Finding the right rugged mobile device to meet the demands of your operation
Here you’ll find an analysis of the latest addition to the next-generation TC2x product range, the Zebra TC27, which builds on the highly successful and popular series of rugged mobile devices which are ideal for your logistics operation.
We’ll run through the specifications of the device and its main competitors currently available on the market at the time of writing (July 2023), which will help you discern whether or not you feel the latest upgrades to the TX2x Series meet your operation’s needs and warrant investment.
These needs include price checking, inventory lookup, proof of delivery, voice communications, navigation, and messaging, the majority of which are vitally important for the transport and logistics sector.
For all of these features to work effectively, the device has to have a next-generation processor, support for the latest wireless networks, a large display you can see indoors and outdoors, fast first-time every time capture of barcodes in any condition, support for tap-to-pay and non-payment contactless transactions, battery power for prolonged shifts, and a plethora of supporting accessories.
For businesses that deliver goods, having a mobile app for your drivers is essential to your operation, enabling the capture of electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) and/or walkaround checks to ensure the roadworthiness of your fleet. So it helps to have the latest technology with these functionalities operating at the highest level in order to streamline both processes and boost productivity.
Before you even get to specific makes and models, you also need to consider your mobile device strategy: consumer smartphone, enterprise device, or BYOD (bring your own device)? Which we’ve segmented accordingly in this comparison.
Why ruggedized enterprise devices are important for the transport and logistics environment
We’ve explored in detail why ruggedized enterprise Android devices are typically the best option for scanning-intensive transportation environments. In short:
Fit-for-purpose software
Devices based on the Android OS are easy to use and familiar to most people, making it easy to onboard staff with minimal training. By adding Zera’s Mobility DNA enterprise software features, though, you have more control over devices with remote device management and advanced security features.
Accuracy & traceability
Using barcodes to scan goods gives you ultimate visibility at every point in the supply chain. This ability to reliably track items from manufacture to delivery is especially essential for high-value or restricted goods. Using an enterprise device with built-in scanners improves efficiency, with faster and more accurate scanning capabilities than the camera on a consumer smartphone.
Additionally, Zebra enterprise devices come with all the camera and connectivity features you’d expect on a modern smartphone, along with a robust data connection so drivers can always be contacted.
Reliability
Ruggedisation features like reinforced screens, water- and dust-proofing, and impressive drop and tumble specs make enterprise-grade devices ready for anything the tough T&L environment throws at them.
As well as being designed from the start to be rugged, enterprise devices tend to have extended battery life as well. Drivers can rely on their device to last even the longest shift, with swappable backup batteries and in-cab charging accessories for even greater peace of mind.
Comparing four Zebra rugged device options
Zebra TC26
| Specification | TC26 | TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (RAM/Flash) | Qualcomm Snapdragon SD660 @ 1.8 GHz octa-core CPU, 2 GB RAM / 16 GB FLASH; 3 GB RAM / 16 GB FLASH; or 4GB RAM / 64 GB FLASH | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| Display | 5″ HD display (1280 x 720), Corning Gorilla Glass | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, 4G | Wi-fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimension | 158 mm h x 79 mm w x 13.7 mm d (3.11 in x 0.54 in x 6.22 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 236 g (8.32 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 3100mAh removable battery (5400 mAh optional) | 3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera, optional SE4710 or SE4100 scan engines | 13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | IP67 sealing, multiple 4ft drops to concrete and 300 1.6 ft tumbles | IP68 sealing, multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H |
Zebra TC52x/TC57x
| Specification | TC52x/TC57x | TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (RAM/Flash) | Qualcomm SD660 @ 2.2 (TC52/57) or 2.45 (TC52x/57x) GHz octa-core CPU; 4GB RAM / 32GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| Display | 5″ HD display (1920 x 1080), Corning Gorilla Glass | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 155 mm h x 75.5 mm w x 18.6 mm d (6.10 in x 2.9 in x 0.73 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 249g (8.78 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 4150mAh battery with warm swap | 3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera, SE4710 standard scan engine | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple 4 ft drops to to tile or concrete (and with the rugged boot accessory, can survive multiple 6 ft drops to concrete) and 500 1.6ft tumbles, P68 and IP65 sealing | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Zebra TC72/77
| Specification | TC72/77 | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Qualcomm SD660 @ 2.2 GHz octa-core CPU, 4GB RAM / 32GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| Display | 4.7″ HD display (1280 x 720), Corning Gorilla Glass | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, 4G (TC77 only) | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 161 mm h x 84 mm w x 28 mm d (6.3 in x 3.3 in x 1.1 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 376g (13.26 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 4620mAh PowerPrecision+ battery | 3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera, SE4770 or SE4750 scan engines available | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple 6ft drops to concrete across the operating temperature range (and multiple 8 ft. drops to concrete at room temperature), 2,000 3.3ft tumbles, IP68 and IP65 sealing | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
What about rugged mobile device options outside the Zebra ecosystem?
