Full File System vs. Advanced Logical Cell Phone Collection: What’s the Difference and Which is Right For You?

Mobile cell phone collections are no longer a nice-to-have —they are often central to discovery and case resolution. Whether you're working on a construction litigation matter, employment dispute, internal investigation, white-collar defense case, or something else, Capsicum Group’s ability to perform both Full File System and Advanced Logical collections means your team has access to the right data at the right depth.

Looking for application activity, text messages, photos, videos, location information, timeline confirmation, or other data, mobile phones are key sources of evidence. When it comes to collecting this evidence, two methods are commonly used: Full File System Extraction (FFS or Full File System Collection) and Advanced Logical Extraction (Advanced Logical Collection). At Capsicum Group, we specialize in both techniques, offering clients a tailored approach to mobile device forensics that suits the specific needs of your litigation, legal context, and scope of discovery. Below is a guide to each type of collection:

Advanced Logical Collections: Targeted, Efficient, and Often Non-Invasive

Advanced Logical Collections focus on extracting readily accessible data from a device’s operating system—such as contacts, call logs, text messages, calendar entries, photos, and selected app content. All of which is also retrieved by the Full File System Extraction. While this method does not provide access to the Full File System Extraction or retrieve deleted data, it offers a faster, streamlined approach that minimizes disruption to the device. This type of collection is ideal for cases where only specific, user-generated data is relevant and full forensic depth isn’t necessary.

Advanced Logical Collections are often quicker to conduct, making them ideal when time is of the essence. For example, if the case only requires specific data such as text messages or call logs, this method will quickly retrieve that data without delving into the entire device’s contents. If you are dealing with a case where only certain types of data are relevant, such as communication records or calendar events, Advanced Logical Extraction can quickly pinpoint this information. This method is often used when the data being sought is clearly defined and resides in user-accessible areas.

Full File System (FFS) Collections: Deep-Dive Forensics

When evaluating mobile forensic services for legal matters, it is important to understand the advantages of conducting a Full File System Collection rather than relying solely on an Advanced Logical Extraction. A Full File System Extraction allows forensic experts to access the entire structure of a mobile device, including areas that are not typically visible or accessible through standard user interfaces. This level of access provides a broader and deeper range of data, including emails, detailed location history, system and application files, user-created documents, logs, caches, encrypted content, and even deleted files and remnants that may still reside on the device. Crucially, it also allows recovery of keychain data (which can assist in decrypting secured information) and access to data stored by third-party apps—material often excluded from logical extractions.

Use Cases in Litigation:

• Complex litigation involving timeline reconstruction;
• Cases where spoilation is a concern, intent or deletion is in question;
• Disputes with metadata from apps like WhatsApp, Slack, or encrypted messaging platforms;
• Cases involving deleted, hidden or encrypted data;
• Motor vehicle incidents when the driver’s phone activity during the incident is needed; and
• Cases which require the geolocation of a mobile device.

Use Cases in Discovery:

• Civil disputes or family law cases where specific data types are needed;
• Cases with cooperative parties or known evidence scope; and
• Early case assessment to determine broader forensic needs.

Which Method Is Right for Your Case?

Choosing between a Full File System and Advanced Logical Collection depends on legal objectives, time constraints, type of data needed and the urgency of the matter. At Capsicum Group, we work closely with our clients to determine the most effective approach that best meets their needs.

Recently, Capsicum conducted a Full File System acquisition of a mobile device in connection with a motor vehicle incident. The mobile phone played a critical role in establishing the driver’s actions in the moments leading up to and at the time of the collision with a pedestrian.

Capsicum was engaged by the driver’s attorney, who inquired whether data from the device could help reconstruct the driver’s behavior at the time of the incident. To ensure that all potentially relevant information was preserved and analyzed, a Full File System image of the phone was acquired.

The forensic image enabled us to examine a wide range of data, including precise timestamps of application activity and instances of keyboard usage. This data helped corroborate other evidence by confirming the timeline of events leading up to the collision—such as when specific apps were accessed, whether the device was actively in use, and what types of interactions occurred (e.g., messaging, typing, or navigation). These digital artifacts supported or contradicted witness accounts and physical evidence, giving the attorney a clearer picture of the driver’s behavior. Ultimately, this information contributed to the attorney’s ability to develop a defense strategy for the client.

We also ensure that collections are defensible in court—chain of custody, preservation protocols, and expert analysis are part of every engagement we handle. Our team is trained to navigate the nuances of both iOS and Android systems, keeping pace with constantly evolving mobile security updates.

Need help navigating mobile data in your next case?

Reach out to our team at Capsicum Group to learn how our mobile forensics services can support your discovery and litigation strategy.