5 Ways Samsung’s Rugged Devices Help Frontline Workers Be Ready for Anything

September 16, 2024

Article
7 min

5 Ways Samsung’s Rugged Devices Help Frontline Workers Be Ready for Anything

In this blog, we explore how rugged mobile phones and tablets from our partners at Samsung can help frontline workers be better prepared for work in the field.

What's Inside
  • Frontline workers expect more from their devices

    Frontline workers routinely deal with heavy machinery, protective gear and rough environments that can make handling electronic devices even harder. It’s not unusual for someone to accidentally drop their device in this work environment.

  • 5 ways Samsung rugged devices solve mobility challenges for frontline workers

    To equip frontline workers with a disruption-free experience and enable them with longer device life, Samsung’s rugged mobility devices offer the following value propositions.

  • 1. Physical toughness

    Samsung Galaxy Rugged devices come with MIL-STD-810H compliance that tests devices against brazen environmental conditions such as shocks, vibrations and even drops from significant heights.

  • 2. Dust and water resistance

    Samsung’s Rugged series come with an IP68 rating. It ensures that the devices can withstand 1.5 metres of water depth for up to 30 minutes and offer resistance to atmospheric dust without an additional protective case.

  • 3. Long battery life

    Samsung has come up with long-lasting, removable batteries in their devices. For instance, the Galaxy Tab XCover6 Pro and Tab Active4 Pro come with 4050 mAh and 7600 mAh batteries, respectively.

  • 4. Extreme weather tolerance

    Samsung’s rugged devices are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, ensuring great performance. The sensitive parts of the devices, such as the touch screen glass, continue to function even during heavy rain or snowstorms.

  • 5. Performance and connectivity

    Samsung’s rugged devices are powered by high-performance processors, such as the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, ensuring smooth and efficient usage.

  • How Samsung and CDW bring rugged mobility to your frontline workers

    CDW Canada, in partnership with Samsung, simplifies the procurement of Galaxy Rugged devices to empower your frontline workers with the right technology.

A warehouse worker working on an Samsung Rugged Tablet

Behind Canada’s expansive cityscapes, busy hospitals and a robust logistics network is the tireless commitment of our frontline workers. Be it stormy weather or extreme terrain, their contributions drive Canada forward every day.

In the field, it’s crucial for them to have technology that can withstand harsh working conditions, but when it comes to their handheld devices, consumer-grade technology isn’t always able to meet their needs.

In this blog, we explore how rugged mobile phones and tablets from our partners at Samsung can help frontline workers be better prepared for work in the field.

Frontline workers expect more from their devices

The retail, healthcare and construction industries employ the highest number of frontline workers in the country.

Frontline workers routinely deal with heavy machinery, protective gear and rough environments that can make handling electronic devices even harder.

Picture inventory workers who move goods using hand trolleys all day. It’s not unusual for someone to accidentally drop their device in this work environment. Healthcare workers and nurses who operate touch screen devices with surgical gloves may also face a similar situation.

More than 40 percent of construction workers in a survey conducted by Samsung Canada said that none of or less than half of their mobile devices were fit for harsh conditions. At the same time, nearly 31 percent of respondents said that up to five mobile devices are broken or damaged every year on the job.

It is apparent that frontline workers expect their devices to:

  • Be more resilient to damage
  • Function well in demanding conditions
  • Have a longer service life and avoid frequent replacement
  • Offer rugged features tailored to their line of work

5 ways Samsung rugged devices meet the mobility needs of frontline workers

The Samsung Galaxy Rugged lineup features rugged mobile phones and tablets purpose-built for frontline and field workers.

This unique range of devices includes:

To equip frontline workers with a disruption-free experience and enable them with longer device life, Samsung’s rugged mobility devices offer the following value propositions. 

1. Physical toughness

Frontline work that involves frequent drops, bumps and rough handling requires the device to be physically resilient to damage. Construction, manufacturing and field workers often share this fate.

Samsung Galaxy Rugged devices come with MIL-STD-810H compliance that tests devices against brazen environmental conditions such as shocks, vibrations and even drops from significant heights.1 This ensures that workers can rely on their devices through the unique demands of their work environment.

2. Dust and water resistance

Outdoor work, which involves extended exposure to dust and water, can affect a device’s hardware. Certain device parts such as touch screens, onboard chips and charging slots are vulnerable to water and dust.

For added protection, Samsung’s Rugged series come with an IP68 rating. It ensures that the devices can withstand 1.5 metres of water depth for up to 30 minutes and offer resistance to atmospheric dust without an additional protective case.2

This feature allows workers to use their devices confidently in harsh environments, whether it’s a dusty construction site or a rainy outdoor setting. The S pen included in the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is also IP68 rated, which means workers can digitally sign documents or take notes in dusty conditions.

The ability to operate seamlessly in these conditions enables workers to stay connected and productive, regardless of the environment.

3. Long battery life

Most workers need devices that can last through long shifts without needing frequent recharges. Many times, workers are unable to carry extra battery packs with them or have easy access to a safe power outlet.

To solve this recurrent issue, Samsung has come up with long-lasting, removable batteries in their devices. For instance, the Galaxy Tab XCover6 Pro and Tab Active4 Pro come with 4050 mAh and 7600 mAh batteries, respectively.

These batteries provide extended usage time, allowing workers to focus on their tasks without the constant worry of running out of power.

Additionally, the removable battery feature means that workers can quickly swap out batteries.3

4. Extreme weather tolerance

Most parts of Canada deal with winter temperatures that can drop well below minus 20, which may render electronics inoperable outdoors.

Samsung’s rugged devices are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, ensuring great performance. The sensitive parts of the devices, such as the touch screen glass, continue to function even during heavy rain or snowstorms.

This extreme weather tolerance1 is crucial for workers in industries such as agriculture, logistics and emergency services, where operations would not be halted due to adverse weather conditions.

5. Performance and connectivity

Device performance and connectivity are essential for frontline workers as they juggle work tasks and communicate with their crew. Sometimes, construction companies require workers to operate proprietary software, which should be compatible with their devices.

Samsung’s rugged devices are powered by high-performance processors, such as the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, ensuring smooth and efficient usage.

These devices also support 5G connectivity, providing fast internet access. This enables workers to access real-time data, communicate with team members and use advanced applications without any lag.

The combination of robust performance and seamless connectivity ensures that frontline workers have the tools they need to perform their tasks, even in remote locations.

How Samsung and CDW bring rugged mobility to your frontline workers

CDW Canada, in partnership with Samsung, simplifies the procurement of Galaxy Rugged devices to empower your frontline workers with the right technology.

Our rugged mobility experts consult with you to understand the unique needs of your frontline workforce. Whether your organization operates in heavy construction or you need rugged smartphones for your healthcare institution, our advisors can help you meet your specific goals.

From the warehouse to the hands of your workers, we facilitate the entire device lifecycle. Our integrated device offerings bring down the complexity of obtaining devices, no matter the size of your business.

Since we set up the devices for uninterrupted use, your organization can focus on the next important milestone.


  1. These devices passed U.S. military specification (MIL-STD-810G/MIL-STD-810H) testing against a subset of 21 and 23 specific environmental conditions, respectively, including temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810G/MIL-STD-810H testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions.
  2. IP68 rating: Water resistant in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.
  3. Extra replaceable battery sold separately.