SAMSUNG GALAXY XCOVER 4S (DUAL SIM) 3GB / 32GB | SM-G398FN/DS

Pros

• Long battery life: Commonly mentioned as a significant advantage. Multiple users praise the long battery life, describing it as "very amazing" and noting good battery life even after several years of use. One user suggested a larger replaceable battery would further improve battery life. Another user notes that the battery life is extremely good, even for gamers.
• Robustness/Durability: Frequently praised for its resilience and suitability for outdoor use, and ability to withstand drops and impacts. Specifically mentioned as good for workers in construction and other physically demanding professions. One user noted continued functionality after a cracked screen (user''s fault). Many users highlight its ability to survive falls and water exposure. Described as able to withstand drops from kitchen counters (90cm). One user describes it as "so good as indestructible" with a protective case.
• Replaceable battery: A highly valued feature, contributing to the phone''s longevity. This is repeatedly mentioned as a significant advantage.
• Easy to use/User-friendly: Described as simple to operate and handle, even with wet or dirty hands. The physical buttons are specifically praised for their ease and speed of use. Users find it easy to use, especially for field service engineers. Several users describe it as simple and intuitive. One user describes the handling as easy after setup.
• Good value for money: Several users emphasized the phone''s excellent price-performance ratio. Another user describes the phone as simple but well-priced.
• Long software support/Updates: One user noted long Android updates as a positive. Another mentioned regular security updates. One user notes that the XCover 4s includes features missing from the XCover 4, like SmartView.
• Dual SIM capability: Explicitly mentioned as a positive feature by at least one user. Another user notes that the device''s capability to support two SIM cards and an SD card contradicts the website description. One user explicitly highlights the dual SIM + microSD card slot combination as a positive.
• Fast charging: Mentioned as a positive feature by one user. Another user mentions that the charging time is very short, although the battery life is also short.
• Good camera: At least one user considers the camera good, capable of taking good photos. Another user considers the camera to be a positive feature, among other aspects of the phone.

Cons

• Limited storage: Frequently cited as a drawback, especially for users who take many photos, videos, or use memory-intensive apps. While expandable via microSD card, this only partially solves the problem for apps. Users have mentioned that the limited internal storage is filled quickly with updates. The lack of sufficient storage for apps is noted.
• Slow processor: Noted as a con, impacting overall performance. This is a very frequently mentioned issue, with several users describing the phone as "very slow" or "extremely slow." The phone''s speed significantly decreases after installing apps. Laggy screen response is also reported. Users mention the phone is slower than previous XCover models.
• Poor camera: Considered inadequate by some users, producing blurry images, especially at larger sizes. The camera has trouble focusing. Another user notes that the camera is a "bit weak".
• Fragile casing: Despite being marketed as a rugged phone, the casing is reported as surprisingly delicate, with cracks and breaks commonly occurring near the headphone jack and buttons. Button detachment is also a recurring issue. The casing is reported to be prone to cracking, even with a protective case. Cracking near volume buttons is a frequently cited issue.
• Battery cover issues: In some cases, the battery cover doesn''t close properly due to broken mini-holders, compromising water resistance.
• Short battery life (in some cases): While many praise battery life, some report it as very poor, lasting only a few hours.
• USB Micro-B connector (some models): One user noted dissatisfaction with the USB Micro-B connector instead of USB-C.
• Lack of display port functionality via USB-C: The inability to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter as a display port is mentioned as a disadvantage.
• Camera auto-activation: One user reported that the camera frequently activates without a known reason.
• Microphone failure: At least one user reported a broken microphone upon receiving the device.
• Bixby activation issues: One user reported issues with accidental Bixby activation via volume buttons, leading to UI freezing.
• Excessive bloatware: Some users have mentioned an excessive amount of pre-installed apps which take up unnecessary space and slow performance.
• Unresponsive screen: A few reviews mention the screen being unresponsive at times.
• Button problems: Several reviewers mention issues with the physical buttons, including buttons falling off and cracking sounds when using the buttons. The button placement is also considered inconvenient by some users.
• Inaccurate light sensor: One user reported the light sensor as inaccurate.
• Incompatibility of charger: One user notes that chargers for other Samsung devices are incompatible.
• Small SIM card slot: The small size of the SIM card slot is noted as a potential issue by one user.
• Display: One user describes the display as not up-to-date. Another mentions that the display size is too small for their motor skills.

Comments

The Samsung XCover 4s receives highly contrasting feedback. While many users praise its durability, long battery life, ease of use, and dual SIM capability, making it ideal for work environments and those requiring a robust device, others experience significant issues with the phone''s shortfalls, especially regarding storage capacity, processing speed, and the fragility of the casing despite its rugged design. The inconsistent battery life reports further highlight this contrast. The camera quality is another area where opinions diverge, with some finding it acceptable while others consider it poor. The recurring problem of the casing''s fragility, combined with microphone and button failures, raises serious questions about the device''s claimed ruggedness. The significant number of negative comments regarding processing speed and software issues are also notable. The phone''s performance is considered slow compared to previous models by some users. The device''s ruggedness is also questioned by several users. A user highlights the upgrade from the XCover 4 to 4s, noting improvements in camera, processor and battery life. Another notes that the XCover 4s addresses issues present in the XCover 4. The phone is considered suitable for normal use by at least one user, but insufficient for high-quality photography and videography.