Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 review
The Samsung Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 ranks as the #826 smartphone globally, achieving a LibraScore of 29. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #820-ranked battery among 865 phones. Consider the Samsung Galaxy A04 or Motorola Moto E7 Power, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a phone that promises ruggedness and durability, but unfortunately, its build quality and design are far from impressive. The flimsy cardboard packaging is a poor start to an already underwhelming experience. Upon opening the box, I was surprised by how light the phone felt. It's almost as if it doesn't have a battery, which made me wonder if Samsung had sacrificed power for the sake of slimness. However, this is not the case - the battery is indeed present, albeit removable, which might be seen as a positive. The design itself feels like something from five years ago. The bezels are huge, and the 5.3-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1480p looks subpar. The pixel density of 311 ppi only makes things worse, resulting in an unimpressive viewing experience. What's even more disappointing is that the XCover 5 feels like it was made from cheap plastic. It's not robust at all and doesn't feel durable enough to withstand a few drops or bumps. This is especially surprising considering Samsung's reputation for creating solidly built devices. Overall, I'm left underwhelmed by the build quality and design of the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5. While it might be suitable for those who prioritize durability above all else, others will find it to be an unimpressive offering from a brand that usually sets high standards. For a superior design, Samsung Galaxy A73 5G could be the right choice.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5's battery life has been a significant letdown for me. At first glance, the device feels extremely light, and I thought it might not even have a battery. Upon inspection, however, I found that it comes with a robust battery, which is somewhat reassuring. However, my excitement was short-lived as I realized that this phone's battery life is quite average at best. The 3000mAh battery seems to struggle keeping up with the demands of modern smartphones. Even with moderate usage, I've seen the battery life dip below 10 hours, which is disappointing considering the device's price point. Furthermore, the lack of a battery-saving feature or optimization software makes it difficult for users to extend their battery life. This oversight is particularly noticeable given the phone's robust design, which one would expect to come with more efficient power management capabilities. In terms of charging, the 15W charger seems to work adequately, but it takes around an hour and a half to fully charge the device. While this might not be the worst charging experience, it's still underwhelming considering the phone's capabilities. Ultimately, I wouldn't recommend the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 solely on its battery life performance. For a device that promises durability, it falls short in providing sufficient battery power and efficient charging options. If you're looking for a reliable smartphone with impressive battery life, there are better options available in this price range. A better alternative might be Motorola Moto E20, featuring a next-level battery.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5's display is one of its most notable shortcomings. This 5.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720x1480 pixels feels woefully outdated, and the pixel density of just 311 ppi only exacerbates the issue. As soon as I powered on the device, I was struck by how subpar the display looked. The bezels are enormous, and the screen itself seems to be struggling to show even the most basic colors accurately. It's a far cry from what I've come to expect from Samsung devices, especially at this price point. The use of an IPS LCD panel is particularly disappointing, given that Samsung typically reserves its higher-quality displays for more premium offerings. The lack of AMOLED technology here means that contrast ratios are poor, and colors tend to look washed out. To make matters worse, the screen-to-body ratio is a mere 67.7%, which only serves to highlight the outdated design language used in the XCover 5's construction. It's a phone that looks like it belongs in the early 2010s, not in 2021. In short, the display on the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a major letdown. If you're looking for a device with a good screen experience, this is most certainly not the one to choose. Even at its relatively low price point, there are better options available that offer far superior displays. For now, I'd advise potential buyers to look elsewhere for a phone with a decent screen. You may find Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Camera
As I delved into the world of budget-friendly smartphones with the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by its camera capabilities. Despite being a relatively affordable device, this phone falls short in delivering decent photography experiences. One of the most notable issues is the lack of an AMOLED display, which is now a standard feature even in budget Samsung devices. The 5.3-inch PLS IPS display with a resolution of 720x1480p may seem adequate at first glance, but trust me, it doesn't quite live up to expectations. The camera itself is another area where the XCover 5 disappoints. A single 16-megapixel sensor on the back shoots at 1080p 30 frames per second, which is barely acceptable for a phone in this price range. The selfie camera fares no better, with a mere 5 megapixels. What's even more puzzling is that Samsung has managed to make such a subpar effort despite the XCover series' reputation for being rugged and reliable. This phone feels cheap and fragile, like something you'd want to avoid using altogether. The design may seem okay at first glance, but once you start handling it, you'll realize just how flimsy it is. In this day and age, a budget-friendly smartphone should have at least an above-average camera experience. But the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 falls far short of that expectation. For the price of around €270-€300, I expect more – especially from a brand like Samsung, which has set high standards for itself. In comparison to other smartphones in this price range, the XCover 5's cameras are simply underwhelming. If you're looking for a decent camera experience on a budget, there are far better options available from Xiaomi and other brands that will leave this phone in their dust. All things considered, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a decent option only if you're deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem and need a rugged phone with some basic features. But for anyone else, I would strongly advise against it – there are far better options out there that won't break the bank. If you’re after a better camera, Apple iPhone SE 2022 could be the ideal option.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a device that promises to deliver durability at an affordable price. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this phone falls short of expectations. At around €270-300, the XCover 5 is not cheap by any stretch. In fact, it's a considerable sum for a device that seems to be stuck in a time warp. The design, display, and cameras are all woefully outdated, making it feel like a five-year-old phone. Compare this to other budget options from Xiaomi or Poco, which offer superior specs at significantly lower prices. The XCover 5's battery life may last you through the day, but its performance is lackluster, and the display is an unimpressive PLs IPS panel with a resolution of 720 x 1480p. This makes it feel even more dated than its price would suggest. For a phone that costs this much, one expects a lot more. Considering the XCover 5's shortcomings, I wouldn't recommend this device to anyone. If you're in the market for a durable phone at an affordable price, look elsewhere. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 fails to deliver on its promise of a reliable and capable device. It's not worth the money, especially when compared to more modern options that offer far better value. Ultimately, this phone is only suitable for those who absolutely must have a Samsung device, but even then, there are better options available. For everyone else, I would advise against purchasing the XCover 5, no matter how tempting its price may seem.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a phone that promises ruggedness and affordability, but fails to deliver in terms of performance. From its dated design to its underwhelming display, this device feels like it's been stuck in a time warp. The display, a mere 5.3 inches with a resolution of 720x1480p, is an IPS LCD panel that looks woefully outdated. With a pixel density of just 311 pixels per inch, the screen appears dull and uninspired. The bezels are huge, making this phone look like it's from another era. Under the hood, things aren't much better. The device comes with an octa-core processor, but no information on its speed or efficiency is provided. It also features 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which might be sufficient for casual use but will likely struggle with more demanding tasks. The camera is another disappointment, with a single 16-megapixel sensor that shoots at 1080p30 frames per second. This is a paltry effort from Samsung, especially considering the phone's price tag of around €300. Overall, the performance of the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 feels like it's been sacrificed for the sake of ruggedness and affordability. If you're looking for a phone that will withstand rough handling, this might be worth considering, but if you want something that can handle everyday tasks with ease, look elsewhere. For an improved performance, Samsung Galaxy M12 is worth considering.