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24 Hours Immersed in the Mont Blanc Massif

Sleeping on the Géant glacier, facing the mythical peaks of the Mont Blanc massif, is an extraordinary experience. This is what awaits the two winners of our contest, accompanied for this Stellar Camp by a guide from the Compagnie des guides de Chamonix and Lucy Paltz, Crosscall ambassador.  Here is their story. 8:00 AM, in the center of Chamonix:   It’s cool, the sun is shining, the conditions are ideal for two days in the high mountains! On the agenda, ski touring, but also bivouacking on the Géant glacier, a unique experience for the two winners of our contest.  The battery of our STELLAR-X5s Edition Chamonix Mont Blanc is fully charged, but we directly activate Outdoor mode to minimize its use and thus enhance its performance.  The Outdoor mode allows non-essential applications to be put to sleep to prevent them from running in the background and unnecessarily consuming battery. It’s a real plus compared to airplane mode because we remain reachable by phone or SMS, and the available applications can be customized. 9:00 AM, on the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel: Our adventure begins in Italy, as we take the Skyway cable car to get as close as possible to the Géant glacier. Arriving on the terrace of the Torino refuge opens the doors to the high mountains with Mont Blanc within reach.  Wherever we look, the view is breathtaking. Our guide details the different peaks that reveal themselves on the horizon and gives some advice for the upcoming hike. 10 AM, skis on! We left our bivouac gear for the night in one of the corridors of the refuge to carry a bit less weight for the ski touring day. We begin our walk with a beautiful descent into the Combe de la Vierge, with a mandatory photo stop in front of the blue seracs. Arriving at the bottom of the valley, we put the skins on to climb back up on touring skis to the Col d’Entrèves. I check the elevation gain on Iphigénie, the mapping app on my Stellar: 600m of D+ on the agenda. An hour and a half later, we contemplate a breathtaking landscape of a myriad of peaks over 4000m, from the Barre des Écrins on one side to the Matterhorn on the other. After the picnic, we enjoy a descent in still fresh snow; the conditions are ideal for late April. Photo credits: Pierre Cosperec - Compagnie des Guides 3 PM, we put the skins back on!  We need to go back to get our bivouac gear and repack the backpacks for the night. While the other climbers and visitors descend into the valley, we look for a flat enough spot to set up our camp.  The guide explains how to probe the spot to avoid setting up the tent on a crevasse, how to make a nice platform for more nighttime comfort, and how to melt snow. We set up the tents, facing the Dent du Géant! Photo credits: Pierre Cosperec - Compagnie des Guides 5 PM, alone in the world!  Little by little, the temperature cools and the silence is only disturbed by the cries of the choughs that come to visit us to glean the crumbs of the biscuits shared around tea. The stoves are running at full capacity to rehydrate us.  It’s an extraordinary feeling to be alone in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif as the sun warms the horizon. We explore the surroundings of the camp to add some souvenir photos to our STELLAR-X5s gallery! Photo credits: Pierre Cosperec - Compagnie des Guides 6:30 PM, dinner time.  On the menu: freeze-dried! Chicken curry, beef stew, or pasta with fried onions, it’s very hearty and more flavorful than it looks. The guide has even planned for desserts, and while it’s a bit strange to pour boiling water into a pouch to rehydrate your chocolate mousse, it’s enjoyed while watching the sunset over Mont Blanc. 20h, all warm!  With the sun gone, the temperature drops suddenly. We each head to our tents to slip into the thick cozy sleeping bags lent by the Compagnie des Guides. Goal: to pile at the bottom everything that is sensitive to cold and humidity. The ski boot liners, the overpants (we will sleep in first layer and fleece), but also the phone.  Even though it has held up perfectly since this morning (still 63%) despite heavy photo/video and mapping use, we need to avoid polar temperatures at night to optimize its battery. 6:50 AM, up! Upon waking, frost covers the tent and the sleeping bag, but it was so cozy that we didn't feel cold. The altitude gave some members of the group a bit of a headache: acclimatization takes time, and we must not forget that we are sleeping at 3500m! Over a cup of tea, we share our feelings and especially fully enjoy the last moments alone in the world on the glacier. By the time we fold the tents, pack the gear, and take the path back to the cabin, the first climbers are already arriving. 9:30 AM: the fog is getting denser. What was just a mist at dawn becomes so intense that you can't see three meters ahead. Heading to the Skyway to descend into the valley and have a cappuccino in Italy before heading to Chamonix! The experience was incredible, a true immersion in the magical landscapes of the Mont Blanc massif.  The STELLAR-X5s is the ideal tool for this kind of adventure since instead of taking an external battery (which adds more weight to an already significant load), you can fully benefit from its endurance.  Not to mention that its waterproofing and shock resistance allow it to withstand all the challenges of high mountain evolution! Lucy Paltz "Journalist and athlete, I work on numerous video content creation and social media projects. I am also a Crosscall ambassador." Website - Instagram 

PTI Phones: How to Choose a Reliable Model for the Safety of Lone Workers?

Which PTI phone to choose? Buying guide and comparison to equip isolated workers According to the Ministry of Labor, in 2024, 549,614 workplace accidents were recorded in France. Reducing this number is a key priority to ensure the safety of employees, preserve their health, but also guarantee the smooth operation of organizations and enhance the overall performance of businesses.  When your employees are increasingly mobile and present in the field, the PTI phone becomes an indispensable asset in risk prevention and emergency management. It complements the safety plans, training, and protective equipment already in place in companies. It is within this dynamic that the use of PTI smartphones : tools capable of detecting critical situations (fall, malaise, aggression) and triggering an alert quickly, enhancing the safety of isolated workers while meeting the legal obligations of employers. Because they often work alone in high-risk environments, isolated workers must be able to rely on reliable equipment. The PTI phone meets this specific need: it combines the performance of a professional smartphone with advanced security functions to alert immediately in case of danger. But how to choose the right model? What features are truly essential? And which PTI smartphone best suits each use? Let's take stock to help you make the right choice for your organizations. What is a PTI phone? A PTI phone, or Isolated Worker Protection device, is a mobile device designed to detect abnormal or dangerous situations when an employee is alone at their workplace. It relies on two types of triggers: a passive alert system (automatic fall detection, immobility, loss of verticality) and an active trigger via an SOS button or a manual alert.  Crosscall does not directly provide PTI software solutions but designs rugged smartphones compatible with the main solutions on the market. Combined with high-speed networks, public or private, these devices enable the creation of efficient PTI systems that meet the security requirements of businesses and communities. Beyond alerts, an effective PTI phone also relies on other essential assets: excellent connectivity, ergonomics suited for field environments (even with gloves), a sufficient autonomy to last an entire workday, as well as proven resistance to shocks, dust, and water. These features make the PTI smartphone a true security tool at the service of businesses. Use cases for lone worker phones: Lone worker phones are used in many sectors, each exposing workers to different risks depending on their environment: In the construction and public works sector, workers operate on large construction sites, at heights, or underground. Falls, mechanical accidents, or isolation on site make the use of a lone worker phone essential for quickly alerting emergency services. In theIndustry,the technicians or maintenance operators may be required to work alone in high-risk areas: factories, power plants, technical rooms. They are exposed to electrical, chemical, or heavy machinery risks. A lone worker device ensures their continuous protection. In Logistics and Transport, forklift operators, drivers, or dock workers may find themselves isolated at certain times of the day or night. They are exposed to risks of falls, traffic accidents, immobilization, or even assault, especially in public transport. A lone worker smartphone ensures reliable communication and continuous alert capability, even in remote or hard-to-reach environments. In the health sector, home care aides, nursing home staff, or night professionals work alone with patients or in facilities. They may face discomfort, stressful situations, or acts of aggression. A discreet and ergonomic lone worker phone allows for an alert to be triggered instantly. For security or defense professionals, being in the field is often isolated, at night or in sensitive environments. Patrol officers, dog handlers, or military personnel may encounter emergency situations (assault, fall, technical incident). The lone worker equipment ensures their safety by maintaining constant communication with a monitoring center or a designated contact. Find some examples of use by French Police and Gendarmes.  In distribution and retail, some employees may work alone, particularly in logistics warehouses, goods reception areas, or during off-hours. Others, in retail, are exposed to tensions or aggressive situations, especially during closures or security interventions. The use of a lone worker phone ensures their protection, thanks to discreet alert functions and reliable communication in all circumstances.  The key features of Crosscall PTI smartphones: In sectors such as construction, industry, logistics, health, or security, professionals often operate in isolated and risky environments. To face these field realities, it is essential to rely on reliable, robust mobile equipment designed to respond effectively in emergencies. This is precisely where Crosscall PTI smartphones provide a concrete response, combining safety, field performance, and advanced communication technologies. To choose the right PTI phone, several criteria are crucial: Robustness : shock resistance and MIL-STD 810H certification, total waterproofing against all liquids and dust (IP68) Battery life : long-lasting battery designed to last a full day of intervention without recharging Programmable buttons : to quickly trigger an SOS alert or a Push-to-Talk call, even with gloves Smart sensors : automatic detection of falls, prolonged immobility, or loss of verticality Network compatibility : 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and PMR to ensure optimal connectivity, even in isolated areas Indoor/outdoor geolocation : for real-time tracking, including inside buildings Designed for field professionals, Crosscall PTI phones integrate all of these features into reliable, durable, and certified devices capable of ensuring the safety of lone workers, regardless of their profession or environment.  Why choose a PTI phone over a standard smartphone? A standard smartphone does not include the specific safety devices for lone working. PTI phones, on the other hand, are designed to be used in demanding conditions: construction sites, industrial locations, sensitive or hard-to-reach environments. Crosscall phones are designed for field use: their shock resistance, waterproofing, and compact format allow them to operate in demanding environments. They also integrate reliable connectivity, via public or private high-speed networks, essential to ensure the transmission of alerts in any type of environment, even when it is remote or logistically complex. The ergonomics are designed for the realities of the field, with programmable physical buttons, accessible and discreet, allowing you to trigger an alert in the blink of an eye, even with gloves or silently in delicate or dangerous situations.  Our Crosscall PTI phone models and accessories: At Crosscall, we offer several PTI-compatible models, tailored to the needs of each professional environment: CORE-M6 : X-TREMESHIELD Technology, total waterproofing IP68 / IP69K, 3 programmable buttons: SOS, AI & PTT CORE-Z5 : ultra-resistant smartphone with 4 programmable buttons, 100 dB speaker, enhanced battery life, and PMR compatibility. Perfect for extreme environments. STELLAR-M6 : rugged smartphone, compact and lightweight, equipped with a programmable SOS button and excellent resistance to shocks and liquids. It is perfectly suited for medical environments, home care aides, or mobile health professionals. X-COMMAND : Programmable Bluetooth remote control to keep your actions quick at hand, and launch alerts discreetly.   To discover To discover To discover To discover Conclusion: Choosing a PTI phone well is an essential step to effectively protect isolated workers. By considering robustness, detection features, connectivity, and battery life, companies can ensure they provide their teams with a reliable and suitable PTI solution. Crosscall offers a complete range of PTI smartphones and tablets designed to last and meet the realities of the field.  Discover here which smartphones are best suited to your PTI needs.   FAQ: In what cases should you equip your teams with a PTI phone? You should consider a PTI phone when your employees: work alone, without direct supervision (day or night); operate in high-risk areas: construction sites, roadways, technical rooms, unoccupied buildings, etc.; are exposed to falls, health issues, assaults, or industrial risks; evolve in mobility, in difficult-to-locate environments. In all these situations, a PTI phone like those from the Crosscall range provides a concrete response in terms of safety, responsiveness, and regulatory compliance.  Which PTI phone to choose according to your sector of activity? The choice of a PTI phone heavily depends on the work environment. For intensive use in construction or heavy industry, a model like the Crosscall CORE-Z5 is recommended. In community settings or for rounds, the CORE-M6 is more suitable. In hospital environments, in nursing homes, or for home care services, the STELLAR-M6 is perfectly suited: compact, lightweight, waterproof to all liquids, it can be easily cleaned with antibacterial gel or disinfectant wipes. It is also equipped with an SOS button and compatible with medical equipment. Each sector has its optimal model. What accessories are available for Crosscall PTI phones? Crosscall offers a range of accessories dedicated to field use: the vehicle mount X-CAR, the external battery X-POWER, the earphones X-VIBES, and the charging and transfer stations X-DOCK. These devices facilitate the daily use of the phone in demanding environments.

