I got a Galaxy S7 Edge on T-mobile's buy one/get one free offer. I jumped out of my HTC One M8 Windows. I bought the 950XL when it was released last year at Thanksgiving. Going back and forth between the 2 for the last few weeks. Here are my impressions:
1. OS:
Windows is just a better OS. It is simpler, yet has more ways to customize. I'm not a social media user, I don't play games on my phone (I'm getting old people eyes and a 5.5 inch screen for gaming is not a good thing). Due to both of those reasons, I don't care how big the app store is.
Android, even in its latest form is confusing at best. I know I can spend time with it and learn to use it better, as I came from android. The email app is a mess. With my windows phone, I always know what mail is new or read, with android, there is more learning to find out what is new or you've read already. I don't like the plain look of all the tabs and backgrounds.
2. Calling:
Both phones have great calling ability. They sound great and have no problem connecting.
3. Build:
The S7 Edge is a much slimmer phone. It also fits in the hand better due to the smaller size and curved screen. That being said, I need a case for it to feel safe in my hand. I purchased a Tech21 basic black see through case...perfect.
I have a Mozo black leather case for the 950 XL. I love this case and always use it. Unfortunately, although its great, there is not that sense of any protection from it. It's just a great looking back cover.
Samsung clearly has the edge here as there are so many great cases that the top companies make for the Galaxy and iPhone line. The cases for the latest Lumias are clearly limited.
4. Screen:
The Lumia 950 XL clearly has the advantage here. Just take the phones into the bright sun and you will see. The Lumia's have always had great screens, even the 720p ones.
The S7 Edge seems washed out in bright light. Any other time, it looks just great.
5. Camera:
Seriously? Lumia 950 XL. I will stack this phone camera to any on the market, including the 1020. It is easy to use, always takes great pictures, even without changing the settings. Basic pictures are just great, as is the video. Zeiss is the difference.....
With the above being said, the Galaxy S7 Edge has a great camera. I just don't see my pics besting the Lumia. I know its personal preference, but I don't think any other phones can top MS right now.
6. Conclusions:
The Lumia 950 XL is a great phone, but not without many downfalls. For some reason, the bluetooth connections for use in all the cars I own just outright sucks. It connects then instantly disconnects often, will not stay connected, then connects for a few seconds, then disconnects. That is in my Ford. In my other car, I have an iSimple bluetooth/usb connecter attached to the stereo. I can never get this phone to connect for more than a few seconds, then it shuts the phone down and keeps rebooting. This is just horrible. This is my second Lumia 950XL. I warrantied the first one for this very problem. It is a hardware problem. I can't say its software as I've been through every windows 10 mobile build.
The camera button is awesome and always a great feature that no one else has. With the Mozo case, the phone feels good in the hand. I just think MS could have done a better job polishing W10 mobile before releasing it on this phone. The OS is 100 percent better than when it was released so I'll stick with Windows Phone as I still think the platform is better than anything else out there. The integration between phone and computer is an amazing thing now.
The Galaxy S7 Edge is a great phone. It's polished, the OS is smooth and it has great features. It just feels so fragile in the hand without and added case. But! I can pour champagne over it just like I don't care and act like I'm a big rap star! Although Android is a pretty much bug free OS, I'll stick with windows.
Because I could give a crap about most apps, my opinion was based mostly on the device and OS (without apps). I prefer windows and I'll keep using my Lumia 950 XL most of the time. The seemless bond between my computer and phone (including emails, messages, and other small tweaks) is just too much for me to move back to Android. I'll use the Android phone when I need a phone that is insured by the phone company (when traveling, doing outdoor things, etc.)
brash