Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Specs, Features, Price Showdown

Microsoft’s Lumia 950 XL is now available for preorder in the U.S. This device features top-of-the-shelf configurations and the latest Windows 10 Mobile onboard. BlackBerry, on the other hand, has brought the retro slider keyboard back to the fore via the Priv. This handset can also be preordered in the U.S. With Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on board, the device comes with a physical QWERTY keyboard and dual-curved-edge display. Here, readers can check out the comparison of the two power-packed smartphones.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Design, Display

The Lumia 950 XL features a 5.7-inch display, while the BlackBerry Priv comes with a 5.4-inch screen. Both the smartphones carry the same 1,440 x 2,560 pixels resolution. The devices offer excellent viewing experience as the pixel densities translate to more than 500+ ppi.

Speaking of design, similar to Galaxy S6 Edge series, the BlackBerry flagship features dual-curved-edge display. According to CNet, unlike the Samsung phone, the display does not wrap around the Priv effortlessly because of the sliding keyboard. Even though, the curved display looks phenomenal on the device, it does not seem to add much value.

The same site also said that the slider keyboard is slightly narrow, and hence the ones with bigger hands may feel uncomfortable to hold the Priv, until they get used to it. Tech Radar, on the other hand, said the handset’s glass front panel is complemented by a metallic rim running through the corners, thereby giving it a premium flagship look.

Moving on to Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, Phone Arena said, the smartphone features the tried and tested plastic / polycarbonate design. The usual premium look seen in other jumbo devices like Galaxy S6 or HTC One M9 is apparently missing in this handset.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Under The Hood

The Lumia 950 XL comes powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor, whereas the BlackBerry Priv utilizes a Snapdragon 808 SoC. However, both the devices are backed by a good 3 GB of RAM.

Speaking of memory specification, both the handsets come equipped with 32 GB of native storage capacity and support microSD card to facilitate expansion.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Camera, Battery

The Lumia 950 XL sports a 20-megapixel PureView rear-facing unit with OIS, in addition to a 5-megapixel selfie-clicker at the front. The BlackBerry Priv, meanwhile, houses an 18-megapixel Schneider-Kreuznach sensor with OIS support and the front-facing shooter is a modest 2-megapixel unit. While the Priv settles for a dual-LED flash, the Lumia handset trumps the BlackBerry device with a triple-LED flash.

When it comes to battery, the Priv has a removable Li-Ion 3,410 mAh unit on board, whereas the Microsoft handset houses a removable 3,340 mAh cell. Both the phones support wireless and rapid charging features. Lastly, a USB Type-C port is part of the Lumia 950 XL, while the Priv houses a microUSB v2.0 (SlimPort 4K).

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Additional Pointer

Microsoft has debuted an “iris scanner” for authentication in the Lumia 950 lineup, when other high-end phones are featuring the ubiquitous “fingerprint sensor.” However, the Priv has none of the two.

Lumia 950 XL vs. BlackBerry Priv: Price

The BlackBerry Priv is now available for $699 and the device can be ordered via the official store. The Lumia 950 XL, on the other hand, can be availed for $649 from Microsoft Store.