What battery life to expect from an outdoor smartphone?

Going hiking at sunrise, covering miles on a trail, camping for several days far from civilization… When you live your passion in the great outdoors, the last thing you want is to keep a worried eye on your smartphone's battery gauge. It's a matter of freedom, of course. But also, and especially, of safety. In natural environments, the smartphone is much more than a comfort tool: it is your link to your loved ones, your means of being located, and of raising the alarm if conditions worsen. However, when choosing their phone, many outdoor enthusiasts overlook battery life. A mistake that can prove dangerous, as lthe battery life of an outdoor smartphone is generally between 48h and 80h in real usage. In extreme conditions (cold, active GPS, weak network), a regular smartphone can drain in a few hours, while an outdoor model is designed to last several days depending on usage. Discover our tips to understand everything about battery life in outdoor conditions, as well as our selection of outdoor smartphones. Why is battery life a key criterion in outdoor activities? Since 2020, outdoor activities have seen significant growth in France: according to the study Ipsos - BVA "The Boom of Outdoor" (2024), walking and hiking are the most popular activities, with 73% of French people participating. Road cycling or VTC comes in second, practiced by 31% of the French. Finally, running, practiced by 28%, rounds out the podium of the French's favorite outdoor activities.And for all these activities, the smartphone has become a true outdoor companion. Outdoors, your phone is no longer just for making calls. It serves a variety of uses, all of which consume a lot of energy: Route preparation and navigation with apps like Visorando or AllTrails, which continuously use GPS and the screen. Performance tracking and community sharing via Strava or Running Heroes, with real-time data recording. Terrain analysis and advanced weather with tools like Whympr or Windy, which require a constant network connection. In addition, there are often connected devices — GPS smartwatches, wireless earbuds, heart rate sensors — that maintain permanent Bluetooth connections with your smartphone. But beyond the comfort of practice, the smartphone has especially become the main safety tool for outdoor athletes. It is now the most reliable means for the general public to be located in case of trouble, to stay in contact with a loved one or a safety contact, to send an emergency message, or to trigger an automatic geolocation beacon. Functions that require being constantly connected to the network, even in remote areas where the signal is weak — which, as we will see, is particularly energy-consuming. Finally, the very nature of outdoor outings imposes constraints that the everyday smartphone is simply not designed to handle: entire days away from any power outlet, multi-day outings on treks or bivouacs, and sometimes extreme weather conditions — severe cold, heat waves, rain, altitude — that weaken the battery as much as they demand from the phone. The battery life of a outdoor smartphone is therefore not just a matter of comfort: it is a question of safety. Our selection of Outdoor smartphones See Product See Product See Product What consumes the most battery outdoors The cold and extreme weather conditions It is one of the most underestimated phenomena by outdoor practitioners: temperature has a direct and immediate impact on your battery's performance. Lithium-ion batteries that power our smartphones operate optimally between 15 and 35°C. Outside of this range, things get complicated. In cold weather — from -5°C — the electrochemical reactions inside the battery slow down. Specifically, your battery seems to drain much faster, and your phone may shut down abruptly while still showing 20% charge. This phenomenon is reversible: the battery regains its normal capacities once it returns to room temperature. But in the mountains, this is not really an option. Conversely, extreme heat — during a summer hike or an outing in a desert environment — causes irreversible chemical degradation of the battery. Each prolonged exposure to temperatures above 40-45°C permanently reduces the maximum capacity of the battery. In other words, your smartphone loses battery life permanently, outing after outing. That is why outdoor smartphones must be equipped with batteries and thermal architectures capable of operating in much wider temperature ranges — ideally from -20°C to +60°C — to ensure real autonomy in all conditions. GPS navigation GPS is one of the most energy-consuming features of your smartphone.  Contrary to what one might think, it is not the act of "receiving" a signal that consumes energy, but the continuous calculation of your position, the updating of the map, and the constant communication required. However, it is hard to imagine being without GPS on an outing when it can be a real safety net.  The challenge is to choose an outdoor smartphone whose battery is sized to handle this consumption over time, and whose software is optimized to efficiently manage this type of energy consumption. Network connection in isolated areas When your smartphone is in an area with weak network coverage, it does not remain passive. It frequently sends signals to try to latch onto a tower — what are called network "pings." This repeated cycle is particularly energy-consuming. In mountainous areas, dense forests, or isolated countryside, this phenomenon can increase consumption. And since staying connected is essential for your safety outdoors, it is not feasible to simply disable mobile data. Again, the battery life of your outdoor smartphone must be sufficient to handle this overload.  Photography and video in outdoor conditions Outdoor landscapes make you want to capture everything. And using the camera outdoors has a significant impact on your battery life, for several reasons. Outdoor lighting conditions like backlighting or low light put more strain on the processor and screen, and can mobilize significant resources. Advanced video modes like slow motion or timelapse are also very resource-intensive, as they require intensive image processing in almost real-time.  And if you have enabled automatic backup in the cloud or instant sharing on social networks, each photo or video will trigger a mobile data transmission — with all that this implies in terms of network and battery consumption, especially in low signal areas. Good practice: disable automatic backup before going out, and perform your synchronizations once you are back home, with your WiFi connection. Fall and immobility detection : in case of loss of verticality or sudden fall Real-time location sharing : to be located instantly by the team or emergency services Dedicated SOS button : accessible even with gloves or dirty hands Automatic emergency call : triggered in case of a critical situation The smartphone is no longer just a communication tool: it becomes a true safety device, watching over the artisan throughout their day. Why does a typical smartphone not last outdoors? The consumer smartphone is designed for comfortable conditions: constant network access, ambient temperatures, and above all, a power source within reach to recharge at least once a day.  Its philosophy is that of instant power: ultra-fast processors, very bright OLED screens, resource-hungry software architectures to run increasingly demanding applications.  This power at the moment comes at the expense of resilience over time. In outdoor settings, where all applications run simultaneously at full capacity — GPS, network, screen, Bluetooth — the battery of a typical smartphone collapses in a few hours. In contrast, an outdoor smartphone is designed with a philosophy of long-term energy efficiency: it optimizes the consumption of each component, intelligently manages background resources, and offers much finer configuration options than just the basic "power-saving mode." The battery problem goes beyond just immediate battery life. Standard smartphones are often charged once a day. However, each charge cycle that reaches 100% accelerates battery degradation. After 300 to 500 cycles — or about one to two years of intensive use — the battery only holds a fraction of its original capacity. These batteries are often designed to last the duration of the 2-year manufacturer warranty. Outdoor smartphones, on the other hand, come with batteries designed to withstand 1,000 full charge cycles while maintaining 100% of their performance. And at Crosscall, this battery is included in the 5-year manufacturer warranty. Finally, the weather conditions to which an outdoor smartphone is exposed — cold, rain, humidity — pose a direct threat to the physical integrity of the battery.  Moisture that seeps into a non-waterproof casing can cause internal short circuits or corrosion on the battery connectors.  Brutal cold can accelerate their aging irreversibly. A standard smartphone, not IP68 or IP69K certified, is simply not designed to withstand these aggressions. A battery that discharges faster in extreme conditions, in a phone that is not protected against those same extreme conditions: this is a double risk for your safety outdoors.  