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Best Tablets for Field Work (Cheap, Rugged, Android, Samsung)

Are you looking for a tablet to use for outdoor work technology, then the best tablets for field work can be your best companion. For the real estate agents it is important to have a rugged tablet because they work in harsh conditions and only a tough table can do the better job for them. 

However, buying a rugged tablet is not as easy as a regular tablet, it is a little challenging. Do not get disappointed, in this article we are going to help you to select your future work tablet. Below are top picks and buying guides that will make your decision easier. Let’s dive into it! 

Apple is the most famous brand to provide their customers with the most innovative products. But they do not have even a single rugged ipad model. That is why you only can go for Windows or Android operating systems. The business and tech professionals and real estate agents must go for a tablet. Which not only offers best overall performance but is also rugged. 

With a best performer you will be able to complete all your tasks in a smarter way. Buy a lightweight tablet so you can carry it easily all day long, galaxy Active Pro is the best option with 1 pound weight. Also it has a 10.1 inches display screen with glove mode that gives you accurate visible angles. 

If you do not want an Android operating system then you can buy Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 which runs Windows 10 Professional. However, if you want the best Android tablet for field work then you can choose Samsung Active 2. For the users who do not want to spend much they can consider Lenovo 10E. 

Furthermore, a water proof tablet allows you to use it even on a rainy day, Vanquisher is dust proof and IP67 water-proof, you can go for it. Briefcase carrying handles and straps make it easy to carry and give it protection from any kind of damage. MobileDemand Flex 10B is the best choice regarding this aspect. 

Resolution does not matter a lot for top field work tablets, active pro offers 1900×1200 Pixels that is sufficient. Another important consideration is the battery timing of your tablet, Active pro offers up to 15 hours per charge battery timing. Which means you can use it all day long. For more information about the best tablets for field work, scroll down!

Our Recommended List of the Best Tablets for Field Work

  1. MobileDemand Flex 10B Rugged Touchscreen Tablet
  2. Vanquisher 8-inch Waterproof Tablet PC
  3. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab Active2 8
  4. Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1
  5. LENOVO 10E CHROMEBOOK Tablet
  6. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO 10.1

Tablet Requirements For Field Work

  • Min Screen Size: 8 inches
  • Min Resolution: 1024 x 600p
  • Min Storage: 16 GB
  • Min Battery Life: 8 hours

Suggestions

  • Go for a touchscreen-senstive display 
  • Enough storage space for files, applications, documents and personal data
  • Consider a tablet which comes with a built-in camera
  • Never compromise on the battery life per charge, because in the field might be you do not access to the plug
  • Supports quick charging 
  • Although there are not too much options available for processors of tablet, however you should go for a strong processor that can run business related tasks and applications
  • A lightweight tablet should always your priority because it is a portable device, you have to take it with you in the field
  • Purchase a tablet with  back hand strap because with it you can carry your tablet all day long in a convenient way
  • And check briefcase carrying handle before select your rugged tablet it will protect your tablet from any damage

1- MobileDemand Flex 10B Rugged Touchscreen Tablet

MobileDemand Flex 10B Rugged Touchscreen Tablet

If you are a budget minded person and seeking a tablet at an affordable price. Then you can consider mobileDemand Flex 10B tablet. This is a great option as a budget rugged reliable mobile device. Comes in a 10.1 inches display screen with capacitive multi touch capability that is fine for productivity tasks. 

Born to deliver military garde performance that will cover you the way you can expect. Contains Intel Celeron N4100 Quad core as an operating system that will provide you the speed to perform your task in a better way. Equipped with 128 GB eMMC storage capacity that is sufficient to store all the personal and field related data. To speed up your computing the size of RAM is 4 GB. 

In addition, it has the flexibility of connectivity ports, which means it has  3.0 USB of type A and USB-C. Also there is a Mini HDMI to attach it with a monitor and a 3.5 mm standard headphone jack allows you to attach your headphones with it. For the super network it supports WLAN IEEE WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. To offer you improved sound quality it has 2 Realtek Audio speakers.

Plus, it is designed with a front and rear camera so you can capture the pictures and videos that give you superior performance. It is thin and lightweight tablets at only 2.07 lbs weight that makes it an on the go device. 

With a briefcase carrying handle and back hand strap it is easy to carry for you. And also allows you to hold in the field and at work in a convent way. Highly durable tablet because it is enclosed in a protective case, protective corner bumpers and screen protector.

Due to its durability it is known as a rugged tablet for field work. An ideal choice to perform a job in tough conditions it has passed the 26 dropped tests. Integrated a 7.4V/3000mAh battery which means you will not face low battery even a long day in the field.

