Spec5's Spectre Pro Is an Android Smartphone with Off-Grid LoRa Mesh Connectivity

Off-grid communications specialist Spec5 has launched another portable LoRa-powered communicator — but this one's a fully-functional Android-based phone: the Spec5 Spectre Pro.

"The Spec5 Spectre Pro is a subscription-free Android phone built for secure communication both on and off the grid," the company explains of its latest hardware launch. "Designed for families, outdoor explorers, and field teams, it combines LoRa mesh technology with LTE [4G cellular] capability, giving you flexible connectivity wherever you go. Use LoRa for long-range off-grid messaging and GPS sharing, or switch to LTE when coverage is available."

Spec5's Spectre Pro builds on the company's previous LoRa mesh communicators, which in turn build atop the community-driven Meshtastic mesh networking project. Where many Meshtastic nodes are designed to connect to a smartphone over Bluetooth to provide a user interface, many of Spec5's designs include a display and integrated keyboard of their own — but the Spectre Pro is the first to include an entire phone, separate to the user's own.

"Spectre Pro gives you two communication options in one device," the company explains. "Use LoRa mesh for long-range messaging and GPS sharing without relying on cell towers, perfect for remote areas. When LTE is available, simply insert your own SIM card (Base model) or use the included prepaid SIM (Hybrid model) for instant connectivity."

With a focus on off-grid use, though, don't expect the latest hardware or software: Spec5 hasn't shared full details of the phone side of the hardware, beyond stating that it's a "quad-core" processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB flash connected to a 3.88" "HD screen" with a somewhat limited 854×480 FWGA resolution — and running Google's Android 12, which reached the end of its official support lifespan in March last year. The LoRa side of things, meanwhile, is built into a bundled case that the phone nestles within rather than being integrated into the phone itself.

If that doesn't put you off, the Spec5 Spectre Pro is available to order on Tindie for $209.99.