The Energizer Hardcase H621S and Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro both target users needing a durable smartphone, but their approaches to performance and price differ significantly. The H621S aims for affordability, while the XCover Pro positions itself as a more capable, albeit pricier, workhorse. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right tool for the job.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Energizer’s Helio P22, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the H621S presents a compelling value proposition for those on a tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June. Released 2021, June | 2020, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 12 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.47 in) | 159.9 x 76.7 x 10 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 241 g (8.50 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 |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 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 |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | 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 | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/k/v/r, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4050 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
Energizer Hardcase H621S
- Significantly lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Weak processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely outdated software support
Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
- More powerful Exynos 9611 processor
- Better multitasking and app performance
- Potential for longer software support
- Higher price tag
- Still a relatively basic camera system
- Rugged design may feel bulky
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The XCover Pro’s more powerful Exynos 9611 should translate to a more responsive experience when scrolling and navigating menus. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing screen protection over a modern, edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely a secondary consideration for both devices. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but the focus should be on practical usability rather than flagship-level image quality. The XCover Pro likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more pleasing results in various lighting conditions. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the XCover Pro, if present (brand history suggests it's possible), would be a significant advantage for capturing stable photos and videos, especially in low light. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are likely of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611, fabricated on a 10nm process, significantly outperforms the Energizer H621S’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Exynos features a combination of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores clocked up to 2.3GHz, offering a substantial CPU performance advantage over the H621S’s all-Cortex-A53 setup at 2.0GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Exynos’s superior processing power will be the bottleneck, not memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 15W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. Battery capacity is not specified, but the XCover Pro’s more efficient Exynos 9611 chipset could potentially offer better battery life despite a potentially similar capacity. The 10nm process node contributes to lower power consumption compared to the H621S’s 12nm Helio P22. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the XCover Pro has a theoretical advantage in efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hardcase H621S if you need an extremely affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks, prioritizing durability above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you prefer a more powerful device capable of handling demanding work applications, multitasking, and offering a more polished user experience, even if it comes at a higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy XCover Pro tend to overheat during prolonged use, like gaming or GPS navigation?
The Exynos 9611 is a mid-range chip, and while it's more powerful than the Helio P22, it's not known for exceptional thermal performance. However, the XCover Pro's rugged design likely incorporates heat dissipation features, and the chip's 10nm process helps manage temperatures. Expect some warming during extended use, but significant throttling is unlikely unless under extreme conditions.
❓ Is the Energizer Hardcase H621S suitable for running modern productivity apps like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace?
The Helio P22 chipset in the H621S is relatively weak. While it can run basic versions of these apps, expect slow loading times, laggy performance, and difficulty multitasking. It's best suited for simple tasks like email and basic document viewing, not intensive productivity work.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between the two devices?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices than lesser-known brands like Energizer. The XCover Pro is likely to receive at least a couple of major Android updates and several years of security patches, while the H621S may receive limited or no updates beyond its initial software version.
❓ Are both phones compatible with glove mode for use in cold weather or industrial settings?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro explicitly advertises glove mode functionality, allowing touchscreen use while wearing gloves. The Energizer Hardcase H621S's specifications do not mention glove mode, so its compatibility is uncertain. This is a key feature for users working in environments requiring gloves.
