Discover Samsung S7710 Galaxy Xcover 2 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung S7710 Galaxy Xcover 2

The Samsung S7710 Galaxy Xcover 2 is a rugged smartphone that was announced in January 2013 and released in March of the same year. As a continuation of Samsung's Xcover series, it targets users who require a device that can withstand harsh conditions. Though it is now discontinued, the Xcover 2 was a device designed for durability and outdoor use, boasting a robust build and various protective features. Here, we'll delve into the specifications, design, performance, and unique features that characterized this smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Xcover 2 is built for ruggedness, featuring dimensions of 130.5 x 67.7 x 12 mm and a weight of 148.5 grams. Its compact size and robust build make it suitable for outdoor activities and rough environments. The device is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot and designed to be water and dust-resistant, conforming to IP67 standards. This means it can withstand exposure to dust and immersion in water at a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes, making it ideal for adventurous users.

Display Characteristics

The smartphone features a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, which provides a degree of resistance against daily wear and tear. While the display might not be as vibrant as modern OLED or AMOLED screens, it serves its purpose for basic viewing and interaction in various lighting conditions.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Galaxy Xcover 2 is powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and a Mali-400 GPU. It runs on Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) with Samsung's TouchWiz UI 5. The combination of these elements provided a satisfactory user experience for its time, although it may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking by today's standards.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. While the internal storage may be limited, the presence of a microSDHC slot allows for expansion, enabling users to store additional data and applications. This flexibility was a considerable advantage at the time of the phone's release.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy Xcover 2 is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, capable of capturing images with the help of an LED flash. It also supports video recording at 720p@30fps. For selfies and video calls, there is a VGA front-facing camera. While these specifications may seem modest by today's standards, they catered well to the needs of users back in 2013.

Battery Life and Charging

The smartphone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, which provides up to 15 hours of talk time on 2G networks and up to 9 hours on 3G. Additionally, it offers a music playback time of up to 43 hours, making it a practical choice for users who are often on the go and away from charging facilities.

Connectivity and Communication

The device supports GSM and HSPA networks, offering 2G and 3G bands for connectivity. Other communication features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and positioning systems such as GPS and GLONASS. However, it lacks NFC support.

Additional Features and Sensors

Samsung included a variety of sensors in the Galaxy Xcover 2, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These enhance the device's functionality and enable various applications to operate effectively. It also features a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for those who prefer using wired headphones.

Conclusion

The Samsung S7710 Galaxy Xcover 2 is a testament to Samsung's commitment to providing functionality and durability in challenging environments. With its rugged design, adequate performance for its time, and features aimed at those with an adventurous lifestyle, the Xcover 2 catered to a niche market. While technology has advanced considerably since its release, the Xcover 2 remains a noteworthy example of a smartphone built with durability and user needs in mind.