Comparison:

We compared it with Mobile demand FLex 10A, and the biggest difference we saw, that is in its price. It is half the price compared to the Flex 10B tablet. Also it uses Android 9 pie as the operating system whereas 10B is a Windows based tablet. Beside these 2 features rest are almost similar

Pros 

  • Excellent keyboard
  • Extremely lightweight 
  • Modular design 
  • Trackepad included 

Cons 

  • Gets knocked over easily 

2- Vanquisher 8-inch Waterproof Tablet PC

Vanquisher 8-inch Waterproof Tablet PC

Introducing an essential tablet for enterprise mobility applications, they will make your work easier. This is a very productive tool to perform all your daily tasks. Vanquisher is an entry level tablet that is especially designed for industrial use. You can use it for allo those field applications that demand device ruggedness and reliability. 

The screen size is 8 inches which is very appropriate, nor big or so small. Comes in 128 GB storage space that is enough for your field work and personal data as well. Manufactured with an IPS panel and offers 1280 x 800p screen resolution so you see the graphics smoothly and with clarity. 

Contains 64G Flash ROM that is more reliable than Graphics RAM. Plus, this is a perfect choice for consultants, field geologists and engineers. You can get the feel of the interface of a laptop in this tablet because it runs Windows 10 Pro operating system. Designed for the mobile workforce and covers the users who want to use it for real time data entry. 

While working in the field you need a long battery time, the manufacturer takes care of this. That is, they integrated this tablet with an 8500mAH Lithium battery that allows you to use it continuously for 10 hours. Best of all, if 128 GB is not sufficient for you, then you can expend it by inserting a micro SD

For the fast connectivity it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and WIFI 802.11a/b/g/n. If you are away from WiFi then you can use cellular data, it supports US 3G and 4G LTE. comes with a built-in U-blox GPS module that supports GPS/GLONASS. It can track position even without WiFI or cellular network. 

To ensure its durability it is IP67 water-proof and dust-proof. Hand straps are also included that allows you to hold it easily. As the connectivity ports it has TF card slot, USB x 1, 1 x micro USB, DC jack and 1 x HDMI 1.4a Type C.

Comparison

By comparing Vanquisher 8-inch with Vanquisher 10 inches, the noticeable feature is the screen size and its price. Its screen is 2 inches larger but also it is higher in price. Also it contains both RAM and ROM that make it different from its 8 inches version. Rest of features are quite similar, however keep in mind for a fews upgrades you have to invest 300 dollars more than vanquisher 8 inches tablet. 

Pros 

  • Durable 
  • Reasonable price
  • All day long battery time
  • U-blox GPS module included 

Cons 

  • Touch screen sometimes unresponsive 
  • Overall computing speed is a bit slow

3- SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab Active2 8

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO 10.1

Samsung is a well known brand in the tech market, they provide exactly the product that their customers require. They cover engineers by giving them a rugged tablet, Galaxy Tab Active2. You can do your job in a way like never before. Comes with an amazing number of built-in features such as accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor and GPS.

But the only down side about these features is that they are only activated when they are connected with a WiFi connection. MIL-STD-810G Certified  that shows its military grade durability. Also it tested for drops, shocks, vibration, dirt, mud, rain, sand, water,  temperature range, freeze & thaw, altitude, shock, and humidity. 

Which means it is withstand no matter how the conditions are extreme or harsh. To work in a field you can be away from the plug that is why your gadget must have a long battery span per time. You can use this tablet for up to 11 hours on a single charge due to its long lasting battery. In addition, its battery is removable which means it is easy to replace also with the POGO pin it charges quickly. 

At top all, it is designed with a water resistance touchscreen. Using wet touch mode you can use it in the water for up to 30 minutes at 5 feet depth of water. To give you more precision an adaptable S pen included so you can easily write or tap on the screen regardless of conditions. 

The HD 8 MP Auto-Focus back camera and 5 MP front camera are integrated. That enable you to take pictures, videos or also you can scan labels. For security purposes there is a fingerprint scanner, you can unlock your device with fingerprint or facial unlock. There are many connectivity options including Bluetooth v4.2, USB 2.0 port, MicroSD Slot and 3.5mm stereo jack. 

Comes in an 8 inches touch screen which is appropriate for day to day and business use. The storage capacity is 16 GB however you can expand it up to 256 GB through a SD card. The maximum supported resolution is 1280 x 800 Pixels that delivers smoother gaming graphics. With the Active 2 Tablet you can track any challenge and can take the advantage of the latest digital tools of workflow. 

Comparison

We are going to compare Tab Active 2 with Active 3, both tablets have the same screen size of 8 inches. However, Active 3delives higher resolution as compared to Active 2. Also the gaming CPU speed of Active 3 is 50 percent faster than Active 2. There are also a few better specifications  but for these you need to pay 200 dollars more than Active 2. 

