Rugged tablets are a highly valuable asset in nearly any work environment. As the name suggests, they are robust devices capable of withstanding rough use on a consistent basis. But with numerous options on the market, finding the right device can be hard. To help you narrow down your choice, we’ve compiled a list of the best rugged tablets of 2021.
What Are the Best Rugged Tablets of This Year?
Let’s see what rugged tablets stand out from the rest this year.
- Sonim RS80
- Zebra L10 XSLATE
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3
- Zebra ET51 Enterprise
- Panasonic Toughbook L1
- Getac T800
1. Sonim RS80
Operating System
The Sonim RS80 runs on the ultra-fast Android 10 operating system. The platform is a phenomenal upgrade over its predecessors, allowing you to load your apps in double-quick time. This way, your team members can start their daily operations without a hitch. Another major benefit is the familiar and user-friendly interface which makes navigating your tablet a breeze.
Processor
The RS80 delivers an advanced solution regarding the chipset. It’s a 2.2GHz Octa-core item that lets you perform several demanding tasks simultaneously. For instance, you can run Office and Trello side by side without experiencing lags or slowdowns or running out of battery quickly. Moreover, you get minimal load times, expediting your work even further.
Display and Physical Characteristics
The eight-inch FHD screen comes with outstanding resolution (1920×1200) to provide a clear view of your data. In addition, the RS80 comes with anti-fingerprint coating, wet- and glove-touch modes, as well as sunlight readability. There’s also Gorilla Glass to ensure premium scratch resistance and strength retention.
The RS80 falls into the category of ultra-rugged tablets as the model was manufactured to endure falls onto concrete and extreme temperatures. You can even clean the machine with water and chemicals without compromising the internal components. What is more, the RS80 is vehicle and forklift-mountable, making it perfect for transportation and warehouse workers. The RS80 carries both MIL-810G and IP67 certified. Despite the tough exterior, the Sonim RS80 is remarkably slim and lightweight, coming in at just under 1.5 lbs.
Battery
The RS80 features a first-class battery. It’s a high-capacity (8000 mAh) Li-ion removable item with multi-shift, single-charge power that can give you about 14 hours of use. Furthermore, the removability ensures your RS80 isn’t bound to the battery’s lifespan.
RAM and ROM
The RS80 is equipped with a large amount of RAM. The 4 GB allows the gadget to cope with any app you can think of without recurring bugs or speed reductions. On top of that, this much RAM takes some of the burden from your battery, prolonging its lifespan.
You get tremendous ROM capabilities, too. The RS80 comes with 64 GB, which is plenty of space for all your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Should you face any deficiencies, you can upgrade your flash memory with up to 256 extra GB.
2. Zebra L10 XSLATE
Operating System
The Zebra L10 uses the same operating system as the Sonim RS80. The device is powered by Android 10, providing much-needed safety and speed enhancements as well as all the other features listed above.
Processor
Like the Sonim RS80, the Zebra L10 opted for an excellent chipset. There’s the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 with eight cores to provide optimal speed and seamless performance. The item also operates at 2.2GHz, delivering the same rate as Sonim’s tablet.
Display and Build Characteristics
The L10 offers a 10.1-inch display. While the screen is pretty large and makes for some great viewing angles, it might be a bit too bulky for some people and you may not be as comfortable using the L10 with one hand.
Still, Zebra’s display does a great job in terms of build quality. There’s Corning Gorilla Glass that protects the item from heavy impact. The L10 is IP65 rated for resistance to water and like the RS80, it’s also MIL-810G certified.
Battery
The Zebra L10 went for a standard battery model. With 36 WHr, the device can last about nine hours, which is a decent performance.
RAM and ROM
With regard to memory capabilities, the L10 matches the RS80. There are 4 GB of RAM, lowering the chances of facing annoying bugs and sluggish apps. The same goes for flash memory. Zebra’s gadget comes with 64 GB of ROM and available extensions through a Micro-SDXC card.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3
Operating System
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 features the same OS as the previous two entries. Android 10. You get the same core features and familiar platform which results in better user experience.
Processor
Samsung equipped their Galaxy Tab Active 3 with a terrific chipset. The rugged tablet is powered by an Octa-core model to speed up the device’s functions. Four cores are Mongoose M3 (2.7GHz), and the other four feature Cortex-A55 (1.7GHz) which gives allows for super fast operations.
Display and Physical Characteristics
As regards the display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 features an eight-inch, plane-to-lane switching (PLS) solution. The resolution stands at 1920×1200 pixels, providing a large overview of your information.
In terms of durability, the Galaxy Tab Active 3 has some strong points with regard to build quality. It’s got MIL-STD-810 certification and is rated IP68 for protection against various elements.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 outperforms many competitors with its battery. The model comes with 5050 mAh, enough to serve you well on most of your workdays.
