Samsung Expands Tactical Edition Portfolio with New Galaxy S23 and Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Samsung has recently announced the addition of two new smartphones to its Tactical Edition lineup – the Galaxy S23 Tactical Edition and the Galaxy XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition. These devices are specifically designed for military personnel and others with similar job profiles, offering additional features that make them suitable for use in tactical environments.
Both the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition share the same specifications as their standard versions. However, they come with enhanced capabilities to withstand extreme conditions and offer unique functionalities required in tactical operations.
The Galaxy XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition is MIL-STD-810H certified, ensuring its resistance to extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a water resistance rating of up to 5 feet for 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Tactical Edition is IP68-rated and features a rugged military-grade case that can be chest-mounted or worn on the forearm.
One notable feature of these smartphones is the night vision mode, which enables seamless use with night vision optic devices. They also have auto-touch sensitivity, allowing them to be operated even while wearing gloves. The auto-rotating lock screen is another handy feature that facilitates the use of flip-down chest mounts.
Furthermore, both devices support external GPS for accurate location data in the field. They can also connect to drone feeds and laser range finders, enhancing mission effectiveness. In terms of communication capabilities, they have purpose-built drivers to support tactical radio and mission device protocols. Additionally, they offer conventional cellular capabilities, including LTE, CBRS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
To ensure maximum security and confidentiality, the Tactical Edition smartphones are equipped with Samsung Knox with hardware-level encryption. They also feature Knox Dual Data at Rest (DualDAR), providing two layers of encryption for protecting confidential data, even when the device is powered off. The smartphones support serverless license activation, making them versatile for deployment in different operator environments.
In terms of software, the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition run on Android 13-based One UI 5.1 out of the box. They come preloaded with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit (BATDOK). ATAK enhances real-time situational awareness through mapping, messaging, and geo-fencing, while BATDOK gathers and disseminates real-time patient encounter information.
Other features include support for Samsung DeX and dual VPN chaining for added security. These devices also have the capability to automatically accept and record calls in speaker mode and prevent outgoing calls if required.
The Galaxy S23 Tactical Edition comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the Galaxy XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition offers 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
As of now, the pricing details for these smartphones are unknown, as they will only be available to military operators and not for regular buyers.
Samsung’s expansion of its Tactical Edition portfolio demonstrates its commitment to providing specialized devices that cater to the unique needs of military personnel and those working in tactical environments. With their rugged design, enhanced capabilities, and additional security features, the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition smartphones are poised to become valuable tools for enhancing mission efficiency and effectiveness.