Usually, when we try a smartphone, we are careful not to drop it. But during the texts for the review of Samsung Galaxy XCover7instead we did everything to “mistreat” it: it's a smartphone rugged, designed to withstand extreme conditions and even a few drops. Unlike many rivals in this category, however, it has a rather slim profile and many interesting features — including one removable battery. To stay in a price from 379 euros at launch (even though we have already seen it greatly discounted online), Galaxy XCover7 it gives up several qualities that we would expect in a Samsung smartphone. The point, therefore, is to understand if this device is for you. We help you understand it in this Samsung Galaxy XCover7 review.
Our review of Samsung Galaxy XCover7
There are “Galaxy” smartphones that cost just over a hundred euros, others that are worth even a dozen times as much. The XCover range, however, is a case apart: it's about the range rugged of the Korean giant. If you don't know the term, the adjective “rugged” refers to those devices designed for resist in extreme conditions. They are designed for those who work away from a desk, or for those who do sports and excursions that a normal smartphone would not resist. +
XCover7 therefore has a look and features that other Samsung Galaxy smartphones do not have. But it also has several characteristics in common. Starting with a thin package containing only the cavo USB-C/USB-Cin addition to the smartphone.
A simple but durable design
However, the smartphone, even before turning it on, reveals its uniqueness. It has a durable plastic body, which you can easily open to reveal a slot for removable batteryother than nanoSIM e microSD card. Something you don't see often on a smartphone anymore.
More and more common, however, is the programmable button on the left side of the device. Although in this case we find a large rough button with a satisfying click, which you can recognize and press even while wearing gloves.
On the other side you will find instead the volume and unlock keys. Furthermore, you can see and feel the grooves which, together with those on the back, make the grip on the smartphone very firm. You won't need a cover to hold it better. Nor to protect him. Galaxy XCover7 got the IP68 certification for resistance to water and dust. Furthermore, it passed the tests MIL-STD-810H which attest to its ability to survive falls up to 1.5 meters high.
Below you will find the door USB-Ctogether with the only one speaker of the device (which still has a decent volume, albeit without good bass).
Samsung has worked well on the ergonomics of this device, especially when compared to other rugged phones. The thickness just over a centimeter it is not that far from what we are used to in other smartphones, if we take into account the fact that this thickness includes the camera: there is no “bump”. Furthermore, the cover extends a little beyond the display, to prevent it from breaking (even though it is a solid display and the weight of 240 grams it is certainly not low, but in daily use it does not particularly bother: several smartphones with these diagonals weigh just a few dozen grams less.
And then, unlike many rugged devices, it doesn't completely give up style. We like the action button (XCover Key) and the rear camera circle in orange, with their “sporty” look.
A resistant display, but not particularly bright
Samsung has accustomed us, on its flagship phones, to displays that are nothing short of splendid. On its rugged, the Korean company is satisfied with much less. The 6.6-inch LCD display with FHD+ resolution It offers decent image quality, with nice colors. But compared to the contrast of the AMOLED displays that we also find in this price range, there is an abyss.
The refresh rate remains at 60Hzbut it is above all the brightness that could do better: 600 nits. Which for a device designed also and above all for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, is not exactly ideal in the sun.
However, the coverage is excellent Gorilla Glass Diet+, which ensures a degree of protection decidedly above average in this price range. The bezels are a little too wide, but if it's a compromise to increase durability, we're okay with it.
However, you do not find no fingerprint reader under the display (nor anywhere else).
Subpar performance (but Samsung's software is available for four years)
Galaxy XCover7 is equipped with an octa-core processor Dimensions 6100+combined with 6 GB in RAM. The internal memory delivers 128 GB of space, expandable up to 1 TB with a microSD card. The addition of the microSD can help those who take a lot of photographs and make a lot of videos. But otherwise the technical sector is decidedly lower than average for the price.
This does not mean that it is not enough for daily use: Those of us who test a lot of smartphones notice some delays in opening the most demanding apps and games, but nothing that really bothers us. You can also play it without too many problems, if you know how to settle.
Samsung software plays in favor of Galaxy XCover 7: One UI 6.0 It may have a few too many apps at startup (especially if you don't use Samsung apps), but it's done well — definitely better than many operating systems for rugged smartphones. And then there's the support of four versions of Android and five security patches.
Excellent 5G dual-SIM connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC for contactless payments. The speed of the USB port, however, is stuck at 2.0.
Galaxy XCover7 review: Camera saved by Samsung software magic
On the back you will find only one camera, 50MP: And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Several other smartphones have three or four cameras, but the backup cameras are so bad that you end up using only the main one anyway. And all in all, the Galaxy XCover7 camera didn't disappoint us during this review — although that's mostly thanks to the software Samsung.
In full light, the photos have a lot of details and the Samsung algorithm it makes the colors stand out much brighter than we would expect. The camera often gives up a bit of fidelity to have a more attractive result for social media, and in this price range we think it is the best solution. When the light contrasts become greater, especially in the evening, the quality drops. They remain usable, thanks to a good balance, but many details disappear.
The result is less effective in videos, which you can record in Full HD at 30 frames per second. But the real disappointment comes from there 5MP front camerawhich even with the right light reproduces inaccuracies and artifacts.
Test shots
Removable battery, but not great
Day baircraft from 4050 mAh is less capacious than many smartphones in this price range. But it has always allowed us to get to the end of the day without too many problems: just remember to recharge it at night. There ricarica a 15W It won't break any speed records, so be patient.
Interesting, however, is the possibility of swap the battery quickly. But at the moment we have not found replacement batteries or an external charger on the Samsung website. This type of accessories would make the difference, both for those who work and to ensure greater longevity of the device. Let's hope Samsung brings them to the market soon.
Samsung Galaxy XCover7 review: conclusions
If we only read the technical characteristics, such as processor and camera, next to a price of 379 eurowe couldn't recommend Samsung Galaxy XCover7 at the end of this review. At this price you can find superior hardware among “normal” smartphones. But this is no ordinary smartphone.
In the rugged category, the first thing that matters is the relationship between resistance and design. In this, Samsung's rugged is fully convincing: it is resistant and well built, despite its dimensions and weight close to those of a “normal” smartphone. Korean software helps him a lotFurthermore, it has to overcome the hardware limitations of the camera and processor. There is no software that can remedy the slightly too low brightness or the slow charging (but also the anachronistic selfie camera).
There are alternatives that cost half as much, but are so thick and bulky as to be unusable. Samsung, on the other hand, offers a better compromise between classic and rugged smartphones, although perhaps it does so for a slightly too high list price. Online, however, we have already seen it with a decidedly lower price: around 300 euros, become a good purchase for a rugged that will receive four years of updates. Especially if extra batteries and external chargers arrive.
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