Blackview Xplore 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: A Rugged Performance Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, performance and features vary wildly. We pit the new Blackview Xplore 2, boasting a cutting-edge Mediatek Dimensity 8300 chipset, against the established Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, powered by the older Exynos 9611, to determine which offers the best blend of toughness and capability.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Blackview Xplore 2 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8300 chipset delivers substantially faster performance, coupled with blazing-fast 120W charging. While the XCover Pro benefits from Samsung’s software and ecosystem, it’s significantly outmatched in raw power and charging speed.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview Xplore 2 Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Canada
Launch
Announced2025, September 252020, January
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, OctoberAvailable. Released 2020, January
Body
Dimensions186 x 87.8 x 29 mm (7.32 x 3.46 x 1.14 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
Weight670 g (1.48 lb)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 5, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 500 nits (typ), 1300 nits (HBM), 2600 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8300 (4 nm)Exynos 9611 (10 nm)
GPUMali G615-MC6Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, DokeOS 4.2Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", PDAF, OIS 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 1/2.8", 2 infrared night vision lights25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30/60fps, HDR10+1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.76"13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, HDR10+1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/k/v/r, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging120W wired 10W reverse wired15W wired
Type20000 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1
Price€ 569.99 / $ 348.93 / £ 424.99About 120 EUR
SAR EU-0.47 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery188:00h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass F-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Blackview Xplore 2

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 8300)
  • Ultra-fast 120W charging
  • Long battery life (188h endurance)
  • Potentially more advanced camera ISP

  • Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
  • Software update commitment is unknown

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

  • Samsung’s established ecosystem and software support
  • Familiar user interface
  • Rugged design and durability
  • Wide availability of accessories

  • Outdated processor (Exynos 9611)
  • Slow 15W charging
  • Lower overall performance
  • Limited long-term software support

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the XCover Pro’s age, it likely features a standard 60Hz panel. The Xplore 2, being a newer device, may incorporate a higher refresh rate display, improving smoothness. The Xplore 2’s potential for a more modern panel technology could translate to better color accuracy and viewing angles, crucial for map reading or detailed image analysis in the field.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. However, the Xplore 2’s chipset likely supports more advanced image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611, while capable, is limited by its age. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Xplore 2’s modern chipset gives it a clear advantage in computational photography.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Blackview Xplore 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 8300 (4nm) is a modern, high-performance chipset featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-A715 core clocked at 3.35 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611 (10nm), utilizing older Cortex-A73 cores peaking at 2.3 GHz. The Dimensity 8300’s 4nm process node offers superior power efficiency and thermal management, meaning sustained performance under load will be significantly better on the Xplore 2. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly beneficial for professionals using demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Blackview Xplore 2 boasts an impressive 188-hour endurance rating and supports 120W wired charging, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is limited to 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Xplore 2’s 120W charging dramatically reduces downtime. The 800 charge cycles rating for the Xplore 2 also suggests a longer lifespan for the battery itself, a critical factor for long-term reliability in rugged use cases.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview Xplore 2 if you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a modern chipset for demanding tasks like mobile gaming or running complex field applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you are deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, value guaranteed software updates, and require a more familiar user experience, accepting a performance compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy XCover Pro struggle with demanding applications like GIS software or CAD viewers?
Yes, the Exynos 9611 is a relatively old chipset and will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running resource-intensive applications. The Blackview Xplore 2’s Dimensity 8300 is far better equipped to handle such workloads, providing a smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Blackview Xplore 2 from 0% to 100% with the 120W charger?
With 120W charging, the Blackview Xplore 2 should be able to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery during breaks or between jobs.
❓ Is the software experience on the Blackview Xplore 2 significantly different from Samsung's One UI?
Yes, the Blackview Xplore 2 will likely run a different Android skin than Samsung’s One UI. While functionality will be similar, the user interface and pre-installed apps will differ. Samsung’s One UI is known for its feature richness and customization options, while Blackview’s software may be more streamlined.
❓ What level of water and dust resistance can I expect from each device?
Both devices are ruggedized, but specific IP ratings are not provided. However, both are designed to withstand drops, dust, and water exposure. The XCover Pro is known for its MIL-STD-810H certification, indicating robust durability. The Xplore 2 likely meets similar standards, but independent verification is recommended.