Samsung Galaxy XCover 5vsXiaomi Redmi A1+

Samsung Galaxy XCover 5

Xiaomi Redmi A1+

Samsung Galaxy XCover 5

The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is a budget phone that feels like a cheap device from five years ago. The packaging is minimal and flimsy, with no premium feel whatsoever. Upon opening the phone, it's clear that the design is outdated, with huge bezels and a low-quality display. The phone comes without a case or screen protector, which is disappointing considering its rugged design. The battery is also exposed, making me question its durability. I'm not a fan of this type of design, as it can be prone to damage when dropped. The phone's specs are equally underwhelming, with a 5.3-inch PLS display and a resolution of 720x1480p. It has a single 16MP camera on the back and a 5MP selfie camera at the front. The device comes with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 3000mAh battery. What's most frustrating is that Samsung forces you to connect to Wi-Fi throughout the setup process, which feels like an unnecessary step. The cameras are also subpar, especially considering the price point. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Galaxy XCover 5 to anyone looking for a reliable phone. For around €300, you can get a better Xiaomi device that will blow this phone out of the water. Even if you're a fan of Samsung's rugged design, there are better options available. In short, the Galaxy XCover 5 is a cheap phone with outdated design and subpar specs. It feels like a throwaway device from five years ago, rather than a modern smartphone. If you're looking for a durable phone, I'd recommend considering other options.

Xiaomi Redmi A1+

The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is the most affordable smartphone from Xiaomi in 2022, offering a clean Android experience at an unbeatable price point. This budget-friendly device comes with a leather texture design and features a 6.52-inch HD Plus display, although not full HD. The phone runs on stock Android, similar to the Google Pixel lineup, which sets it apart from other Xiaomi smartphones. One of the notable aspects of the Redmi A1+ is its lack of bloatware, with only around 10 pre-installed applications that can be easily uninstalled. This is a significant improvement over most Xiaomi devices. Additionally, the phone's haptics are surprisingly powerful, making it feel like a more premium device. The Redmi A1+ also boasts an impressive 5,000mAh battery that can last up to two days on a single charge, although it does not support fast charging. The camera setup consists of an 8-megapixel primary lens and a depth sensor, which while not ideal for content creation, is sufficient for capturing decent photos in emergency situations. With its affordable price tag of around PHP 4,000, the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is an attractive option for those on a tight budget. While it may not be the best smartphone in 2022, it's a great alternative for casual users who just need a reliable device for communication and basic tasks. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ offers impressive value for its price point, making it a solid choice for those seeking an affordable Android experience without breaking the bank.