Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 Review
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There is only one microphone on the Xcover 2, so don't expect any noise-canceling miracles while you are calling from the jungle with it, as there is some echo and distortion on the other side, and the surrounding noises can be heard, too. The earpiece performs about average, as the voices come a bit hollow, albeit with decent volume.
Battery:
Samsung hasn't listed talk times yet, but the 1,700 mAh juicer of the Galaxy Xcover 2 is rated for 570 hours of standby, which is pretty decent, and we didn't notice any excessive battery drain during the review time with the handset.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a rugged but fairly light and compact Android handset, look no further than the Xcover 2. Granted, it doesn't have the specs or panache of the waterproof Xperia Z, but it is shockproof and won't break the bank for you.
Even if you are not the outdoorsy, but rather the careless gadget owner type that tosses their phone around and often goes into the pool with it by accident, Xcover 2 will offer a piece of mind. The specs are enough for powering the Android Jelly Bean device with ease, and the handset takes pretty good pictures and video, too, so it is an alternative to any mid-range smartphone.
There are a few quibbles, mainly with the outdoor visibility and the need for manual screen brightness adjustment, but other than that you won't be disappointed, especially when you find out that you can shoot videos underwater without a case, or turn the flashlight on with a touch of a button.
Direct competitors are Sony's rougher Androids, like the Xperia go, which has a smaller display, or the almighty Xperia Z, which would however be more fragile and expensive. The Lumia 820 also can give the Xcover 2 a run with the waterproof jacket on, though its Windows Phone OS has to catch up in the apps department.
Software version: JZ054K
Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 Video Review
Pros
- Rugged yet ergonomic waterproof handset
- Good picture and video quality
Cons
- Outdoor screen visibility could be better
- No ambient light sensor
- No second mic for noise-cancellation is a challenge outdoors
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14 Comments
1. ahmed_ali_yossef2010 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 09:50 4 3
it looks horrible
sony makes the same but with better shapes
2. panda123 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 10:15 2 3
You need to remember that the Xperia Z is water and dust RESISTANT... This is water and dust proof... difference there.
9. ahmed_ali_yossef2010 posted on 12 Feb 2013, 17:49 0 1
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 1
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!!!
6. maccess posted on 12 Feb 2013, 15:09 0 0
they still got 8 though.. functionality over looks i think..
7. buccob posted on 12 Feb 2013, 16:37 0 1
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 3
samsungs gotta copy somebody sooner or later.........its in their "nature"
13. MC1123 posted on 13 Feb 2013, 00:18 0 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 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*
14. joesseth posted on 13 Feb 2013, 20:11 0 0
Is this shock proof? I'd like to throw it around.
