Samsung customers in the USA who are looking to buy a rugged mobile solution now have the option of picking up the Galaxy XCover Pro from AT&T. More so, the device is now available at FirstNet which is a public-private endeavor formed by AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority. The phone is compatible with the dedicated FirstNet network core, FirstNet First Priority, and the Band 14 spectrum.
The Galaxy XCover Pro is effectively available for AT&T customers as well as first responders who can take advantage of the Firstnet network. AT&T is selling the XCover Pro for the full retail price of $509.99 or for $17 a month with an installment plan. Meanwhile, first responders can acquire the phone from FirstNet for $0.99 on a 2-year agreement. FirstNet subscribers also have access to the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, which is the second Galaxy device to enjoy the FirstNet Ready certification.
A rugged Galaxy device with unique features
The Galaxy XCover Pro isn't the most powerful smartphone on the market but that wasn't Samsung's goal when it created it. Customers buying the XCover Pro will enjoy decent performance from the Exynos 9611 SoC and 4GB of RAM but this is not a phone meant for the most demanding of 3D apps.
What the Galaxy XCover Pro offers is a user-removable battery with 15W fast charging support, wrapped in an IP67 MIL-STD 816G body. The phone is also equipped with two physical programmable keys, it has walkie-talkie capabilities, and it can double as a mobile point of sale terminal.
All in all, it's a phone designed for first responders and enterprises first and foremost, but anyone who's looking for a rugged device with a removable battery can buy and enjoy the XCover Pro in the USA as long as they don't expect flagship-grade performance. The device was originally released in the USA in April through Verizon.