Microsoft Lumia 950 XL vs Surface Duo 2: A Clash of Windows Titans
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Surface Duo 2 offers significantly better performance and a unique dual-screen experience. However, the Lumia 950 XL boasts incredible battery life and a lower price point. Ultimately, the Duo 2 is the more modern and capable device, but the 950 XL remains a compelling option for budget-conscious users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM | Microsoft Surface Duo 2 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 6 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 257, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015, October. Released 2015, December | 2021, September 22. Released 2021, October 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass) |
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 78.4 x 8.1 mm (5.98 x 3.09 x 0.32 in) | Unfolded: 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm Folded: 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 284 g (10.02 oz) |
| - | Stylus support | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) | 1892 x 2688 pixels (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.3 inches, 204.0 cm2 (~152.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR, 800 nits (peak) |
| ClearBlack display | Folded position display: 5.8 inches, AMOLED, 1344 x 1892 pixels (4:3) | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A57) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 (20 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 430 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.0 | UFS | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Zeiss optics, triple-LED RGB flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.4", 1.12µm, AF, OIS | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 51mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm TOF 3D, (depth) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, stereo sound rec., 1080p@30/60fps (after SW update) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Iris scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, sensor core | Fingerprint (side-mounted), dual accelerometer, dual gyro, dual proximity, dual compass |
| Microsoft Continuum support | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) | 23W wired |
| Music play | Up to 75 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 288 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 25 h (2G) / Up to 19 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3340 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4449 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Glacier, Obsidian |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 1480 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -91.6dB / Crosstalk -89.3dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 47h | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.837 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 74dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 84dB | - |
| Performance | Basemark OS II 2.0: 1472Basemark X: 32178 | - |
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM
- Exceptional battery life
- Large display
- Affordable price
- Windows Phone OS (for enthusiasts)
- Outdated processor
- Older software support
- Less vibrant display compared to OLED
- Bulky design
Microsoft Surface Duo 2
- Unique dual-screen design
- Powerful Snapdragon 888 5G processor
- Vibrant OLED displays
- Modern software experience
- Expensive
- Shorter battery life
- Fragile hinge mechanism
- Software optimization for dual screens still evolving
Display Comparison
The Surface Duo 2 features two 5.8-inch OLED displays with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Lumia 950 XL has a single 5.7-inch LCD display with a high resolution, but lacks the Duo 2's OLED technology and refresh rate. The Duo 2's dual-screen design provides versatility for multitasking and content consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Surface Duo 2 features an 11MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide camera, offering decent image quality. The Lumia 950 XL has a 20MP main camera and a 5MP ultrawide camera. While the 950 XL's camera specs appear better on paper, the Duo 2's image processing is generally superior. Low-light performance is also better on the Duo 2.
Performance
The Surface Duo 2's Snapdragon 888 5G chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Lumia 950 XL's Snapdragon 810. The Duo 2 handles demanding apps and games with ease, while the 950 XL can feel sluggish at times. The Duo 2's newer CPU architecture also contributes to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
The Lumia 950 XL shines in this category, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 47 hours. The Surface Duo 2's battery life is considerably shorter, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The 950 XL's larger battery capacity and less power-hungry processor contribute to its exceptional longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM? Users seeking a budget-friendly Windows phone with exceptional battery life and a large display. Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Duo 2? Users who desire a unique dual-screen experience, powerful performance, and are willing to invest in a premium device.