When choosing a rugged tablet, users rely on different requirements. Someone needs minimal performance and a capacious battery that can provide several days of autonomy without recharging. Others rely primarily on the ability of the device to remain operational in the harsh operating conditions encountered on construction sites and on hikes. Whatever your requirements, our list of the best rugged tablets will help you find the perfect device. For your convenience, we have divided the entire review into three categories, each of which includes 2 models.
The best low-cost ruggedized tablets
Looking at the devices presented in stores, it is difficult for users to decide which rugged tablet to buy. A shock-resistant case, protection from moisture and dust are useful features, but manufacturers often require a fortune for their presence. At the same time, budget devices are not of the best quality, so their security can be stated in the specifications, but not confirmed in practice. In order to save you the agony of choice, our editorial team compared all budget models available on the market, selecting among them two of the most interesting inexpensive protected tablets.
1. Land Rover K8
The stylish and well-assembled Land Rover K8 opens up an overview. This tablet is dust and water resistant (IP54 standard) and shock resistant (MIL810G military certification). The bright matrix (1024x600 pixels) of the device is made using IPS technology and is covered with Gorilla Glass 4 with a thickness of 0.4 mm. The shockproof tablet case is made of heat-resistant plastic, which is attached to a sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum frame. There are two SIM card trays inside the device, which can work in 2G and 3G networks.
An important advantage of the device is the SOS button, pressing which automatically sends all the necessary information (location, sound notification, and so on) to selected contacts. As for the hardware platform, the tablet computer uses a 2-core MediaTech processor (1 GHz frequency) and Mali-400 graphics, supplemented by 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. If you are thinking about which is the best tablet with protection to choose in the budget segment, then the Land Rover K8 is an excellent option to buy.
Advantages:
- excellent strength;
- excellent appearance;
- high-quality screen;
- SOS button;
- two slots for SIM;
- battery 8000 mAh;
- cell phone mode;
- good bundled headphones.
Disadvantages:
- slow processor performance;
- small screen resolution;
- no support for LTE frequencies.
2. DEXP Ursus GX180 Armor
The second line is occupied by an 8-inch tablet (1280x800) manufactured by DEXP. The Ursus GX180 Armor successfully combines an affordable price tag with great design and durability. The device is equipped with an Atom Z3735F processor (4 cores at 1330 MHz), an integrated Intel video chip and 1 GB of RAM. Such "stuffing" is sufficient for working with simple applications, but it is not suitable for working with several programs simultaneously. In terms of battery life, the protected Chinese tablet (IP68) is at a very decent level, which is provided by a capacious 8300 mAh battery.
Advantages:
- high-quality screen;
- high class of device protection;
- high indicators of autonomous work;
- stability of work;
- attractive design;
- impact resistance.
Disadvantages:
- heavy (650 g);
- little RAM;
- inconvenient charging port.
The best rugged tablets: price-quality
Any tablet computer buyer wants to make a wise investment. This is especially important when choosing a rugged tablet computer for professional activities or extreme recreation. For this reason, we decided to create a separate category for devices with the most favorable cost-quality ratio. Such devices successfully combine high reliability, beautiful design, good performance and a "tasty" price tag. This makes the devices presented below an excellent choice not only for professionals and extreme sportsmen, but also for ordinary users.
1. Torex PAD 4G
The leader in the list of the best devices in terms of price / quality ratio is a very reliable tablet according to user reviews - Torex PAD 4G. As the name implies, the device supports LTE, and this applies to two SIM card slots available in the device (mini and micro formats). The manufacturer chose Android 4.4 as the OS, and a 4-core chip from MediaTech (1.33 GHz frequency), supplemented by a 2-core Mali-400 video accelerator, is responsible for computing in Torex PAD 4G. The operating and permanent memory in the reviewed model is installed 2 and 16 GB, respectively, and the user can install drives with a capacity of up to 128 GB in the microSD card tray.
The matrix in the device is 7-inch, and its resolution is 1280 by 800 pixels. The device also sounds good, and the 13 MP main camera with flash and autofocus positively stands out from the competition. The body of the tablet is made of durable plastic and protected according to the IP67 standard, and its corners are additionally reinforced. The tablet uses a powerful 7000 mAh battery for long battery life. Of the main disadvantages, only impressive dimensions and weight can be noted, as well as not the most convenient shell. However, taking into account all the positive qualities of the device and its cost, all these shortcomings are insignificant.
Advantages:
- high-quality display;
- fast work of the system;
- battery life;
- tray for two sim cards;
- excellent main camera;
- good sound;
- availability of A-GPS and GLONASS;
- perfect build quality and protection from dust and moisture.
