Best Rugged Tablet 2021

For the busy individuals working in extreme or super-active environments, traditional gadgets can be something out of a nightmare.
This is mainly because there are higher chances of dropping or bumping the device. And not to mention extreme climate conditions such as dust, water, temperatures, etc. killing your fragile gadget.

And it is where rugged tablets come into the spotlight. Not only are they more convenient and possess better performance than your basic smartphones or bulky laptops. These specially designed gadgets are also built to withstand the most extreme situations in which ordinary devices won’t survive even a minute.
While they may seem to be heavier on your pockets, it’s undoubtedly the smarter and cost-effective choice to make. The best rugged tablet will eliminate all your expenses of servicing and replacements.

So today, for those seeking to purchase your new digital adventure-buddy; we are about to walk you down the aisle of everything you need to know while making your buy.

List Of Top Rugged Tablet

1.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO SM-T540NZKAXAR

2.Dell Latitude 7212 Rugged Extreme Tablet

3.Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1

4.Samsung Unlocked Galaxy Tab Active2 (SM-T397UZKAXAA),Black

5.Ultra Rugged Android Tablet Barcode Scanner

6.Dell Latitude 12 7212 Rugged Extreme (Renewed)

7.MobileDemand Flex 10A Rugged Touchscreen

8.Dell Latitude 7212 Rugged Extreme

9.WinBridge Rugged

Best Rugged Tablet Reviews

1.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO, SM-T540NZKAXAR | Ruggedized Android Tablets

This 10.1-inch display model comes with a 1900 x 1200P resolution and comes with an astounding 15 hours’ battery life to keep you on foot day long. Powered by 1.7GHz, 2 GHz Octa-Core processor, this model possesses an Android 9 Pie OS for maximized convenience.

It comes equipped with all the ruggedness one might need and designed to provide military-standard durability. The Galaxy Tab Active Pro boasts built-in specs such including a GPS, accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, fingerprint sensor, hall sensor, geomagnetic sensor, RGB light sensor, etc.

It comes with a water-resistant touch screen display that remains fully operational even in clinical or cold climates, rain, or water. Its Glove-Mode will enable you to use it effortlessly even when you’re wearing thick gloves. It is even capable of remaining submerged underwater should you need so.

MIL-STD-810G certified this model is insanely durable and designed for adverse conditions. It has been tested to ensure its ability to withstand shocks, drops, vibration, dirt, rain, mud, water, sand, altitude, temperature range, freeze and thaw, humidity, and temperature shock.

Highlighted Features 

• Samsung S Pen for precise writing in any environment
• Military-standard durability
• Security is biometric with fingerprint scanner
• 13MP rear and 8MP front camera

2.Dell Latitude 7212 Rugged Extreme Tablet | Best Tablet For Outdoor Use

This incredible model from Dell comes with a large 11.6 inch Full HD glove-capable screen of 1920 x 1080P resolution. Ideally designed for outdoor usage, this rugged gadget comes with an amazing battery life of 10 hours to stay beside you all day long even in the most extreme climates/environments.

This version of the Latitude 7212 is powered by 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7100U Dual-Core 2.40GHz and has a Windows 10 Professional OS. It can provide you optimized visuals even outdoors under direct sunlight. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla glass to enhance its durability.

The device is also super-easy to carry and use weighing only a mere 2.82 pounds. It also comes with a strap, a harness, and backward forward compatibility alternatives for further convenience. It is MIL-STD 810G tested to ensure its capacity to withstand extreme conditions.

It is constructed of shock-absorbent elements to endure falls, tosses, and drops. The device also possesses a 5MP webcam and an 8MP rear camera. Its jaw-dropping 8GB RAM will enable you to powerfully multitask seamlessly like a pro without lag. A 128GB storage space will be able to handle all your important files safely.

Highlighted Features 

• Corning Glass protection to enhance durability
• Optimum visuals outdoors even under direct sunlight
• Incredibly portable and convenient to use
• Made of shock-absorbent elements and MIL-STD 810G tested

3.Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 | Best Tablet For Construction Workers

It’s capable of surviving vibrations, shocks, dust, rain, sand, thaw/ freeze, altitude, low/high temperatures, humidity, temperature shock, and explosive atmospheres. As its name suggests, this tough device even has the durability to withstand drops from up to 4 feet up.

This military standard tested 10.1-inch screen rugged model comes with a high 1920 x 1200P resolution.  The 10-point capacitive multi-touch LCD is protected with the bezels raised and pre-set screen film which is replaceable. The device’s touchscreen not only support glove mode and gestures, but also wet touch mode.

It even comes with an electronic stylus, a built-in pen holder, a 720P front, and an 8MP rear camera. The device possesses a Windows 10 Professional Operating System and is run by a powerful Intel Core i5-4310U 2.0GHz processor. Its frame is made of magnesium alloy and is designed to be ideal in any weather.

The device also comes with LED backlight, anti-glare and anti-reflective screen, digital compass, acceleration and gyro sensors ambient light sensor, etc. It possesses a fabulous 8GB RAM for the most efficient productivity anywhere along with a marvelous storage of 256GB.

