Samsung announces the Galaxy Xcover 2 with underwater camera

KOREAN PHONE MAKER Samsung announced the rugged Galaxy Xcover 2 smartphone today, despite rumours of an MWC launch.

The handset unsurprisingly is the sequel to the original Samsung Galaxy Xcover, and takes things up a notch with its additional lifeproof features. For example, its 5MP camera now has the ability to take photos underwater and the phone boasts a larger 1,700mAh battery, ideal for outdoors types.

Samsung explained, "Protected against the elements, it is dust and sand proof. It's even water resistant to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes (IP67 Certified).

"You can now take photos under water with the direct camera key, hold on tight to your device with the strap holder and not worry about dropping your phone as the battery cover lock gives added protection. "

That's not all the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 has got going for it. The handset also features Google's Android 4.1 Jelly Bean mobile operating system, which comes paired with Samsung's Touchwiz user interface, a dual-core 1GHz processor and a 4in WVGA screen. There's also a VGA front-facing camera, 4GB of expandable storage, advanced GPS and a preloaded Cardio Trainer Pro workout app.

There's no word on pricing or availability for the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 yet, but we've asked Samsung for more information.

We hope to get our mitts on the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month. µ