They're indeed not that too bad to look at, its just that it looks underwhelming compared to their past efforts and among the competition. Practical or not, looks do sell and smartphones are very personal device. That's why aesthetics is as important as hardware specifications and features on flagship devices. Especially the fact that Lumia is an underdog and isn't selling a lot in this saturated marketplace (though still great that it manage to stay in the market, thanks Microsoft for that persistence). Lumia has to be attractive on passing potential buyers and then let their curiosity do its thing after the design meets their eye. Samsung have excuse on this (Galaxy S3 - S5) even their previous flagships looks hideous, they're too popular to miss out and they manage their Galaxy line to be a household name of smartphones other than iPhone. Acer Jade Primo is also a bad looking device (only front is bit better) and reminds me a lot of Galaxy S3, so the only attractive thing about it is the Continuum feature.
There is a high chance that the render may not that accurate and in reality it may look way better, which is why I'm willing to wait to see it for myself. I think the design will be at least Okay but personally I don't think it will reach 'wow' factor for me just like when I first saw 920, 925, 1520, 930 (though some press videos and images with black color doesn't justify to see its details) and even non-flagship 830.
950 design so far is more commonly dislike here, the back really reminds me of a lot mid-range or some of those cheap Android phones with their gaudy designs. The thick camera ring which supposed to enhance the looks just make it actually looks worse. Lastly the speaker design really ruins everything on both 950 and 950 XL. If they at least make it like from other Lumia design such as from 640 XL speaker slit-design, it would look way better (I have previous mockup posted here I guess). The front are fine, though I wish they should make the screen bit bigger, thus smaller bezels, at least it wasn't white or any brighter colors that expose sensors which looks ugly. At least they stay with black bezels which always looks better
Nokia's past flagships were truly the result of Beautiful Art and Advanced Technology coming together... Highly Functional and Beautiful, like a Sports Car...
Indeed! Though actually it wasn't all advance if we talk about specs but in terms of overall package (exception with some Lumia flagships), it was great.
For now the upcoming Lumia flagship design maybe are transitional to something better next year, I hope. Maybe there is the next Fabula 2.0 design or maybe 640 and 640 XL is the last Fabula design.
What I really hope that next year flagship, If they do read comments and forums about 950 and 950 XL design, they will try to make better design that will appeal the factions currently we have. For what I remember, this seems to be a first time the Windows Phone community are largely divided regarding the upcoming Lumia flagship design. Pretty sure that some of the people hating/disliked the design will change their minds after seeing the device in actual and this issue will subside. People that still don't like the looks I guess will just accept it regardless and some of they will buy it because of specs and features alone, not looks. So the camp of people who like it will win regardless in terms of debate.