With its Gorilla Glass screen and IP67 rating, the Galaxy Xcover Extreme is resistant against dust, tumbles, scratches and water
A Preview of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover
The Galaxy Xcover is Samsung's answer to the Motorola Defy, and the first-ever 'rugged' phone to run Android 2.3 (Gingerbread).
The handset comes complete with an IP67 compliancy rating, which means it's protected against dust and drops, and as well as being waterproof to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes. It also comes boasting a scratch-proof reinforced screen, which Samsung promises if 'four to five times stronger' than glass usually found on a smartphone screen.
It's not all about the handset's life-proof smarts, though. It also comes touting a 3.65-inch HVGA touchscreen, complete with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. This includes features such as Game Hub and Social Hub, which delivers updates from Facebook, Twitter, and email accounts directly to your screen.
Media-wise, you'll find a 3.2 megapixel camera on the back of the handset, which although not on par with the Galaxy S2's 8MP shooter, comes equipped with an LED flash and video recording. You'll also find a built-in media player with FM radio, 100MB of internal memory (expandable to 32GB), and all the usual pre-loaded apps; Gmail, Search and Android Market.
Adopters of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover will also find an 800MHz processor, integrated GPS, Bluetooth, and HSDPA and WiFi connectivity.
The handset's pricing and release date is still TBC, but it's expected to drop later this year.
A full review will be published here once the phone has been released.
Samsung Galaxy Xcover News
Samsung Galaxy Xcover arrives on pay monthly plans
Been a bit put off by the Galaxy Xcover‘s £230 SIM free price-tag? You’re in luck, as Samsung‘s debut rugged smartphone has landed on a bunch of affordable pay monthly plans. This, once again, is thanks to the guys at BuyMobilePhones.net. Available to order on O2, Orange and Vodafone, prices for the phone start from [...]
Samsung Galaxy Xcover arrives in the UK
The Samsung Galaxy Xcover is finally available here in Blighty, albeit three days later than we’d originally been expecting. That, of course, is thanks to Clove, who now has stock of the rugged Android smartphone. It can be yours now for £226.80 SIM free, alongside an additional £7.00 for next day delivery within the UK. [...]
Samsung Galaxy Xcover finally launching in Blighty next week
The Samsung Galaxy Xcover will finally be launching in Blighty next week, Clove has revealed, following a string of unexplained set backs. According to the UK-based SIM free retailer, Samsung‘s debut rugged smartphone will be arriving on shelves on January 9 (Monday), despite original expectations for a release in Q4 last year. Clove has also [...]
Samsung Galaxy Xcover delayed until January
The Samsung Galaxy Xcover won’t see a UK release until January 2012, it has been revealed, despite Samsung’s promise of a Q4 release. As spotted by our friends at Unwired View, SIM free retailer Handtec has pushed-back the release date of the rugged Android smartphone. In November, the phone-shop revealed that the phone would be [...]
Samsung Galaxy Xcover hitting Blighty in December
Samsung‘s rugged Galaxy Xcover smartphone will be available in Blighty from next month, the Korean manufacturer has confirmed to SoMobile. Announced back in August, the Galaxy Xcover is Samsung’s first rugged smartphone to arrive running Android, and it boasts similar specs to Motorola’s Defy+. Like its main rival, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover is certified  by [...]
Samsung Galaxy Xcover confirmed for UK release
The Samsung Galaxy Xcover isn’t just heading to Germany, as the Korean firm has confirmed that it’ll also be coming to the UK. Announced on Wednesday, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover is the first Gingerbread-equipped ‘rugged’ smartphone. Like the Motorola Defy, the phoneâs certified  by IP67 standard, which means it’s protected against dust, accidental drops, and [...]
Samsung Galaxy Xcover Specifications
Size
121.5mm x 65.9mm x 12mm
Weight
135 grams
Display
Full capacitive touch screen
Type: TFT LCD
Gorilla Glass
Size: 3.65 inches
Resolution: 640 x 480
Input
Keyboard: On-screen
Operating System
Android 2.3
Interface: TouchWiz UI
Storage
Internal: 150MB
External: microSD up to 32GB
Included: 2GB microSD card
Miscellaneous
CPU: 800MHz
A-GPS with maps
Internet
Data Speed
Up to 7.2 Mbps download speed
Up to 5.76 Mbps upload speed
Data Protocols
3G, HSDPA
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Connectivity
Audio: 3.5mm stereo jack
Data: Standard microUSB
Quad Band
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 2.1
A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
Camera
3.2 megapixel camera
LED Flash
640p Video Recording
At 30 fps
Power
Battery Capacity: 1500 mAh
Multimedia
Radio: FM with RDS
Audio supported formats
Playback: MP3, WAV, eAAC+
Recording: Supported
Video supported formats
Playback: MP4, H.264, H.263
Recording: Supported
Social
Social Networking Features
Twitter and Facebook Widgets
Email Access