Samsung Galaxy XCover8 Pro: First signs of next-gen rugged smartphone emerge

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro from 2022 only comes in black, has just 2 rear cameras and an old-school 6.6-inch waterdrop-notched display - yet can still command a price of ~$600 (although it can be snapped up for $299.99 in Renewed condition right now) on Amazon today (November 11, 2024).

That is because it is one of a small handful of Samsung smartphones with ruggedized (MIL-STD-810H as well as IP68) rear covers that can, moreover, actually be removed for access to their swappable batteries.

Now, it seems things will be no different with the next generation of XCover phones, as its battery is indeed the only part of it that has leaked to date. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) may have revealed that it exists by certifying such a product with the novel model number of EB-BG766GBY.

That implies that the device in which it goes is to be called the Samsung SM-G766B, which in turn suggests that it will launch as the Galaxy XCover8 Pro.

The XCover7 is the SM-G556B, whereas the XCover6 Pro is the SM-G736B. Accordingly, it seems Samsung will have a new, professional-grade tough-phone to announce soon.