Just when I was wondering why there isn’t a Samsung Galaxy XCover6 follow-up, I noticed that Samsung did reveal a new XCover this year. The news was kind of drowned out by the buzz of CES 2024 last week. Anyhoo, so yeah, Samsung did reveal the new Galaxy XCover7 along with the new Galaxy Tab Active5. As expected the duo is designed with tough work environments in mind.
These rugged devices, ideal for fieldwork, feature military-grade durability and advanced 5G connectivity. The XCover7 boasts an enhanced camera and display, while the Tab Active5 offers replaceable batteries and a No Battery Mode. Both are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance and meet military durability standards.
Key features include upgraded processors, memory, Corning Gorilla Glass, glove-friendly touch sensitivity, and fast charging. They’re also equipped with Samsung Knox Vault for top-tier security.
Available from this month (January 2024 – though we have yet to find it listed anywhere), these devices are perfect for industries requiring durable, high-performing mobile technology.
The Galaxy Tab Active5 is, IMHO, one of the best-looking rugged tablets we have seen thus far. Well, not that there are many such devices in the market.
Anyways… skip ahead for a rundown of the specifications of the respective devices.
| Galaxy XCover7 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Display* | 6.6-inch, 20:9, FHD+, TFT, 60Hz, Touch Sensitivity** | |
| * Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.** Touch sensitivity increases responsiveness for leather gloves thinner than 2mm or less in thickness, based on internal laboratory test results. Devices can be used in wet environments, but not fully submerged under water. Underwater touch is not available. Touch responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions. | ||
| OS | Android 14 | |
| Dimensions | 169.0 x 80.1 x 10.2mm(240g*) | |
| * Weight may vary by market. | ||
| Camera | Rear | 50MP Wide F1.8, Flash |
| Front | 5MP F2.0 | |
| Memory & Storage* | 6 + 128GB, microSD up to 1TB** | |
| * Actual storage space availability may vary depending on pre-installed software and by market, file size, and format.** MicroSD card sold separately. | ||
| Processor | 6nm Octa-Core Processor | |
| Battery*** | User Replaceable**, 4,050mAh (typical)* | |
| * Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standards. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3,950mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns and other factors.** Extra replaceable battery and POGO charging dock sold separately. In the case of extra replaceable batteries, only Samsung-certified products are compatible for use.*** Charger is sold separately. | ||
| Connectivity | 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 5(802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® v5.3, NFC | |
| * 5G services are only supported in 5G network-enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on the market, carrier, content provider, and user environment.** Availability of LTE model varies by market or carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on the market, carrier, content provider, and user environment. | ||
| SIM | Dual SIM (SIM + embedded SIM*) | |
| * Embedded SIM availability varies by market. | ||
| Interface | Type-C USB 2.0, POGO Pin (charging only), 3.5mm Earjack | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Geomagnetic, Gyro, Light, Proximity | |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | |
| * GNSS availability type may vary by market. Galileo and BeiDou coverage may be limited. BeiDou may not be available for certain markets. | ||
| Ruggedized Durability | IP68*, MIL-STD-810H**, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ | |
| * IP68 rating: Water and dust resistant based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.** MIL-STD-810H: Testing against specific environmental conditions including altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drop, etc. MIL-STD-810H is a standardized form of testing designed by the US military to accurately assess device limitations. Real-world usage may vary by specific environmental conditions used in the testing. Extreme conditions are not guaranteed. Test specifications vary by device. | ||
| Sound | Dolby Atmos® | |
| Security | Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault | |
| Biometric Authentication | Face Recognition | |
| Programmable Key | Customization via XCover Key* | |
| * Key mapping support may vary by app. Programmable keys are limited to select functions. | ||
Images: Samsung.
