Powering hundreds of millions of cell phones, Android is the most popular operating system in the mobile device sector. Apart from conventional handheld devices, many rugged tablets also rely on this platform for its compatibility and ease of use. Here, we’ve come up with a list of the best rugged Android tablets of this year.
Getting a rugged Android tablet is essential for many reasons. Primarily, the system adds to the device’s versatility, which is paramount due to various environments where you can find it. Combined with the CPU and RAM, it also expedites a bunch of operations on the mobile computer and helps your employees remain productive.
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What Are the Best Rugged Android Tablets of 2022?
Let’s dive into our picks of the best rugged Android tablets this year.
1. Sonim RS80
Operating System
The Sonim RS80 uses the super-fast Android 10. The platform comes with tremendous upgrades over the previous versions. Most notably, the speed is much higher, and you can now boot up your device a lot faster.
Additionally, you get greater safety with Android 10. By determining how much of your data will be shared and when the sharing will occur, your information is less likely to be compromised. Moreover, the platform lets you turn off ad retargeting and personalization to eliminate distractions in the field.
Processor
The RS80 comes with a premium chipset. There’s the Qualcomm MSM8953 Pro with eight cores to facilitate your multitasking. The model operates at 2.2GHz, making for a seamless experience for all your applications. For example, you can fire up multiple tabs in your browser and several demanding programs without performance downgrades.
Display and Physical Characteristics
Since the RS80 is a tablet, the display is a lot larger than regular handheld mobile computers. However, the manufacturer didn’t go overboard – they equipped the tablet with an eight-inch FHD screen, which can comfortably fit in one hand.
With 1920×1200 pixels, the resolution is also exceptional. It gives you a crystal-clear overview of all your data, no matter the lighting conditions. What’s more, you get glove- and wet-touch modes, as well as an anti-fingerprint coating to preserve the stunning look of your screen. Plus, Gorilla Glass shields your device from scratches and provides top-of-the-line strength retention.
In terms of overall durability, it doesn’t get any better than the RS80. The model was designed to withstand drops onto plywood, concrete, and various other surfaces without suffering the slightest dent. The device can also endure extreme temperature shocks and isn’t susceptible to chemical intrusion. In fact, you can submerge the RS80 into isopropyl alcohol, gasoline, and many other harsh substances without impairing its components.
Battery
The battery is one of the biggest selling points of the RS80. With 8000 mAh, this Li-ion piece has enough capacity to serve your employees during the longest shifts. In addition, you get multi-shift, single-charge power, and simple removability. As a result, you can easily replace your battery once its lifespan comes to an end.
RAM and ROM
When it comes to memory capabilities, the RS80 boasts a formidable combination. First, you get 4 GB of RAM to further facilitate multitasking and help your workers be more productive. The large amount of RAM alleviates the strain on your battery, too, to extend service time.
Second, Sonim imbued the RS80 with sizeable storage. There is 64 GB of flash memory, allowing you to store all your files and access them on the fly. Furthermore, the rugged tablet supports memory extensions of up to 256 additional GB.
Connectivity
The RS80 is both Wi-Fi and 4G LTE enabled making it extremely versatile in terms of mobility. In addition, the tablet is also FirstNet-ready, making it a suitable option for fire and emergency service organizations.
2. Zebra L10 XSLATE
Operating System
The Zebra L10 is powered by the same OS as the RS80. With Android 10, you get a fast platform to speed up your projects and boot up your device sooner. There are also significant safety improvements you can access from a single location.
Processor
Following in the footsteps of the RS80, the Zebra L10 relies on a great chipset. The mobile computer uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 with a 2.2-GHz rate. There are also eight cores to speed things up and lower the chances of slowdowns.
Display and Build Characteristics
The L10 comes with a large 10.1-inch screen. Even though this might suit some users, many people may find it hard to use the device in one hand.
Still, the screen has some significant advantages. The resolution is 1920×1200, making for a clear content depiction. Plus, there’s a handy user-replaceable anti-glare coating.
In terms of sturdiness, the L10 does a decent job. The rugged table features the much-needed Gorilla Glass to shield the device from powerful impacts. Furthermore, the Zebra L10 is waterproof, adding another layer of protection.
Battery
The Zebra L10 is equipped with a standard, 36-WHr battery. The model can serve you for about nine hours, so it’s not as long-lasting as the RS80 but is still quite solid.
RAM and ROM
When it comes to memory, the Zebra L10 meets the industry standards. With 4 GB of RAM, users are less likely to encounter prolonged power-ups and applications. The mobile computer also features 64 GB of flash memory and available storage extensions through a Micro-SDXC card.
Connectivity
The Zebra L10 supports both Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connections. Like the Sonim RS80, it’s also FirstNet ready, which provides first responders with a reliable connection when commercial networks are overloaded.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3
Operating System
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 has kept up with modern operating system requirements. The rugged tablet uses Android 10 to lay the foundation for a fast-paced environment. As previously mentioned, this platform takes speed and safety settings to the next level.
Processor
Samsung installed a remarkable chipset in the Galaxy Tab Active 3. The tablet runs on eight cores, four of which are Mongoose M3, and the remaining four feature Cortex-A55. The model is very powerful and boosts the tablet’s performance.
Display and Physical Characteristics
With regard to the display, the Galaxy Tab Active 3 comes with an eight-inch, 1920×1200 screen. The mobile computer boasts the convenient plane-to-lane switching (PLS) technology that provides extra brightness. However, the lack of Gorilla Glass makes the device somewhat vulnerable to impact and scratching.
