Recently we have tortured the ruggedized Nokia 3720c. Today we are going to abuse another robust cell phone: the Samsung B2710 Xcover. This device is IP67 certified for dust and water-splash resistance which stands for better reliability in comparison with the Nokia 3720c. The Xcover is claimed to be absolutely dust proof and almost fully water resistant.

The design of the package box is simple. The box is pre-printed with the image of the Samsung B2710 Xcover in splashes of water. The quality of this image leaves much to be desired (Pic. 1). The retail package is quite poor: as well as the phone itself, there is a charger and a set of headphones (Pic. 2). The appearance doesn’t tell you much about reliability of the Xcover (Pic. 3). But if you look closer at the back panel, you’ll see the special lock that makes the panel cling tightly to the phone thus securing it from dust (Pic. 4). The size of the gadget is more than average: 120.7 x 53 x 17.9 mm (4.75 x 2 x 0.7 inches). Ruggedization is expressed through the ribbed sides, the ribbed back cover, the large keys and even the hole for straps. This design makes the phone look brutal. All these features give the Samsung B2710 Xcover the right to be called a cell phone for men.

The keyboard and the buttons on the sides of the phone are comfortable to use. The capacity of the battery is large (1300 mAh). As for the display, we should say that the viewing angles are atrocious and your eyes are likely to feel tired and fatigued.
Results

1. Samsung B2710 Xcover stress tests. Stage 1 — Light shocks

1.1 Drop tests

Nobody can prevent his/her cell phone from being dropped. Fall on a carpet is one thing, fall on a concrete stairs is quite a different thing.  Speaking of shock resistance, there is a statement on the manufacturer’s website that the Samsung B2710 Xcover will stay functional even if it falls from a rock climber’s pants pocket. Well, may be there is no point performing the stress tests? Or may be the manufacturer simply exaggerates the Xcover’s abilities?

We hope that the drop test will help us to find the answer. We started it as usual. We successively dropped the Samsung B2710 Xcover with each face, edge, and corner from the small distances: from 1 m (3.28 ft) on the carpet (video 1) and from 30 cm (11.8 inches) on the tile (video 2).

At the 1st stage of this test, even the fragile cell phones show fine results. No wonder that the rugged polyurethane body of the Xcover showed no damage. The screw that serves as a lock prevented the battery cover from opening and falling off.

Video 1. Drop on the carpet from 1 m (3.28 ft)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

Video 2. Drop on the tile from 30 cm (11.8 inches)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

1.2 Squeeze test

As we already mentioned, the body of the Samsung B2710 Xcover is thick and rugged. We tried to squeeze the gadget applying 3 kg (6.6 lbs) pressure from a wooden bar above it (Pic. 5). This weight didn’t damage any cell phone yet. May be we would find out more information about the Xcover’s shock resistance if we applied 100 kg (220.46 pounds) but we are not going to make the stress tests tougher only because this phone is claimed to be robust.
Do we need to comment the result of this experiment?

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

1.3 Bend test

The Samsung B2710 Xcover’s chassis is made to withstand all possible shocks. It’s clear that 1 kg (2.2 lbs) is simply not enough to inflict even a slight bend.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

1.4 Durability

If you want to buy a rugged cell phone, the first thing you pay attention to is its shock, dust and water resistance. The design is not very important. People often think that ruggedized gadgets stay attractive no matter how you use them. So they abuse robust cell phones and don’t worry about possible scuffs and scratches. We wonder how the Samsung B2710 Xcover will look like and whether it will look better than the other cell phones after a long period of everyday use, e.g. carrying in a man’s pants pockets with keys, pennies and other things.

We placed the Xcover inside a drum together with keys, pennies, and plastic balls (video 3) and rotated the drum for 5 minutes to simulate what might be happening in a man’s pants pockets while carrying the phone.

We saw what we expected. The result was quite satisfactory: a few scuffs on the corners (Pic. 6) and some tiny scratches on the screen (Pic. 7) and that’s all.

Video 3. Drum rotation

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

1.5 Scratch test

There is a statement on the Samsung website about the protective screen glass. The manufacturer claims that the Samsung B2710 Xcover is scratch proof. In this test, we are going to find out if it is really so. We fixed a nail to a plank, placed the phone under it and applied a 100 g (0.22 pounds) pressure from the plank on the screen and then on the back cover of the phone.

Both the screen and the back sustained no damage (video 4, 5). We saw no scratches on the phone after this test.

Video 4. Screen scratching

Video 5. Back panel scratching

The screen gets 15 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)
The back cover gets 15 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

1.6 High temperature

“Ready to withstand all possible shocks” is printed on the package box of the Samsung B2710 Xcover. However, the manufacturer doesn’t say anything about the extreme temperatures. We decided to find out how the phone operates after being exposed to high temperatures. We placed the device in a metallic container 5 cm from the electric bulb (40 Wt). The bulb heated the phone for 3 min. (video 6).

The temperature of the phone wasn’t too high. Our pyrometer showed only 85 °C (185 °F). The gadget sustained no visible harm. The quality of the picture on the screen was fine.

Video 6. High temperature test

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

1.7 Dust test

The Samsung B2710 Xcover is IP67 certified which means that this device is absolutely dust proof. But sometimes dust doesn’t need to penetrate inside a cell phone in order to damage it. Grains of dust can stuck to the keyboard and make the phone useless.

In order to check the Xcover’s dust resistance, we took an enclosed tray containing dust and threw the phone inside it. We made it vibrate viciously for 2 min. After the test, we examined the device.

Here’s how the gadget looked like after the test (Pic. 8). The loudspeaker was dirty but we cleaned it with no problem (Pic. 9). The connectors and the battery were absolutely clean (Pic. 10, 11). The keys performed fine.

However, it was difficult to clean the soft-touch cover and to get rid of the dust that stuck between the keys. Fortunately, this is a water resistant cell phone. So we washed it.

The grade is 18 (with 18 being the highest possible grade)

1.8 Call reception

It’s time we checked the Samsung B2710 Xcover’s signal strength. We placed the handset inside a box. Then we foiled the box (the foil served as a shield) and made a 40 x 45 mm (1,57 x 1,77 inches) hole in it (video 7). Then we made a call and found out that the indices of the indicator fluctuated from 3 to 6. However, the phone received all incoming calls with no problem.

Video 7. Call reception test

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

After the 1st stage of the stress tests, the Samsung B2710 Xcover got 192 (with 192 being the highest possible grade)

2. Samsung B2710 Xcover stress tests. Stage 2 — Tough conditions

2.1 Drop test

We increased the distance of the falls on the carpet from 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and from 50 cm (1.64 ft) on the tile (video 8, 9).

The phone sustained no damage and stayed functional during and after this drop test.

Video 8. Drop on the carpet from 1.5 m (4.9 ft)

Video 9. Drop on the tile from 50 cm (1.64 ft)

The grade for the drop on the carpet is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)
The grade for the drop on the tile is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

2.2 Squeeze test

This time, we applied 10 kg (22 lbs) pressure from the wooden bar in order to squeeze the device.  The result is fine: no squeaks, no damage.

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

2.3 Bend test

This time, we increased the weight of the load to 5 kg (11 pounds). The phone didn’t sustain any sign of bend even in the slightest (Pic. 12).

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

2.4 Durability

We attempted to make the Samsung B2710 Xcover look older again. Therefore we increased the length of this test by 2 times compared to the previous experiment. The soft touch cover of the phone is quite durable. But if the friction between a phone and a hand is high this cover sustains scratches (Pic. 13). The plastic parts of the gadget showed more damage in comparison with the previous test. Despite lots of new scuffs, the paint wasn’t peeled off (Pic. 14, 15). The protective screen glass proved to be durable again (Pic. 16). It showed a few scuffs which didn’t ruin the picture on the screen.

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

2.5 Scratch test

We increased the force of scratches to 300 g (0.66 lbs) (video 10). As a result, the screen sustained no damage. But the back panel showed worse results: a small scratch that was visible in the bright lights.

