Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 review

Samsung included only the essentials with the Galaxy Xcover 2. There's a charger, of course, plus a microUSB cable and a single-piece headset. Good thing that the phone is self-reliant, because it's not getting any special accessories.

The Samsung S7710 Galaxy Xcover 2 is not the most compact device, even with a 4" screen. At 130.5 x 67.7 x 12 mm, and a weight of 148.5g, it's bigger and heavier than a Sony Xperia V, which has a 4.3" screen. Guess that IP67 certification takes its toll (the Xperia V has IP57).

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 is a rugged phone and it looks the part. Almost every surface besides the screen is textured or ribbed for extra grip, making sure the phone won't slip even off wet hands.

It probably won't be voted the best looking phone ever, but it's attractive in its own way, especially if you're tired of Samsung's recent trend of recreating the Galaxy S III design in all possible sizes. More importantly it's practical, it has more physical keys that we're used to seeing lately and those will work even if your fingers are wet or covered in gloves (which capacitive keys and screens will not).

Fingerprints are not a problem for the Xcover 2, instead it has to worry about dirt getting caught in all those patterns and grooves. It's a good thing you can always run it under the faucet and rinse it clean.

To ensure that the phone is watertight, every port is covered by a special plastic flap that plugs the hole to make sure the contacts inside are safe. The back of the phone even has a lock that keeps the back panel securely in place - you'll need a coin or something similar to undo the lock.

It would have been easier to seal the battery altogether - in fact, most other water-resistant phones go this route - so we commend Samsung on keeping the option to swap out the battery and giving easy access to the microSIM and microSD card slots.

Anyway, back to the buttons. Below the screen there's the standard trio of Menu, Home and Back. They are physical keys (so they work with gloves) and their patterned surface will keep your finger from slipping.