We’ve partnered with Zebra Technologies for a number of years to bring Stream users the best in rugged mobile technology. But we’re very aware that Zebra isn’t the only device provider out there (we also sell Honeywell devices, for instance).
So let’s look at some of the other devices available on the market that you may want to consider versus the Zebra TC27 (details correct at the time of publication). Please check the manufacturer’s latest device details for up-to-date specifications and configuration.
Consumer device competitors
Samsung xCover6 Pro
| Specification | Samsung xCover6 Pro | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A55), 6 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | One UI 5, Android 13 | Android 16 |
| Display | 6.6″ HD display (1080 x 2408) Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 LE, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 168.8 h x 79.9 w x 9.9 mm d (6.65 in x 3.15 in x 0.39 in) | 165 mm x 76.3 mm x 12.5 mm (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 235 g (8.29 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 4050 mAh removable | 3800mAh removable (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 50 MP rear and 13MP front camera | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | N/A | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Octa Core Processor, 2.2 GHz, 4GB RAM / 64GB Flash; 4GB RAM / 128GB Flash; 6GB RAM / 128GB Flash; 8GB RAM / 128GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | One UI Core 5, Android 13 | Android 16 |
| Display | 6.6″ HD display (1080 x 2408) | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 LE, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 167.7 h x 78 w x 9.1 mm d (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) | 165 mm x 76.3 mm x 12.5 mm (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 5000mAh non-removable | 3800mAh removable (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 50 MP rear and13 MP front camera | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | N/A | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Kyocera DuraSport 5G
| Specification | Kyocera DuraSport 5G | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 octa-core, 2 GHz, 4 GB RAM / 64 GB FLASH | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 11 | Android 16 |
| Display | 6.1″ HD display (1080 x 2400), Gorilla Glass 6 | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 155 mm h x 71 mm w x 9.9 mm d | 165 mm x 76.3 mm x 12.5 mm (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 185g (6.52 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 4,500mAh non-removable | 3800mAh removable (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 48 MP rear and 8 MP front camera | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Up to 1.5m (5 ft) on concrete | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Why should you upgrade to the Zebra TC27 from previous iterations?
Earlier models of the TC range, such as the TC20/TC25 are no longer for sale (unless secondhand); and while the TC21/TC26 are still available, businesses may have more demanding use cases that the latest technology will be able to meet with ease.
