By Robin Owens 20 days ago, Graphic Tablets
The best rugged tablets for extra protection.
If you need more protection, here come rugged tablets. They are usually used not to damage your tablet and save it from long drops, dust, moisture or extreme changes in temperature.
The word “rugged” used together with “a tablet” might sound unusual but it means that a device can be used in an extreme or unfavorable environment, both at home and outside. Such devices are far more durable and reliable than others.
Buying one of these rugged tablets, you might save some money as you won’t need to replace your device with a new one too soon.
Weight: 1280 g | Screen size: 11.6-inch | Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels | CPU: Intel Core i5-7300U |Storage: 256 GB | Rear camera: 8 MP | Front camera: 5 MP
⊕ Works after a 4-foot drop
⊕Decent battery life
⊕Great brightness
⊕A keyboard is easy to use
⊖Strange screen texture ⊖Limited Windows gestures support
The Dell Latitude 7212 comes with an 11.6-inch screen. I have tested the version that is being sold at $2,774 but the basic version costs $1,909. This rugged tablet is far more reliable than an iPad, it has a virtually unbreakable screen and powerful build. Even without a special case, it is water-resistant and can handle high temperatures.
If you drop it from a 4-foot height, there will be hardly a scratch on it.
Besides the tablet, you can also purchase a keyboard cover. Just like with other ‘tuff tablets’, you can collect any data while working in the field to quickly report malfunctioning of any system or any possible issue that might arise. Then, you can attach a keyboard and write a detailed report just like on any laptop or business tablet.
Weight: 898 g | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution:1280x800 pixels | CPU: intel_atom | Storage: 64 GB | Rear camera: 5 MP | Front camera: 3 MP
⊕ Cheap
⊕Small, doesn’t weigh too much
⊕Has a strap and handle
⊕Can be charged via a USB cable
⊖Poor performance
⊖Unimpressive display
As the Flex 10's housing is made of polycarbonate plastic, the device has a nice design and solid build. To sustain sudden impacts, all the internal components are firmly bolted in place.
The connectors are fully sealed. Silicone tabs allow protecting the tablet from sand and moisture.
Thanks to the special bumpers, this best rugged tablet can withstand drops. However, as they extend 0.2 inches above the tablet’s screen, it might cause some difficulties.
To confirm that the device is as durable as its manufacturers claim, I have dropped it over 20 times from 4 feet. The screen is indeed well-protected while the covered inputs ensure that you won’t have any connectivity issues.
This tablet can be quite handy for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS workers, and other professionals, who work outdoors.
Weight: 810 g | Screen size: 8-inch | Resolution: 1920x720 pixels | CPU: MSM8953 | Storage: 64 GB | Rear camera: 13 MP | Front camera: 5 MP
⊕ Waterproof
⊕Amazing specs
⊕Barcode scan
⊕Top-notch battery
⊖Low sound quality
⊖Comes without a back strap
Those, who need to scan barcodes while performing different tasks know that a good scanning device might significantly boost your productivity. It’s especially important for warehouse and production line workers.
Being protected from dust, this waterproof tablet supports the IP67 standard which is its most important advantage.
If you work in the industrial sphere, you won’t need to worry that the tablet gets damaged because of high temperatures, humidity, drops, or impact shocks.
Weight: 648 g | Screen size: 8-inch | Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | CPU: intel_atom | Storage: 32 GB | Rear camera: 5 MP | Front camera: 3 MP
⊕ Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi LTE
⊕Slim, doesn’t take much space
⊕Impressive battery capacity
⊕Comes with a GPS module
⊖A keyboard looks outdated
⊖Expensive
Thanks to the magnesium frame, the tablet has a durable build and is perfectly capable of withstanding impact pressure. Despite its ruggedized design, it doesn’t seem to be too large.
Thanks to a rubber element encasing the frame, the tablet can sustain drops from different heights and is pretty durable. It has a fully hermetic IP67 housing that is quite reliable during the wet weather.
Whether you need to collect information about infrastructure objects, inspect remote facilities, examine construction sites, track vehicles, perform industrial measurements, or logistics-related tasks, you won’t find a better option among ruggedized Android tablets than this one.
It can withstand drops, shock-impacts, unfavorable weather conditions, high humidity, sand, dirt, and mud.
Weight: 1,012 g | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 1920x1200 pixels | CPU: Intel Core i5-4310U | Storage: 256 GB | Rear camera: 8 MP | Front camera: 5 MP
⊕ Amazingly durable
⊕Fast performance
⊕Perfect stylus
⊕Solid build
⊖High price
⊖Unimpressive design, weighs too much
Seasoned travelers, vloggers and photographers know all too well how difficult it is to keep a device from being damaged. It might soak during rain or stop working because of sand.
