Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Price, Specifications, Features Showdown

After a long wait, Microsoft has finally got the formula right by launching a slew of killer devices during the Oct. 6 special event. The long-rumored Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, alongside the smaller sibling Lumia 950, the 2-in-1 table Surface Pro 4 and the inexpensive Band were introduced to an excited crowd.

Interestingly, both Lumia and Nexus handsets share a lot of configurations like same screen size, resolution and similar display technology, among others. However, there are some subtle yet very important differences between the two power houses, running two different operating systems. Here is a comparison of specifications, features and price pertaining to the new Lumia 950 XL and the Google Nexus 6P.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Similarities

Both Microsoft Lumia 950 XL and Nexus 6P feature the same 5.7-inch display, packed with 1,440 x 2,560 pixels screen resolution. While Microsoft has made use of OLED display technology, the Google device comes with AMOLED screen. This display combination translates to a solid pixel density of 564 ppi, according to Windows Central.

Under the hood, the handsets come powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 chipset, in combination with a 64-bit octa-core processor and backed by a cool 3 GB of RAM. Plus, both the handsets house USB Type-C port and support Quick Charge technology.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Differences

Speaking of software specification, the Lumia 950 XL runs the much-awaited Windows 10 OS, bundled with cool new features like Continuum. The Nexus 6P, on the other hand, runs the new Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, straight out of the box.

Microsoft’s Lumia handsets have always flaunted phenomenal camera units. In the same way, the Lumia 950 XL also sports an improved 20-megapixel PureView rear-facing sensor. In comparison, the Nexus devices have always settled for a modest camera unit. The Nexus 6P features a 12.3-megapixel primary camera with dual-LED flash. However, the Lumia 950 XL beats the Google handset fair and square by offering a one-of-a-kind triple-LED flash to get killer shots.

About front-facing camera, the Nexus 6P trumps the Lumia 950 XL with a generous 8-megapixel selfie clicker, whereas the Microsoft handset settles for a good-enough 5-megapixel snapper. However, the Lumia device has wide-angle lens at the front.

The Lumia device comes equipped with 32 GB of internal storage space with microSD card support for further expansion. The Nexus handset, on the other hand, offers the choice of 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB memory space, but there is no microSD slot.

When it comes to battery specification, the Lumia 950 XL and the Nexus 6P smartphones house 3,340 mAh (removable) and 3,450 mAh (non-removable) cells, respectively. Lastly, the Microsoft device comes packed with “Hello iris scanner” for authentication, whereas the Google handset settles for the tried and tested “fingerprint scanner.”

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs. Nexus 6P: Price

According to Engadget, the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL price has reportedly been set at $649. The Nexus 6P, meanwhile, can be purchased at a starting price of $499 and the bigger storage of 128 GB costs $649.