Samsung Revives Removable Batteries with New Rugged Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and Tab Active 5 Pro

Samsung’s latest rugged devices, the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro, bring back removable batteries and durable designs for enterprise users.

In a nod to the good old days of mobile technology, Samsung has unveiled two rugged devices that defy modern smartphone norms: the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro. Both devices feature removable backplates and user-replaceable batteries, a rarity in today’s market. The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, aimed at enterprise customers, doesn’t skimp on modern features either, packing Galaxy AI capabilities like Google’s Circle to Search and Object Eraser. Under the hood, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip and boasts a brighter screen alongside a 4,350mAh battery. But its standout features are its durability and customization options, including IP68 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification for drops, programmable buttons, and built-in pogo pins for alternative charging methods.

Not to be outdone, the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro offers a 10.1-inch screen and the same Snapdragon chip, with even more flexibility in charging options. It can operate without a battery when docked and supports hot-swapping batteries without powering down. Like its smartphone counterpart, it’s built to last with IP68 resistance that even extends to its S-Pen stylus.

While these devices may not be for the average consumer, they serve as a reminder of how features once taken for granted, like removable batteries, have become niche in the pursuit of sleeker designs. The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro will be available for order on May 8, 2025, with the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro following in early June.