By Faye Pablo
THERE’S a first time for everything.
The use of a Microsoft handheld device is one of those opportunities. But like first times, as a song goes, there’re worlds and mountains to climb. The Microsoft Lumia 950 is one steep mountain and difficult world to conquer.
First things first, Microsoft outdid itself with the handheld unit’s design and camera.
The Lumia 950 has a touch of elegance. Its polycarbonate cover comes in both black and white that could be changed according to the user’s mood. The Corning Gorilla glass 3, which actually serves as screen protector, adds to the sophistication of the phone.
Lumia 950’s size—73.2 millimeter (mm) width, 8.2 mm thick—allows the unit to be placed in my pouch, even my wallet, along with the cash and cards.
Unlike other smartphones, the Lumia 950 has a removable battery, a micro SD slot expandable up to 200 gigabyte (GB) and two nano-SIM slots. These features make the phone more convenient than other smartphones.
The Lumia 950 has a clear black display and a resolution of 1440×2560 pixels, allowing the device to rank among top brands.
However, looks can, indeed, be deceiving. And during the first night, performance is the key, not the looks.
Apps
FIRST, as a part of the millennial bracket, I am one of the billions of users of Facebook every day. I use Facebook like how I use it using other gadget.
What frustrated me is Lumia 950 won’t let me post pictures on Facebook. I’ve tried posting a photo using the unit but it took too long to upload. I’ve checked my Internet connection, even the connection of my other phone. The other phone’s link was fine as the signal is actually strong, since I am just a few steps away from the Wi-Fi device. But still, the Lumia 950 wouldn’t upload my photo.
Another thing that disappointed me is when I tried downloading Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Twitter. Again, it wasn’t about the Internet connection. It took me a day to completely download one application.
Another thing that sucks about this is their version of Instagram is only in Beta. What’s more frustrating than that for a millennial like me who loves taking photographs and sharing these on Instagram.
The Beta version of Instagram in Lumia 950 doesn’t even offer the improved filters for pictures. Cropping a photo to square size gets the image pixilated.
Still, Microsoft Office apps work best in Lumia 950. The device is best used by people, especially students who loves cramming, who often use these apps. A user can create reports whenever and wherever they need to and save files using a Microsoft account.
Battery life
ONE of the saddest thing in life for a millennial to ever experience is when a phone battery is dying.
When you’re in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you feel it’s a must to capture the moment, the phone should be the most reliable tool. Sadly, the Lumia 950 could be excluded in this category. To keep it reliable, the Lumia 950, especially its camera feature, should be used sparsely in a day.
The unit’s battery, at least for that given by the company for a two-week limited use, is not for a whole day once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is advisable to bring a power bank when using the Lumia 950. The phone can only last half day without connecting to the Internet.
A week ago, I went to the beach with my Lumia 950. Going to the beach is a rare opportunity for me because I work six days a week. What I did to save the battery was to turn off the unit the whole length of the travel. I turned it on again when I reached the beach.
What scared me is when charging the unit as it gets unusually hot. Likewise, when I used Skype once, the unit got uncomfortably hot on my hands.
Camera, Windows Hello
MICROSOFT outdid itself with the camera in the Lumia 950.
What I love about the device is its 20-megapixel (MP) rear camera and 5-MP front camera. I just love it because it clearly captures all the scenes, especially sunsets, I want to take.
It clearly gave me the picture of what exactly I saw with my own two eyes while watching the sunset. The Lumia 950 even justifies the crystal-like beach sand that adds a dramatic touch to the photo.
Another thing I love about Lumia 950 is the Windows Hello (Beta version). Who wouldn’t love the face winking at you whenever you unlock your phone? It is a good way of securing the owner’s privacy since the phone will only unlock when it recognizes your eyes. In case it doesn’t recognize you, you can open the unit by entering a personal identification number.
Beauty or brains
FINALLY, the question is is Lumia 950 worth your money?
Microsoft launched the Lumia 950 last December 14. Reading articles of users who reviewed the unit showed some similar experiences with the device.
There should be factors one should consider before buying any gadget. Here are some for me:
- Accessibility to all online social-media platforms
- Long battery life
- Good camera quality
- Enough memory space
- Doesn’t occupy too much space in my bag
Unfortunately, Lumia 950 only possesses three of the qualities I listed. Lumia 950 needs more improvement and I don’t recommend it to someone who wants to switch phones. There are still many more things that Microsoft should develop in the unit, which the company sells for P28,990, for it to be able to compete with other smartphones.
Lumia 950 offers nothing but beauty. Its exterior feature gets an A+ but, as they say, beauty is nothing without brains.
Image credits: Faye Pablo