The outdoor smartphone addresses both problems at once: better battery life, a battery resilient to temperatures, an ultra-resistant and waterproof casing, for total availability in all conditions. What real battery life to expect from an outdoor smartphone? Not all battery lives are equal. Between the figures announced by manufacturers and the reality on the ground, the gap can be considerable. Here are the 4 concrete criteria to demand from your next outdoor smartphone: 1. A long battery life in real use This is the number one criterion. Not standby autonomy: the autonomy in real usage conditions indicated on the "energy label" that sets measurement standards at the European level. For total comfort on outings of 2 days or more, aim for at least 48 hours of real autonomy. Some outdoor smartphones like the Crosscall STELLAR-X5s Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Edition reach 54 hours of autonomy in real use, giving you a significant safety margin. 2. Customized autonomy settings Well beyond the classic power-saving mode that limits all functions of your phone, a good outdoor smartphone should allow you to finely customize your energy profile. The idea: consume only the energy you actually need at each stage of your outing. Crosscall offers, for example, a Dedicated Outdoor Mode, which allows you to suspend non-essential notifications, customize your energy profile, and gain up to 25% additional autonomy without sacrificing essential functions for your outing. 3. The long-term efficiency of the battery A battery must last not only for one outing but for several years of intensive use. The number of charge cycles is the key indicator: aim for at least 1,000 full charge cycles before performance degradation. This is more than double what most standard smartphones offer. It ensures reliable autonomy over 4 to 5 years of regular use. 4. The battery included in the manufacturer's warranty The battery is not always included in standard warranties, considered a wear part. Yet, it is the most critical component of your outdoor smartphone. Crosscall offers a 5-year warranty, battery included up to the 1,000th charge cycle on all its smartphones. A warranty that is almost unique in the market, which says a lot about the confidence we place in the durability of our products. How to optimize the autonomy of your outdoor smartphone? The best outdoor smartphone in the world will never replace good usage instincts. Here are 5 tips to preserve your battery and maximize your autonomy during outings. 1. Keep a charge between 20% and 80% Letting your battery drop to 0% or consistently charging it to 100% are the two most common and damaging mistakes for the longevity of your battery. These two extremes cause electrochemical stress that accelerates cell degradation. To preserve your battery over time, charge it occasionally and avoid exceeding 80%. Enable battery percentage display in your settings to keep a precise eye on your charge level throughout the day. A setting is also available for your charge cycles to stop automatically at 80% of battery capacity. 2. Use automatic brightness management The screen is one of the most energy-consuming components of your smartphone. Outdoors, under the sun, the instinct is often to set the brightness to maximum to remain readable. However, keeping the brightness at 100% all the time can represent a significant portion of your total consumption. Activate automatic brightness management in your display settings: your phone will intelligently adjust the brightness based on ambient lighting, for optimal reading comfort without wasting energy unnecessarily. 3. Close background apps and activate battery saver Most smartphones offer a battery saver mode that reduces processor performance, limits background refreshes, and adjusts certain display settings. Set it to activate automatically when your battery reaches 20% — giving you a comfortable safety margin. Also take the opportunity to identify and disable from the Outdoor Mode the most energy-consuming apps that you won’t need on your outing. 4. Turning off your smartphone at night or activating airplane mode Whether camping or hiking, night time is the best moment to avoid wasting battery life unnecessarily. Completely turning off your smartphone or activating airplane mode cuts all network connections and stops all background activities. Over an 8-hour night, this can represent a valuable preserved battery life for the next day. Crosscall solutions to maximize battery life Outdoor Mode: keep control of your energy On long outings, every percentage of battery counts. The Outdoor Mode from Crosscall — available exclusively on the STELLAR-X5s and the STELLAR-M6 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Editions — is designed to give you control over your energy consumption without sacrificing your safety. Temporarily suspend non-essential notifications to focus your resources on what really matters. Configure your personalized energy profile to gain up to 25% additional battery life. Set up automatic location sharing with your emergency contacts, even without mobile data. The Outdoor Mode is not just a simple power-saving mode: it is a true intelligent management tool for your battery life, designed by and for outdoor enthusiasts. High-capacity battery: uncompromised battery life All Crosscall smartphones come with high-capacity batteries designed for long outings, with real battery lives exceeding 48 hours and reaching up to 80 hours depending on the models and usage. 100% performance maintained over 1,000 full charge cycles. Battery designed to operate from -20°C to +60°C without significant loss of capacity. 5-year warranty, battery included, a first in the market X-POWER accessories and X-LINK connectivity: double your battery life without waste For the longest expeditions, Crosscall offers the X-POWER: an ultra-durable external battery with IP68 certified waterproofing, capable of doubling your smartphone's battery life. Drops, rain, dust: the X-POWER is designed to withstand as much as your phone. All Crosscall smartphones are also equipped with proprietary X-LINK connectivity, which ensures 98% energy transfer efficiency — meaning almost no loss between the charging source and your battery. Our selection of accessories for Outdoor Smartphones Discover Discover Discover FAQ: outdoor smartphone battery life What is the best battery life for an outdoor smartphone? For intensive outdoor use, aim for at least 48 hours of real-world battery life — GPS active, network in use, outdoor apps open. For multi-day outings or self-sufficient treks, models like the Crosscall STELLAR-X5s offer up to 54 hours of real battery life, ensuring you have a comfortable safety margin for 2 to 3 days of outings. Why does my smartphone drain so quickly while hiking? While hiking, several factors accumulate to drain your battery much faster than in daily use: the GPS constantly active, searching for a network in isolated areas that heavily stresses the antenna, the screen on to display maps, and sometimes the cold temperatures that reduce battery capacity. A standard smartphone is not designed to handle this combination of factors for several hours. Does cold really drain a smartphone battery? Yes, and very significantly. Below 0°C, lithium-ion batteries see their performance drop drastically: the phone can shut down abruptly while still showing a charge. In the long term, repeated freeze-thaw cycles irreversibly degrade the cells. Outdoor smartphones are specifically designed to operate down to -20°C without performance loss. How to save your smartphone battery in the mountains? Five key habits: keep your charge between 20% and 80%, enable automatic brightness management, close unused background applications, turn on airplane mode at night, and if your smartphone offers it, set up a custom outdoor mode to optimize your consumption by keeping only the essential functions for your practice and safety active. Does an outdoor smartphone really have better battery life than a standard smartphone? Yes, and not just because it has a larger battery. An outdoor smartphone is designed with an energy efficiency philosophy: software optimization, fine management of active modules (GPS, network, Bluetooth), and batteries sized for intensive continuous use. At equivalent battery capacity, an outdoor smartphone will last significantly longer in outdoor conditions than a consumer smartphone. Can you charge an outdoor smartphone with a standard external battery? Yes, via standard USB connectors. But Crosscall smartphones go further with the proprietary X-LINK connection, which offers 98% energy transfer efficiency from compatible Crosscall accessories like the X-POWER. This means almost no energy loss during charging — a tangible advantage when every percentage counts in the wild. What is the lifespan of a Crosscall outdoor smartphone battery? Crosscall batteries are designed to maintain 100% of their performance for 1,000 full charge cycles, which is about 3 to 5 times more than a standard smartphone battery. They are fully included in the 5-year manufacturer warranty — a Crosscall exclusive in the market.

Which smartphone to choose when you are a craftsman?