Highlighted Features 

• Can withstand drops from up to 4 feet heights
• Screen supports wet-touch mode and glove mode
• Heavily protected screen and body
• Included stylus with built-in holder

4.Samsung Unlocked Galaxy Tab Active2 (SM-T397UZKAXAA) | Military Grade Tablet

This compact tough model comprises an 8-inch screen with a 1280 x 800P resolution for the most alluring visual quality. This military standard gadget has been tested to prove its ability to withstand the roughest conditions including extreme temperatures, altitudes, and weather conditions.

 The device also delivers and awesome battery capacity to last you up to a spectacular 11 hours on a single charge.  The integrated POGO pin also enables fast recharging to keep up with your super-active work requirements. The device’s touchscreen facilitates wet touch mode and is also white-glove capable.

It can remain underwater up to 5 feet under for an incredible 30 minutes at max. This model also comes with the S Pen flexible to be used anywhere in any condition. It has a non-slip-grip for further safety and the POGO pin will also enable you to connect the device to the laptop keyboard.

It possesses an Android 9.1 Pie OS and is powered by Octa-Core 1.6 GHz processor for a speedy and seamless performance. An 8MP rear and 5MP front camera will enable you to capture important media or make HD video calls effortlessly.

Built-in geomagnetic sensors, GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope will further boost your professional convenience and versatility. It also features facial recognition and fingerprint scanner for easier and safer security.

Highlighted Features 

• POGO Pin- faster charging, connectivity or attachment to a laptop keyboard
• Can remain underwater up to 5 feet under for max 30 minutes
• Samsung Knox facility for defense-quality security
• Face recognition and fingerprint scanner

5.Ultra Rugged Android Tablet Barcode Scanner | Best Tablet For Field Work

This rugged android model by Vanquisher comes with a compact footprint of only an 8inch screen with 1920 x 720P resolution. It is powered by mighty Qualcomm 2GHz Octa-core processors and possesses Android 7.1 Nougat OS. The device has a superb 10,000 mAh battery that can last you up to an immense 10 hours.

For those in need of heavy scanning, it can easily be the ideal choice as it comes with the built-in Zebra EM1350 1D laser scan engine. Its scan wedge spec will also facilitate Excel inputs or online-based inventory and warehouse apps. The device also comes equipped with a 5MP front and 13MP rear camera.

It is also dust and waterproof and can operate smoothly even in unusually higher or lower temperatures and humidity levels without condensation. It comes with a high 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM capacity. But you can always expand it according to your requirements up to an amazing 256GB.

Highlighted Features 

• Built-in Zebra EM1350 1D laser scan engine for heavy-duty scanning
• Scan wedge spec for Excel inputs; online inventory and warehouse apps
• 5MP front and 13MP rear camera
• Can work in unusual temperatures and humidity without condensation

Rugged Tablet Buying Guide

Performance

When choosing your ideal rugged device, you must ensure that the device is capable enough to withstand the extreme conditions of your work. It must be powered by strong processors for smooth operation and high-capacity RAM for lag-free multitasking.
So opt for models with the highest number of “Core” and clock speeds when it comes to the processor, and high-capacity RAM. These two together will be responsible for how your device performs.

Portability

You would want a device that is conveniently portable instead of being a burden. You probably need it for extreme work conditions for special purposes such as for military purposes, quarries, warehouse operations, snowy environments, hiking, etc.
So ensure that the device is compact and comfortable enough at the same time. Also, look into its weight and facilities that might boost its portability and usage. These could include stands, straps, harnesses, etc.

Ruggedness

We must understand here that the key purpose you are intending to purchase a ragged tablet is because of the rough environment of your operation. So ensure it comes with all the rugged features to match your requirements, area, climate, etc.
The options are limitless. You will find military-grade models with ultra-durability features. Ensure that the device is military standard tested to withstand adverse conditions such as abnormal temperatures, water, dust, humidity, bumps, drops, etc. You’ll even find models that can work when submerged under water.
If your job requires you to mostly wear thick gloves, opt for Glove-Capable models for a more effortless usage. A device with face-recognition would also be a plus in this case for safe and easy unlocking of your device.
You would need a device that can work underwater if you’re involved in aquatic jobs or are in an area with many water-bodies around. Scanning related jobs such as maintenance of inventory at warehouses, fieldwork, etc. would require you to opt for a device with scanning specs.
There are more endless features you can choose from to score the best rugged tablet. Ensure that they come with the appropriate ruggedness according to your tasks/environment.

Battery

Since you are likely to operate in an environment where you’ll barely have the luxury to recharge on time, a high battery life is a must. You need a device that can accompany you day-long to boost your productivity.
So opt for models with ultra-high battery lives of at least around 10 hours for a worry-free day-long operation.

Conclusion

These gadgets come tested and certified to guarantee you the utmost durability. Hence, the best rugged tablet is a gadget you can count on no matter how hard things get. They are clearly the ultimate investment to make for your special environment needs.
And with adequate know-how by now with our roadmap, you will hopefully be able to score the perfect model to fight through hardships with.