Samsung Electronics unveiled two new tactical smartphones, ‘Tactical Edition’ (TE), for the U.S. Department of Defense. The released military edition can make operations easier for soldiers by introducing durability and tactical functions to the Galaxy S23 and X Cover 6 models.
Samsung Electronics’ US newsroom announced on the 23rd that “Galaxy S23 TE and X Cover 6 Pro TE models will be sold in the United States starting today.” However, as it was developed for military use, it is not sold to general consumers.
According to Newsroom, the models received the highest rating of IP68 in dustproof and waterproof categories. IP68 is the level at which the mobile phone operates normally even if submerged in 1.5m of water for 30 minutes. It can also be connected to tactical radios, drone feeds, laser range finders, external GPS, etc. It is also evaluated as having better security capabilities than before by introducing a ‘stealth mode’ that blocks wireless signals. They all weigh 8.5 ounces (240 grams), which is relatively light.
“(This TE model) is as powerful as the multi-pound rugged laptops traditionally used by tactical teams, but is lightweight and compact,” the newsroom said. “This will allow soldiers to reduce their load and store things like ammunition, medical supplies, food or water.” “We can redistribute weight to mission essentials.”
In particular, the XCover6 Pro TE focuses on durability that can withstand military operations. It is designed to withstand extreme altitude, temperature, vibration, and humidity in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense standards, and is said to be able to withstand falls from a height of up to 1.5 meters. To prevent discharge during missions, the battery usage time has been increased and it is designed to be replaced with a spare battery. In addition, ‘glove mode’, which allows you to use the touch screen while wearing tactical gloves, is also supported.
A wearing example of the tactical smartphone ‘Tactical Edition’ released by Samsung Electronics. Provided by Samsung ElectronicsThe S23 TE appears to have focused on features such as the display and camera. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 2nd generation was used as the application processor (AP), and a high refresh rate display that adjusts up to 120Hz was applied to view maps and mission data in detail. It is also equipped with a 50-megapixel camera so that soldiers can take high-resolution images and videos when operating in low-light environments. Additionally, a military-grade case was developed to enhance durability.
“Samsung’s TE solutions are proven to help soldiers be better prepared, better informed and better equipped to stay ahead of the dangerous situations they face on the battlefield,” said Brad Haczynski, executive vice president of B2B at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S23 TE and Galaxy
This is not the first time Samsung has launched a military smartphone. Samsung Electronics produced the Galaxy S9 TE and Galaxy S20 TE in 2019 and 2020, respectively. At the time of the Galaxy S9 TE release in 2020, Taher Bebehani, an executive in charge of B2B business at Samsung Electronics North America, said, “The development of the Galaxy S20 TE was conducted at the request of the U.S. Department of Defense. “This product will provide a safe solution to help soldiers on the front lines gain an upper hand in the field,” he said.
Choi Jae-ho,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.