Smartphones have been the go-to devices for business communication since their conception, but it’s only more recently that they’ve become an essential tool for productivity in the workplace. The expanded capabilities, battery life and display resolutions have brought smartphones to a point where they’re a viable option for getting work done anywhere, whether you’re in the office, at home or on an airplane.
However, this new reality has created a need for secure devices that protect business data and provide a secure data stream. Among the top tier of smartphones, there are a handful of models that stand out for their ability to provide the added security necessary for conducting business from a handheld device. Here are four phones that have stepped up to provide business-minded users with a little extra peace of mind while they work.
Galaxy Note5
When it comes to business security the Galaxy Note5 is without a doubt the current standard bearer. With an extra-large screen and innovative stylus, the Samsung device is aimed squarely at business professionals who need a full-featured device that can travel. The phone also is fully compatible with Knox, Samsung’s enterprise mobile security solution that places extra protocols around all business-oriented applications to ensure all data is protected. The Knox platform also updates regularly to account for Android-related security flaws, which is how the Galaxy Note5 has managed to meet Samsung’s stringent SAFE guidelines for enterprise security.
iPhone 6s Plus
Apple built the iPhone’s OS to provide a balance of visible and invisible security measures. It’s also designed to integrate seamlessly with your company’s security protocols, making remote data management, troubleshooting and app sharing painless and protected. User friendliness is the name of the game for OS security, so building an encrypted email database or secure airdrop server is just as simple as playing a song in iTunes or editing a photo. At the end of the day, iOS has the security features to keep your individual data secure and the framework for safely connecting that data to your company’s overall IT structure.
HTC One M9
HTC users have long championed the phone for its customizability and outside-the-box design — two attributes that can complicate enterprise security. Adjust a few settings in just the right order and you risk opening your smartphone up to the possibility of intrusion or data leakage. The HTC One M9 has found a clever way around the problem, though. It streamlines the update process for its native OS to account for small changes. It takes the security risk out of open source design. Ultimately, the ease of use and robust features make the M9 a solid choice for self-employed workers or small business owners who need a low-cost solution of enterprise security.
LG G4
The G4 is a bit of an enterprise underdog, but LG seems to like it that way. It’s one of the few smartphones that retains a removable SD card bay, which makes it an enticing option for tech specialists who appreciate having the ability to transfer and store data the old-fashioned way. The phone also runs a stable and security-minded version of Android Lollipop. Your company’s IT department might never say it, but they secretly love the throwback framework of the G4. Like the Blackberry, the G4 offers a no frills, no fuss enterprise security system in an attractive, easy-to-use device.
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