Here are the highlights that distinguish the Zebra TC27 from previous TC models:
- Superior application performance and response times — no waiting for screens to display
- 20% larger display boosts productivity — workers see more and scroll less
- Faster, future-proof wireless connectivity with 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6E1, Private 5G, CBRS (US only) — better voice and data performance inside and outside of your facility
- Ergonomics that make it easier for every size hand to carry
- Increased durability — less downtime and loss of productivity; smaller backup device pool
- New optional solutions: create a workstation or POS on the fly, turn the TC22/TC27 into a lightning fast RFID reader, 2-way radio or PBX handset
- Higher resolution rear camera for better picture quality, great for proof of delivery and condition
Enterprise device competitors
Honeywell ScanPal EDA57
| Specification | Honeywell ScanPal EDA57 | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | 2.2GHz 8 core, 4 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 6 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| Display | 5.5″ HD display (1440 x 720), Gorilla Glass 5 | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 159 mm h × 75 mm w × 14.4 mm d (6.26 in x 2.95 in x 0.57 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 260g (9.17 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 4500 mAh removable battery | 3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 16 MP rear and 8 MP front camera, S0703 imager (1D/2D barcode symbologies) | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops, IP67 sealing | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Honeywell CT30 XP
| Specification | Honeywell CT30 CP | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Qualcomm QCS4290 / QCM4290 octa-core, 2.0GHz, 4 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Motion Edge / Android 15 | Android 16 |
| Display | 5.5″ FHD display (2160 x 1080), Gorilla Glass 5 | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 BLE, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 154 mm h x 76 mm w x 12.6 mm d (6.1 in x 3 in x 0.50 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 215g (7.6 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 3400mAh removable battery | 3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 16 MP rear and 8 MP front camera, S0703 imager (1D/2D barcode symbologies) | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple drops from 1.2m (4ft) to concrete from -10°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F) and 500 tumbles at 0.5m | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Urovo DT50 5G
| Specification | Urovo DT50 5G | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Octa-core 2.2GHz, 4GB RAM / 64GB Flash; 6GB RAM / 128GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 9 | Android 16 |
| Display | 5.7″ HD (720 x 1440, FHD 1080 x 2160 optional), Corning Gorilla Glass | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, 4G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 162.6 mm h x 76 mm w x 13.6 mm d (6.40 in x 2.99 in x 0.54 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 265 grams (9.34 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 4300mAh (6000mAh optional) | 3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | Rear 13MP (16MP optional) and 5MP front camera, 1D/2D barcode scanning | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops, IP67 sealing | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
SEUIC Cruise2 5G
| Specification | SEUIC Cruise2 5G | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | Qualcomm 8-core 2.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash) | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 11 | Android 16 |
| Display | 6” FHD display (2160 x 1080) | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 BLE, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 161 mm h x 77 mm w x 13.6 mm d (6.3 in x 3 in x 0.54 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 269 g (9.5 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 5000mAh removable (6000mAh optional) | 3800mAh removable (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 16MP rear and 8 MP front camera | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple 5 ft./1.5m drops to marble and 1,000 1.64 ft./0.5 m tumbles | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Janam XT3
| Specification | Janam XT3 | Zebra TC27 |
| Processor + Memory (Flash/RAM) | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ octa-core,3 GB RAM / 32 GB Flash; 4 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash | Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash |
| Software / Operating System | Android 11 | Android 16 |
| Display | 5″ HD (1280 x 720), Corning Gorilla Glass | 6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Dimensions | 156 mm h x 82 mm w x 21 mm d (6.1 in x 3.2 in x 0.82 in) | 165 mm h x 76.3 mm w x 12.5 mm d (6.5 in x 3.0 in x 0.49 in) |
| Weight | 272g (9.5oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Battery | 2900mAh removable (5800mAh optional) | 3800mAh removable (5200mAh optional) |
| Barcode scanning | 13MP rear and 8MP front camera, 1d/2d imager | 16MP rear and 5MP front camera, SE4710 1D/2D standard scan engine or the SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntellifocusTM technology |
| Drop distance | Multiple 1.5m (5 ft) drops on concrete, IPP65 or IP66 with Roxtec Sealing | Multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete over operating temp (-10° C to 50° C/14° F to 122° F) with protective boot per MIL-STD-810H, IP68 sealing |
Get the boost you need to compete with any size business with the TC27
All the business features your workers need to get the job done faster, packed into a device that’s sized and priced like a mobile phone. Schedule a demo today to talk to us about Zebra’s TC27, the best device for the transport and logistics sector.
