Cubot KingKong X Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Cubot KingKong X Pro and the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro aim to deliver that, but they approach it with vastly different internal hardware. The X Pro boasts a modern Mediatek Dimensity 8200 chipset, while the XCover Pro relies on Samsung’s older Exynos 9611. This comparison will dissect these differences, revealing which phone offers the best blend of toughness and performance.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and longevity, the Cubot KingKong X Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8200 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds and superior efficiency compared to the XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611. While the Samsung benefits from brand recognition and software support, the X Pro’s 88:59h battery endurance and faster charging make it the more practical choice.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong X Pro Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Canada
Launch
Announced2024, November 012020, January
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberAvailable. Released 2020, January
Body
Dimensions175.9 x 83.3 x 18.4 mm (6.93 x 3.28 x 0.72 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
Weight392 g (13.83 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
ProtectionMohs level 7Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)Exynos 9611 (10 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 14Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 24GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro), AF25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-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
Charging33W wired15W wired
Type10200 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1
Price€ 349.95About 120 EUR
SAR EU-0.47 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery88:59h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong X Pro

  • Significantly faster processor with the Dimensity 8200
  • Exceptional battery endurance (88:59h)
  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • More modern CPU architecture

  • Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
  • Software support longevity is uncertain

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

  • Established brand with a reputation for reliability
  • Potential for enterprise-focused software features
  • Simpler, more streamlined software experience
  • Samsung Knox security platform

  • Outdated Exynos 9611 chipset
  • Slow 15W charging
  • Lower performance for demanding tasks
  • Less efficient power consumption

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the XCover Pro's focus on work environments, it likely prioritizes visibility under sunlight. The X Pro, aiming for broader appeal, may have a more vibrant panel. The lack of information on refresh rates or panel technology (LTPO) is a significant omission, but the X Pro's more powerful chipset suggests it *could* support a higher refresh rate if implemented.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent beyond the fact that both phones have cameras. Given the XCover Pro’s enterprise focus, its camera is likely tuned for accurate documentation rather than artistic flair. The X Pro, targeting a wider audience, may offer more advanced image processing features. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the X Pro’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 8200 chipset suggests superior image quality and faster processing speeds.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Cubot KingKong X Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4nm) is a flagship-level chipset featuring an octa-core configuration with a high-clocked Cortex-A78 prime core (3.1 GHz). This is a significant leap over the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611 (10nm), which utilizes older Cortex-A73 cores peaking at 2.3 GHz. The 4nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 8200 translates to better thermal efficiency and power consumption, meaning the X Pro will likely sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. The X Pro’s CPU architecture is also more modern, offering improved instructions per clock (IPC) for faster overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong X Pro boasts an impressive 88:59h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. While the capacity isn't specified, this endurance, combined with 33W wired charging, suggests a well-optimized power management system. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, with its 15W charging, will take considerably longer to fully charge. The X Pro’s faster charging speed is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery during breaks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong X Pro if you need a rugged phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its powerful chipset and long battery life are ideal for professionals in the field or anyone who pushes their phone to the limit. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you prefer a more established brand with a focus on enterprise features and a simpler software experience, and your workload is primarily focused on communication and basic productivity tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy XCover Pro overheat during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Exynos 9611 is known to struggle with thermal throttling under sustained load. While it won't necessarily 'overheat' to the point of being unusable, you can expect performance to decrease significantly during extended gaming sessions or when recording high-resolution video. The 10nm process is less efficient than the 4nm process used in the Dimensity 8200, contributing to this issue.
❓ How does the battery life of the Cubot KingKong X Pro hold up with heavy usage, such as GPS navigation and constant data connectivity?
The Cubot KingKong X Pro’s 88:59h endurance rating suggests excellent battery life even with demanding tasks. The Dimensity 8200’s power efficiency, combined with a likely large battery capacity, should provide all-day battery life even with continuous GPS usage and data connectivity. The 33W charging also allows for quick top-ups when needed.
❓ Is the software on the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro regularly updated with security patches and new features?
Samsung typically provides several years of security updates for its devices, including the XCover Pro. However, feature updates are less frequent than on flagship models. The XCover Pro is geared towards enterprise use, so software updates prioritize stability and security over new features.
❓ What type of ruggedization does each phone offer beyond just a durable exterior? (e.g., drop test certifications, IP ratings)
While specific certifications aren't provided, both phones are marketed as rugged. Expect IP68 or IP69K water and dust resistance on both. The XCover Pro likely adheres to MIL-STD-810H standards for shock and vibration resistance, a common benchmark for rugged devices. The X Pro likely meets similar standards, but independent verification would be needed.