Action X5: the latest addition to the Crosscall range
Crosscall launched its latest smartphone model called Action X5 at the end of November 2021. Specialized since its creation in the manufacture of ruggedized phones for use in hostile environments, both professional and outdoor leisure activities, the French company has acquired a good reputation in the field. The company is no stranger to sailing, as it has sponsored skipper Aurélien Ducroz in the Class40 for several years. We had the opportunity to test this new phone.
Services close to a "classic" smartphone
If there was a time when ruggedized, waterproof phones had a somewhat rustic style and limited functionality, the Action X5 definitely turns that page. It's slightly heavier than a traditional non-waterproof phone, weighing in at 235.5 grams, but its aesthetics are on par with mainstream models.
With a 5.45-inch screen in HD+ resolution, it offers all the classic possibilities of a phone, with even a dual SIM card.
It should be noted that it is not 5G compatible.
Useful features on board a boat
When you think of a phone on a boat, waterproofing is the first concern. The action X5, rated IP 68, is waterproof to 2 meters for 30 minutes. When the screen and fingers are "reasonably" wet, navigation on the phone remains functional, as we were able to test during a wet navigation on a small dayboat.
For underwater videos, a screen lock is possible to avoid random behavior depending on water drops.
The protective cap of the charging plug is the most critical sealing point in terms of aging, but the manufacturer now has hindsight on this type of protection. The phone is guaranteed for 3 years.
The glove mode allows you to use the screen with your hands protected, which is useful during winter navigation.
A perfect camera to immortalize your cruises
Crosscall's development teams insist on the effort put into the optics and image processing systems on the Action X5. The result is there and the management of light is good. Our shots on board, with a gray sky and the reverberation on the water do not require retouching.
The presence of a wide angle lens is very useful for group photos in the cockpit or inside the saloon of the boat, when the distance is not sufficient.
Useful accessories for sailors
More or less dedicated to boating, Crosscall offers a series of accessories to seduce sailors.
The articulated mounting system with ball joint, designed for bicycles, will fit well on a boat balcony. It will allow to fix the phone for cockpit videos via the magnet integrated in the phone locked with the X-blocker system. The integrated stabilizer, like the cameras, offers a stable image.
If the chest protector used to attach the phone to the chest does not go well with the lifejacket, the wrist strap allows you to keep your phone at the helm and use it as a GPS or tracker.
The waterproof headphones will delight music-loving boaters.
The waterproof batteries, rechargeable in USB, allow to extend the autonomy of the phone, already of 11h in GPS. Directly magnetized to the phone, it recharges by induction, without waterproofing problem.
As you will have understood, we were convinced by the phone. Its public price is 549.90 euros TTC.
