The Energizer Hardcase H620S and Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 both target a niche: users needing a phone that can withstand harsh conditions. However, their approaches to achieving this durability differ significantly, particularly in internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and the real-world implications of their respective chipsets.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, delivers a noticeable performance advantage over the Energizer’s Helio P22, despite the H620S’s lower price point. However, the H620S remains a viable option for those on a strict budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December. Released 2021, February 09 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 12 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.47 in) | 147.1 x 71.6 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.82 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 250 g (8.82 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| | IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, PDAF | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, charging connector pins |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-G525F, SM-G525F/DS, SM-G525N |
| Price | About 300 EUR | £ 61.49 / € 74.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
Energizer Hardcase H620S
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Extremely rugged build quality
- Outdated and slow Mediatek Helio P22 chipset
- Likely inferior display quality
- Slow or no software updates
Samsung Galaxy XCover 5
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Samsung’s software and update support
- Higher price tag
- Smaller battery capacity (potentially)
- Still a budget-focused device, lacking premium features
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Specifications are unavailable for the H620S's panel, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a lower-quality IPS LCD. The XCover 5 features a 5.3-inch TFT LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them; the Exynos 850 can handle more complex graphics rendering, potentially leading to smoother animations and a more responsive interface on the XCover 5. Both are likely to prioritize durability over color accuracy or peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices, but the XCover 5 has a slight edge. While detailed sensor information is missing for the H620S, its price suggests a basic camera setup. The XCover 5’s camera system is also modest, but Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined. The focus should be on functional photography for documentation rather than high-quality images. Expect both to perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, represents a substantial leap forward in efficiency and power compared to the Energizer H620S’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P22. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Exynos 850 utilizes newer Cortex-A55 cores, offering improved instructions per clock (IPC) and overall performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the XCover 5. The Helio P22 in the H620S will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
The Energizer Hardcase H620S likely has a larger battery capacity, typical of Energizer’s focus on extended battery life, but the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 compensates with more efficient power management thanks to the 8nm Exynos 850. The XCover 5 also supports 15W wired charging, a feature likely absent on the H620S. This means the XCover 5 will reach a full charge significantly faster, offsetting any potential capacity difference. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the XCover 5’s efficiency gives it an advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hardcase H620S if you need an extremely affordable, genuinely rugged phone for basic communication and light tasks, and are willing to accept slower performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a more polished software ecosystem, even if it means paying a premium for the added performance and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy XCover 5 get hot during prolonged use, like gaming or navigation?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient and shouldn't exhibit significant overheating during typical use. While it's not a gaming powerhouse, it can handle moderate gaming sessions without excessive throttling. The XCover 5's rugged design also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones like these offer limited detail and image quality. They are more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful tool. Expect soft images and limited dynamic range. They are suitable for casual snapshots, but not for serious macro photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 run popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy XCover 5 can likely run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. Lowering the settings to medium or low is recommended for smoother gameplay. The Exynos 850 is capable, but it's not a high-end gaming chipset.
❓ How does the build quality of the Energizer Hardcase H620S compare to the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 in terms of drop resistance?
Both phones are designed to be rugged, but the Energizer Hardcase H620S typically employs a more aggressively reinforced design with thicker rubber bumpers and a more substantial chassis. While the XCover 5 meets MIL-STD-810H standards, the H620S may offer slightly better protection against direct impacts.
