Samsung S5690 Galaxy Xcover Specs Price Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung S5690 Galaxy Xcover is designed to withstand tough environments with its rugged build. It measures 121.5 x 65.9 x 12 mm, making it compact and easy to handle. The device is encased in a robust body that weighs just 100 grams, ensuring that it is lightweight without compromising durability. It is built to be water and dust resistant, which is a vital feature for users who are prone to being outdoors or in challenging environments. The Mini-SIM slot is also protected to ensure seamless connectivity even under harsh conditions.

Display

The Galaxy Xcover features a 3.65-inch IPS LCD display. Although the screen size is small by today's standards, it was quite acceptable during its release in 2011. The display offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 158 ppi. This resolution, coupled with the size, delivers reasonable clarity and color reproduction for basic uses. Furthermore, it is safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass, which enhances its resistance to scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Software

The device is powered by an 800 MHz Marvell MG2 processor, which was a standard offering for entry-level smartphones at the time of its release. It is equipped with 512MB of RAM, which can handle basic multitasking but might struggle with running multiple modern applications simultaneously. The Galaxy Xcover runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an older version of the Android operating system. This OS provides a straightforward user interface and includes essential smartphone features such as widgets and app management.

Storage

Internal storage on the Galaxy Xcover is limited to 150MB, which considerably restricts the number of applications and media files that can be stored directly on the device. However, Samsung has included a microSDHC card slot that supports expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity for photos, music, and other media up to a feasible extent, aiding in countering the restrictive internal storage.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera, capable of capturing basic images and videos at 480p resolution. It supports autofocus and comes with an LED flash, which is beneficial for low-light conditions. The camera lacks sophisticated features found in current smartphones but performs adequately for capturing simple, day-to-day moments.

Battery Life

A 1500 mAh removable Li-Ion battery powers this device. For its era, the battery performance was commendable, offering up to 640 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 13 hours and 20 minutes of talk time on 2G networks. This endurance is notably useful for users who might be away from a power source for extended periods. The fact that it is removable also means users can swap the battery when necessary, which is a feature rarely found in modern smartphones.

Connectivity Features

The Samsung S5690 Galaxy Xcover supports GSM / HSPA network technologies, which include bands for both 2G and 3G connectivity. Wi-Fi (b/g/n) is available for wireless internet access, and the hotspot functionality allows the device to share its connection with other devices. It is equipped with Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless data exchange and comes with GPS and A-GPS for navigation. A standard microUSB 2.0 port is available for charging and data transfer, alongside a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device incorporates essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. These sensors support basic functionalities like screen rotation and simple navigation apps. Additionally, the phone includes a stereo FM radio with RDS capabilities, adding to the multimedia experience by allowing users to listen to FM radio on the go.

Pricing and Availability

Upon its release in October 2011, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover was priced at about 90 EUR, positioning it as an affordable choice for users looking for durable smartphones. However, as indicated, the phone has since been discontinued and is no longer available on the market as new.

Conclusion

The Samsung S5690 Galaxy Xcover was a phone intended for users requiring durability over cutting-edge technology. With features that emphasize protection from elements and decent battery life, it was geared towards active individuals or those with demanding lifestyles. However, with limited internal storage and an outdated operating system, the device serves mainly in niche markets or as a backup phone today. Despite its outdated specifications, the Galaxy Xcover served its purpose well during its time, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to diverse consumer needs.