Samsung Galaxy XCover FieldPro vs. Sonim XP8: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a balance of performance and ruggedness, the Samsung Galaxy XCover FieldPro is the better choice. Its Exynos 9810 chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds, making it suitable for demanding applications. While the Sonim XP8 excels in durability, its Snapdragon 630 struggles with modern workloads.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy XCover FieldPro | Sonim XP8 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2020, April 06 | 2018, April. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 80.7 x 14.2 mm (6.24 x 3.18 x 0.56 in) | 152 x 79.5 x 18 mm (5.98 x 3.13 x 0.71 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 256 g (9.03 oz) | 335 g (11.82 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant DGUV112-139 certified Emergency PTT key | IP69 dust proof and water resistant over 1 meter and 30 minutes MIL-STD-810G | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~576 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.1 inches, 71.7 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~57.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Mongoose M3 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 9810 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP18 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Triple-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, PDAF | 12 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.7 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/i/r, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Music play | - | Up to 70 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 720 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 30 h |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4900 mAh, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | SM-G889F, SM-G889A | XP8800 |
| Price | About 1020 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | 1.20 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.80 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy XCover FieldPro
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Likely superior camera performance due to Samsung’s image processing
- Potentially higher resolution and brighter display
- Potentially shorter battery life due to the more power-hungry Exynos 9810
- May be more expensive than the Sonim XP8
Sonim XP8
- Exceptional durability and build quality
- Faster charging with Quick Charge 4.0
- More power-efficient processor for longer standby time
- Significantly slower processor, struggling with modern applications
- Likely lower quality display
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the FieldPro’s positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a brighter panel than the XP8. The XP8, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight, likely utilizes a simpler, more power-efficient display technology. Bezels on the XP8 are expected to be larger, reflecting its focus on impact resistance rather than maximizing screen real estate. Color accuracy is likely a secondary concern on both, with emphasis on readability.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the FieldPro, being a Samsung device, likely benefits from superior image processing algorithms. The XP8’s camera is likely focused on basic functionality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit. Sensor size is a critical factor; a larger sensor on the FieldPro would capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), if present on the FieldPro, would further enhance image quality.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy XCover FieldPro’s Exynos 9810, built on a 10nm process, represents a substantial performance advantage over the Sonim XP8’s Snapdragon 630 (14nm). The Exynos utilizes a custom Mongoose M3 core alongside Cortex-A55 cores, offering significantly higher peak performance for demanding applications. The Snapdragon 630’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are considerably slower. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive tasks on the FieldPro. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 630 also implies potentially higher heat generation, potentially leading to thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Sonim XP8’s 18W charging with Quick Charge 4.0 support provides a clear advantage in charging speed. The Exynos 9810 is known to be more power-hungry than the Snapdragon 630. Therefore, even if the FieldPro has a larger battery, the XP8’s faster charging and more efficient chipset could result in comparable real-world battery life, especially for users with moderate usage patterns. The XP8’s QC4 support also offers wider compatibility with fast chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover FieldPro if you need a rugged phone that can also handle everyday tasks, media consumption, and occasional gaming without significant slowdowns. It’s ideal for field technicians, delivery drivers, or anyone who wants a durable phone without sacrificing usability. Buy the Sonim XP8 if your priority is absolute durability and long-term reliability in harsh conditions, and you primarily need a phone for voice communication and basic tasks. It’s best suited for construction workers, first responders, or those working in extremely challenging environments where phone replacement is difficult.