Pros

  • Rugged 
  • Good video camera
  • Waterproof
  • Removable battery
  • S Pen works better than capacitive styli

Cons

  • Low-resolution screen
  • Slow performance
  • Not much storage

4- Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1

For those who are looking for a tablet which fulfills their requirements but also backed in a beautiful design. We recommend such people to consider Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1. Because it is manufactured for the engineers and people who work in the field. Not only delivers their required performance but also packed in a useful design. 

That is why according to the needs of such users Panasonic offers an ultra tough and durable tablet. With the great looks this tablet is shock proof, windproof, dustproof and humidity proof. Which means you can use it in any environment because it has the ability to withstand harsh conditions. 

Best of all, the FZ-G1 is equipped with a physical command button that allows you to give commands in an easier way. For the better calling and recording experience it is integrated with a microphone at the bottom of its edge. Having a large enough IPS display screen of 10.1 inches you can see everything with clarity. 

To make it more durable it has a magnesium farme that gives better durability as compared to the typical hard shell of plastic. The FZ-G1 is MIL-STD-810G certified and IP65 certified that seals it from all weather conditions and provides durability. The maximum supported resolution is 920 x 1200 which means you have smoother visuals. 

To improve your field work it is engineered with Anti-reflective and anti-glare screen treatments, automatic screen rotation, ambient light sensor, acceleration sensors, digital compass and gyro. Also it is a connectivity flexible device by having Docking connector 24-pin, 1 x HDMI Type A; Mini-jack stereo for headphones and speaker and USB 3.0 x 1. 

And for fast networking it is integrated with Intel Dual Band Wireless AC7260 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.0 (Class 1) + EDR. For easy access and use, it has a few buttons on the bottom including volume and mute controls. Integrated with stylus holder, qwerty keyboard but on screen. 

Aslo it supports glove mode and electronic stylus pen so you can have a smooth hand touch experience. Another positive highlight is that its storage capacity is only 256 GB however you can expend it via a SD card. With this tablet, ready yourself to take the experience of Windows 10 Pro as an operating system.

Comparison

Let’s compare FZ-G1 with toughpad FZ-G1 MK1, both have the capabilities to use for field work. They are durable enough and can not damage due to the harsh conditions. Both have the same 10.1 inches screen size but the operating systems are different. Also the storage capacity is less as compared to FZ-G1. However if FZ-G1 has a bit better specifications then also it is higher in price. 

Pros 

  • Impressively resilient.
  • Zippy performance.
  • Rugged construction
  • Good processing speed
  • Impressively resilient
  • High-resolution
  • Zippy performance
  • Excellent stylus
  • Good performance
  • Outdoor-visible screen

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bulky and heavy
  • Noisy when fan kicks in
  • Less battery support
  • Low configuration cameras
  • Moderate battery life

5- LENOVO 10E CHROMEBOOK Tablet

LENOVO 10E CHROMEBOOK Tablet

If you are one of them who has a tight budget and want a second tablet for them, Lenovo 10E chromebook is a wonderful option. On our list it may not be the super fast tablet but still it delivers best without breaking the bank. This chromebook features super durable housing specially manufactured to withstand children. 

Comes in 10 inches display screen and Dragontrail Pro glass resists the damage and cracking while giving it a nice look. This is a powerful and extra durable choice for you, and can be used in harsh environmental conditions. Which means it is useful for both field work or schooling for your child as well. 

To provide you super visual quality it is backed with a Full HD display touch screen. Lenovo 10e Chromebook tablet easily and effortlessly fits into the schools ecosystem. That is why we recommend it for schooling and field work as well. Designed with AMD Kabini A6-5200M Quad Core CPU that gives it enough speed. 

So with 2.0 GHz clock speed and 1 MB cache memory it can handle all your computing needs in a well manner. Consists of 4 GB RAM that is sufficient to deal with all kinds of computer operations. And the storage capacity is 32 GB which is fine to store pictures, videos, school assignments and all your work data. 

Supported high resolution as  compared to the other ordinary tablets. The maximum resolution of this chromebook is 1920 x 1200 pixels which is fine for the clear graphics. You will love its user interface for sure as  it runs the Chrome OS operating system. 

The only downside about this tablet is that its storage capacity is not expendable. Which means you can not use a SD card to increase the space of this tablet. 

Comparison 

We compared the Lenovo 10E with the Lenovo Tab M10, both deliver Full HD display. But the M10 has a small screen size of 10.3 inches, and has more flash memory. For instance 10E comes with 4 GB flash memory whereas M10 has 32 GB. M10 running Android 10 operating system and 10E using Chrome OS. Both devices have the same resolution and a bit difference in price. 