Choosing a smartphone when you are a tradesperson is not just about buying another phone. It’s about equipping yourself with a work tool capable of keeping up with a demanding, often unpredictable daily routine, and rarely gentle on the equipment. Construction worker, electrician, plumber, heating engineer, carpenter, farmer… each profession has its own constraints. But they all share the same smartphone enemies: dust, shocks, moisture, extreme temperatures, and long days without a power outlet in sight. A standard smartphone is simply not designed for that. It shows its limits from the first week in the field. And every breakdown, every cracked screen, is a part of your business that stops with it. In this guide, we help you identify the essential criteria for choosing a smartphone truly suited to your profession, and to understand why a rugged smartphone, or more commonly called a rugged smartphone, it concretely changes the way of working. Why choose a rugged smartphone over a standard smartphone? From morning to night, between job sites, travel, client calls, and administrative management, your smartphone is always with you. It takes photos of the job site, guides you from one appointment to another, allows you to send a quote between two interventions. It’s your number one work tool. Except that a standard smartphone was not designed for that. Designed for indoor use, in a controlled environment, it rarely lasts more than a full day. A drop on concrete, a splash of water, a bit of plaster in the charging ports… and it’s a breakdown. Sometimes permanent. And often at the worst moment. The battery life is another point of friction. In the reality of a day in the field — GPS constantly active, unstable network, calls coming in one after another — the battery of a consumer smartphone reaches its limits well before the end of the day. Finally, the ergonomics of a standard smartphone are not designed for the field: impossible to use the screen with gloves, insufficient speaker in a noisy workshop, no quick access button for essential functions. A rugged smartphone, it is the exact opposite. It is designed from the outset for all these constraints, without compromising performance or user experience. It withstands shocks and dust without flinching. Its long-lasting battery frees you from the constraints of recharging during your day. In the field, its touchscreen works with gloves, and its physical buttons give you immediate access to key functions. In a noisy environment, its powerful acoustic chain allows you to make and receive calls without having to isolate yourself. It can even replace your computer to finalize a quote or send a report.  It can even serve as a payment terminal (TPE) so that your clients can pay for your services directly on your phone.  This is not a phone to which a protective case is added. It is a tool that integrates its own robustness, designed to last and to accompany you everywhere.  The essential criteria for choosing your craftsman's smartphone A battery life that meets expectations Battery life is often the first criterion mentioned. And yet, it is also the most poorly evaluated. The figures announced on the technical sheets are measured under ideal conditions, far from the reality of a craftsman. In the field, the smartphone is continuously in use: GPS active, frequent calls, job site photos, sometimes unstable network — and therefore more energy-consuming. Under these conditions, a standard battery drains quickly. What to aim for: a real battery life of 30 hours minimum, capable of lasting a full day of intensive interventions without needing to recharge. Cold also plays a crucial role. In winter weather or in a cold room, a standard battery can drop sharply. A smartphone designed for craftsmen is sized to operate reliably down to -20°C, without the battery failing at a critical moment. Finally, good battery life is also assessed over the long term. A craftsman's smartphone goes through charge cycles day after day for years. A battery that lasts 30 hours at purchase but only lasts 15 after a year is a problem. That's why smartphones designed for professionals are built to maintain their performance over time — and are guaranteed with the battery included for up to 5 years.  Because a good battery life, it's not just a matter of daily comfort: it's the guarantee of never being stuck at the wrong moment, today or in three years. Resistance: much more than a thick case The resistance of a smartphone for craftsmen is not just about a design reinforced by a protective case. It relies on precise certification standards, starting with the military standard MIL-STD-810H, which subjects the device to extreme condition tests: Repeated drops on hard surfaces Prolonged vibrations Humidity and splashes Significant thermal variations The goal is not to withstand an exceptional accident. It is to endure intensive daily use, day after day, without performance degradation. Specifically: your smartphone can fall several times a day on concrete, take hits, be exposed to the vibrations of construction machinery — and continue to function normally. This durability changes the purchasing logic. You no longer replace your phone every year after a breakage. You invest in a tool that supports your activity in the long term. Total sealing: water, mud, dust Water and dust are among the leading causes of failure in standard smartphones. On a construction site or during outdoor interventions, they are omnipresent. A craftsman's smartphone must be certified IP68 and IP69K : IP68 : resistance to prolonged immersion IP69K : resistance to high-pressure and high-temperature water jets — ideal for cleaning after a day in mud or construction dust Dust protection is equally critical. Plaster, sawdust, cement — these fine particles infiltrate everywhere. The certification IP6X ensures total protection against these intrusions, which can irreparably damage the internal components of a standard smartphone.  Result: you use your smartphone without questioning it. Whatever the weather, whatever the site. Ergonomics: designed to be used even with hands occupied On a construction site, hands are rarely clean and available. You wear gloves, handle tools, and have fingers that are wet or covered in dust. In this context, ergonomics is not a detail: it is a condition of use. A good smartphone for craftsmen must offer: A screen readable in bright sunlight, responsive to touch with gloves or wet hands Some programmable physical buttons to instantly access the most used functions — without going through menus A intuitive interface, designed for quick use on the field The goal: zero friction in use. Every second saved accumulates over the entire day. Embedded artificial intelligence: an invisible but effective assistant Recent smartphones integrate AI assistants capable of simplifying many everyday tasks. For a craftsman, this translates into very concrete time savings: Dictate a message without stopping Schedule an appointment by voice Start a route or perform a quick calculation without touching the screen These features allow you to stay focused on work while managing your organization in real time. A subtle gain, but one that accumulates throughout the day. Connectivity: stay reachable even in difficult areas Workers often operate in environments where the network is unpredictable: metal buildings, basements, isolated sites, rural areas. A standard smartphone easily loses signal in these conditions. A rugged smartphone is designed with a enhanced network grip. 5G compatible, it maintains a stable connection where others lose the signal.  As a result: you remain reachable, you transfer your files quickly, and you continue to work without interruption. Communication and safety: functions that can make a difference On a construction site, communication must be clear, fast, and reliable. Ambient noise is a constant reality. Powerful speakers and noise reduction technologies during calls become essential to be heard and to hear properly. Some smartphones for workers integrate a Push-to-Talk (PTT) button dedicated, allowing for instant communication with the entire team, like a walkie-talkie — more reliable and without additional equipment. Individual safety is another major issue, especially for workers operating alone or in high-risk environments. A smartphone designed for these uses integrates features Lone Worker Protection reliable and suitable: Fall and immobility detection : in case of loss of verticality or sudden fall Real-time location sharing : to be located instantly by the team or emergency services Dedicated SOS button : accessible even with gloves or dirty hands Automatic emergency call : triggered in case of a critical situation The smartphone is no longer just a communication tool: it becomes a true safety device, watching over the worker throughout their day. Which smartphone to choose according to your profession? Construction: priority on durability and reliability On construction sites, the conditions are among the most aggressive there are. Falls on concrete, abrasive dust, vibrations from machinery, splashes of water or materials, the environment shows no mercy for fragile equipment. The priority criteria for professionals in Construction : Maximum shock resistance, certified MIL-STD-810H, to withstand repeated drops without interruption of activity IP68 + IP69K waterproofing, to withstand rain as well as high-pressure cleaning after a day on the construction site Total dust protection (IP6X), against cement, plaster, and abrasive particles Powerful audio and Push-to-Talk, to communicate effectively in noisy environments SOS button and lone worker protection, to work safely, even alone Plumbers, electricians, heating engineers: priority on versatility and productivity For these craftsmen, the smartphone is at the heart of every intervention. It is used to communicate with clients, document work, send quotes, manage schedules. The needs are therefore more versatile. The key criteria: Sufficient battery life to cover a full day of interventions without recharging Reliable connectivity in all environments, including basements or construction sites High-performance camera to document interventions and prepare quotes Optimal ergonomics : screen usable with wet or dirty hands, quick access to essential applications A particularly useful point for these profiles: the solution X-SPACE from Crosscall, which allows you to transform your smartphone into a true fixed workstation, simply by connecting it to a screen. After an intervention at a client's site, the craftsman can directly send their report, finalize a quote, or update a file — without returning to the office, without changing equipment. One tool, from the field to the office. Farmers and landscapers: priority on battery life and durability In the agricultural world, the smartphone is used outdoors, for long days, in often unpredictable conditions. Rain, mud, dust, fluctuating temperatures, distance from power sources: the constraints are numerous. The priority criteria: Multi-day battery life to avoid relying on daily recharging Waterproofing and resistance to mud and dust for use without special precautions Precise GPS to optimize movement on extensive operations Compatibility with gloves — a criterion often overlooked, but essential in these trades Classic smartphone vs smartphone for craftsmen: the complete comparison dx kj Criterion Smartphoneclassic  Smartphone for craftsmen Drop resistance Limited, frequent breakage from 1m MIL-STD-810H, repeated drops up to 2m on concrete Waterproofing IP68 at best, short immersion IP68 + IP69K, immersion + high pressure Temperatures -10° to +40°C -20° to +60°C Battery life Rarely more than 30h under real usage Up to 80h, long-lasting battery Dust Partial or no protection Total protection IP6X Network connectivity Standard 5G 5G with enhanced network connectivity in closed and isolated environments GPS Standard accuracy (~10-15m) Improved accuracy (5m), field navigation Field ergonomics 1 to 2 basic buttons 3 programmable buttons: PTT (Push-To-Talk), SOS, and AI (compatible with gloves and wet hands) Warranty 2 years (battery often excluded) 5 years, battery included  Our selection of Crosscall smartphones for tradespeople Discover Discover Discover FAQ: smartphones for tradespeople What is the best all-terrain smartphone for a tradesperson? The best smartphone for tradespeople combines MIL-STD-810H certification, IP69K waterproofing, and a real battery life of over 48 hours. The CORE-M6 from Crosscall meets all these criteria and is currently the benchmark for manual trades and intensive field use. Which smartphone to choose for working on a construction site? Choose a model with programmable physical buttons, a screen usable with gloves, and PTI security features if you regularly work alone. MIL-STD-810H certified shock resistance and IP68/IP69K waterproofing are non-negotiable criteria for daily construction site use. What is the most durable and waterproof phone on the market? Smartphones certified MIL-STD-810H and IP69K represent the highest level of protection available. They withstand high-pressure water jets, can be cleaned after a day in mud or construction dust, and endure repeated drops of 2 meters onto hard surfaces without damage. What battery life is needed for a tradesperson's smartphone? A tradesperson needs a smartphone that can last at least two days under real usage, with GPS active and the network in use. This ensures total freedom of action in the field, without relying on a recharge during the day. Is a rugged smartphone really more cost-effective than a regular smartphone? Yes, and in the long term, the difference is significant. Thanks to its shock, water, and dust resistance, a rugged smartphone drastically reduces the risk of breakage and the need for replacement. Its robust design, 5-year warranty including battery, and features suited for the field make it a sustainable investment, generating real savings on repair and equipment renewal costs.

