Rugged devices from Samsung can withstand the toughest environments

Content created in partnership with The Globe and Mail

The most common demises for tech devices operating on the frontlines of heavy machine industry include being crushed by heavy equipment or shattered by impact.

Construction sites, factory floors, retail storerooms, oil fields and the open highway are electronic boneyards for cellphones and tablets that weren’t up to the task.

It’s why Samsung has come out with a line of rugged devices that are not only functional but can withstand the extreme environments faced by frontline workers at such job sites. The devices are built for any industry that demands durability, from public services like health care and law enforcement, to commercial-driven enterprises like logistics, shipping and trucking.

“We know from market data and our conversations with customers and partners just how significant the need for rugged mobile devices is,” says Paul Edwards, vice-president and general manager of Enterprise Mobility for Samsung Canada.

“For Canadian workers employed in the industry – and we’ve heard from our customers in oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and others – technology needs to meet two distinct needs: streamline workflows, and withstand the extreme environments in which they work.”

Military-grade materials

The Samsung Galaxy rugged portfolio includes the Galaxy Tab Active3 tablet, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro tablet, and the Galaxy XCover Pro smartphone — all built to military specifications[1]^,[2]. They can withstand extreme heat and cold, inside and out, low pressure and high altitude. They are also resistant to dust, water and can withstand submersion of up to 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes[3].

What’s more, the screens are designed to withstand fine blowing particulate, a common frontline condition that quickly destroys the touch screen responsiveness of most devices.

To achieve military-grade durability, Samsung subjects its rugged lineup to extensive testing that mimics real-world use. The Galaxy Tab Active3 tablet, in particular, was subjected to laboratory drop tests to ensure it could withstand a drop up to 1.2 metres with the device only and up to 1.5 metres with an in-box cover[4].

“Our Galaxy rugged devices are built to help workers stay mobile and productive without limitations, regardless of the environment,” Mr. Edwards says.

“Durability means more than just water resistance and drop tests, though those are important. It means testing against tough conditions workers might encounter on the job – everything from extreme temperatures and varying altitudes to shocks and pressures.”

High-functioning features

Just as important as durability is functionality, Mr. Edwards says.

The Samsung devices are designed with large display areas and enhanced touchscreen features to account for protective gear worn by frontline workers in industries such as oil and gas, mining, construction and health care. There are glove and wet touch modes to increase touch sensitivity[5] so that field engineers, factory workers and construction crews can quickly and easily access important information on the job.

Our devices are built to cater to industry needs, Mr. Edwards says. For example, the Galaxy XCover Pro has a push-to-talk Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie feature for instant communication between field teams, while the water-resistant3 S Pen stylus – included with the Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab Active Pro – makes it easy for users to make notes, even in the rain.

For workers in retail, shipping, or logistics, the Knox Capture feature can scan enterprise-grade barcodes to track inventory and packages, and each device is built with long-lasting battery life[6] to accommodate shift after shift.

The Samsung DeX[7] application for the Galaxy Tab Active Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active3 also allows users to use their tablets intuitively as a PC, a valuable tool in industries like law enforcement, emergency response, public utilities and shipping, industries whose fleets are mobile most of the day. In the vehicle, the app allows the tablets to be connected to an in-car monitor to view full-sized images or video, to drag and drop files, to complete reports and more.

“Just as a premium has been placed on building the rugged portfolio to be durable, similar emphasis has been placed on making them well-rounded to handle work tasks with features like DeX that help streamline workflows and hardware needs,” Mr. Edwards says.

A ‘lifeline’ for the frontline

As the digital transformation continues across every business sector and every industry, Mr. Edwards says those businesses and consumers are looking to their devices to do more, and Samsung has stepped up.

“Whether that’s holding their own in tough work environments or maintaining a powered charge for lengthy periods of time, the stakes have certainly been raised,” he says. “This is a departure from earlier thinking, where devices were oftentimes viewed as accessories or complements to our existing tools. Today, no one would dispute that our mobile devices have evolved to become an important lifeline for getting things done.”

[1] This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810H – Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests is a United States Military Standard) testing against 23 specific environmental conditions, including transit drop, temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810H testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions. Please see the inbox Quick Sales Guide.

[2] This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 21 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810G testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions.

[3] IP68 rating means that the device is protected against harmful ingress of dust and static fresh water at up to 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes, under certain defined test conditions. According to accredited test results, individual results may vary. Note: IP68 rating does not mean that the device is waterproof.

[4] Galaxy Tab Active3 anti-shock drop resistance up to 1.2m device only and up to 1.5m with in-box cover. Drop test results are based on internal Samsung laboratory tests.

[5] Touch sensitivity may vary depending on glove material.

[6] Based on average battery life under typical usage conditions. Average expected performance based on typical use. Actual battery life depends on factors such as network, features selected, frequency of calls and voice, data and other application usage patterns. Results may vary.

[7] DeX mode is not supported on the tablet screen itself. Samsung DeX wireless connection only available with TVs supporting Android smartphone screen mirroring. USB-C to HDMI cable, multi-port adapter or cable is needed to connect the Galaxy Tab Active3 and monitor. USB-C to HDMI adapter, multiport adapter or cable and accessories sold separately. Certain apps may not run or may require licence (for purchase) on Samsung DeX. Samsung DeX wireless connection only available with TVs supporting Android smartphone screen mirroring. There may be a difference in performance depending on TV specifications and Wi-Fi environment. Recommended to use Samsung Smart TVs launched after ’19.