Microsoft Lumia 950 release date, news and features

Finally, a new flagship phone from Microsoft

Microsoft Lumia 950 release date and featuresIt's been well over a year since the last Lumia flagship smartphone was launched, back when the Nokia name was still just about alive and kicking.Microsoft has come a long way since the launch of the Nokia Lumia 930, and its newest golden boy in the mobile market is the Microsoft Lumia 950.Along with the larger Lumia 950 XL, the Lumia 950 and its big brother are the first handsets to launch with Windows 10 Mobile - the freshest installment of Microsoft's mobile platform. That means these handsets should work a lot more seamlessly with your Windows tablets, laptops and PCs as the Redmond company looks to rival Apple's ecosystem.Microsoft said it wants "to put Windows 10 in your pocket" and is labeling the Lumia 950 "the most productive phone you've ever picked up." Is that true? Let's find out.Read our hands on review of Windows 10 MobileCut to the chaseWhat is it? Microsoft's new flagship smartphoneWhen is it out? November 2015What will it cost? Starts from $549 (around £360, AU$770)Microsoft Lumia 950 release dateThe Microsoft Lumia 950 release date to set for November, but exact details are yet to be confirmed.

Microsoft Lumia 950 displayThe Lumia 950 packs a 5.2-inch display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, which gives you an eye popping 565ppi pixel density - putting it right up there with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and LG G4.There's OLED technology inside the screen, which should allow colors to pop, and it's covered in Gorilla Glass 4 to help protect it from bumps and knocks.Microsoft Lumia 950 powerMicrosoft has stuffed a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor inside the Lumia 950 - that's not the newest chip on offer from Qualcomm, but it will still offer a decent slug of power.It rocks up alongside 3GB of RAM and an Adreno 418 GPU, to ensure everything runs smoothly on screen.Phones these days also have a habit of heating up during extended use, but the Microsoft Lumia 950 comes with liquid cooling technology under the hood. Hopefully that will keep temperatures down during our intense gaming sessions.There are two antennas packed inside, and the Lumia 950 will auto select the best antenna depending on how you're holding the handset which will reduce chances of a 'death grip' - which is nice.

Microsoft Lumia 950 cameraLumia handsets have always had standout cameras, and Microsoft has continued this theme on the Lumia 950 with a 20MP rear facing camera. As well as snap high-res photos, you'll also be able to capture 4K footage with the Lumia 950.There's a tripe RGB flash alongside the 20MP sensor, to remove red eye and keep natural skin tones and colors. There's also a 5th generation OIS (optical image stabilization) engine to help reduce blur and improve low light performance.For the photography purists out there, the Lumia 950 also has a dedicated shutter key. Round the front you'll find a 5MP snapper for all your selfie needs.Microsoft Lumia 950 operating systemAs we've already mentioned, the Microsoft Lumia 950 runs Windows 10 Mobile out of the box. That means you get Microsoft's full suite of apps too, including Office, Cortana, OneDrive, Skype, Edge browser and Outlook.Glance screen returns, giving you instant information on the lock screen without having to unlock and navigate to specific apps.

Microsoft Lumia 950 batteryThere's a USB-C connector on the base of the Lumia 950, which provides quick data rates when connected to your computer and in 30 minutes you'll get 50% battery back thanks to fast charging.It also means you'll be able to plug your charging cable in either way round, which helps when it comes to those late-night bedside fumbles in the dark.Microsoft Lumia 950 costThe Microsoft Lumia 950 starts at $549 (around £360, AU$770), but it's not clear whether there will be various storage options just yet. That means it'll be undercutting its Android and iOS rivals, but has Microsoft done enough to convince people to switch?