Video 10. Back panel scratching

The screen gets 15 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)
The back cover gets 10 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

2.6 Freeze test

Everybody knows about a negative influence of cold weather on cell phones: poor quality of the picture on the screen, small capacity of the battery and stiff keys. But few people take it into consideration before buying mobile phones.

We never miss a chance to check the performance of a cell phone in extremely cold environments. So we did the following: we took a box filled with ice cubes, placed the Samsung B2710 Xcover in it, and then placed the box in a freezer for 2 hours (pic. 19). The phone was left in speaking mode during that time. The temperature in the freezer was approximately -15 – -20 °C (+5 – -4 °F).

The phone dropped the call and switched itself off in the last seconds of the test. When we tried to switch on the phone, it gave a warning that the battery was empty. Then the gadget switched itself off again (video 11). We attempted to switch it on for the second time and succeeded. But the screen started to malfunction. The keys were stiff, but they worked.

There is a very interesting thing: we warmed and dried the Samsung B2710 Xcover and the battery became full again.

Video 11. Freeze test

The grade is 6 (with 18 being the highest possible grade)

2.7 High temperature test

This time, the Samsung B2710 Xcover spent 5 min. under the direct rays of the electric bulb. The temperature of the phone rose to 100 °C (212 °F) but the gadget stayed functional. The quality of the picture was fine.

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

2.8 Immersion in water

Rain, splashes and running water are not dangerous for the Samsung B2710 Xcover. Judging by International Protection Rating you can immerse this phone to a depth of 1 m (3.28 ft) without any fears.

But we didn’t go beyond the limits and performed our standard water test: immersion in water to a depth of 4 – 5 cm (1.57 – 1.97 inches) for 1 sec. (video 12).

The Xcover didn’t show any damage, of course. We shook all the water out of the loudspeaker and the phone performed fine (Pic. 17). The battery and the ear-microphone jack stayed absolutely dry (Pic. 18, 19).

Video 12. Immersion in water for 1 sec

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

2.9 Dust test

This time, our machine shook the enclosed tray containing the Samsung B2710 Xcover and dust for 5 minutes. The result was pretty much the same as in the previous test. We wiped off all the dust from the speakers with no problem. The quality of the sound stayed fine. The strong rubber cushion between the front and the rear panel protected the inner parts of the phone from dirt (Pic. 20).

The grade is 18 (with 18 being the highest possible grade)

2.10 Call reception

We tried to reduce the signal by decreasing the size of the hole to 20 x 20 mm (0,787 x 0,787 inches) (video 13).

Although the signal indicator displayed only 2-3 bars, the phone received all incoming calls.

Video 13. Call reception test

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

After the 2nd stage of the stress test, the Samsung B2710 Xcover got 219 (with 240 being the highest possible grade)

3. Samsung B2710 Xcover stress tests. Stage 3 — The toughest conditions

3.1 Drop test

This time, we dropped the Xcover on the carpet from 2 m (6.56 ft) and on the tiles from 1 m (3.28 ft) (video 14, 15). At first thought, nothing should happen to a shock resistant cell phone if you drop it from the average distance. However, we found one disadvantage: after the fall on the carpet from 2 m (6.56 ft) the phone rebooted itself and then the SIM card connection failed. The SIM card simply slipped out of the slot. We didn’t lower the grade for the gadget in this test because any mobile phone user can fix this problem by him/herself.

Video 14. Drop on the carpet from 2 m (6.56 ft)

Video 15. Drop on the tile from 1 m (3.28 ft)

The grade for the drop on the carpet is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)
The grade for the drop on the tile is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

3.2 Squeeze test

In this test, we increased the pressure we applied to 20 kg (44 lbs). The phone passed the test successfully.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

3.3 Bend test

At the last stage of this test, we applied 10 kg (22 lbs) weight in our attempt to bend the Samsung B2710 Xcover.

Though there was a slight bend the phone stayed absolutely safe.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

3.4 Durability

At the last stage of this experiment, the drum was rotated for 20 min. As a result, we saw many new tiny scratches on the corners of the phone. These scratches made the corners look matted. There were also some deep scratches. We felt them by touch (Pic. 22). The screen showed much better results (Pic. 23). None of the scuffs ruined the quality of the picture. The navigation key was also scratched but the chrome-effect paint was not gone completely.

