Zebra’s TC27 Rugged ePOD Smartphone

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The Zebra TC27 offers “big business” features for a fraction of the cost of enterprise devices.

Essential apps for drivers (like Stream) are available in the Google Play Store – so they can be used by any driver on any modern device, but, for operators stepping away from a BYOD (bring your own device) model, Zebra’s TC27 offers an affordable, built-for-purpose solution for small to mid-sized businesses that can compete with the enterprise-level devices that larger competitors typically use.

Packed with a plethora of cutting edge features, the TC27 is designed to boost productivity, customer service quality, and sales. 

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Why the Zebra TC27 is the ultimate device for the transport & logistics sector

With multiple configurations at different price points, the Zebra TC27 means that you pay only for the features your workers need.

  • Enterprise-class features in a consumer smartphone package—and at a consumer smartphone price point
  • Get started with minimal training thanks to the familiar Android OS
  • Always-on reliability, with extended +14-hour battery life as well as drop, spill, and tumble proof rugged features
  • Keep your workers connected, whether out on the road or inside the four walls of the warehouse, with the latest powerful connectivity features
  • Improve productivity with enterprise-class scanners that capture barcodes quickly and accurately.

Processing power that boosts productivity

Superior application performance and response times mean that there’s no waiting for screens to display to draw or refresh, thanks to the next generation processor and class-leading memory and data storage options. 

Faster, more reliable, future-ready wireless connection options improve the speed and reliability of the device. 

Workers can access 5G out in the field or Wi-Fi 6/6E inside facilities, and there is also support for private 5G and CBRS private LTE networks for large indoor and outdoor environments — from warehouses to outdoor garden centres and outdoor theatres. 

Your organisation will never be stuck in an old version of Android; with support through Android 16, you’ll have access to the latest features, every day your device is in service. Workers can see more and scroll less with the large, advanced 6 in. FHD+ (Full High Definition) display. 

Barcode scanning & data capture made easy

Capture barcodes in less time and effort with your choice of two Zebra world-class scanners: 

  • The SE4710 1D/2D for standard range scanning 
  • The SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with Intellifocus™ technology to capture items in hand or on the top rack in a warehouse or retail backroom, as far as 40 ft. 

With PRZM Intelligent Imaging (utilised by both scanning engines), workers can capture barcodes in practically any condition.

Durable enough to cope in extreme conditions

The Zebra TC27 is built to last for years. With its durable design, workers can expect reliable operation despite rain, snow, dust, accidental drops, and more. 

Two of the most vulnerable features are no longer fragile: shatter and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® glass protects the display and scanner exit window.

While these devices are engineered for durability, they are also engineered for comfort. Zebra’s award-winning Industrial design team created a special contoured design that reduces pressure points and provides a secure and comfortable grip for any size hand.

Battery life that last the duration of the longest shifts

Your workers never need to worry about power with batteries that can retain power throughout every minute of even the longest shift. 

Since the batteries are removable, you never need to take the devices out of service mid shift for charging, improving the return on your investment.

Frictionless payments

Need to take payments? Give your customers the convenience of tap to pay — just integrate the Zebra TC27 with your existing POS contactless payment solution. Need to read electronic tickets, loyalty and gift cards, boarding passes, and more stored in Apple or Google Wallets? Support for Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap is already integrated, ready to use right out of the box.

Keep business-critical data secure

Get value only Zebra can offer with Mobility DNA Professional, which has been designed to help maximise mobile user productivity and minimise IT complexities over the lifespan of a Zebra device. Increase security, make data capture even easier and simplify everyday device management with this no-cost collection of intuitive tools. 

Summary of key specifications

  • Next generation, faster Qualcomm multi-core processors with 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash & 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash options are available
  • A bigger, brighter 6in. FHD+ display made of Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Faster, future-proof wireless connectivity with 5G, Private 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6E and CBRS, Bluetooth 5.2
  • A choice of data capture imagers for faster barcode scanning: SE4710 1D/2D Scan Engine or SE55 Advanced Range Scan Engine with IntelliFocus™
  • Thinner, yet more rugged ergonomic design (weighing 236 g (8.32 oz) that can withstand 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
  • Innovative expandable solutions — from mobile-driven workstations to hybrid Point of Sale, RFID and mobile payment solutions
  • Ready for the world of contactless transactions, including Apple VAS, Google Smart Tap and tap to pay.

How do these improvements compare to the TC26?

Comparison

The Zebra TC27 is superior by nearly every single metric outlined above. The TC27 boasts more processing power thanks to the increased speed of the Qualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz CPU. 

This, paired with improved memory options (the base TC27 model offers 4GB of extra RAM and 48GB of extra flash compared to the TC26), can handle multiple apps simultaneously without overextending the performance, particularly on Android 16.

In addition to the increased processing power of the TC27, data is transferred more quickly and securely due to the upgrade from wi-fi 5 to wi-fi 6/6E and from 4G to 5G.

The TC27’s bigger, full HD screen with improved brightness over its predecessor better suits the device to be read in lighter outdoor conditions, for longer too due to the increased battery capacity (700 mAh increase). Despite these increases, the weight of the TC27 remains the same as the TC26 at 236 g (8.32 oz) .

The barcode scanning capabilities of the TC27 have also improved compared to the TC26 – Zebra’s TC27 scan engine offers enhanced performance, better expected working ranges, a faster trigger to beep, and a significantly more visible and intuitive aimer than its predecessor. The rear-facing camera has also had a minor 3MP upgrade for better quality photo and video capture, while the front-facing camera remains the same at 5MP.

And finally, despite the bigger dimensions of the TC27, the device has improved drop and tumble specifications (extra 1 ft / 0.3 m drop distance) and a higher sealing level, making it one of Zebra’s most durable devices on the market, so the device can withstand more external pressures in extreme environments or conditions.

Zebra TC26 vs Zebra TC27 specs:

SpecificationZebra TC26Zebra 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 FLASHQualcomm® 5430 hex-core, 2.1 GHz, 6 GB RAM / 64 GB Flash; 8 GB RAM / 128 GB Flash
Software / Operating SystemAndroid 14Android 16
Display5″ HD display (1280 x 720), Corning Gorilla Glass6″ FHD display (1080 x 2160), Corning Gorilla Glass
Wireless ConnectivityWi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, 4GWi-fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G
Dimensions158 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)
Weight236 g (8.32 oz)236 g (8.32 oz)
Battery3100mAh removable battery (5400 mAh optional)3800mAh removable battery (5200mAh optional)
Barcode Scanning13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera, optional SE4710 or SE4100 scan engines13 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 DistanceIP67 sealing, multiple 4ft drops to concrete and 300 1.6 ft tumblesIP68 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

View a range other rugged handheld ePOD devices for driver here!

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