Still, Samsung’s product has a lot of strong points in terms of build quality. Most notably, MIL-STD-810 ratings guarantee the model’s resistance to shock, vibration, cold, heat, humidity, and many other injurious elements.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 opted for a solid battery. The high-capacity item features 5050 mAh, outperforming much of the competition. Again, not as powerful as Sonim’s battery, but still a significant improvement over other models.
RAM and ROM
Regarding memory capacity, the Galaxy Tab Active 3 delivers the same solution as the previous entries. The 4 GB of RAM add tons of speed to the tablet’s operations, whereas 64 GB of RAM makes for sizeable storage.
Connectivity
Samsung offers both Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled options for their Galaxy Tab Active 3.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro
Operating System
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro relies on Android 9 as its operating system. While not as up-to-date as Android 10, the platform is still a high-quality solution that allows the tablet to keep up with the demands of the modern workplace. There’s increased integration, optimized device usage, as well as adaptive battery and brightness. As a consequence, corporate users have a lot to gain from this product.
Processor
The Galaxy Tab Active Pro uses a similar chipset as the Galaxy Tab Active 3. It’s another Octa-core model with two rates. Namely, six cores are Kryo 360 Silver and operate at 1.7GHz, whereas the other two are 2.0GHz Kryo 360 Gold. While it’s not quite as potent as the Sonim RS80 or Zebra L10, it still packs a punch.
Display and Build Characteristics
With another 10.1-inch model, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro opted for a larger-than-usual display. Again, this may not suit many corporate users who prefer a more compact solution, but the screen has a lot of solid points. The resolution is terrific (1920×1200), and there’s the TFT technology to improve certain image qualities. Plus, the depth is optimal, featuring 16 million colors.
Battery
The device comes with a high-capacity, 7600-mAh battery, which is outmatched only by the Sonim RS80. As a result, you get extended screen time for all major functions, such as LTE internet and Wi-Fi, video playback, and talk time.
RAM and ROM
There’s nothing to take away from Galaxy Tab Active Pro’s memory capabilities, either. With 4 GB of RAM, speed is improved even further, minimizing the risk of slowdowns. There are also 64 GB of ROM, along with available extensions of up to 512 GB, making for tremendous storage capacity.
Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active Pro comes in both Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled models.
5. Zebra ET51 Enterprise
Operating System
The Zebra ET51 is another rugged tablet with Android 10. Apart from speed and safety enhancements, the platform can even be upgraded to Android 11.
Processor
The ET51 Enterprise features a similar CPU as the Sonim RS80. It’s an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon with a 2.2-GHz rate.
Display and Build Characteristics
The second Zebra product on this list has an 8.4-inch screen with excellent properties. There’s the all-important Gorilla Glass to shield the device from shatters and scratches. Sunlight readability is outstanding, too.
To further increase the item’s durability, the Zebra ET 51 Enterprise complies with MIL-STD-810G. This way, the model can endure vibration, humidity, heat, cold, and many other harsh conditions.
Battery
The ET51 Enterprise comes with a high-quality battery. With 6440 mAh, the rugged tablet is suitable for heavy-duty usage.
RAM and ROM
Zebra’s offering did a decent job regarding memory. There are 4 GB of RAM to speed things up and 32 GB of flash memory to store a large number of documents.
Connectivity
The ET51 offers Wi-Fi connections, but not cellular connections, so it’s most suitable for environments with stable Wi-Fi connections.
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2
Operating System
Even though it’s older than the previous entries on our list, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 can still get the job done. The mobile computer uses Android 7.1 (Nougat). While the speed may not be as great as higher versions, there are many handy features. Some of the most valuable functions include:
- Split-screen multitasking
- Picture-in-picture
- Revamped notifications
- Quick settings
Processor
Concerning the processor, the Galaxy Tab Active 2 is powered by the Samsung Exynos 7870 chipset. The model operates at 1.6 GHz and performs well in most day-to-day operations. There are eight cores, too, which is quite impressive for an older rugged tablet. Consequently, it can cope with advanced functions and multitasking
Display and Build Characteristics
As for the screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is equipped with an eight-inch WXGA thin-film-transistor (TFT) display. This technology improves various aspects, such as contrast and addressability. The resolution could be better (1280×800), but the image and video quality are solid.
As with previous Samsung models, there’s no Gorilla Glass to provide extra screen protection. However, the manufacturer did a great job shielding the rest of the device. The components are dust and water-resistant, and the tablet also comes with a protective cover. Moreover, MIL-STD-810G guarantees stellar durability.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 features a slightly smaller battery than the Galaxy Tab Active 3. There are 4450 mAh, which is excellent for small-to-mid scale operations. Another great thing is that you can replace it, meaning the device isn’t restricted to just one battery.
RAM and ROM
Considering that this is a budget solution, the Galaxy Tab Active 2 provides excellent memory capacity. There are 3 GB of RAM, providing high speeds and an ability to cope with demanding apps. While there are just 16 GB of flash memory, you can easily expand the storage with up to 256 additional GB with a MicroSD card.
Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active 2 can stay connected from any location, with both Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity.
Final Verdict for Best Rugged Android Tablets
While all six devices are rightfully on our list of the best-rugged Android tablets this year, one device reigns supreme – the Sonim RS80. Each component of the model features cutting-edge technology to boost your everyday operations.
The RS80 is powered by Android 10 to vastly improve speed and allow you to dictate safety settings from a single location. Owing to the state-of-the-art Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and 4 GB of RAM, your team members can work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The chances of a sluggish performance are practically non-existent. To top it all off, you get an ultra-rugged piece that can withstand the harshest conditions.
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