The grade is 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.5 Scratch test

This time, we applied the maximum force of scratches: 600 g (1.322 lbs). It seems that the Samsung B2710 Xcover’s screen is really scratch resistant. The scratch, inflicted by this test was visible only in the bright lights (Pic. 25). The panel showed a deep scratch again (Pic. 26, video 16).

Video 16. Back cover scratching

15 points for the screen (with 15 being the highest possible grade) for the screen
10 points for the back cover (with 15 being the highest possible grade) for the back cover

3.6 High temperature

The maximum length of the heat test was 10 min. (video 17). As a result, the temperature of the gadget rose to 116 °С (240.8 °F). The keyboard melted and swelled a little bit. But the plastic parts of the phone didn’t melt at all. However the body of the Xcover also swelled. The keys on the sides of the phone got stuck. When these keys started to work the other keys started to malfunction. The Samsung B2710 restored its fine performance only when its temperature became normal.

Video 17. High temperature test

The grade is 8 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

3.7 Immersion in water

In this test, we dunked the Xcover under water for 20 sec. (video 18). The result was the same as we expected. The phone successfully passed this test. But the air drying was mandatory because some water remained between the panels of the phone.

Video 18. Immersion in water for 20 sec

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

3.8 Immersion in beer

The water tests proved that the Samsung B2710 Xcover is almost fully water resistant. Probably, the phone can survive immersions in other liquids. Fortunately, in our lab, we always keep a can of beer for each gadget that we test. So we dunked the Xcover under beer (video 19).

The experiment lasted for 10 sec. The beer didn’t penetrate under the battery cover. The ear-microphone jack also stayed dry – the cap did a good job. The speakers showed the same results as in the water tests. As soon as we took the phone out of the beer, we checked the sound quality – it was perfect.

After this test, we washed the Xcover under tap without any fears.

Video 19. Immersion in beer for 10 sec

The grade is 9 (with 9 being the highest possible grade)

3.9 Dust test

We increased the time of this test to 10 min. The result was similar to that of the previous dust tests. The sound quality was still perfect. The keyboard was comfortable to use. The ear-microphone jack and the battery stayed clean (Pic. 27). But it was quite difficult to wipe off the dust that stuck between the ridges of the keyboard and in the hole for straps. It was also difficult to clean the lock of the battery cover.

Now we are sure that the manufacturer is absolutely right claiming that this device is fully dust resistant.

The grade is 18 (with 18 being the highest possible grade)

3.10 The keyboard

The Samsung B2710 Xcover has large keys. The keyboard is comfortable to use. By the way, it’s a pleasure to use the volume rocker. Try it if you don’t believe.

The keyboard is made of robust rubber which is a rugged and durable material. The letters and the figures on the keys are large and visible. The backlight is bright and even.

The first disadvantage that we found is the chrome-effect paint of the navigation key. A lot of scratches appeared on the corners and on the edges of this key during the durability tests.

The second disadvantage is the keyboard which is not ready to withstand extreme temperatures. Cold weather makes the keys stiff. The volume rocker got stuck after the heat test. It blocked all the other keys.

The grade is 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.11 Call reception test

We decreased the size of the hole in the shielded box to 15 x 15 mm (0.59 x 0.59 inches). The indicator of signal strength displayed only 1 – 2 points. However, being inside the box, the phone received all of the 10 incoming calls.

According to our experience, Samsung cell phones show fewer points on the indicator than Nokia cell phones. But sometimes Nokia cell phones drop calls even if the indicator of signal strength shows maximum number of bars. Samsung phones are more predictable. If the indicator shows at least 20 % from a maximum possible strength, the phone will work.

Video 20. Call reception test

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.12 Short circuit and overcharge

It’s time we found out how the inner parts of the Samsung B2710 Xcover can withstand short circuits. At first we tested the battery. We made a short circuit of the power supply terminals with the help of the forceps for 1 sec. (video 21). As a result, the battery stayed absolutely safe. There is a special element inside the battery that protects it from short circuits.

