Microsoft cuts price of Lumia 950 and 950 XL in UK as Windows Phone market share grows

Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL have received surprise price-cuts in the UK, even as the devices are yet to be released in the country. When the Redmond-based technology giant launched the handsets, it had announced that the Lumia 950 would be priced at £500 ($765), while the Lumia 950 XL would cost £550.

However, now the Lumia 950 has been listed on Microsoft's online store in the UK for £450, while the 950 XL has been priced at £530. The latest price reduction was initially spotted by WMPowerUser and it seems like the price-cut is for those who pre-order the device online.

As per the listing, the Lumia 950 has received a £50 reduction and the 950 XL has been subjected to a £20 price-cut. The cut in price is currently applicable only in the UK.

Meanwhile, as per the Kantar World Panel's recent OS market-share survey, Windows Phone gained substantial market share between June and August 2015. In the UK, Windows Phone market share rose to 11.3%, which represents a gain of 0.3% in comparison to the same period last year.

Other countries where Windows Phone made rapid strides -- between June and August 2015 -- include Germany (3.6%), France (3.2%) and Australia (2.3%). With the trend indicating positive growth for Windows Phones, Microsoft may have resorted to the latest price-cuts to increase its market share in the UK as well.

The company would begin shipping the devices to those who pre-order in the UK in November. The handsets could go on to compete with a variety of similar-range smartphones. One such device is the China-branded OnePlus 2. Check out how the Lumia 950 XL and OnePlus 2 compare.