Pros 

  • Budget friendly 
  • Nice looks
  • High resolution 

Cons 

  • No SD card port 

6- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO 10.1

Late night work, school activities or between commutes, for all you need a tough companion. Nothing can be as good as the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO. This is a rugged tablet that is built to withstand rough environment conditions. Bring this tablet in your life and do your job with military-grade defense.

Tab Active Pro tablet is manufactured to help you attain the best industrial performance. It is MIL-STD-810G and IP68-certified that standards show it is tough enough. As these standards make your device able to resist dirt, moisture, humidity, drops, mud, sand, extreme temperatures, vibrations and shocks. 

This ultra rugged tablet comes in a 10.1-Inches display screen that gives you reasonable dimensions for videos, photos or work. Ruggedized tablet is Wifi Enabled and LTE connectivity allows you to access your cloud storage, emails or zoom meetings. Even if you are not near a hotspot, this feature enables you to have access to the cloud.

Designed with a number of built-In features like  Barometer, Accelerometer, Gps, Hall Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Fingerprint Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor and Rgb Light Sensor. Undoubtedly, these all specifications improve your overall usage experience. However, you need to keep in mind that these features will only activate if your device is connected with a WiFi connection. 

Having a storage capacity of 64 GB you have plenty of space to save all your images, videos, documents or work and school apps. A tough tablet must have an all day long lasting battery. And the Active Pro covers you regarding this aspect, it provides you up to 15 hours battery time per charge. 

Also for a longer battery it is easy to replace you can have an extra battery pack with you just replace and enjoy for more hours. And it supports quick charging because it has a built-in pogo pin which offers fast charging. you can make it fully functional in cold weather and clinical environments by using glove mode. 

Comparison 

By comparing Active pro with galaxy tab Active 3 we analyzed that Active 3 provides a smaller display screen of 8 inches than Active pro. Both use the android platform however the operating system is different. The size of RAM and resolution are the same. But Active 3 has some more advanced features than Active pro and is around 100 dollars higher in price. 

Pros

Cons

  • No facial recognition or fingerprint reader for biometric log-ins
  • Expensive
  • Only one USB port

Best Tablets for Field Work Buying Guide 

Whenever you have to purchase a tablet for some specific reasons you need to be careful. Because it can be a little tricky to find a tablet which meets your requirements in a better way. While buying the best tablet for field work you need to buy a rugged device. And the purchase of a rugged tablet is not like a regular device, you have to consider some specific features. 

On our list we have provided the compatible tablet however, from all of them, the best overall rugged tablet is samsung Tab Active Pro. and as a budget option you can consider lenovo 10E chromebook. Let’s check out those features which make your decision easy.

Purpose 

First of all, while finding a tablet you have to determine your purpose of usage. How and where you will use it, like a tablet for play you can consider a regular tablet. However, when it comes to use in the field like at a construction site, your tablet must be rugged. 

Durability 

Your rugged tablet can withstand tough conditions. Go for a work tablet that is IP-rated because it will ensure its durability and make it resistant against drop and harsh conditions. You can say durability is the key factor while purchasing your tablet. And the Active Pro is MIL-STD-810G and IP68-certified. 

RAM

RAM is a very necessary factor for computers, mobile phones or tablets. Because a right RAM allows you to access your data fastly and make the loading process fast. Galaxy active pro has 4 GB RAM is sufficient to deal with all your field work and personal activities as well. 

Storage 

While buying a tablet, never ignore the capacity of storage, because you need storage to save your data and download the applications. Samsung Active Pro has a storage space of 64 GB that is enough to save videos, images, documents and other personal data. Also with a SD card you can expand it up to  512 GB. 

Battery 

Never compromise on the battery span per charge while purchasing your work tablet. Because you have to spend a lot of time at the construction site where a plug is not available, a low battery can interrupt you. Best of all Active pro has a battery span up to 15 hours on single charge. Also its battery is easy to replace and supports quick charging too. 

Screen Size 

While buying a tablet for field work you have to consider its screen size. Never go for a too big or small screen size, because a large tablet is difficult to carry and a small one does not give a good viewing dimensions. Samsung Active pro comes in 10.1 inches which is quite good and offers proper visibility angles. 

Weight 

Weight is another important factor that you need to consider while buying the best field tablets. Because a heavy and bulky tablet can not be easily portable. And to use it in the field it must be easily carried and you can hold it for longer. Active pro has only 1 pound weight that you can conveniently carry even for hours. 

FAQs

Below are a few frequently asked questions about the best tablet for field work. Let’s check them!

Which is a Ruggedized Tablet?

A tablet which has a rugged outer shell and can withstand extreme conditions like temperatures, jolts, drops and much more. 

Does Apple Have a Rugged tablet?

No, Apple has not even a single rugged version of all of their ipads models. 

Which is the Most Powerful Tablet?

The most powerful tablet is designed with an octa-core or deca-core processor and offers plenty of RAM. 

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