It’s all about the software and cases
Samsung has fully presented the new generation of secure Tactical Edition smartphones. These are the Samsung Galaxy S23 Tactical Edition and XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition models.
They were first presented back in May, but then Samsung partially revealed the characteristics and did not even show the device. Third-party images showed a generally ordinary Galaxy S23 and XCover6 Pro. As you can see in the latest images, there is little that is usual in terms of design in the new products. However, the external “armor” is removable.
The outer protective shell of both devices is much more impressive than that of most “professional” rugged smartphones. And all because the Tactical Edition line is aimed primarily not at ordinary consumers, but at the military. To create such devices, Samsung cooperates with the US Department of Defense.
Galaxy S23 Tactical Edition and XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition presented
From the point of view of characteristics typical for smartphones, these models are completely identical to their civilian counterparts. All features revolve around protection.
The Galaxy S23 Tactical Edition and XCover6 Pro Tactical Edition come pre-configured with software and custom drivers to support tactical radio protocols and mission-specific devices, including access to drone data and laser rangefinder information. They can also be connected to secure tactical communications systems. You can use a stealth mode that disables LTE and e-911 by disabling all RF transmissions (including GPS) in hardware. This ensures that communications are secure and completely disconnected from the network.
In particular, the devices are pre-installed with the ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit, which provides precise targeting, reconnaissance, and navigation during military operations and data exchange) and BATDOK (Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit, which tracks in real-time monitoring the vital signs of an injured soldier – it simplifies the work of a physician when providing emergency care).
The software-defined radio interface can receive data from a third-party SDR receiver such as Flight Aware or other third-party frequency band specific radios. There’s also an auto-answer feature for hands-free calls and the ability to record and prevent outgoing calls, which Samsung says is useful in hostage negotiations.
The outer protective shell consists of an Armor Aluminum frame and a durable military-grade case. This is just a case, and the smartphone can be taken out of it. Actually, then all the features of the devices will be reduced to unique software.