To deal with these issues, Panasonic has designed the Toughpad FZ-G1. This rugged tablet runs on Windows and embodies the same great qualities that users admired in the Toughbook.
The Toughpad FZ-G1 comes with a 10.1-inch display while the JT-B1 is around three inches smaller. The FZ-G1 boasts a 1920x1200 resolution and its peak brightness reaches 800 nits.
Thanks to the anti-reflective coating, you can use the tablet outside even on a sunny day. The tablet features the Core i5-3437U from Intel, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD that add to the seamless performance. The tablet runs on Windows 8 Pro.
Weight: 1310 g | Screen size: 8-inch | Resolution: 1280*720 pixels | CPU: Octa-core MT6753 | Storage: 32 GB | Rear camera: 8 MP | Front camera: 2 MP
⊕ Waterproof and dustproof
⊕Screen protected from scratches
⊕Affordable
⊖Weighs a lot
⊖A poor quality front camera
Whether you provide on-site support or work in sales, you can take your productivity to the next level by using this rugged Android tablet that supports the IP67 standard and works on Android 7.0.
It is widely used by engineers and other professionals who need a reliable waterproof tablet with a great choice of features. The device is dust-proof as well.
It is equipped with near-field communication technology and comes with a 2D Barcode Reader. There are also an FM module and a sensor. Thanks to OTG, you can quickly connect external mouse and keyboard.
To sum up, this is a durable tablet with advanced protective features that can be safely used for outside work.
Weight: 1297 g | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels | CPU: Qualcomm 2 | Storage: 64 GB | Rear camera: 13 MP | Front camera: 8 MP
⊕Great battery capacity
⊕The most recent version of Android
⊕Designed for outdoor use
⊖No screen protector
⊖The battery can’t be removed
Thanks to a removable back panel, this waterproof Android tablet is more convenient to use, while the outside protection contributes to the durability of the device.
It helps avoid impact damage as well. As the tablet has a plastic coating, it is easy to hold. Whether you work in a warehouse or on a construction site, you will find this device suitable for any task.
This tablet features the Wet Touch option that allows using the touchscreen during rain. If you turn on the Glove Mode, the device will be responsive even under freezing temperatures.
The tablet is fully waterproof. There is the fingerprint scanner that provides biometric protection. Thanks to the facial recognition feature, you can get access to the tablet if you wear gloves.
Weight: 1619 g | Screen size: 11.6-inch | Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels | CPU: Intel Core M-5Y71 | Storage: 512 GB | Rear camera: 5 MP | Front camera: 2 MP
⊕Rugged case
⊕Many connectivity options
⊕Guaranteed security
⊕The longest battery life in class
⊖Cumbersome and heavy
⊖Poor display resolution
The Dell Latitude 12 Rugged is one of the most durable tablets. Its durability has been successfully tested in extreme conditions and the device got the MIL-SPEC certificate, which makes it one of the best military-grade tablets.
The battery has the longest life in its class. The multimedia capabilities are impressive. The weight of the tablet is 2.82lbs, which makes it easy to carry with you.
Optionally you may use a shoulder strap, chest harness, soft handle, and crash-certified vehicle docking. A fast and solid connection even in the most remote locations is guaranteed by the optimized mobile connectivity and GPS.
Weight: 1113 g | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 1280x800 pixels | CPU: Intel Atom Quad-Core Z8350 | Storage: 64 GB | Rear camera: 5 MP | Front camera: 3 MP
⊕Super lightweight
⊕Stylus
⊕Long-life battery
⊖High price
This xTablet is a lightweight yet powerful model. It is a durable tablet, with a 10.1-inch display, designed to improve the performance of the mobile workforce.
With the weight of only 2.5lbs, the MobileDemand will perfectly fit for service, delivery, or any other field workers. This rugged tablet has a 10.1 multi-touch screen, which shows great performance.
As the tablet is thin, it is easy to carry it with you and use it whenever you go. Besides, there is a briefcase-carrying handle and back hand strap for your comfort.
Additional protection is guaranteed by a scratch-resistant screen protector, durable protective case, and special corner bumpers.
Weight: 589 g | Screen size: 7-inch | Resolution: 1280*800 pixels | CPU: MT6735VC Quad-core | Storage: 16 GB | Rear camera: 13 MP | Front camera: 2 MP
⊕Quality rear camera
⊕Affordable
⊕Water resistant, dustproof and shockproof
⊖Poor battery
WinBridge S933L is a great rugged Android tablet that shows excellent performance in the toughest conditions. This waterproof tablet (IP68) is also dust resistant.
