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[Infographic] The Toughness Evolution: Exploring the History of Samsung’s Ruggedized Devices

12/19/2022

The recent launch of the Galaxy XCover6 Pro and Tab Active4 Pro are the result of years of innovation. Every time a new model is released, Samsung listens carefully to its customers to build devices that are more durable, more powerful and fine-tuned for the tasks they need to perform. Samsung’s hunger for innovation means looking back and taking stock, learning valuable lessons from previous device generations to meet customer needs and deliver the premium quality they deserve.

The latest XCover6 Pro has a screen almost twice as large as the original XCover, which was launched back in 2011, and is tougher than ever.

Starting from that first 2011 XCover launch, Samsung invites you to look back across the history of its ruggedized devices, to see how the innovation of the present begins with the design pedigree of the past.

YearDeviceHero Features
August
2011
Galaxy XCoverFirst Samsung Ruggedized Smartphone
The original Galaxy XCover was built to be a tougher device for businesses, featuring Wi-Fi connectivity, an accelerometer, and a 3.65-inch touch screen, all housed in Corning Gorilla Glass.
March
2013
Galaxy XCover2First Samsung Ruggedized Smartphone with Selfie Camera
A year-and-a-half later, Galaxy XCover2 improved the utility of the device with upgraded features – a selfie camera, 720p video recording, and the Android operating system were all introduced in this version.
December
2014
Galaxy Tab ActiveFirst Samsung Ruggedized Tablet
In 2014, we further bolstered our presence in the ruggedized device market by introducing the Galaxy Tab Active – our first ruggedized B2B tablet with IP67 dust/water resistance for in-the-field protection.
April
2015
Galaxy XCover3First Samsung Ruggedized Smartphone with Customizable Key
The Galaxy XCover3 introduced faster performance with 4G LTE capabilities. The screen grew to a larger 4.5-inch, and for added functionality, we included a customizable key for rapid launch of apps and functions. It also became the most secure smartphone to date with protection from the Samsung Knox security platform.
April
2017
Galaxy XCover4Improved Durability with IP68 and MIL-STD-810G
A few years later, Galaxy XCover4 became the most ruggedized phone in the lineup with MIL-STD-810G certification and water and dust protection to reach the IP68[1] standard. The screen received a boost to be 5 inches in size in order to better showcase the 1080p HD videos this phone could capture.
October
2017
Galaxy Tab Active2The 8-inch Ruggedized Tablet with S Pen for Enhanced Productivity and Convenience
The release of the Galaxy Tab Active2 addressed the high demand for ruggedized tablets with greater power and performance. With RAM doubled to 3GB, an upgraded camera of 8MP/1080p and S Pen support, this tablet provided greater business productivity. It also became tougher thanks to IP681 dust/water resistance.
July
2019
Galaxy XCover4sEnhanced Performance with Upgraded AP, Memory and Camera
The Galaxy XCover4 brought two popular features that businesses crave to the XCover4 – memory doubled to 32GB, and the capacity for dual-SIM.
October
2019
Galaxy Tab Active ProFirst Premium Ruggedized Tablet
The Galaxy Tab Active Pro was upgraded with a 13MP Camera, 4GB RAM and a 10.1-inch screen. It introduced several useful functions, like Samsung DeX, which transforms it into a powerful PC-like experience, Active Key, which launches apps quickly with a single button, and Touch Sensitivity for use with gloves.
January
2020
Galaxy XCover ProPremium Ruggedized Smartphone with Bigger Full Front Display
A B2B smartphone designed for professionals across a variety of sectors who work in the field, the Galaxy XCover Pro featured a larger 6.3-inch screen with added durability and toughness, able to be dropped from up to 1.5m. Premium smartphone features including 1080p selfie camera, fast charging and fingerprint unlock were also introduced.
September
2020
Galaxy Tab Active3More Advanced 8-inch Ruggedized Tablet with Fast Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 kept getting smarter and more efficient with better AP Performance, Wi-Fi 6 [2] for lightning-fast connectivity and the new No Battery Mode [3] that allows for use on long-haul journeys while plugged into power without risk of over-heating. It also featured improved durability and MIL-STD-810H certification.
March
2021
Galaxy XCover5Most Cost-Effective Ruggedized Smartphone to Date for Frontline Workers
Our most affordable XCover yet, the Galaxy XCover5 features all the premium features XCover users expect while being even tougher thanks to MIL-STD-810H certification.
July
2022
Galaxy XCover6 ProFirst Samsung 5G Ruggedized Smartphone with Enhanced Productivity
The Galaxy XCover6 Pro features a 6.6-inch screen and RAM upgraded to 6GB, perfect for running critical business applications. With Wi-Fi 6E [4] and 5G [5] support, it provides rapid upload and download in-office as well as on-the-road. Samsung DeX support lets users have a PC-like experience via an external monitor.
September
2022
Galaxy Tab Active4 ProLatest Ruggedized Tablet with More Advanced Technology and More Durable Widescreen
With Wi-Fi 6 and 5G network connectivity, the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro offers high-speed internet connection. A long-lasting removable battery and fast charging with POGO dock provide a productive working environment anywhere, any condition. No Battery Mode, Active Key, Touch Sensitivity functions and Louder Speaker Volume are also included.
* Features, functionality and services may vary by region, model and carrier.
[1] IP68 rating: Water resistant in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt, and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.
[2] Data plan required. 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi availability and actual speed may vary depending on market, region, carrier, content provider, and user environment. Requires optimal connection.
[3] No Battery Mode needs to be turned on and requires a dedicated USB Type-C power source accessory supporting 9V and 2.3A or above, and PD 2.0 or above. No Battery Mode limits device CPU performance when enabled and reduces maximum volume, display brightness and more when enabled.
[4] Wi-Fi 6E network availability may vary by market, region, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 6E router.
[5] 5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, content provider, and user environment.

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