Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 Review

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Posted: 12 Feb 2013, 08:31, by Daniel P.

Categories: Samsung Samsung Android Android

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Interface and functionality:

Samsung's latest Nature UX over Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean is what you'll find on the Xcover 2, with the typical value-added features like Smart Stay, PopUp and AllShare Play. The company has also thrown in a few apps that should hint how the handset is meant for the active types among us, like Cardio Trainer Pro, plus we already mentioned that you can turn the flashlight on with the volume rocker, and these are about the only elements that hint at a more outdoorsy handset than usual.


The Galaxy Xcover 2 runs the latest Nature UX on top of Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

Here we have to complain a bit about the on-screen keyboard. The keys are small, with much space between them, so it somehow feels more cramped than usual for a 4” display. It is hard to press the correct key, especially with larger fingers, so turning the phone in landscape mode is the way to go if you have to do a lot of typing, and even for a quick reply.

Thankfully, Samsung's collaboration with Swype for its UI keyboards is valid on the Xcover 2, so you can turn on continuous input in the keyboard settings, and swipe away, which, coupled with the word prediction, makes the portrait mode much more useful.


The on-screen keyboard feels more cramped than usual for a 4-inch screen

Processor and memory:

A 1 GHz dual-core processor with ARM Mali-400 graphics is what powers the Xcover 2, and the interface performs very well with it, as no lag at all can be observed while swiping around and scrolling up and down in the interface.

There is a gig of RAM, which comes enough for your everyday multitasking, and 4 GB of internal memory, which can be expanded with a microSD card for up to 32 GB more.

	Quadrant Standard	AnTuTu	NenaMark 2
*Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2*	2956	6965	39
*Sony Xperia E dual*	2424	5552	27,4
*Google Nexus 4*	4757	10188	58,6
*Motorola DROID RAZR*	2895	6178	36,7

Internet and connectivity:

Samsung's default browser didn't give us any trouble while rendering pages, zooming or panning around, as can be expected with Android Jelly Bean and a dual-core processor. There is no Adobe Flash support from the box, naturally, so sideloading from Adobe's archives will be necessary if you need it.

The handset supports 14.4Mbps HSPA+ speeds, and has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct.


The web browser works well, although it doesn't come preloaded with Adobe Flash

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1. ahmed_ali_yossef2010 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 09:50 4

it looks horrible

sony makes the same but with better shapes

2. panda123 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 10:15 3

You need to remember that the Xperia Z is water and dust RESISTANT... This is water and dust proof... difference there.

4. smallworld posted on 12 Feb 2013, 10:46 2

Xperia Go.

9. ahmed_ali_yossef2010 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 17:49 0

look! I want a mobile able to face daily situations perfectly and water resistant and with a good look I don't want an ugly mobile with horrible design and bulky I won't put it in the microwave for 2 hours for example

sony mixed the durability with good shape and performance

and see this video you will see the Xperia acro s was amazing even when a car walked on it more than twice so it's not weak

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVE89RmNg4

10. kclgphilsbsa posted on 12 Feb 2013, 18:45 0

haha so full of sony right now :D
panda 123 is right, and this xcover is also shock proof, this phone is intended for people with heavy and complicated works/undertakings like mining people that when they used xperia Z, it can be destroyed immediately!!!

3. darkkjedii posted on 12 Feb 2013, 10:17 1

This thing looks horrible.

6. maccess posted on 12 Feb 2013, 15:09 0

they still got 8 though.. functionality over looks i think..

7. buccob posted on 12 Feb 2013, 16:37 0

I think it is unfair to rate this 8 when the much better though older Sony Xperia Acro S gets a 7.8.

And I just tested with a full weekend of pool, video and photo shooting. The acro s may not be shock proof but the 720p screen and 12mp camera totally compensated

And price is under 400.

5. XPERIA-KNIGHT posted on 12 Feb 2013, 11:23 2

samsungs gotta copy somebody sooner or later.........its in their "nature"

11. kclgphilsbsa posted on 12 Feb 2013, 18:51 2

sony fanboys are now full of pride :D

13. MC1123 posted on 13 Feb 2013, 00:18 0

lol no, its reality!!!

samsung copies nokia before, and it was proven that it copies apple, and now, sony has a great designs (well all sony phones have great designs) and samsung will surely copy it!!

8. OptimusOne posted on 12 Feb 2013, 17:33 0

I WILL NOT BUY ANY PHONE(including the Xperia Z) UNTIL IT CAN ACOMPANY BE TO MY NIGHTLY BEER BATHS.

i had hope for this device :(

*crying*

12. MC1123 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 20:25 0

lol PA!!! you give this s**t 8 while Z10 a 7?!!

14. joesseth posted on 13 Feb 2013, 20:11 0

Is this shock proof? I'd like to throw it around.

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