How to Choose an Outdoor Smartphone in 2026?

Choosing an outdoor smartphone means choosing equipment that can keep up with your passion and remains reliable, even when conditions are extreme. In this comprehensive guide, we detail the essential criteria for finding the outdoor smartphone that matches your practice: battery life, waterproofing, drop resistance, GPS, ergonomics… Everything you need to know to make the right choice in 2026. Table of contents Outdoor Smartphone vs. Classic Smartphone Essential criteria for choosing your outdoor smartphone Autonomy Resistance Waterproofing Ergonomics Network Connectivity and GPS Camera Accessories Which outdoor smartphone to choose based on your practice Complete comparison Our selection of outdoor smartphones FAQ Why choose an outdoor smartphone rather than a classic smartphone? Choosing an outdoor smartphone is primarily recognizing that your usage conditions exceed what a classic phone can withstand.  Rugged terrain, pouring rain, extreme cold, isolation: nature imposes its rules, and your equipment must respect them. This is why a rugged smartphone for outdoor use is not superfluous, but a necessity for demanding practitioners. Outdoor sports practice – whether leisure or at a committed level – naturally takes place in environments where conditions are not always 100% predictable. And in the face of the unexpected, the reliability of your equipment often makes all the difference. These activities are sometimes done alone, in isolated places, with an unstable or weak network. In these conditions, navigating accurately and staying reachable are safety imperatives. Additionally, there is the rise of long outings – such as multi-day treks without access to electricity – which impose extended battery life on your smartphone. In the field, concentration is total. The smartphone must be able to fade away when not needed, and be immediately accessible when necessary – even with gloves, even in the rain, even with one hand. Finally, and this is not a detail: outdoor enthusiasts are often committed consumers. As the first witnesses of climate change and attached to their playgrounds, they are particularly attentive to the environmental impact of the products they use – and to the concrete commitments of the brands they choose. A classic smartphone is designed for sedentary use in a controlled environment. Powerful, indeed, but energy-hungry, with a battery life that rarely exceeds a full day. In terms of durability, most users end up adding a protective case, a silent admission of its limits. And waterproofing? We all know someone who tried to put their smartphone in rice after dropping it in water… (Spoiler: this technique does not work.) In summary: an outdoor smartphone is designed for places where a classic smartphone simply cannot survive. Essential criteria for choosing an outdoor smartphone Outdoor enthusiasts are demanding with their gear – and their smartphone is part of it. The outdoor smartphone must combine absolute reliability, regardless of the conditions, and features suited for field use. Here are the criteria to review before choosing your outdoor smartphone. Battery life:  Better battery life is the primary criterion that distinguishes an outdoor smartphone from a classic phone. But the battery capacity in mAh is not the only indicator to consider. What really matters is the battery life in real use – GPS active, screen on, network in use – and not the standby time, which is often highlighted in technical specifications. A good outdoor smartphone should last more than a full day in active use, to cover long outings without access to a charging source. It is also important to consider long-term battery life: a quality battery should withstand a large number of charge cycles without showing signs of fatigue, in order to remain effective for several years. The best outdoor smartphones offer advanced power management modes – like Crosscall and its Outdoor Mode – with the ability to create a custom power profile, precisely choosing which features to enable or disable to maximize the phone's battery life. Finally, some models even have a Power Bank feature to turn your outdoor smartphone into an external battery with wireless charging, to recharge your accessories, for example. Resistance Many classic smartphones today boast a “design for durability”, with aluminum cases or reinforced screens. However, most users still end up adding a protective case. This says a lot about user confidence…  Without being an unbreakable smartphone, as that does not exist yet, an outdoor smartphone must still provide a certain peace of mind to its user, even without a protective case. For a truly rugged outdoor smartphone, the essential reference is the military standard MIL-STD-810H. It defines a series of standardized tests simulating the most extreme usage conditions, such as resistance to repeated drops on all sides of the phone, as well as to UV and extreme temperatures. A good rugged outdoor smartphone must therefore exceed these standards: repeated drops on the hardest surfaces, such as concrete, resistance to twisting as if it were bent in your pocket, and a screen capable of withstanding direct impacts without cracking. These are qualities close to what are more commonly called rugged smartphones, or "reinforced" in French. On the temperature side, check that your outdoor smartphone remains operational between -20 °C and +60 °C: enough to accompany you in high mountains in winter as well as in the hottest and most humid areas in summer. Note: cold and heat also impact battery performance — it must be designed to withstand these conditions just like the rest of the device. Waterproofing  Regarding waterproofing, the IP standard is referenced. To consider a waterproof smartphone, the IP68 level is the minimum standard: it must guarantee complete waterproofing against all liquids (fresh water, salt water, chlorinated water, oils…) for prolonged immersion of up to 30 minutes at a depth of 2 meters, as well as total protection against dust. Some outdoor smartphones go even further with the IP69K certification, which adds resistance to high-pressure and high-temperature projections — well beyond a simple downpour or a fall in the snow. A detail often overlooked: after immersion, audio quality can be affected by residual water in the speakers. That’s why some outdoor smartphones integrate a feature to expel water from the speakers — like the DryMax system from Crosscall — to restore optimal sound quality immediately afterward. Ergonomics   In outdoor conditions, ergonomics is not an added comfort — it is a necessity. A good outdoor smartphone must therefore be practical and maneuverable, offering: A screen readable in all conditions : in bright sunlight, in the rain, or even underwater. Readability takes precedence over raw brightness, which often consumes energy. A screen usable with gloves and underwater: essential for winter sports or in heavy rain. Accessible and programmable physical buttons that can be activated with one hand — even with mittens — to quickly launch a key feature (navigation, emergency call, camera…). A powerful flashlight to support a headlamp. Network Connectivity and GPS    In isolated areas, connectivity can be a matter of safety. Several points need to be checked to choose an outdoor smartphone that allows you to stay reachable: On the network: prioritize a 5G compatible smartphone. This ensures maximum compatibility with all public frequency bands. Beyond the network standard, it’s the network grip that makes the difference in low coverage areas. Make sure your smartphone has above-average performance. Some outdoor smartphones go even further with satellite connectivity, which allows you to remain reachable even in total dead zones. The technology is rapidly expanding and is starting to be offered by a few operators. On GPS: in isolated areas with reduced visibility, a few meters of error can make a big difference — especially if you need to be located by a rescue team. A GPS accurate to 5 meters is an essential criterion to fully enjoy your mapping applications and stay on the right path. Camera and Video Outdoor practice and photography are inseparable. For an outdoor smartphone with a good photo/video sensor, the 2026 standards are: 50 Mpx wide-angle sensor and 4K video to capture vast spaces, low-angle light, and vibrant colors of nature. Video stabilization for smooth images in full motion or on rugged terrain. Slow motion to not miss any moments at full speed. Timelapse to enhance the slowness of nature: sunrise, movement of clouds, tide… Dashcam mode to film your long outings continuously and keep only the highlights. Night mode to capture your evenings at the campsite or by the fire. Underwater photo/video mode for water sports enthusiasts. Essential outdoor accessories A high-performance outdoor smartphone deserves accessories that match — durable, waterproof, and designed for the field: High-capacity and durable external battery : to double your battery life and go for several days with complete peace of mind. Bone conduction headphones : to enjoy your music or notifications without cutting off from your environment, even in water. Resistant mounting systems (chest, mountain bike handlebar, bag…): to keep your map in view or film in first person, with a mount strong enough not to lose your device in action. Which outdoor smartphone to choose based on your activity? Trail, trek, and long-distance cycling: priority on battery life and navigation For outdoor endurance sports, the priority criteria are clear: A long battery life for multi-day outings. A precise GPS for navigation and safety. A good network reception to stay reachable. MIL-STD-810H resistance to withstand inevitable drops. A camera with stabilization : a real plus for capturing the highlights without stopping. Sailing, diving, snorkeling: waterproofing as an absolute criterion For water sports, IP68 waterproofing is a minimum. Note, however: no current smartphone is designed to withstand the pressures of great depths. We recommend not exceeding 2 meters in depth. Within this limit, the underwater photo/video mode allows you to bring back beautiful memories. A leash is highly recommended to avoid losing your device in the deep blue. Skiing, mountaineering, snowboarding: waterproofing and ergonomics above all For winter sports, the number one enemy is the cold — and its effects on the battery and screen. Always check the operating temperature range. Waterproofing IP68/IP69K is essential against snow and humidity. A screen usable with gloves and accessible physical buttons save valuable time. 4K video with stabilization and slow motion allows you to relive your best sessions. And a sturdy leash is the essential accessory to avoid losing your phone in the powder after a fall. Outdoor professionals: operational continuity and safety Trackers, high mountain guides, rescuers, scientists on expedition: for professionals working in outdoor environments, the demands are maximum, and smartphone solutions for sports that meet these needs exist. Priority is given to the highest standards of resistance, waterproofing, and autonomy, to ensure operational continuity under all circumstances. Features like a dedicated SOS button or an emergency location system can be critical. For those operating in white zones — glaciologists, oceanologists, mountain rescue teams — satellite connectivity becomes a full-fledged safety tool. Outdoor smartphone vs classic smartphone: the complete comparison Classic Smartphone SmartphoneOutdoor Resistancefrom drops Limited — frequent breakage from 1m on hard ground MIL-STD-810H certified — resistant to repeated drops up to 2m on concrete Waterproofing Up to IP68 — immersion at 1.5m in static freshwater. Up to IP69K — prolonged immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 2m, in all liquids (saltwater, chlorinated water, oils...). Resistance to high-pressure projections. Ttemperatures Generally operates between -10°C and +40°C Operational between -20°C and +60°C Autonomy Rarely more than 24h in real use Up to 80h in real use, and 100% capacity up to 1000 charge cycles. Screen Reduced readability in bright light, not usable with gloves or wet hands Readability in all conditions, usable with gloves and wet hands Network and GPS connectivity Standard 5G GPS accuracy approximately 10m 5G SA with enhanced network grip.GPS accuracy to 5m Ergonomics 1 to 2 programmable buttons Up to 3 programmable buttons with a large pressing surface, usable with one hand while wearing gloves Manufacturer warranty 2 years 5 years, battery included Our selection of Outdoor smartphones Discover Discover Discover FAQ about outdoor smartphones What is the best smartphone for hiking? The best smartphone for hiking combines long-lasting autonomy (minimum 48h in real use with active GPS), GPS accuracy to 5 meters, and certified resistance MIL-STD-810H + IP68. Screen readability in bright sunlight and compatibility with offline mapping apps are also key criteria. What is the best all-terrain smartphone? An all-terrain smartphone must combine MIL-STD-810H resistance, IP68/IP69K waterproofing, operation between -20°C and +60°C, and autonomy exceeding a full day. Prefer models that pass all of these certifications. What autonomy for an outdoor smartphone? An outdoor smartphone must offer a minimum of 24h in active use — GPS on, screen and network in use. The most powerful models reach up to 80h of real autonomy, enough for several days out without a charging source. What is the most drop-resistant phone? The most drop-resistant smartphones are certified MIL-STD-810H and tested with repeated drops from 2 meters on all sides of the phone and hard surfaces such as concrete. What is the difference between an outdoor smartphone and a classic smartphone? A classic smartphone is designed for sedentary use in a controlled environment. An outdoor smartphone withstands drops, extreme temperatures (-20°C to +60°C), immersion in water, and dust — with significantly higher autonomy and lifespan. What is the lifespan of an outdoor smartphone? An outdoor smartphone is designed to last 5 years or more in real intensive use. The best brands like Crosscall offer a 5-year warranty, battery included — for extended lifespan and reduced environmental impact.

