Being a seaman, firefighter, medic, military, or industrial worker is never a straightforward job. To stay connected with your closed ones, and carry out basic to moderate multitasking, you need a powerful device that can also respond to extreme conditions.

However, these industrial-grade tablets are not family-oriented tablets, and they significantly differ from the ordinary, and commercial-grade tablets. With their robustness, hardcore processors, extra-padded casing and abnormal battery life. They are well-suited for industrial workers, data entry persons, and business operators, but of course there’s always room for entertainment and web surfing.

For heavy-duty usage, the best waterproof and rugged tablets possess a solid casing that will secure them from any accidental drops, making an excellent choice for people working in a busy atmosphere.

So let’s talk about some of them and see which one works perfectly for you.

What to look for in a waterproof-rugged tablet?

There are quite a few factors that you need to take into account before you buy a rugged tablet. Let’s discuss it.

Operating System

Choosing an operating system greatly depends upon the user’s preferences. So, you need to choose wisely within the three operating systems, Android, Windows, or IOS. Whatever works best for you will give you a satisfying experience.

If you’re more into gaming, lots of customization, and apps, then Android might be a great idea. IOS devices are more user-friendly, with some quality features and apps. Lastly, Windows are best in terms of power-packed performance.

IP Rating

IP rating describes the protection rating of a certain product, followed by the two digits. The first number one IP rating defines dust protection while the 2nd number defines the water-resistant rating. IP 54 is considered a benchmark of a rating, but the greater the numbers, the greater the protection.

Drop Rating

The drop rating means how much distance you let your tablet fall from a distance so that it still operates. It is advisable to opt for a tablet that has a drop rating of up to 4 feet. Also, check the ability to drop several times.

Battery Life

As you’re working in the field, you should consider a tablet with a powerful battery to survive for your entire shift. Unlike commercial-grade tablets, these industrial-grade tablets come with long-lasting battery life. This is because you wouldn’t want to end up getting your device charged now and then.

Also, to avoid the battery charging hustle, you can consider a dual battery system. If one of your batteries runs out, you have the second batch of battery backup ready to serve you for a good time.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3

 

 

Samsung Tab Active 3 is our first exciting product on the list with some handy features. The display of the tablet embeds an 8-inch screen with a ratio of 16:10 along with an FHD resolution of 1920×1200 pixels. The display is quite bright, and full lamination, aids in reading outside clearly with the text and icons looking so sharp.

As this tablet is specifically designed for outdoor purposes, you can use it with gloves on, which is a great feature for colder temperature, and clinical settings. Enable this by turning up the sensitivity settings.

Since it has a single speaker, it might not be able to cope with your entertainment purpose. However, the overall sound quality is impressive.

When it comes to the design and build quality, it is best in terms of ruggedness, and waterproofing. However, if you’re an ordinary user, it may feel like a big downside.

This tablet doesn’t give a modern look with its resounding screen bezels, huge buttons at the bottom side, weighing about 429g with 9.9mm thickness.

For every downside, it has an answer for you. The thickness represents the IP 68 rating, which means the ruggedness is top-end. If it is thrown from a height of 1.5 meters, it can easily bear the harm.

As far as camera quality is concerned, it gives you a 5mp front camera, and 13-mp back camera supported by an LED flash. Capturing photos and videos might not be the coolest thing, but it is acceptable, considering its quality.

Interestingly, it comes with a Samsung DeX mode, which is also a highlighting feature of this device. It lets you experience true desktop functionality by connecting the external keyboard, mouse, and monitor through a USB-C port.

Furthermore, the detachable battery is another notable feature of the tablet. The battery usage significantly depends on your use. If you stream a Youtube video with maximum brightness, then it can serve you for 6 hours.

Specifications

• Processor: Exynos 9810 SoC
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 64/128 GB
• Graphics: Mali-G72 MP18
• Display: 8.00-inch 1920×1200
• Battery: 5050mAh
• Weight: 426g

Pros

• It comes with a stylish S-Pen.
• Fast processing abilities.
• Removable battery.

Cons

• No connectors flaps.
• Outdated design.
• A bit-pricey option.

Full Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 Review

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro

 

 

Next, on the list is one of the strongest tablets. The Samsung Active Pro might be an ideal choice for workers at the job site or field. That said, the design is not a sleek one, as it doesn’t serve the purpose of smartphones.

Treat your tablet as a desktop with the Dex mode.

If we talk about the display, it comes with a 10.1-inch display with 1920×1200 pixels. Despite not being an OLED, it still possesses great viewing angles. Besides, three large physical buttons are a great addition to the tablet, giving you an excellent opportunity to work without removing gloves.

