Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro vs. XCover 5: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? Samsung's XCover series is built for the job. But with the newer XCover6 Pro and the still-capable XCover 5, choosing the right rugged device can be tricky. Let's break down the differences to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The XCover6 Pro is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved camera, and faster charging. While the XCover 5 remains a durable option, the Pro's upgrades make it the better choice for most users needing a robust and capable smartphone.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro Samsung Galaxy XCover 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, June 292021, March 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 13Available. Released 2021, March 12
Body
Dimensions168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm (6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 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 + Nano-SIM
Weight235 g (8.29 oz)172 g (6.07 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+-
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio)5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCD, 120HzPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G52
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, charging connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0, charging connector pins
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/mc/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Samsung DeX support-
Battery
Charging25W wired (USA) 15W wired (International)15W wired
TypeLi-Po 4050 mAh, removableLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
ModelsSM-G736U, SM-G736U1, SM-G736B, SM-G736B/DSSM-G525F, SM-G525F/DS, SM-G525N
Price$ 155.92 / C$ 329.97 / £ 249.00 / € 199.99£ 61.49 / € 74.89
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.48 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)0.70 W/kg (head)     1.27 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

  • Significantly faster performance
  • Improved camera quality
  • Faster charging (25W)
  • Larger display
  • Modern chipset (Snapdragon 778G 5G)
  • Enhanced durability

  • Potentially higher price
  • Larger size may not suit everyone

Samsung Galaxy XCover 5

  • More affordable
  • Durable build
  • Compact size (likely)

  • Slower performance
  • Older chipset (Exynos 850)
  • Slower charging (15W)
  • Likely lower camera quality
  • Smaller display (likely)

Display Comparison

The XCover6 Pro boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, offering a larger and sharper viewing experience compared to the XCover 5's likely smaller display (specifications are not readily available, but generally smaller). Both phones likely feature durable Gorilla Glass protection, but the Pro's larger size may be a factor for some.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are primarily focused on durability, the XCover6 Pro's camera system is expected to be superior. The Pro likely features a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities, resulting in better photo and video quality. Specific camera specs for the XCover 5 are difficult to confirm.

Performance

Here's where the XCover6 Pro truly shines. Its Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset is a substantial upgrade over the XCover 5's Exynos 850. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The Pro's CPU architecture is also more modern and efficient.

Battery Life

Both phones likely offer decent battery life for their class. However, the XCover6 Pro's more efficient chipset and potentially larger battery (speculation based on size) could give it a slight edge in overall endurance. Charging speeds are also faster on the XCover6 Pro with 25W wired charging (in USA) vs 15W on the XCover 5.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and anyone needing a highly durable phone with good performance. The XCover 5 is a good budget-friendly option for those prioritizing durability above all else and don't need the latest performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the XCover6 Pro waterproof?
The XCover6 Pro is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and can withstand immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Can I use the XCover series with gloves?
Yes, both the XCover6 Pro and XCover 5 are designed to be used with gloves, thanks to their enhanced touch sensitivity.