Crosscall in the TOP 1% EcoVadis: a recognition of our CSR commitments

For the past 5 consecutive years, the EcoVadis score of Crosscall has been continuously improving. In 2026, it reaches 87/100, which represents a increase of +7 points compared to the previous year.  This performance allows us to reach new major milestones:  🥇 TOP 1 % of companies in the communication equipment manufacturing sector 🥈 TOP 2 % of all evaluated companies This allows us to obtain the GOLD badge only intended for the highest-ranked companies. What is EcoVadis? EcoVadis evaluates the CSR performance of companies according to three main criteria: the environment, social issues and human rights, as well as ethics and responsible purchasing. Based on this analysis, companies are compared to each other and rewarded by a system of medals and badges recognizing their level of commitment and their progress in improving their CSR management.  A recognition that encourages us to continue our commitments This EcoVadis distinction is of course a source of pride, but it primarily serves as a driving force for all our teams. It reinforces a collective dynamic, carried out daily through our projects and actions, and structured around five pillars of commitment: • Offer sustainable solutions — design products intended to last, from their manufacturing to their end of life • Get involved locally — actively contribute to the development of the French and European economies • Evolve our ecosystem — collaborate with industry players to accelerate transformations • Engage with our teams — support our employees and promote their development • Act with ethics and responsibility — manage our environmental impact and ensure responsible practices at every stage  The work continues to go even further in building a sustainable model, serving our customers, our partners, and society.  Discover in detail our commitments in our annual report.

Power Saving Mode: optimize your battery

In addition to offering mobiles and smartphones with exceptional battery life, CROSSCALL, the leader in outdoor mobile technology, has found THE solution to extend the battery life of your smartphone: Power Saving Mode, a new feature available since the latest update on the TREKKER-X3. But what is it for? How does this mode work? All the answers to your questions are here. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF POWER SAVING MODE? This new mode will allow you to maximize your battery life. You'll minimize your power consumption by using only the essential functions of your TREKKER-X3. Whether it's a day trip or a multi-day outing, you'll always be reachable by disabling the most power-hungry applications (social media, GPS tracking, etc.). HOW DO I ACTIVATE POWER SAVING MODE? There are 2 ways to display the Power Saving Mode: Swipe down the taskbar and activate Power Saving Mode by clicking the icon. Go to the "Settings" of your TREKKER-X3, then "Battery" and click on "Power saving mode" in the "three dots" menu in the upper right corner. To access this mode, you must install the latest update. Go to the applications menu on your TREKKER-X3, click on the "Update" icon, and the download will start automatically. How does Power Saving Mode work? By activating it, your screen will display in shades of grey and the brightness will be reduced by 50%. Your usual interface will then be replaced by a new, cleaner one. Only 8 applications can be displayed on the main screen, 4 of which are customizable. You will only have access to basic applications: Telephone SMS / MMS Internet. Here, your connection will switch from 4G+ to 2G, except when you open your browser, when the connection will be 3G+. As soon as you open another application, the connection will switch back to 2G. SOS function You can add 4 apps (native or otherwise) by clicking the "+" shortcut. Please note that you will not have access to the Play Store and therefore will not be able to add any new apps.Only notifications will appear in the taskbar. All other icons will disappear.Your smartphone's settings will only be accessible via the "three dots" in the top right corner and will also be restricted here: Wi-Fi Bluetooth The different cellular networks (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.) and airplane mode The display Sounds and notifications The location Power Saving Mode will disable various connections: Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Geolocation to minimize power consumption. But you will still have access to your mobile data. To disable the mode, tap the "three small dots" in the top right corner and then select "Turn off power saving mode". How do I activate the automatic activation of Power Saving Mode? Go to "Settings" then "Battery". Select "Power saving mode". In the "Automatically activate" tab, you can then choose to activate the feature based on different thresholds (between 5 and 35% battery remaining). When the phone reaches the selected threshold, it automatically switches to Power Saving Mode. How do I install the update on my TREKKER-X3? The update is currently being rolled out*. To install it, go to the applications menu on your TREKKER-X3, click on the "Update" icon and the download will start automatically or press "INSTALL".This software update will install the software L1316.6.02.04.FR00 on your Trekker-X3 device. It improves system performance and stability and fixes bugs. New features have been added: Fixed display bug with Snapchat Improved flashlight performance Improved network quality with the operator Orange  We recommend downloading this update via a Wi-Fi connection. If you download it via a mobile network connection or while roaming, additional charges may apply.Your device will remain unavailable during the update installation.Update size: 91.16 MB *If you are an SFR or Orange customer, the update is being validated and will be available soon.