The screen is securely protected by the scratch-proof screen protector. This model is shockproof that is very important while using in extreme conditions.
The S933L has an earphone/microphone connector, a micro-USB to charge the battery, a slot for a SIM card, and a TF slot to extend the storage.
The li-ion battery can work for 4.5 hours with an active display and for 170 hours in a standby mode.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Dell Latitude 7212
OUR CHOICE |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
MobileDemand Flex 10A
Field work |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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VanquisherTouch
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → |
Choosing a tablet with stylus or a single unit may seem quite an easy task, but as soon as you begin, you realize that it is not that easy. At first sight, it may seem that all the tablets are the same: a display, some functions, battery, Wi-Fi, etc. And you start searching for information, reading reviews and trying to make the right option.
Eventually, you meet the term “rugged”. What does it mean? If the description says, the tablet is rugged and durable, that means that the device has achieved a specific ingress protection (IP) rating. It is protected from harmful dust impact and also waterproof.
Usually, ruggedized tablet computers have a rating of IP65 – IP67, the first digit shows that the device is protected from dust, and the second one indicates the level of water protection. It may vary from “water spray from all directions” to “strong water jets and waves.”
First pay attention to an operating system, as you need the tablet to be easily compatible with other devices and systems you are already using. It is also advisable to get a tablet with the longest battery life and fast processing capabilities.
If you are planning to use your tablet in severe conditions, make sure it is durable enough. So, such characteristics as the protection against environmental factors and overall ruggedness are very important too.
First of all, you have to decide on your budget. We recommend you to buy what you can afford. Buying a device with a range of features you don’t actually need just as an attempt to impress your friends is not a good idea.
Getting a good tablet that fits you doesn’t mean spending a fortune. Choose the features that are really important for you in a tablet - do you need the best tablet for Netflix or you want a special device for drawing?
What are the conditions that you live and work in? This is the very first question we recommend you to answer choosing a tablet. Considering your conditions, determine the important features of the tablet you are going to use. Is GPS tablet a suitable option or you need a simpler device?
For instance, you are planning to use a tablet outdoors, in fields, or on a construction site. Then you need a really durable tablet that should be waterproof. Make sure that you select the best rugged tablet, which is protected from dust and accidental falling.
Determine the connectivity options that are essential for your workflow. Look for tablets with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular capabilities (optional) to ensure connectivity in various situations. Moreover, check for expansion options like USB ports, SD card slots, or HDMI ports to connect peripheral devices or expand storage.
Assess the tablet's data capture capabilities, such as built-in cameras, barcode scanners, NFC, or RFID capabilities. These features can be valuable if you require on-site data collection or integration with specific systems.
Comparing consumer devices against ruggedized tablet computers is not as simple as it may seem. You have to consider the total cost of ownership. Though the costs for rugged tablets seem higher, in fact, every time a consumer device is damaged you have to replace it. You need to pay for it every time, even if the warranty is still active, it won’t cover a purchase of a new device, while the best rugged tablet is almost unbreakable.
Though most consumers are trying to buy the latest and the most feature-rich devices, very few realize the importance of buying extended or at least minimum warrantees. The device is not going to work perfectly forever, one day problems and malfunctions start to appear. And at that moment you will be happy to contact the manufacturer to use your warranty and solve all the cases without serious stress.
Rugged tablets are considered almost indestructible tablets. So, if you need a really durable tablet, protected from extreme temperatures, water, dust, shock, and other severe conditions, then you need a rugged device choice. Such a tablet will give you great mobility – traveling from one place to another, or using it on a construction site – these cases won’t be a problem anymore. These tablets are comfortable to hold and use, they have 3G and 4G components, so you will be always online, no matter where you are. When the competition is high, make sure you stay ahead, taking advantage of the best rugged tablet. Industrial workers, retail and hospitality companies, and many more are already successfully using the most durable tablets to improve productivity.
The world is changing, so are the technologies. Traditional points of sale (POS) are not enough anymore, more mobility is needed. The next level of technology is a tablet POS, improved and giving more benefits. To get maximum from the tablet POS, we recommend you to choose rugged tablets designed for extreme conditions of commercial environments. The best rugged tablet is securely protected from dust, extreme temperatures, liquids, accidental drops, etc. Tablet POS is always online, the job is done better, improving the customer experience. Don’t hesitate to choose rugged tablets if you are thinking of using mobile POS.
