, there’s a good chance that you have a Windows desktop or laptop too.
With Windows 10 Mobile, you can benefit from seamless synchronization of your accounts and have instant access to apps such as OneDrive and Skype with minimum configuration.
Furthermore, with the power of Cortana you can also get phone notifications on the desktop, similar to what is happening right now with the iPhone and macOS. On the other hand, Microsoft is working to make these sync features available on non-Windows devices with Cortana, but at the moment, Lumia 950 XL provides better integration.
#3 - It’s cheaper
We all know that the iPhone is one very expensive device, but when comparing it to the Lumia 950 XL, it’s very clear which one is the better choice especially if you’re not Donald Trump (or anyone else super rich).
The iPhone 7 Plus can be yours right now for $769 with 32GB storage, while the Lumia 950 XL costs only $499 with the same amount of storage straight at the Microsoft Store. Plus, the Lumia has microSD card support, so you can always expand your storage should you need more.
#4 - It’s more customizable
Most people who have to choose between Android and iOS pick the first simply because it comes with more customization options. And when comparing Windows 10 Mobile with iOS, the same thing is valid, as Microsoft’s operating system comes with many more options than the super-restricted Apple platform.
Windows 10 Mobile has live tiles, as well as several personalization options. It does not provide the same level of customization as Android, but it’s still a better choice over iOS.
Here are a few Start layouts created by users out there (and yes, you can create your own as well with a little effort, it’s all up to your imagination):
#5 - It has a headphone jack
And last but not least, the Lumia 950 XL has a headphone jack. It might sound odd for many people out there, but the iPhone 7 Plus no longer has a 3.5mm audio port, which is clearly a major drawback when trying to use third-party headphones.
Apple does ship an adapter in the box of the iPhone 7 Plus, but then again, the Lumia 950 XL comes with a headphone jack from the very beginning, so there’s no need for any other accessories.