5 tips to preserve your battery

Crosscall is committed to offering smartphones that last. Proof of this is the French brand's new 5-year warranty on its smartphones, an unprecedented commitment in the mobile phone industry. While battery life largely depends on user habits, there are a few tips to help preserve it. Discover 5 essential tips to extend the life of your batteries. 1. MAINTAIN A CHARGE BETWEEN 20 AND 80% A good practice is to keep your phone charged between 20% and 80% to preserve its battery. Leaving your smartphone charging beyond 100% or letting it completely discharge can cause the battery to overheat. The first thing to do is to display your battery percentage. To do this, go to Settings > Battery > and enable "Battery Percentage". Opt for occasional charging rather than leaving your smartphone charging all night; this will preserve your battery and also your electricity bill! However, experts advise performing a full charge cycle once a month, i.e. going from 0 to 100% charge, in order to recalibrate your battery. 2. USE AUTOMATIC BRIGHTNESS CONTROL Although it is more comfortable to have a bright screen, it is not always necessary to push the lighting to the maximum. With automatic brightness adjustment, your screen adapts to the ambient lighting to ensure optimal display. Optimizing screen brightness helps reduce energy consumption and therefore protects the battery. To activate this mode, go to Settings > Display > and activate the "Adaptive Brightness" mode. 3. ACTIVATE BATTERY SAVER Battery saver mode, as the name suggests, is also an excellent way to save and therefore preserve your battery. You can activate it directly from your shortcut menu (by swiping down) or in: Settings – Battery – Battery saver. Once activated, this mode enables the dark theme (less energy-intensive) and disables or restricts background activities, certain visual effects, and other features like "Ok Google". For better management, you can also activate it automatically when your battery reaches 20%. To do this: go to Settings > Battery > Battery saver > Set a schedule > Specify the percentage at which you want this mode to activate. Background apps can also drain your battery even when you're not using them. By enabling "Battery Manager," your smartphone can send you notifications to close the most power-hungry apps. 4. CLOSE BACKGROUND APPLICATIONS As mentioned earlier, even if you're not actively using an app, if it's left open in the background, it will still drain your battery. Remember to close an app once you've finished using it. Nothing could be simpler: If you prefer gesture navigation: swipe up and close the applications of your choice by swiping them up or click directly on "Clear all". If you are in three-button navigation mode: click on the square in the bottom right corner of your screen and close the applications of your choice by swiping them upwards or click directly on "Clear all". 5. Turn off your smartphone at night or put it in airplane mode Even when you're not using your smartphone, it continues to work (searching for networks, receiving notifications, SMS, email, etc.). Adopt good habits by turning off your smartphone at night or activating airplane mode. This mode will cut off all network connections and therefore any activity not related to using your smartphone.

Top 4 features of “rugged smartphones”

At Crosscall, we've made a simple observation: as smartphones become thinner, more fragile, and more expensive, they are moving away from their primary function. communicate in all circumstances. On the field, in the cold, in the rain, amidst noise or dust, it is not finesse or gadget features that count, but rather the ability to last and to function, no matter what. THE Rugged Smartphones They are aimed at those for whom the telephone is a true everyday tool: field professionals, security forces, craftsmen, technicians, but also outdoor and extreme sports enthusiasts operating in demanding environments. These rugged smartphones are therefore specifically designed based on their expectations and needs, which, for many, can be summed up in a few words:  reliability endurance  and ease of use. Here are the four essential features that define what a true Rugged Smartphone is in 2026.  1) Resistance to repeated drops and IP68 / IP69K sealing The resistance:   Resistance to repeated drops is an essential prerequisite for a rugged smartphone, a rugged smartphone. That's why all our ultra-resistant devices exceed the standard requirements MIL-STD 810, derived from military standards, which assesses resistance to extreme conditions: high or negative temperatures, humidity, thermal and mechanical shocks.  Waterproofing: Waterproofing is just as crucial. A rugged smartphone must not only withstand rain, but also prolonged and deep immersion in various types of liquids (salt water, chlorinated water, oils, fuels), not to mention dust. It is under these conditions that our rugged smartphones obtain certification. IP68. Some of our rugged smartphones go even further with certification IP69KThey remain fully operational even under high-pressure projections, ideal for high-pressure cleaning in the dirtiest environments. The real Crosscall difference lies in our testing methods. The durability and water resistance of our smartphones are proven in our own laboratory, the X-LAB, through combined and repeated testsThis approach ensures that our smartphones remain waterproof and functional over time, even after repeated drops.  2) Ultra-long battery life and durability A smartphone that doesn't last the day isn't a reliable tool. A smartphone whose performance drops after a few months isn't any more reliable. That's why "rugged smartphones" need to be equipped with high-capacity batteries, combined with intelligent energy consumption management.  The objective is clear: to guarantee a long battery life, suitable for days in the field, far from an electrical outlet.  But beyond autonomy, the rugged smartphone can demonstrate unparalleled endurance by maintaining a high level of performance over time, even after numerous charging cycles.  It is this logic of sustainability that guides the design of our Rugged smartphones and allows us to offer a 5-year manufacturer's warrantyBattery included. 3) Field functionalities: prioritize theits uses reals A rugged smartphone is not designed to be used in ideal conditionsHe must remain operational while wearing gloves, in the rain, while moving, sometimes in emergencies. That's why we design our rugged smartphones to be as ergonomic as possible on the field :  Programmable physical buttons easily accessible without taking your eyes off the action and screens that can be used even when wet. These design choices, often absent from consumer smartphones, are nevertheless crucial in a professional context. Rugged smartphones are also compatible with essential business applications, such as Push-To-Talk which allows you to replace a radio or the PTI (Lone Worker Protection)meeting the safety requirements of many sectors. 4) Connectivity and reliability: communicate everywhere, especially when it matters On the ground, being reachable is not enough. You have to be understood, clearly and immediately. Rugged smartphones are designed to offer a excellent network connection, in 4G as well as 5G , as well as advanced network compatibility Wi-Fi 6public and private. They thus meet the requirements of PMR (Private Mobile Radio) environments. and to the challenges of critical and emergency communications. The acoustic chain also receives special attention in rugged smartphones: high-performance microphones, powerful speakers exceeding 100dB, and noise reduction using artificial intelligence. This requirement for reliability explains why our rugged smartphones are now used by players for whom failure is not an option:  law enforcement army emergency services but also many field professionals.  And why not for you too?  Discover our rugged smartphones To discover To discover To discover

Crosscall and NEO 2: at the heart of the transformation of homeland security missions