Video 21. Short circuit of the battery

We tested the battery charger in the same way: we shorted the power supply terminals with the help of the forceps for 1 sec (video 22). The battery charger stayed functional.

Video 22. Short circuit of the battery charger

Next, we checked the performance of the gadget with non-standard battery charger plugged in the phone. Actually, we plugged the battery charger of the Xcover in the PSU and in the phone and raised the charging voltage to 8 V (video 23).

As a result, the consumption of current increased from 300 mА to 500 mА. Then we decreased the charging voltage. The phone stopped charging at 2.3 V. However, the battery will never become full if you charge your phone with 2.3 V. This amount of voltage is too little. The voltage of the full battery is about 4.2 – 4.4 V.

Such performance of the circuits responsible for charging, is very far from being perfect but we can’t say that this is a serious disadvantage.

Video 23. Increase/decrease in charging voltage

Finally, we found out how the electronics of the Samsung B2710 Xcover withstands overcharges. We took the battery out and plugged the PSU in the phone (video 24). A 4.2-V supply was the starting point. We gradually increased energy supply until we reached 7 V. The consumption of current rose by 5 times, compared to the normal index. This is a common performance of Samsung cell phones. We saw a lot of such results in the previous stress tests. However, the Xcover stayed functional and worked fine after the experiment.

Video 24. Energy supply increase

For the ability to withstand short circuits the battery charger gets 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)
For the ability to withstand short circuits the battery gets 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)
For the ability to survive the increase and decrease of charge current the phone gets 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)
For the ability to survive the high voltage the phone gets 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.13 Disassembling

It wasn’t difficult to disassemble the Samsung B2710. In comparison with the rugged Nokia 3720c it was pleasure to take the Xcover apart. First of all we took off the removable panels (Pic. 28). Then we removed the 6 screws and took off the back panel (Pic. 29). Some more movements and we have the Samsung B2710 disassembled (Pic. 30)!

There is nothing special in the interior of the gadget. We saw the rubber cushions in the joints of the phone that make it dust and water splash resistant. The speakers are protected by the thin membranes.

The circuit board is simple (Pic. 31). A lot of elements are soldered to the circuit board and can’t be replaced. We are only disappointed with it. But this is typical for Samsung cell phones.

The antenna is built into the lower part of the phone and you are likely to put your hand on it thus hindering it to receive the signal from towers. However, as the Xcover is entirely made of plastic this shouldn’t happen.

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

After the 3rd stage of the stress test, the Samsung B2710 Xcover got 322 points (with 351 being the highest possible grade)

Conclusion:
Is the Samsung B2710 Xcover ready to withstand any possible shocks? Nothing of the kind! We found out that to some shocks the phone is not ready at all. The manufacturer seems to have managed to predict all the difficulties that the handset may face. The only thing that the Korean engineers didn’t take into consideration is the ability to survive the extreme temperatures.

The gadget started to malfunction after spending the 2 hours in the freezer in speaking mode. After the heat test, some buttons temporarily got stuck. That’s all about the disadvantages of the Samsung B2710 not mentioning the damaged soft-touch cover and the SIM card that slipped out of the slot.

The advantages of the phone outnumber its disadvantages. The gadget successfully passed the dust and the water tests. The Xcover stayed functional no matter with what face, edge or corner we dropped it. It’s practically impossible to make a deep scratch on the screen glass. Don’t worry about bends and squeezing. Moreover, the handset is stylish. It is designed specially for men. The phone has a large and comfortable keyboard, a flashlight and lots of software tools.

We are sure that this gadget is a good value for money. This is not a smartphone but it has everything you want in a phone. All of this makes the Samsung B2710 Xcover adorable not only by the lovers of extreme leisure time activities but also by other consumers.

Here’s how the gadget looks like after all the tests (Pic. 32, 33, video 25).

Video 25. Here’s how the gadget looks like after all the tests

All in all, the Samsung B2710 Xcover gains 737 points (with 783 being the highest possible grade).

Based on a 100-rating scale, the Samsung B2710 Xcover gets 94 points.

Samsung B2710 Xcover stress test, 8.3 out of 10 based on 9 ratings