Phones
Sneak Peek at Samsung’s Next Rugged Devices: Galaxy XCover 8 Pro and New Tab Active
Samsung is set to expand its rugged device lineup with the upcoming Galaxy XCover 8 Pro and a new Tab Active tablet. The XCover series has been known for its durability since 2011.
The Galaxy XCover 7 is the latest model in this series, launched earlier this year following the XCover 6 Pro. Based on the release schedule of previous models, we can expect the XCover 8 Pro to arrive around mid-2025.
A new report via GalaxyClub reveals that Samsung is currently testing a device (Galaxy XCover 8 Pro) with the model number SM-G766B, which matches the pattern of earlier XCover Pro models.
The Xcover 6 Pro was labeled with model number SM-G736B and the Xcover 7 is SM-G556B. It indicates that the Xcover 8 Pro is likely being developed for a release after the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy A56.
In addition to the XCover 8 Pro phone, Samsung is also working on a new rugged tablet, likely named the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro or possibly the Tab Active 6 Pro.
Earlier in 2024, the Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro was released alongside the XCover 7. It suggests that the Tab Active Pro will follow a similar release pattern and will launch alongside the XCover 8 Pro.
Currently, we don’t have specific details about the features and specs of these devices. As we move closer to 2025, we can expect more information about both the XCover 8 Pro and the new Tab Active.
Samsung Galaxy A56 leak reveals new 12MP selfie, old 50MP main camera
Exynos 2500 cancellation could lead the Galaxy S25 FE to use the same chip as the Galaxy S24 series. Samsung could use the standard Exynos 2400 in next year’s Fan Edition, potentially canceling the MediaTek Dimensity 9400.
Tipster @chunvn8888 claims that Samsung has canceled the Exynos 2500. The company has been facing yield issues with its 3nm foundry. It has tried to improve the yield rate but didn’t succeed in reaching the production threshold level.
Galaxy S24 FE comes with Exynos 2400e, suggesting that the S25 FE could get Exynos 2500e. As the standard variant canceled itself, the “e” variant is almost unlikely. That said, the Galaxy S25 series will ship with Snapdragon 8 Elite globally.
Samsung has recently released the Galaxy S24 FE. The phone packs the Exynos 2400e, which is a slightly underclocked variant of the Exynos 2400. As the device’s launch is nearly a year away, things may change as the story progresses.
This year’s Fan Edition brought key upgrades such as a larger and brighter display, a bigger battery, and the latest processor. Next year’s FE will not come with the newest chip as 3nm Snapdragon is quite expensive and Exynos 2500 is canceled.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Release Date
Samsung could launch the Galaxy S25 series in January 2025. The company will only drop confirmation about two weeks before Unpacked. The January release window aligns with this year’s Galaxy S launch timeframe.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra could debut a significantly refined design, consisting of slightly rounded corners, thin symmetrical bezels, and a flat frame. The display and camera aspects would not get any notable upgrades.
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Whether it’s a smartphone, smartwatch, earbuds, tablet, laptop, or AI, Galaxy has become a recognized brand to denote Samsung products. Usually, I don’t use Samsung while looking at and identifying any Galaxy product.
Well, a new report indicates that Samsung is considering a brand-new identity for its flagship products beyond Galaxy. That said, your future Samsung flagship could ditch “Galaxy” branding for something new.
Currently, Galaxy branding is attached to every Samsung mobile product. Be it a budget phone or a high-end flagship, it’s called a Galaxy device. Korea’s EDaily reports that we could see some branding shakeup in the coming years.
Samsung has a more diversified range of phones compared to Apple and Google. Both Samsung rivals launch limited mobile phones every year. Apple uses SE, while Google uses “a” to differentiate low-end phones from flagships.
There’s Galaxy A, Galaxy C (China), Galaxy M, Galaxy F, Galaxy XCover, Galaxy Tab (A/S/FE), Galaxy S, and Galaxy Z. As Galaxy has already gained a reputation in the market, a new branding is under consideration for select flagship models.
Meanwhile, it won’t be a smooth decision for Samsung to ditch Galaxy. Consumers use Galaxy rather than Samsung for their smartphones. Official naming could change the direction but a pre-planned deployment is necessary.
It is also possible that the flagships may remain Galaxy and other models may get a new branding. If new branding comes to flagship models, it must be a heavier name than Galaxy, which is the biggest in practice.
What do you think, will Samsung ditch Galaxy branding?
Google Pixel 11 could bring an under-display infrared camera. Google is reportedly considering bringing back infrared camera tech to its Pixel lineup, starting in 2026.
AndroidAuthority claims that Tensor G6 could support an under-display infrared camera, potentially enabling the Pixel 11 phone to feature fast and secure biometric authentication tech.
An infrared camera will make it possible to unlock the phone through facial recognition, even in total darkness. The authentication would rely on under-display IR camera supported by Tensor G6.
iPhone X was the first Apple phone to come with an infrared sensor for facial recognition. With the iPhone 13 series, Apple debuted an upgraded IR sensor with improvements in speed and accuracy.
Smartphone makers continue to reduce the bezels to offer functional display areas in most of the part. Apple opted for the pill-shaped cutout, while Samsung and Google prefer punch-hole display.
Selfie camera quality would keep the punch-hole cutout on flagship displays for a few more years. However, Google’s plan for an IR camera in Pixel 11 would be a technological breakthrough.
Face Unlock returned to Google’s smartphone segment with the Pixel 7 series. The latest Pixel 9 series also relies on a front camera sensor to bridge as a facial recognition solution.