14 DAY TRIAL // Android is currently the number one operating system on mobile, with some market research firms putting it at more than 80 percent share, and it goes without saying that Samsung is the number one company that’s making this possible.
Samsung has become more or less the pioneer of Android, even though Google should be holding this position, and its smartphones are leading the pack in terms of sales, with the Galaxy S7 setting a new record with more than 30 million units sold since launch.
But despite all of these, Windows phones continue to be worthy alternatives to Android in general, and to the Samsung Galaxy S7 in particular, with the Lumia 950 XL still holding up very well in some regards.
While there’s no doubt that the Galaxy S7 could be a better choice depending on what buyers expect from their phones, here are five reasons why you should still consider the Lumia 950 XL when looking for a new smartphone (if you're looking to go Apple, here are 5 reasons to choose a Lumia 950 XL over the iPhone):
#1 - You won’t get hacked
Given its huge market share, Android has become the preferred target for malware writers across the world, so users are often targeted with compromised APKs that deliver a wide array of infections. Sometimes even published in the Google Play Store, these apps can do anything from stealing account information to rooting devices and purchasing apps from the Store.
As far as Windows 10 Mobile and the Lumia 950 XL are concerned, you won’t see that happening. Not only that malware does not exist on Windows 10 Mobile but Microsoft is also investing in the security of its devices, hence the Lumia 950 XL was one of the first smartphones to come with an iris recognition system.
At the same time, many organizations applauded Windows Phone for its security, and even the NYPD is using it to make emergency call response more efficient.
#2 - Continuum
Continuum is one of the most important features of a Lumia 950 XL, as it allows users to turn a regular smartphone into a PC with just one small adapter.
This feature makes it possible to connect a Lumia 950 XL to an external screen and give Windows 10 Mobile a bit of PC power, so you can work with a mouse and keyboard just like on a desktop. Microsoft has already promised several improvements for Continuum, including a PC-like taskbar with options to pin apps, windowed mode, and other features to make it look and feel more like a desktop.
#3 - Removable battery
Yep, this is quite a big deal because removable batteries have become pretty rare on today’s flagships. The Samsung Galaxy S7 doesn’t have one, and this helps with waterproofing, but on the other hand, it could also lead to other problems that the Lumia 950 XL cannot experience.
Just look at what happened with the Samsung Galaxy Note7. Faulty batteries caused devices to burn into flames, and it goes without saying that irreplaceable units made the whole thing a lot more difficult. Samsung had to recall all models to replace batteries before it discovered that the exchanged models were defective too.
#4 - The ecosystem
Windows 10 Mobile is not Windows 10, but you still get some parts of it and you can really enjoy the benefits of using the ecosystem. Microsoft is making Cortana a big deal on Windows devices, so the personal assistant can help you have phone notifications on your desktop and other things that are otherwise impossible with an Android phone.
At the same time, Microsoft is also working on bringing similar features on Android, also with the help of Cortana, but it goes without saying that Windows phones will always offer better experience since it all comes integrated by default.
A handoff-like feature is also coming to Windows 10, so you’ll soon be able to resume from where you left off on your PC using a Windows 10 Mobile device.
#5 - It doesn’t explode
Take this as a little bonus for hardcore Windows Phone fans who can rest assured when using a Lumia. Fortunately, Lumias do not explode, and the Lumia 950 XL certainly doesn’t suffer from overheating that could lead to bursting into flames.
Samsung’s Note7 fiasco is still haunting the company, and although just this particular model suffered from what was a widespread issue, there were also several Galaxy S7 units that also caught fire due to unknown reasons.
On the other hand, there wasn’t even a single report for a Lumia 950 XL catching fire, so with this Windows phone, you’re always safe.