Kali NetHunter Developer Shares 2025 Device Picks and Teases New Features
Attila Kalman, one of the core developers behind Kali NetHunter — the mobile pentesting platform built on Android — has given a rare in-depth interview discussing the project’s evolution, recommended hardware for 2025, and ambitious plans for the future.
A Mobile Pentesting Lab Built Over Years
According to Kalman, the NetHunter ecosystem has grown far beyond a simple mobile ROM. Over years of development, the set of supported devices has expanded into what he describes as “a fully portable laboratory.” Each generation of hardware brought new capabilities — from IR blasters and NFC modules to wearable platforms capable of real-time Wi-Fi attacks.
Among the more unusual supported devices are the Samsung S6 Edge, used creatively thanks to its infrared transmitter, and the TicWatch Pro 3 — a smartwatch capable of capturing WPA2 handshakes directly from the wrist.
No Universal Device — Different Models for Different Jobs
Kalman emphasizes that there is no single “perfect” NetHunter device. Hardware features vary widely, making trade-offs unavoidable. Users must choose based on which attack vectors matter most for their workflow — NFC, IR, Wi-Fi injection, size, battery life, or wearability.
For newcomers or budget-conscious users who do not require wireless injection, he highlights the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite as an excellent 2025 entry-level choice. It offers solid performance for OffSec Proving Grounds and TryHackMe labs, plus NFC for MIFARE Classic cloning and an IR blaster for device control.
The First Device With Injection Support in Over a Decade
For pentesters who specifically rely on wireless injection capabilities, Kalman recommends the Samsung Galaxy S10. It is the first mainstream smartphone in more than ten years to natively support injection under Kali NetHunter — a milestone for mobile Wi-Fi attack tooling.
He notes that the S10 revives attack chains that were previously impossible without external dongles or travel routers.
NetHunter Is Coming to Android Auto
One of the most striking announcements from the interview is the upcoming integration with Android Auto. This feature would allow NetHunter tools to run directly through a vehicle's infotainment system, effectively transforming any compatible car into a mobile pentesting workstation.
Kalman describes this as a natural evolution of the project — extending mobile security testing into environments where connectivity, movement, and discreet operation matter.
AR Glasses and Automated OSINT Are on the Roadmap
The team is also experimenting with NetHunter-enabled AR glasses. The concept envisions a hands-free interface capable of running reconnaissance tools, HUD-based scanning, and environment-aware data capture.
A controversial prototype feature under review is real-time facial recognition through the device’s camera, paired with automatic OSINT lookups across social media platforms. Kalman acknowledges the ethical concerns but believes controlled research may be beneficial for defensive security teams.
Conclusion
Kali NetHunter continues to push the boundaries of mobile cybersecurity tooling. With new recommended devices, revived support for wireless injection, planned Android Auto integration, and experimental AR-driven OSINT features, the project is entering one of its most innovative phases yet. As mobile platforms become increasingly powerful, NetHunter is positioning itself as the future of portable offensive and defensive security testing.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab