Windows 10 Mobile Phones Will Arrive Soon Should You Care?

By Stephen Pate – Microsoft started pre-orders for the new Lumia 950 and 950XL smartphones after weeks of anticipation.

I’ve researched and written about this for more than a month and I ask myself – who cares about these Lumia phones? An even better question is why am I thinking of ordering a Lumia 950XL?

There will not likely be line-ups around the block at AT&T stores or online for launch day on November 20th. AT&T  is the official carrier, along with Microsoft retail and online for the Lumia phones. If you buy one from Microsoft, it comes unlocked and ready to activate with any carrier.

While not as exciting as the latest iPhone, some people are pretty pumped that they will be getting the latest in phone technology from Microsoft.

The Lumia 950 series phones are faster, have better cameras and sport unique features better than any other phones in the market. For instance, you can turn the Lumia 950 into a computer with a monitor or TV.

Microsoft is offering a free Lumia Display Dock for the first 60-days (until January 31, 2016). That’s a $100 US value that makes the phone very cool and reduces the price.

As both a Windows and Apple user, I like that my Windows phone shares Outlook email, Word and Excel documents, OneDrive cloud storage of photos and my Microsoft account. I’ve figured out how to get my iTunes library on Windows Phone which looks after my music.

I also like the new Edge browser that can remove the ads from websites making the browsing experience better. Sorry advertisers: I find ads and pop-ups annoying.

The Lumia 20 megapixel camera looks like it takes some of the best photos and videos for a smartphone, even sharper than the iPhone 6s Plus and the Galaxy 6. The camera improvements were part of why I switched to a Nokia Lumia 920 3 years ago.

I also like that you can upgrade the storage memory with an SD card, the battery is replaceable and charging is wireless.

The basic differences in the phones are the 950 has a 5.2&Prime screen and the 950XL has a 5.7&Prime screen.

And if you don’t like the phone, I can return it in 30 days. Microsoft pays the freight so the only cost would be a nano-SIM and carrier fees.

The Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL can be ordered in several countries around the world including Canada and the United States. Delivery is expected by December 11, 2015.

In the United States, Microsoft is taking orders for the 950XL and AT&T for the Lumia 950. In Canada both phones are available from Microsoft.

AT&T online are offering the Lumia 950 on a 2-year contract for $149. Microsoft sells the phone unlocked saving money in the long term and allowing you to pick your own carrier.

So what do you think? Should I pre-order a Lumia 950 XL?

Display dock offer “Eligible for free Microsoft Display Dock with purchase of Lumia 950 XL via the Lumia Offers app, while supplies last.”

To check delivery outside Canada and the United States, try Microsoft Store Worldwide

By Stephen Pate, NJN Network