Intro
Even though smartphones are getting thinner, more fragile and more futuristic every year, there are still models on the market that go the other way. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is exactly that. It's a different generation and can survive a bump in the tarmac. It has its niche and users who would prefer it.
Before reading the full review, you can familiarize yourself with the detailed Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 specs or watch the video below the article.
Specifications
- Release date: 2021, March 04
- Colors: Black
- Dimensions: 147.1 x 71.6 x 9.2 mm.
- Weight: 172 g.
- Screen: 5.3" inc, 720 x 1480, PLS IPS
- Camera : Single, 16MP
- Chipset: Exynos 850 (8nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
- Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM
- Battery: 3000, Li-Ion, removable
- Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
- Operating system: Android 11, One UI 2.0
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Design
The rear panel of the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 reveals a piece of its serious nature. The panel is ribbed. There's a bulky bumper of solid plastic, a red accent around the only camera there and an extra button. Against this backdrop, only the company logo pokes out.
You could say that the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 has an industrial look. It won't appeal to consumers looking for a sleek device. However, this smartphone is secure. Nothing in its craftsmanship speaks of flaws. It's built to survive. It won't abandon you when dropped from 1.5 meters on a hard surface. As for dust and moisture protection, it's there. It's MIL-STD-810H certified, allowing you to drop it into water up to a meter deep and for a maximum of 30 minutes without embarrassment.
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 boasts an extra button on the left. It can be easily touched even in the dark. As soon as you press it, you launch the flashlight. A longer press activates the camera.
Display
This model of the South Korean manufacturer goes with a 5.3-inch display with HD+ resolution. It is made with the old TFT technology, which affects the picture quality. The maximum brightness level is not enough to use the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 without a problem outdoors on a sunny day. The colors also tend to lose saturation and contrast.
Taking a look at the front panel, its design doesn't show anything new. The bezels at the top and bottom are large. Logically, the apparatus should be sturdy.
Performance
At the heart of the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 lies not the most productive processor. This is the Exynos 850. It is matched 4 GB of RAM. The interface is simple to use. Mali-G52 is responsible for the graphics. The storage is 64 GB and can be expanded if needed using a memory card.
As a result on low settings the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 can comfortably play a variety of games. However, forget about the heavier ones.
Important to mention about the device's parameters is that it supports NFC contactless payments and runs Android 11 operating system and One UI 3.1 interface.
Cameras
Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is equipped with a single rear camera. It is a 16-megapixel with an f/1.8 aperture. Absent are macro cameras, depth sensors, etc. Everything is concentrated in the main module. The latter takes mediocre pictures. During the day you can create top-down quality photos, even macro. If you walk into a room, it's too dark, expect noise and lack of detail and color. The manufacturer has not provided a separate night mode to cope in the difficult situation.
The selfie camera is in turn a 5-megapixel one. It has not bad detail and HDR quality, which allows you to make video calls and use social networks more actively.
Thus, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 emerges as a device that is not intended for mobile photography enthusiasts. It is above all protective and has basic capabilities to capture important moments.
Autonomous operation
Underneath the serious look of the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5, locked in an industrial design body, lies a 300mAh battery. You shouldn't pin too much hope on it for long-lasting autonomous operation. It's not capable of setting records. Given the main purpose of the device, however, it is quite sufficient.
Tests show that Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 can serve at least 12 hours without thinking about recharging. Good news is the support of 15W fast charging technology.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a smartphone with a clear audience. It's right for you if you value the device's ruggedness more than its features. You can drop it on the ground without any serious worry about whether it will work again. It offers average performance and a far-from-flagship display.
Pros:
- Serious design
- Drop protection
- Protection against dust and water getting into the case
- Additional dual function button
- Reliable craftsmanship for long life
- 15W fast charging technology.
Cons:
- Small display
- Average picture quality
- Average main camera
- Average performance
- Negligible selfie camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Samsung.
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