The Xcover Extreme is Samsung’s attempt at a
robust handset and to some extent it succeeds, but it still feels like it
struggles it compete as an overall package
The Samsung Galaxy Xcover Extreme is quite
an attractive handset with its copper color effect, and it was also durable
enough to withstand several drops to the floor. It is a little larger to hold
given the 3.65-inch screen, but we certainly liked the port coverings to
protect the phone from dust and water and the series of ridges to the side to
enhance the grip (as did the cheered pattern on the back).
The
Samsung Galaxy Xcover Extreme is quite an attractive handset with its copper
color effect, and it was also durable enough to withstand several drops to the
floor
Additionally, you will find a handy torch
to the side which is activated using the volume rocker once the phone is in
sleep mode. At the base of the screen you also have three physical Android
buttons which gave reassuring sounds and were slightly easier to press with wet
hands given its water resistance rating.
Unlike the JCB, the back cover is a lot
easier to remove as its screw can be turned using a coin or your fingernail.
Unfortunately the back cover was a little flimsy and occasionally does not clip
into place without a push, so you need be vigilant.
The phone, however, survived being
submerged in water, but removing the back cover unfortunately revealed a lot
more water seepage than the other products in the group.
The
phone comes primarily with consumer apps, though there is a Cardio Trainer app
installed so you can use this to train outdoors
Firing up the handset reveals Samsung’s
bog-standard TouchWiz user interface and app customizations. The phone comes
primarily with consumer apps, though there is a Cardio Trainer app installed
(that also features on the Motorola) so you can use this to train outdoors
(when running, for example). Sadly due to its larger screen size, the lower on
board resolution was a lot more noticeable and colors lacked the vibrancy of
the Sony.
General performance was at least on-par
with the Motorola for browsing or streaming. Unfortunately for games it was
less effective due to the resolution (some games would not run). Again, this
isn’t the end of the world - gaming isn’t your priority here.
As for the three-megapixel camera (with VGA
resolution) this was not spectacular, but it was definitely not as bad as we
thought it would be and several outdoor shots and videos actually came out perfectly
acceptable.
However, even with a beefier battery than
the Sony (1500mAh) the larger screen did affect the battery performance and it
did not hold up that well under testing which was a surprise.
Samsung Galaxy Xcover Extreme
Camera
On paper the camera was not brilliant with
only a three-megapixel rating with VGA video recording. However, it did manage
to take some respectable shots and was certainly a lot better than we first
thought
Copper effect
The phone sports a nice copper color effect
down the side and this is enhanced with some ridged edges which certainly help
with the phone’s grip. The physical Android buttons were also easier to press
with wet hands
Uninspiring apps
The Samsung was mainly left with its
standard TouchWiz Ul and customization, with only one notable change in apps
which was the Cardio Trainer app for outdoor exercising. However, the phone’s
size is less effective than the Sony when used for outdoor activities
Get your money out!
To gain access to the back cover you don’t
need to have a screwdriver to hand as you can release the screw-catch with a
coin or your fingernail. But the cover still needs prying off and feels a
little too plastic
Head-to-head
Design
The phone does have a consumer appeal with
a nice copper effect and solid construction. Its back cover was easier to get
into, but a little flimsy. If you are not careful it doesn’t connected
properly, which affects its water resistance.
Protection
In terms of durability the phone survived
several drops and the IP67 rating helped protect the screen from minor
scratches. While the phone also survived being submerged in water there was
certainly a lot of seepage under the back cover.
Features
You get the standard Samsung TouchWiz Ul
with a selection of consumer apps. The phone does include a cardio app for
training, but otherwise there is nothing major here. Performance was
respectable, but its low-res screen didn’t excite.
Battery
life
For a 1500mAh battery the results could
have been better. It managed to slump to 53 per cent during our heavy video
playback tests. Use it for outdoor GPS and it would require regular charges.
Verdict
Solid effort, but back cover water seepage
was a little concerning and its battery and screen vibrancy was disappointing
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Information
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Price
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$311
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More information
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www.samsung.com
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Supplied
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www.clove.co.uk
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Technical specs
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Operating system
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Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
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Processor
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800 MHz Marvell MG2
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Memory
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512MB RAM, 150MB internal storage, 2GB
micro SD card
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Dimensions
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121.5 x 65.9 x 11.95 mm
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Weight
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135g
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Display
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3.65" Coming Gorilla Glass (IP67
certified - scratch, dust and water proof)
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Connectivity
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Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth V 3.0, GPS,
HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
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Camera
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3.15-MP rear, no front camera, VGA video
recording
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