Blackview BV5100 vs. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Blackview BV5100 and Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro aim to deliver that, but they approach it with different philosophies. The BV5100 prioritizes affordability, while the XCover Pro leans towards a more refined experience with a stronger chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tool for the job.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user needing a dependable, budget-friendly rugged phone, the Blackview BV5100 is a solid choice. However, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro takes the lead for users who demand smoother performance and are willing to pay a premium for the Exynos 9611 chipset and its associated benefits.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview BV5100 Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Canada
Launch
Announced2020, November 13. Released 2020, November2020, January
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, January
Body
Dimensions159.4 x 77.7 x 13.7 mm (6.28 x 3.06 x 0.54 in)159.9 x 76.7 x 10 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight275 g (9.70 oz)218 g (7.69 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762V/WD Helio P22 (12 nm)Exynos 9611 (10 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 10Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide) 0.3 MP-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/k/v/r, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging18W wired Wireless15W wired
Type5580 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Orange, Green, YellowBlack
Models-SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 120 EUR
SAR EU-0.47 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)

Blackview BV5100

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially faster charging (18W)
  • Rugged design for demanding environments

  • Significantly weaker processor
  • Likely lower quality display
  • Limited software support

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

  • More powerful Exynos 9611 chipset
  • Samsung’s software ecosystem and support
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Higher price tag
  • Slower charging (15W)
  • May be less durable than the BV5100 in extreme conditions

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the BV5100, suggesting a basic implementation. The XCover Pro, while also not a flagship display, benefits from Samsung's display expertise. The focus here is on visibility under direct sunlight and durability, not color accuracy. Both will likely feature reinforced glass, but specifics are unavailable. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is expected given the rugged focus.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse for both devices. The BV5100 likely features a basic camera setup focused on functionality rather than image quality. The XCover Pro, while not a photography powerhouse, benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the XCover Pro’s processor allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the XCover Pro, if equipped, would be a significant advantage.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, significantly outperforms the Blackview BV5100’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Exynos utilizes a Cortex-A73 core cluster clocked at 2.3GHz, offering a substantial CPU performance boost over the BV5100’s 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences are critical. The P22 is geared towards efficiency, while the 9611 balances performance and power consumption. The XCover Pro will handle demanding apps and light gaming far better.

Battery Life

The Blackview BV5100 supports 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is limited to 15W. While the wattage difference isn't massive, it could translate to slightly faster charging times for the BV5100. However, battery life is more dependent on chipset efficiency and software optimization. The Exynos 9611, despite being more powerful, is built on a smaller 10nm node, potentially mitigating some of the power draw. Real-world battery performance will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the XCover Pro’s more efficient processor could offer comparable or even better longevity despite potentially having a similar capacity battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview BV5100 if you need a highly durable phone for basic tasks, prioritize affordability, and don't require intensive multitasking or gaming. It's ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, frequently use demanding applications, and value Samsung's software ecosystem and potentially easier enterprise integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy XCover Pro tend to overheat during prolonged use, like gaming or video recording?
The Exynos 9611 is a mid-range chip, and while it's more powerful than the Helio P22, it's not known for extreme thermal performance. However, Samsung typically implements thermal throttling to prevent overheating. Expect some performance reduction during extended, demanding tasks, but it shouldn't reach critical temperatures. The XCover Pro's rugged design may also aid in heat dissipation compared to more streamlined phones.
❓ How effective is the ruggedization on the Blackview BV5100 compared to the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro? Is one more likely to survive a drop?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. However, Blackview specializes in rugged devices, and the BV5100 likely employs more robust materials and construction techniques. While the XCover Pro meets MIL-STD-810H standards, the BV5100 may exceed those standards in certain areas, offering potentially greater protection against extreme conditions. The specific drop test height and impact resistance will vary.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro be used with walkie-talkie apps effectively, and does it support push-to-talk over cellular (PTT)?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is specifically designed for enterprise use and includes a dedicated PTT (Push-to-Talk) button. It supports PTT over cellular networks and is compatible with various walkie-talkie applications. This makes it a valuable tool for field workers who require instant communication.