Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 smartphone

Photo: Santeri Viinamäki via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3

April 2015 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 is a rugged Android smartphone designed for durability, featuring IP67 water and dust resistance and MIL-STD-810G military standard compliance. It offers a 4.5-inch display, a 5MP main camera, and a removable 2200mAh battery, making it suitable for outdoor and demanding environments.
Display4.5-inch PLS LCD (480x800)
ChipsetMarvell Armada PXA1908
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
Battery2200 mAh removable
Starting from $69

💰 Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 Price

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 lowest price is $69, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypePLS LCD
Size4.5 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels
ProtectionNot specified, but ruggedized design

Platform

OSAndroid 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop)
ChipsetMarvell Armada PXA1908
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUVivante GC7000UL

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot, up to 32GB)
Internal8GB 1.5GB RAM

Main Camera

Single5 MP, AF
FeaturesLED flash
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP
VideoNot specified

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 2200 mAh battery
ChargingStandard charging

Body

Dimensions132.9 x 70.1 x 10 mm (5.23 x 2.76 x 0.39 in)
Weight154 g (5.43 oz)
SIMMicro-SIM
DurabilityIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), MIL-STD-810G compliant (salt, dust, humidity, rain, vibration, solar radiation, transport and thermal shock resistant)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, A-GPS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedMarch 2015
ReleasedApril 2015

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional ruggedness (IP67, MIL-STD-810G)
  • Removable battery for easy replacement
  • Physical buttons for glove-friendly operation
  • Compact and easy to handle with one hand
  • Dedicated programmable 'Xcover' key

Cons

  • Low screen resolution for its size
  • Limited internal storage (8GB)
  • Older Android version (initially 4.4.4 KitKat)
  • Modest camera performance
  • Average speaker quality
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 earns a solid rating for its robust build and specialized features, making it an excellent choice for its target audience, despite its otherwise mid-range specifications for its release year.

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 is an ideal choice for users who prioritize durability and reliability over cutting-edge performance and display quality. Its IP67 and MIL-STD-810G certifications make it highly resistant to dust, water, drops, and extreme conditions, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, or anyone needing a tough phone. Keep in mind its age; while it was a capable device in 2015, modern apps might struggle, and security updates are no longer provided. Consider it if you need a secondary, highly resilient device or if your primary use involves harsh environments where a standard smartphone wouldn't survive. Look for well-maintained used units, as new ones are unlikely to be available, and verify battery health due to its age.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 SM-G388F Cell Phone
  • In-built Battery
  • PC Connecting Cable
  • Wired Stereo Head Set
  • Mains / Wall / Travel Charger
  • Documentation

Typically comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty, often 24 months in regions at the time of release.

❓ Questions & Answers

Is the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 waterproof?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 is IP67 certified, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 run?

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 originally launched with Android 4.4.4 KitKat and was upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Does the Galaxy Xcover 3 have a removable battery?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 features a removable 2200 mAh Li-Ion battery, allowing users to easily replace it.

What are the main camera specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3?

The main camera on the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 is a 5-megapixel sensor with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording video at 1080p@30fps.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 suitable for outdoor use?

Absolutely, the Galaxy Xcover 3 is specifically designed for outdoor and harsh environments, boasting MIL-STD-810G military standard compliance for resistance against drops, shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures, in addition to its water and dust resistance.

Can the storage of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 be expanded?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 32GB.