Disadvantages:
- for their price are immaterial.
2. DEXP Ursus GX280
The second place went to the good and inexpensive DEXP Ursus GX280 tablet. This model runs Windows 10, so the device is great for working with word documents, spreadsheets, presentations and other desktop applications. However, the user will not be able to run a large number of programs at the same time, which is not caused by the most powerful "stuffing": Atom Z3735F (4 cores at 1.33 GHz), graphics of the Bay Trail family, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. But the tablet's capacious 8300 mAh battery and 8-inch display (1280x800) do not cause any complaints. The same goes for GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular communications. But it should be borne in mind that the latter in a high-quality tablet computer complies with the 3G standard, so the speed of mobile Internet in Ursus GX280 is limited.
Advantages:
- attractive design;
- Battery capacity;
- original design solution;
- display quality;
- reasonable cost;
- satellite search speed;
- stability of Wi-Fi;
- fast satellite detection;
- comfortable to work with Windows 10.
Disadvantages:
- little RAM;
- poor quality of cameras;
- impressive weight (650 g);
- not supported by LTE.
The best rugged premium tablets
Shock-resistant devices are not always purchased by people planning to often go on hikes and picnics outside the city. The protected case will also be useful for users who want not to worry about an accidental fall of a tablet computer on a tiled floor or a glass of tea spilled on the device screen. However, in this case, the buyer wants to get not only high strength, but also excellent characteristics comparable to classic models. It is for these users that we have selected two first-class premium devices from the brands Samsung and Panasonic.
1.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 8.0 SM-T365 16GB
The first line in this category is occupied by a high-quality rugged tablet from Samsung. The Galaxy Tab Active 8.0 SM-T365 is a stylish device with a solid body and good equipment. The device has a 4-core CPU from Qualcomm, clocked at 1200 MHz, Adreno 305 graphics, 1.5 GB of RAM, and a built-in storage of 16 gigabytes. The matrix in this model is 8-inch, and its resolution is 1280x800 pixels.
Among other things, Samsung's Android tablet boasts good stereo speakers, LTE support, an NFC module and a good 4450 mAh battery, which provides up to 11 hours of battery life with continuous video playback. In addition, a good branded stylus is supplied with the most secure tablet in the rating, which increases the functionality and convenience of the device.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly corresponding to the declared characteristics;
- good performance;
- withstands large temperature drops from -20 to 60 degrees;
- LTE support and NFC module;
- good stylus included;
- operating time from a single charge;
- screen color rendering;
- tenacious body.
Disadvantages:
- mediocre cameras;
- no notification indicator;
- long charging;
- the brightness of the screen is not enough in the sun.
2.Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 128GB 4GB
Closes the TOP protected tablet with a 7-inch screen from the Japanese brand Panasonic. Toughpad FZ-M1 runs Windows 8, is equipped with a 3320 mAh battery and has a full-fledged USB Type A. The screen resolution in a powerful Panasonic tablet computer is 1280x800 pixels (density 216 ppi), and the size of the built-in storage is 128 GB. The memory can be further expanded if necessary.
The Toughpad FZ-M1 hardware platform is represented by the Core i5 4302Y (2 x 1.6 GHz) processor and the HD Graphics 4200 video chip from Intel. RAM in a protected Panasonic tablet is installed 4 gigabytes, which is enough for good performance of the OS chosen by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, Windows 8 itself is not fully thought out for working in tablet mode, so in some tasks it is more convenient to use a stylus, and in others a keyboard.
In addition to the docking station, users are offered other options. So the manufacturer has provided for the expansion of the functionality of its shock-resistant tablet through LAN, GPS, NFC, as well as Smartcard and barcode readers. However, before buying a Toughpad FZ-M1, it is necessary to take into account that it is quite difficult to find accessories for this model in Russia, so you may need to order them in foreign online stores.
Advantages:
- high-quality and reliable case;
- good battery life;
- full USB port;
- good cameras for their class;
- the amount of RAM and permanent memory;
- the quality of the 7-inch display.
Disadvantages:
- unjustified overpricing;
- large weight of 540 grams;
- noticeable heating during prolonged load.
Even 5 years ago, shockproof waterproof tablets were considered quite exotic devices. Average users did not pay attention to such devices due to their bulkiness, which was also aggravated by the high price. However, today there are many interesting devices on the market that can please with a reasoned cost, high performance and an attractive design. Our roundup of the best rugged tablet models brings you great gadgets for hunters, builders, anglers, extreme adventurers, climbers, and casual users.