The front camera has an 8mp camera, and the back camera has a 13mp autofocus camera. These pixels indicate you will have a decent experience with capturing photos and videos.

On top of all that, it is coated with a rugged frame that considerably adds weight. The tablet weighs around 1.4 pounds, which is quite noticeable when you carry it on the go.

Thanks the waterproofing capabilities allow you to operate it with a wet display. Not only this but the IP 68 rating, ensure that you can dunk this tablet along with the S-Pen up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes. Impressive, isn’t it?

On the right side, you get a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB-C Port. Additionally, you see Pogo Pins with multiple connected accessory options at the bottom side, making dock charging a breeze.

7,600 mAh Battery life is made for your rigorous working life, supporting you magnificently for 15 hours. It’s a significant battery upgrade from the previous version Active 2 that lasts for 11 hours.

Specifications

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB internal with microSD
• Graphics: Adreno 616
• Display: 10.1 inch, 1920 x 1200
• Battery: 7,600 mAh
• Weight: 653g

Pros

• Larger display.
• Works smoothly.
• Amazing durability.

Cons

• Readability outside is not great.
• Pretty heavy.
• Expensive.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2

 

 

This model from Samsung is made to assist your busy outdoor life without compromising on the high-end performance. Being extremely rugged, it allows you to stay worry-free without the fear of getting it damaged.

As for the display, it has an 8-inch screen with a 1200×800 IPS LCD. With that display, using the tablet in bright sunlight is a no-brainer. With the built-in glove mode in your tablet, you can efficiently work with your gloves on. The responsive touchscreen maximizes your experience.

When it comes to the camera, it is outfitted with an 8mp rear back camera and 5mp front-facing camera. These pixels provide a decent experience of taking photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.

IP 68 rating indicates that this tablet can be immersed up to the depth of 1m of water for about half an hour.

Various tests were conducted for its drops, shocks, vibration, rain, mud, dirt, and whatnot, but this beast successfully emerges as a rugged tablet. It is certified MIL-STD 810G

It lets you stay connected with your closed ones with the 4G data you can use while working outdoors.

What’s the exciting feature? This Active 2 tablet comes with a fingerprint scanner that swiftly reads your finger that allows you access. Not only this, but it also contains a facial recognition feature for more convenience.

Who doesn’t want a long-lasting battery? This Samsung tablet comes with a powerful detachable battery that single-handedly serves for straight 11 hours on a single charge. The quick charging is achievable with the Pogo Pin.

Specifications

• Processor: Samsung Exynos 1.6 GHz octa-core
• RAM: 3GB
• Storage: 16GB internal with microSD
• Graphics: Mali-T830 MP1
• Display: 8.0 inch, 1280 x 800 pixels resolution
• Battery: 4,450mAh
• Weight: 417g

Pros

• It contains a SIM slot.
• Solid design with a clean display.
• Pressure-sensitive stylus.

Cons

• Heavy.
• Overheats on high-usage.
• Insufficient storage.

4. Vanquisher 8-inch IP67

 

 

The 8-inch Vanquisher is another talk of the town. With its ultimate features, you will have a great experience while working at a job site, field, and in busy environments.

The Vanquisher features an 8-inch display with 1280×800 pixels, decent enough to read and write in outdoor light. What’s more? The UPX-GPS module lets you position without the presence of a network.

Similarly, ruggedness is matchless, and it will absorb extreme pressure. The powerful features make it a suitable choice for working in harsh and challenging conditions.

Thankfully, it is powered by Microsoft Windows 10, and the Quad-core processor runs multitasking like a charm and speeds up to 1.86ghz.

We will talk about the primary reason behind its superb ruggedness. First of all, this tablet is MIL-STD-810G military-grade certified. The Vanquisher is capable of surviving hard-hitting, knicks, and dropping down quite easily.

To further enhance the convenience of tablet users, it features a hand strap that allows holding for an extended period, which is nice.

IP 67 waterproof rating has a potential for water survival of 1.2 meters.

As for battery performance, this device boasts a non-detachable lithium 8500mAh battery. It has a decent battery life which can support your fieldwork, and that’s all you need.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Z3750F
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB + 128GB
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
• Display: 8 inches, 1280×800 IPS screen
• Battery: 8500mAh
• Weight: 650g

Pros

• Great utility.
• The power button suffices when the device is in sleep mode.
• Well-constructed unit.

Cons

• Slow performance.
• No documentation.
• 3G is unsatisfactory.

5. WinBridge Rugged Android 5.1 

 

 

This WinBridge is engineered by Android 7.0. It is a commonly used tablet by engineers and professionals who work day and night in clinical conditions.