Launched in 2021, the NEO 2 program marks a historic turning point in the modernization of France's security forces. On the occasion of Milipol 2025, Marine Pagnon, Head of Institutional Relations and Partnerships at Crosscalltakes stock of 4 years of strategic collaboration with law enforcement agencies reveals its vision for tomorrow's critical communications. NEO 2 represents a major technological ambition in the Public Safety sector sector. How did this project come about? did Crosscall meet the challenges? Marine Pagnon: The NEO 2 program is part of a very specific French public safety philosophy. Nur model is based on the presence of plainclothes or uniformed officers in direct contact with the population, providing local security, deterrence and assistance provide assistance. But this presence in the field requires us to be ever more efficient and versatile in our safety, control and emergency response missions.emergencymissions. THE Agence du Numérique des Forces de Security Interior (ANFSI) s ambition with NEO 2 was to provide all agents with a single smartphone, enabling them to enhance their mobility and enable them to carry out a greater number of their missions directly in the field. Let's take a concrete example: in the past, during an identity check, if the officer needed to verify information about an individual, he had to take him to the police station, carry out the check, etc. In terms of operational efficiency, this was a huge waste of time. With NEO 2, officers can access police files directly from their smartphones, carry out mobile checks, and take the appropriate decisions immediately. Crosscall has responded to these challenges by relying on what is in our DNA: a smartphone that is obviously resistant to the most extreme conditions, with extended autonomy. But we went beyond that. NEO 2 has become a tool that integrates perfectly into all field applications: from security missions on the public highway to road checks with motorcyclists, from border controls border controls to the most delicate missions carried out by elite units. It's this versatility that makes all the difference. What concrete evidence of operational efficiency have you seen in the field? M.P.: In my opinion, the most striking figure is a breakage rate of less than 1% for the entire fleet. When you consider the number of daily interventions, the harshness of the missions and the intense mobilization of the forces on a daily basis to provide security for major sporting events such as the Rugby and Football World Cups, or the Olympic Gamesit's a real feat. Another indicator of success: the initial contract is extended to 2029, well beyond the duration originally envisaged. This guarantees a much longer service life than originally envisaged, demonstrating the reliability of our equipment over time. But what's perhaps even more revealing is the increasingly versatile use of smartphones thanks to our entire ecosystem of accessories. The X-COMMfor example, was developed specifically for to replace the traditional bulb microphone. In noisy environments, it facilitates radio communications considerably, while offering the ergonomics to which officers are accustomed. The X-COMMAND allows motorcyclists to control their communications directly from the handlebars, without compromising their safety during roadside checks, and provides the necessary discretion for officers during surveillanceoperations . How do you explain this success? M.P.: I'd say it rests on two fundamental pillars. The first is that the product has become much more than a smartphone. It's a real development platform that can respond to concrete needs and evolving uses. evolving. There has been a real R&D effort, carried out in collaboration with the Police and the Gendarmerie Nationale to come up with a product modular that meets their operational their operational needs. The second pillar is our collaborative approach with proximity. Crosscall is a human-scale structure, which gives us a flexibility and agility not necessarily available to the giants giants. We have dedicated teams to support ANFSI in all aspects of development, including- development. This proximity enables us to react quickly, to co-construct solutions and to ensure perfect compatibility with homeland security issues, particularly in terms of protecting sensitive data. Speaking of proximity, this collaboration was also an opportunity to deploy cutting-edge innovations, notably during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. M.P.: Absolutely. The Jthem Olympics in Paris represented an exceptional public safety operation, with forces deployed on a massive scale at all the Olympic venues and throughout the Paris region. The event provided an opportunity to full-scale trial of the STORM critical communications network on severalthousand terminals. STORM is the program designed to replace conventional radios with 4G smartphone communications. As part of the preparations for this major event, we realized missing audio accessories accessories to facilitate radio use. In noisy environments, having a dedicated accessory makes total sense to smooth communications. That's how the X-COMM was born.Mwas born, which we developed entirely to order. It's quite a unique product on the market: both Bluetooth and wired, ruggedized, ergonomic to meet the operational requirements of field forces operational requirements. What are these these large-scale tests foreshadowbode for the future of security force communications? M.P. This opens the way to a even greater modularity. We're already seeing developments like N EO DK with biometric control, which is perfectly compatible with Crosscallterminals. This will add yet another layer of functionality in the field. But the last major innovation developed by Crosscallis the new version of X-SPACE. This solution transforms the smartphone into a real desktop computernow available on two 4K screens. The agent simply plugs in his smartphone à l'screen, and you have a complete workstation. A single terminal for the field and the office. The implications are far-reaching: substantial savings on IT assets, greatly simplified fleet management, and less environmental impact as the number of impact on the environment, since the number of devices required is drastically reduced. It is estimated that one smartphone can replace up to 5 different terminals. What's morethere's the question of interoperability. With the large-scale deployment of STORM on all the security forces' smartphones, we're heading for a convergence of emergency communication tools, with a gradual disappearance of the traditional "emergency phone". communication tools, with the gradual disappearance of the radio in favor of the smartphone. Finally, the advent of artificial intelligence augurs well for the future.er new developments to improve team efficiency and collaboration, even if everything remains to be imagined on this point. on this point. How is Crosscall preparing to support this evolution? M.P.: You have to bear in mind that the NEO 2 program is scheduled to run until 2029. This means that we'll be involved in this program for almost 10 years. In 10 years, we'll have the opportunity to support the in-depth transformation of the police and gendarme profession. And I believe that our strength lies precisely in our ability to remain agile while remaining reliable over the long term. We are not just an equipment supplier: we are a partner who co-constructs with our customers solutions for thefuture and sustainable. This philosophy makes perfect sense in a program as strategic as NEO 2. And we are all the more so proudde nous pouvoir le faire alongside the women and men who ensure our safety on a daily basis.

Experience a unique adventure under the stars with Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

To mark the launch of the STELLAR-X5s Chamonix-Mont-Blanc edition, Crosscall has teamed up with theValley Tourist Office to offer you a unique experience: the STELLAR CAMP. An exceptional stay for two, designed for those who like to reconnect with nature, observe and live fully in the present moment. Supervised by the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, this nocturnal adventure takes you to the heart of a demanding environment, yet accessible to all mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. On the program: Night-time ascent on cross-country skis or snowshoes, by headlamp light. Set up your bivouac in an exceptional natural setting. Night under the starslulled by the silence and purity of the mountain. Wake up to Mont-Blancas the first rays of sunlight illuminate the valley. Accompanied returnin a friendly, shared atmosphere. A rare moment to recharge your batteries, share and experience the mountains in a different way, with no quest for performance, but in a spirit of gentle adventure. How to take part in STELLAR CAMP? The competition is open to all. To try your luck: Go to the dedicated page. Fill in the registration form before the deadline. Multiply your chances by referring friends and family: every invitation counts! To be won: A unique adventure for two in the heart of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. Exclusive Chamonix-Mont-Blanc down jackets. And, for the most committed (10 sponsorships or more), the new Crosscall STELLAR-X5s Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Edition smartphone. 👉🏻 Sign up now for STELLAR CAMP and try your hand at this unforgettable adventure with Crosscall and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. A responsible adventure STELLAR CAMP perfectly embodies the values shared by Crosscall and Chamonix: Respect for the environment : participants reach the valley by train or bus to limit their carbon footprint. Professional supervision: the experience is guided by experts from the Compagnie des Guides, guaranteeing authentic, safe mountaineering. Connectionwith nature: more than a performance, it's an invitation to feel the immensity of landscapes and the beauty of silence.

THE Crosscall Sailing Team opens a new chapter

AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT United under the Crosscall Sailing Team banner Created in 2019 under the joint impetus of Aurélien Ducroz, double Freeride Skiing World Champion and Class40 World Champion, and Cyril Vidal, President and Founder of Crosscall, a French brand of more sustainable smartphones and expert in critical communication solutions, the Crosscall Sailing Team enjoyed an initial three-season campaign, concluding in 2022 with participation in the legendary Route du Rhum. Eager to continue their joint adventure on the oceans, they have decided to strengthen their partnership and surround themselves with new co-partners until 2025. The aim: to continue optimizing the performance of the Crosscall Class40 prototype, and to share new human and sporting adventures in the category's greatest ocean races. A LIFT V2 PROTOTYPE COMBINING INNOVATION AND DURABILITY The Class40 Crosscall was designed by Marc Lombard to be both reliable and high-performance, thanks to innovative lines offering new sailing capabilities, on-board electronics previously reserved for higher category boats, and design and material choices made with sustainability in mind."Our Lift V2 prototype, due to be launched in 2021, is constantly evolving. Among other things, we've evolved her lines to enable her to benefit from the latest innovations in terms of design and glide on the water. Over the last few years, we've sought to optimize every detail. This time, we're starting out with a tried-and-tested boat that we've mastered perfectly. The aim is to capitalize on this experience and approach the Transat Café L'Or with confidence." AURÉLIEN DUCROZ Freeride World ChampionClass40 World ChampionSkipper, Crosscall Sailing Team CLASS40 CROSSCALL FEATURES Concave bow - spatulate hull A constantly evolving prototype, the Lift V2 Crosscall broke new ground in 2023 with a new, concave bow shape that takes the load off the boat when sailing downwind in a breeze, helping it to ride the waves it catches, rather than bumping into them and slowing down. This innovation relieves the boat's power generated by the spatulate "scow" hull. A solid structure The structure of the Crosscall Class40 is solid. has shown no flaws since its launch in 2020, which is a major vote of confidence. Fast upwind and upwind The Lift V2 designed by Aurélien Ducroz and Lombard owes its success in particular to its speed upwind and upwind. The Class40 Crosscall has all the weapons needed to compete with the best boats, thanks to the performance optimization work carried out every year. A boat Aurelien knows by heart After five years on the water, the Class40 Crosscall holds no secrets for Aurelien, who knows her like the back of his hand. Immersive live The Class40 Crosscall will be the first Class40 to offer immersive live experiences during which sailing fans and enthusiasts will be able to chat with Aurélien and his co-skipper during the races. From their Crosscall smartphones, they'll be able to respond live and share life aboard a racing yacht. Aurélien chooses Jonathan Chodkiewiez as co-skipper for the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Jonathan Chodkiewiez, préparateur of the Class40 Crosscall since 2022, will stand alongside Aurélien Ducroz as co-skipper for this 2025 double-handed racing season. Already reunited and victorious at the last Mondial Class40 in La Rochelle, they form a complicit and successful duo, with two podium finishes in the Middle Sea Race and Massilia Cup Offshore in 2024 and two victories in 2025 in the Porquerolles'Race and Massilia Cup Offshore. This complementary duo will be keen to capitalize on their shared experience to perform well in the Transat Café L'Or. "Jonathan is a trusted crew member who knows the boat inside out. We've been sailing together for several seasons now, with some fine podium finishes to our credit. This continuity allows us to tackle each race with serenity. Jonathan's commitment, his perfect knowledge of the boat and our complicity at sea make him an ideal teammate." AURÉLIEN DUCROZ Skipper Crosscall Sailing Team THE 2024-2025 CLASS40 CROSSCALL PRIZE LIST 2025 1st Massilia Cup Offshore1st Porquerolles' Race 5ᵉ CIC Med Channel Race 2024 3ᵉ Middle Sea Race 6ᵉ Med Max 3ᵉ Massilia Cup OffshoreThe Transat CIC: withdrawal (D+4 forestay damage) PARTNERS ON BOARD Sailing towards excellence is a team effort in which each partner contributes its stone to the edifice and puts its expertise at the service of the Crosscall Sailing Team's success.