Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? Samsung's XCover line is built for the job. But with two options – the XCover 4s and the XCover Pro – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The XCover Pro is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved camera, and enhanced features like Push-to-Talk. While the XCover 4s remains a durable option, the Pro's upgrades make it the better choice for most users needing a rugged device.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | 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 | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2020, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146.2 x 73.3 x 9.7 mm (5.76 x 2.89 x 0.38 in) | 159.9 x 76.7 x 10 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant | 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 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 7885 (14 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.7, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/k/v/r, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4050 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black |
| Models | SM-G398F, SM-G398FN/DS, SM-G398FN | SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) | 0.47 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
- Excellent durability and ruggedness
- Removable battery
- Affordable price
- Outdated processor
- Mediocre camera
- Slow charging
- Lower screen quality
Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
- Faster performance (Exynos 9611)
- Improved camera
- Push-to-Talk functionality
- 15W fast charging
- Better screen quality
- Higher price
- Still a rugged phone, not a flagship
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.2-inch HD+ display, offering decent visibility in outdoor conditions. However, the XCover Pro's slightly improved color accuracy and brightness provide a marginally better viewing experience. Neither phone excels in display quality, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The XCover Pro features a significantly improved camera system. While specific megapixel counts are similar, the Pro's newer processor and software optimizations result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The XCover 4s camera is adequate for basic snapshots but struggles in challenging lighting.
Performance
The XCover Pro boasts a substantial performance upgrade thanks to its Exynos 9611 chipset and 10nm manufacturing process compared to the XCover 4s's Exynos 7885 (14nm). This translates to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Pro. The XCover 4s feels sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a respectable 4000mAh battery. However, the XCover Pro's more efficient chipset contributes to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The XCover Pro also supports 15W wired charging, a welcome addition missing on the XCover 4s.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s? Those on a tight budget who prioritize basic durability and a familiar Android experience. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro? Professionals in demanding environments (construction, field service, logistics) who need enhanced performance, a better camera, and features like Push-to-Talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the XCover Pro worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you need the improved performance, camera, and features like Push-to-Talk. The XCover 4s is a good budget option, but the Pro offers a significant upgrade.
❓ Are both phones waterproof?
Both phones are IP68 rated, meaning they are dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
