Microsoft is a multinational technology company mostly known for their software and products such as the Windows operating system and tools such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Outlook, to name a few. What some people may not know, however, is that they have also released a few cutting-edge mobile phones.

This is Microsoft, so you didn’t really expect anything short of innovation, did you? As part of their Lumia line of mobile phones, they released the ground-breaking Microsoft Launcher, a tool that allows you to work simultaneously from your Android phone and your Windows PC. With a single tap on a file in your phone, you can access everything in your personalised feed from both devices. If this isn’t productivity, I don’t know what is.

One of the slogans on their website states: “Find the perfect smartphone for your personality at Microsoft… No matter who you are,” and this is reflected in their products.

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Lumia Phones

Ah, the Lumia 650. Despite what the numbers of this model suggest, the Lumia 650 was the most recent release in the series. It runs on Windows 10 Mobile and is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 processor with 1GB RAM. Additionally, it comes equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front facing camera for selfies.

Most phones nowadays have the option of expanding their storage with a simple microSD card, and the Lumia 650 is no exception. The phone comes with 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded to 200GB. This model also features a removable 200 mAh battery and is protected by a Corning Gorilla glass finish.

Another option worth considering is the Lumia 950. This model runs on a hexa-core processor, which falls short ever so slightly from the cutting-edge performance of usual octa-core processors in the market. It has a Corning Gorilla glass body and weighs 150g, an acceptable number for current smartphones. Its display is 5.2’’ inches with a 16:9 screen aspect ratio, making up a figure of around 70% screen-to-body ratio.

Moving on to the Lumia 950XL, which comes equipped with the Windows 10 Mobile OS Version. This model continues to support the Continuum technology, which allows you to transform your mobile phone into a mini desktop computer by connecting a keyboard and a mouse to it. Even though it still features the microSD slot, it only has 32GB of internal storage and 3GB RAM. The design has a slightly retro touch because it is made of plastic, as opposed to aluminium or glass.

Most of the Lumia models outlined above come with the option of choosing between having a single SIM card or a dual SIM. Consider the latter if you would perhaps benefit from a work phone and a personal phone combined into one single device.

The Window(s) is Closing

On October 8th, 2017, Microsoft revealed that they would no longer continue to develop new features or new hardware for the Windows 10 Mobile OS. This was justified because of the lack of success in the market which resulted in a lack of interest from clients (app developers). The company announced that if you still have the Windows 8 or 8.1 devices, you will still be able to get app updates until July 21st, 2023, but they are no longer developing new apps. Don’t fret though, security updates are still available.

As the Lumia mobile phones ran on Windows Phone software, these devices have also unfortunately been discontinued. However, if perhaps you are looking for a short-term phone (to last you until the end of the year) on a bargain, you might still be able to get your hands on one of these models.