LoRa Mesh solutions like Meshtastic or MeshCore enable off-grid messaging, GPS coordinates, and in some cases, audio communication for emergencies, working or hiking in remote areas, or simply to be able to communicate outside of cellular networks.
However, adoption is limited, as users need to buy a terminal that costs about the same as an entry-level smartphone, or they may not see any use for it, except for emergencies. Integrating LoRa Mesh into Android smartphones can lower the cost of the feature, since the battery, enclosure, etc… are already there, and you just need to add a LoRa module and an antenna. That’s what SpecFive has done with the SpecFive Spectre Pro 4G LTE smartphone with a LoRa module. The rugged phone runs Android 12 and ships with Meshtastic, Mesh Tic Tac Toe, CheckTastic, and Mesh Chess.
Spec5 Spectre Pro specifications:
SoC – Unnamed quad-core processor
System Memory – 4GB RAM
Storage – 64GB flash, microSD card slot (TBC)
Display – 3.88-inch display with 854×480 resolution (FWVGA)
Cameras
5MP rear camera
2MP front-facing camera
Connectivity
4G LTE with Dual SIM Dual Standby (2 Nano SIM card slots) or one Nano card + one memory card (I assume MicroSD card);
2 GB prepaid SIM for the Hybrid model
LoRa Mesh – nRF52 MCU + SX1262 LoRa transceiver + LoRa antenna
Batteries
1,950 mAh for the phone
250 mAh for the LoRa radio
Dimensions – 112 x 55 x 30 mm
Weight – 135 grams
Case Material – PETG-carbon fiber reinforced
The SpecFive Spectre Pro ships with a USB-C charging cable and a user manual for the Base version, and the Hybrid model adds a 2GB prepaid data SIM card. The idea is to have 4G LTE and LoRa Mesh, so you can switch between the two as needed or even use both at the same time.
While I like the idea of having a smartphone with LoRa Mesh capability, I have some comments/concerns, as the Spectre Pro has some shortcomings, including the rather low-end specifications aside. I could not find any video or even photos of the smartphone operating. It is a red flag to me. Finally, I was hoping for a more integrated design, but from the look of it, SpecFive simply attached a LoRa Mesh device to the back of the smartphone, so in effect, you have two separate devices with their own processors, memory, battery, and case “glued” together and communication over Bluetooth. That’s disappointing.
The company highlights the ruggedness of the smartphone thanks to its carbon-fiber enclosure
Specfive sells the Spectr Pro LoRa Mesh Android smartphone for $199.99 (Base model) or $269.99 (Hybrid model) on on Amazon or its online store. A few more details can also be found in the press release.
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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