RAM and ROM
As regards memory capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 makes the grade in both aspects. There are 4 GB of RAM to ensure a fast-paced environment and 64 GB of flash memory to store a large number of essential documents.
4. Zebra ET51 Enterprise
Operating System
The Zebra ET51 Enterprise is another rugged tablet with a powerful operating system. The mobile computer features Android 10, providing lots of speed and safety enhancements to the user. You can even upgrade the platform to Android 11 and lay an even better foundation for the rest of the device.
Processor
When it comes to the processor, the ET 51 Enterprise features the same model as the Sonim RS80. It’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon with eight cores operating at 2.2GHz. The speed is excellent, and there’s a lower chance of encountering bugs.
Display and Build Characteristics
Zebra’s ET51 comes with an 8.4-inch display with some decent properties. The outdoor readability is solid, and the item is protected with Gorilla Glass to safeguard against shattering and scratching.
There’s also the MIL-STD-810G rating that guarantees the model’s ability to withstand drops onto various surfaces. The ET51 is IP65 rated for limited endurance against water and dust.
Battery
The Zebra ET51 Enterprise features one of the best batteries on the market. The model has 6440 mAh, making it suitable for extended workdays.
RAM and ROM
In terms of RAM, the ET51 is equipped with 4 GB of RAM to ensure an outstanding multitasking experience.
There’s a decent amount of flash memory, too. The ET51 Enterprise has 32GB of ROM and can fit many documents you can access on the go. Moreover, the storage can be extended with a Micro-SDXC card of up to 256 additional GB.
5. Panasonic Toughbook L1
Operating System
The Panasonic Toughbook L1 is powered by Android 8.1 Oreo. While it’s not quite as powerful as the previous entries on this list, the operating system has a lot to offer. The safety settings are much better than with previous versions, and it doesn’t operate much slower than newer platforms.
Processor
The Toughbook L1 uses the same chipset brand as most premium rugged tablets. It’s a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8909, which is an excellent choice for entry-level devices. Even though it operates at a lower rate than the previous entries (1.1GHz), the model is still good enough for most work-related settings.
Display and Build Characteristics
In terms of the screen, the Panasonic Toughbook L1 opted for a slightly smaller display. This one is a seven-inch HD model with a 1280×720 resolution. Outdoor readability is decent, and the machine has enabled glove and rain touch modes.
The durability is also solid. The model can endure drops from around five feet, outshining many competitors. Furthermore, the rugged tablet is designed to resist water and dust, carrying both MIL-STD-810G and IP67 certification.
Battery
Panasonic’s product features a standard battery. The item comes with 3200 mAh and 3.8 V, making it suitable for small-to-mid-scale operations.
RAM and ROM
To continue in the same fashion, Panasonic’s RAM and ROM are meant for smaller and medium-sized operations. There are 2 GB of RAM, offering decent speed and the ability to use a certain number of apps simultaneously without slowdowns. There are 16 GB of flash memory, and you can expand it to 64 GB with a Micro- SDXC card.
6. Getac T800
Operating System
The Getac T800 is the only mobile computer on this list that doesn’t run on Android. This rugged tablet is instead powered by Windows 10 Professional. This operating system provides several enhancements to work environments:
- Accessing corporate domains
- Group policies participation
- Workplace Join involvement
- Encryption
While the Windows OS certainly offers a lot in terms of workplace and management solutions, the interface is not as optimized for mobile us as Android and may be better suited for an office setting.
Processor
Concerning the chipset, the Getac T800 went with a solid model. The Intel chipset comes with four cores operating at 2.16GHZ.
Display and Build Characteristics
The T800 features an 8.1 inch screen built with LumiBond technology. Resolution stands at (1280×800), providing a clearer depiction of documents, images, and videos.
Getac did a good job shielding the T800 tablet from damage due to impact. There are reinforcements around the edges to neutralize shock caused by drops. The model also possesses the MIL-STD-810G as well as IP65 certification and is temperature and humidity-resistant.
Battery
When it comes to the battery, the Getac T800 gives you a 4200-mAh Li-ion item which will give you average use time.
RAM and ROM
In regards to the Getac T800’s memory capabilities, the machine does an great job in both aspects. There are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory, matching the best items on our list.
Final Verdict
All six devices we’ve covered have a lot to offer to the corporate world. But one model stands as the one of the best rugged tablets on the market – the Sonim RS80.With an incredible combination of rugged characteristics and impressive specifications it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to purchase an ultra durable, high powered tablet.
Considering the cutting-edge chipset, optimized operating system, and lots of RAM, the chances of facing a sluggish performance are slim to none. Additionally, each section of the device is well protected against shocks, scratches, water, and chemicals. Finally, the superb battery outlasts all others on this list.
To find out more about the Sonim RS80 or to get a quote for bulk orders, reach out to Energy Electronics. We are the certified reseller of all Sonim’s products.