Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 Specs Pricing Features & Flaws Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 is designed with durability and practicality in mind. Its robust build is evident from its dimensions of 147.1 x 71.6 x 9.2 mm and a weight of 172 grams. The device is constructed to withstand the rigors of everyday life and is ideal for users who require a reliable smartphone in challenging environments. The Galaxy Xcover 5 boasts military-grade protection and resistance to dust and water, ensuring its longevity and functionality even under harsh conditions. The phone is available in a sleek black color, which adds a touch of elegance to its utilitarian design.

Display

Sporting a 5.3-inch PLS LCD display, the Galaxy Xcover 5 provides adequate screen real estate for a compact device. With a resolution of 720 x 1480 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9, users can expect clear and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 67.7%, providing a comfortable viewing experience whether you're browsing web pages or watching videos. Despite being smaller than many contemporary smartphones, the display quality is efficient for everyday tasks and doesn’t compromise on clarity.

Performance

At the heart of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 is the Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8 nm process. This octa-core processor, consisting of eight Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance for light to moderate use tasks. The Mali-G52 GPU supports graphical processing, offering satisfactory performance for casual gaming and multimedia consumption. With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, the device handles day-to-day applications and services with ease. The inclusion of a microSDXC card slot provides additional storage flexibility, accommodating users who require more space for their files and apps.

Software

The Galaxy Xcover 5 ships with Android 11 and is upgradable to Android 13, running Samsung's One UI 5. This combination of software ensures users have a modern and user-friendly interface complete with customization options and accessibility features. Regular updates enhance device security and introduce new features, ensuring the device remains current and useful throughout its lifecycle.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 features a single 16 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, equipped to capture clear photos with good detail. The camera incorporates features such as Dual LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, allowing for enhanced photography in various conditions. On the front, the device has a 5 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is adequate for video calls and self-portraits. The rear camera can record 1080p videos at 30fps, ensuring quality video capture for both personal and professional use.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Xcover 5 is powered by a removable 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery, catering to users who value portability and the ease of replacing batteries. The battery supports 15W wired charging, ensuring the device can be quickly powered up when needed. Although 3000 mAh might seem modest, combined with the efficient Exynos 850 chipset, it provides dependable daily usage for tasks like browsing, calling, and messaging without frequent recharges.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports a variety of connectivity features including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct, ensuring stable and fast wireless connections. Bluetooth 5.0 provides improvements in wireless range and speed, allowing seamless connections with peripherals and wearables. Additionally, the phone is equipped with NFC, enhancing its capacity for wireless payments and data transfers. It offers reliable GPS support with systems including GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, providing precise location tracking for navigation needs. The device is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, offering broad coverage and connectivity options worldwide.

Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors contribute to a more intuitive user experience, enabling features such as auto-rotate, step tracking, and navigation assistance. The phone is designed with a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB Type-C 2.0 for convenient charging and connectivity options with a variety of audio and data devices.

Price and Availability

Initially announced in March 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 became available shortly after, on March 12. Its pricing at launch was approximately £169.99 / €149.95, offering an affordable and durable option for users needing a rugged phone without breaking the bank. Considering its build quality and feature set, it presents a compelling choice for those working in demanding environments or needing a secondary durable device.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 stands out as a practical and durable choice in the competitive smartphone market. While it may not have the most advanced specifications compared to flagship models, its ruggedness, compact design, and reliable performance make it an attractive option for specific user groups. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a professional in challenging work environments, or simply someone who values a persistent and sturdy device, the Galaxy Xcover 5 has a lot to offer.