WinBridge is a MIL-STD-810G certified, which can bear the harsh drops of up to 122cm. The industrial-IP67 rated tablet can perfectly withstand the impact pressure, so working in a limestone quarry, and offshore oil rig won’t bother you.

It is equipped with an 8mp rear camera, and a 2mp front camera, which is fair enough to do video conferencing, calls, and capturing photos—the MT 6753 processor speeds up to 1.3Ghz.

When it comes to its screen, it has an 8-inch display with 1280×720 pixels and a responsive touch screen gives a satisfying experience working in bright light. WinBridge features an integrated GPS and GLONASS, and Wifi 2.4/5Ghz lets you browse the internet while working remotely.

If we move on to its battery performance, it is installed with an 8000mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. The batteries might not be top-notch in the market, but they last for 5-6 hours of non-stop usage.

Another big selling point is the screen-proof screen protector that prevents scratches. In this way, your tablet is fully protected and maintained in a tip-top condition.

Another exciting feature is that the ports are all water-repellant, giving you an excellent opportunity to charge on wet, or rainy days.

Specifications

• Processor: Octa-core MT6753 processor
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 16GB ROM
• Graphics:
• Display: 8 inches 1280×720
• Battery: 8000mAh
• Weight: 812g

Pros

• Gps built-in antenna is excellent.
• Works smoothly after a bit of customization.
• Durable battery.

Cons

• Many people couldn’t read in the daylight.
• Not touch-sensitive.
• Many apps don’t seem to operate properly.

6. Dell Latitude 7212

 

 

If you really want a device that can withhold the power of extreme pressure then there’s none other than the Dell Latitude 7212 tablet. The rock-solid design and construction are all you need for perfect outdoor living conditions.

The thickness is due to the chunky and rubberized corners that adds the weight. The tablet weighs around 2.6 pounds, which is relatively heavier than other keyboard-attached versions.

One of the best features is the 11.6-inch screen that makes reading on a sunny day, a breeze with its extremely crisp and clear screen. Also, the auto-brightness feature works quite well in various lighting conditions.

It is supported by an Intel Core i5-7300U, and adequate storage of 8GB of RAM. The processor makes sure that you can carry out the tasks feasibly such as excel, word, and other CPU intensive programs.

Moving on to its sound performance, it is pretty average, and it doesn’t produce imposing sounds. With that said, it can support watching videos, streaming youtube videos, and conference calls to a greater extent.

The camera is another cool feature of this tablet. It comes with a 5mp front shooter and rear 8mp camera with flash.

What’s exciting is it comes with sliding doors to protect your camera lenses from the dust. Additionally, both the camera operates flawlessly with no graininess given any lighting environment.

What about the battery? It is removable, so if you feel like one is not enough to compensate for your working hours. Feel free to buy a second batch to let it work for an entire day. However, this battery can serve you for 5 hours of usage.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i5 7300U
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Integrated HD Graphics 620
• Display: 11.6 inches FHD (1920×1080)
• Battery: 26 Wh Lithium-Ion, 2-cell
• Weight: 1179g

Pros

• Crisp and bright display.
• Hot-swappable batteries.
• Comfortable keyboard.

Cons

• A bit-pricey option.
• Not a great touchpad.
• The screen texture is fuzzy.

Conclusion

That’s it for the different rugged and waterproof tablets. All the tablets mentioned above are capable of providing you with a fantastic experience with your busy and sustaining the worst weather elements. However, with so many features to look for, it might be an arduous task to decide the best one for you. Here we will recommend the best pick on the list. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 is our pick due to its overall winning performance such as its matchless robustness, high-quality camera, and Samsung DeX mode, making it an all-in-one choice.

FAQ’s

What is a rugged tablet?

Rugged tablets are industrial devices specifically designed to serve you in severe, extreme conditions, and commercial environments. They are different from typical tablets. We say this because they come with reinforced frames, rubberized bumpers, water-packed seals, hardened glass, and tough skins that make their construction like a tank.

Which rugged tablet you should get?

Buying a tablet totally depends upon the intention of your use, whether you are using it in a warehouse or outside in direct sunlight or protection from water or dust. Or maybe low and high temperatures are what makes it difficult for tablets to function correctly? Perhaps you need a barcode scanner or NFC reader? Don’t bother, walk through the features, and eventually, you will be able to decide your life.

Why do I need a waterproof tablet?

Not everyone is suited for a rugged tablet, as they are cumbersome to be used by a kid or an old parent. So, for users engaged in any industrial area, limestone quarry, field, or oil storing rigs, these military-grade certified tablets work flawlessly without compromising their performance. With that in mind, they possess the ability to be destructive in worse weather conditions.

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