|
Unitech PA726
Rugged Android-based handheld computer with integrated industrial-grade scanning gets tech update
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)
Unitech initially launched the original PA700 platform in July 2014 in an effort to provide a rugged handheld that merged effortless smartphone functionality with the best of a traditional mobile computer. To that end, Unitech gave the PA700 a large multi-touch display, a powerful processor, industrial-grade data collection capabilities, and all the tools and services required for easy enterprise integration.
In late 2016, Unitech launched the PA720 that represents a tech update and refinement to the PA700, and is the PA700's successor. Like the PA700, the PA720 is a handy, powerful Android-based data collection tool that's built to last. However, the PA720 offers more RAM and storage, dual cameras instead of just one, a broader operating temperature range, and also sports a new and more contemporary design.
In early 2018, Unitech added the PA726 that boosted tech specs once again, both on the software and hardware sides.
Competent technology
From a hardware perspective, the PA726 represents a considerable boost in industrial handheld performance over the PA726. It is based on an octa-core 2.0GHz Qualcomm MSM8953 ARM A53 processor, a chip also found in various Samsung Galaxy products. There's 3GB of RAM and 32GB of Flash (twice that of the PA720) for the unit's Android "Nougat" 7.1.2 OS platform and apps. Storage can be augmented by up to 128GB via a microSD Card slot. The standard battery provides 11.6 watt-hours, and the product brochure also lists an optional 17.3 watt-hour "double" battery. Battery life isn't listed.
Just like consumer smartphones that have moved to larger screens, the Unitech PA726 comes with a fairly roomy 4.7-inch transflective display with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution. That's 312 pixels per inch and makes for a super-sharp picture, perfect for complex applications. The PA726 also has a 5-megapixel front camera for conferencing, and an 16-megapixel (twice that of the PA720 rear camera) autofocus camera with flash.
The PA726 uses 5-point capacitive multi-touch and doesn't have a physical keypad. Below the display are the standard four Android buttons: Search, Menu, Home, and Back. There is a scan button on each side of the device, and the left side also has a volume rocker.
Powerful data collection capabilities
Like most of Unitech's handhelds, the PA726 is highly customizable to meet the needs of a large variety of data collection tasks. With an integrated 1D CCD barcode scanner, the PA726 can be used to to manage inventory assets, check prices and monitor productivity or customer service levels.
A 2D imager reads PDF417, MicroPDF417, Composite, RSS, TLC-39, Datamatrix, QR Code, Micro QR Code,
Aztec, MaxiCode, Postal Codes: US PostNet, US Planet, UK Postal, Australian Postal, Japan Postal
Dutch Postal (KIX), and all 1D barcodes. An optional 1D CCD scanner reads all major codes, i.e. UPC-A/E, EAN-8/13, Codabar, Code 39, Code 39 full ASCI, Code 93, Code 32, Interleaved & Std. 2 of 5, EAN 128, Code 11, MSI/Plessey, Code 128, RSS expended, RSS Limited, and RSS14). In addition, the PA726 can be enhanced with an optional HF RFID and NFC reader/writer, ideal for mobile payment transactions and access control applications.
On the wireless communication side, there's dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, as well 2G/3G/4G LTE TDD WWAN for wide area cellular voice and data connections. And there are dual external antennas for best possible WWAN and WLAN wireless connectivity and performance.
For a device this powerful with such a large and high resolution display and industrial-grade scanner, the PA726 is quite compact, measuring just 3.1 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches and weighing about 10 ounces with the standard battery. The design follows contemporary smartphone/tablet standards with flush frontal glass, a slender rectangular shape, and rounded corners.
As far as ruggedness goes, the Unitech PA726 delivers as well, and it's even tougher than the PA720. The drop spec is up from four to five feet (and even six feet with optional bumpers). There is standard IP65 sealing where the "6" means the device is fully dustproof, and the "5" that it can handle low pressure water jets from all directions. IP67 is available as an option, making the device fully waterproof. There's also a wide -4 to 122 degree Fahrenheit operating temperature range, and presumably a slew of other tests and certifications.
Bottomline
The Unitech PA726 is a nice and timely piece of hardware that combines plenty of smartphone and professional functionality into a reasonably compact Android handheld that's tough enough to hold up in the field. It should be a strong contender for anyone seeking a handheld Android device for the field, one that provides the interface and ease-of-use of a consumer smartphone, but also industrial build and functionality.
Unitech America is a subsidiary of Taiwanese automatic data collection specialist Unitech, founded in 1979. They are also one of the largest manufacturer of rugged PDAs.
|
|
|
 Specifications Unitech PA726
|
|
Added/changed
|
Added 05/2018
|
|
Form-factor
|
Rugged handheld Android computer
|
CPU/Speed
|
Octa-core Qualcomm MSM8953 64-bit ARM A53 CPU/2.0 GHz
|
Graphics
|
Qualcomm Adreno 506 GPU
|
OS
|
Android "Nougat" 7.1.2
|
RAM/ROM
|
3GB/32GB
|
Card slots
|
1 x MicroSD Card Slot (up to 128GB), 2 x Micro SIM
|
Storage
|
32GB Flash
|
Display type
|
TFT with Gorilla Glass 3, 450 nits
|
Display size/res
|
4.7-inch/720 x 1,280 pixel LCD
|
Digitizer/pens
|
5-point capacitive multi-touch
|
Keyboard/keys
|
4 function keys, 2 scan keys, volume keys, Push-To-Talk key
|
Navigation
|
Touch
|
Housing
|
Impact-resistant plastic
|
Operating Temp
|
-4° to 122°F (-20° to 50°C)
|
Sealing
|
IP65 (IP67 optional)
|
Drop
|
5-foot drop (6-foot with bumpers)
|
Vibration
|
MIL-STD-810G, 514.4 Process II
|
Tumbles
|
Unknown
|
Regulatory
|
CE, FCC, NBTC, NCC, BSMI, VCCI, CCC, RoHS compliance
|
Size (WxHxD)
|
3.1 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches (79 x 170 x 28 mm)
|
Weight
|
10.1 oz. (286 grams) with standard battery
|
Power
|
Standard 3.6V 3,220mAH 11.6 watt-hour Li-Ion, double 3.6V 4,800mAH 17.3 watt-hour Li-Ion
|
Sensors
|
G-sensor, proximity, light, digital compass
|
Camera
|
Front: 5mp; rear: 16MP CMOS camera with autofocus, LED flashlight
|
Interface
|
1 x Mini USB 2.0 OTG, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, optional 1D CCD bar code scanner or 2D imager, optional 13.56MHz RFID reader/writer
|
Wireless
|
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/d/h/i/k/r/v, Class 2 Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, WWAN (GSM/GPRS/EDGE Quad-Band (850/900/1800/1900MHz), UMTS/HSPA+, 4G (LTE bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20; TDD bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
|
List price
|
Inquire
|
Brochure
|
PA726 brochure (PDF)
|
Web page
|
PA726 web page
|
|
![]()
|
|
