You can hot swap the battery on Samsung’s new rugged tablet

The Verge - Apr 14th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Samsung has announced the launch of its new rugged devices, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro smartphone and the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro tablet, aimed at users operating in challenging environments. These devices come with improved battery life, with the Tab Active5 Pro featuring a 'dual hot-swap' capability for seamless battery replacement without powering down. Both devices boast increased touch sensitivity, allowing for usability with gloves, and robust IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. The Tab Active5 Pro will be available in June 2025, following the release of the XCover7 Pro on May 8th, 2025.

The introduction of these devices highlights Samsung's focus on durability and functionality in extreme conditions, appealing to industries such as healthcare and outdoor work settings. With features like Android 15, enhanced camera systems, and improved audio capabilities, these devices are designed to maintain productivity and connectivity in environments where traditional smartphones and tablets may falter. The significant usability enhancements and versatile applications underline Samsung's commitment to meeting the needs of professionals working in demanding conditions.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and informative overview of Samsung's new rugged devices, focusing on their innovative features and potential applications. While it accurately reports on the announcement and specifications, it could benefit from greater transparency and a broader range of sources to enhance credibility. The article is timely and relevant to specific professional audiences, though its impact on broader public discourse is limited. Overall, the story is well-structured and easy to read, making it accessible to a general audience interested in technology advancements.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story accurately reports on the announcement of Samsung's new rugged devices, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro. The key features mentioned, such as the dual hot-swap battery capability of the tablet, the IP68 water and dust resistance, and the use of Snapdragon processors, are consistent with the information available from Samsung's press releases and other reputable sources. However, some details, like the exact pricing and the practical performance of features like the hot-swappable battery, remain unverified and would require real-world testing to confirm. These areas needing verification slightly reduce the overall accuracy score.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the new devices by highlighting both their strengths and potential limitations. It discusses the innovative features like the dual hot-swap battery and increased touch sensitivity, while also mentioning the limitations during a battery swap. However, the article could have been more balanced by including potential downsides or criticisms, such as the impact on usability during battery swaps or any potential drawbacks of the rugged design.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language, making it easy to understand for a general audience. The logical flow of information, from the announcement to specific features of each device, helps maintain reader engagement. The use of technical terms is appropriate for the context, and the explanations provided are sufficient for comprehension without overwhelming the reader with jargon.

6
Source quality

The article primarily relies on information from Samsung, which is a credible source regarding its own products. However, the lack of additional independent sources or expert opinions limits the depth of the analysis. Including perspectives from technology analysts or reviews from early testers could have enhanced the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of methodology and potential conflicts of interest. While it provides a detailed list of features and specifications, it does not disclose the basis for these claims beyond Samsung's announcements. There is also no mention of any affiliations or sponsorships that might affect the impartiality of the report. Greater transparency regarding the source of information and any potential biases would improve the score in this dimension.

Sources

  1. https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-introduces-galaxy-xcover7-pro-and-galaxy-tab-active5-pro-ruggedized-devices-for-frontline-excellence
  2. https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_active5_pro-13790.php
  3. https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-active-5-pro-3544277/
  4. https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_xcover7_pro_tab_active5_pro_arrive_with_faster_chips_bigger_batteries-news-67377.php
  5. https://www.samsung.com/uk/tablets/others/galaxy-tab-active5-green-128gb-sm-x306bzgaeea/