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Samsung Unveils Rugged Devices with User-Replaceable Batteries
Samsung has revealed two new rugged devices aimed at consumers who value durability alongside modern smartphone features. The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro are designed for users seeking practicality, especially in challenging environments, boasting removable backplates and user-replaceable batteries.
The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro targets enterprise users but retains many of the advanced features found in Samsung’s flagship models. It is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, a display optimized for brightness, and a robust 4,350mAh battery. However, its standout attributes lie in its rugged build and customization options, which include IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification ensuring resilience against drops, and programmable buttons. Additionally, users can replace the battery easily by removing the back cover of the device.
Turning to the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro, this tablet features a 10.1-inch screen and shares the same Snapdragon processor. What sets it apart is its enhanced charging options, including the ability to operate without a battery when docked. The tablet allows for hot-swapping batteries, enabling users to change the battery without powering down the device. Similar to the XCover 7 Pro, the Tab Active 5 Pro is also designed for durability, and even the accompanying S-Pen stylus enjoys the IP68 protection.
While these devices may not be geared towards everyday consumers, they signify a shift away from the mainstream trend of unreplaceable batteries and increasingly fragile designs. As sleek and lightweight smartphones have become the norm, the Galaxy XCover series prompts a reflection on whether those who opt for this rugged practicality might, in fact, be embracing a more liberated form of mobile technology.
Beginning May 8, 2025, the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro will be available for order, while the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro is set for an “early June” release, according to Samsung.
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www.engadget.com