|
Zebra TC22/TC27
Rugged, value-driven 6-inch Android-based mobile computer and data collection devices for retail, hospitality and enterprise customers
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)
Share on:
On June 23, 2020, almost exactly three years after announcing the TC21/TC26 predecessors, Zebra Technologies Corporation launched the Android-based TC22/TC27 as rugged, value-driven enterprise handheld touch computers for small and medium-sized businesses. What's the difference between the two? The WiFi-only TC22 is for workers inside the four walls and the TC27 with WiFi and cellular data for workers out there in the field.
Overall, the new TC22/TC27 models look and feel much like modern Android smartphones in a case, and that was Zebra's idea behind it: provide a design and familiar user interface in a reasonably priced device that's geared towards the data collection and communication needs of retail, hospitality and enterprise customers.
Improvement of a platform
Note that the TC22/TC27, while all new, is an evolution of the TC21/TC26, which was an evolution of the original TC20 that first came on the market late 2017 around the same time as Microsoft called it quits on Windows 10 Mobile. That meant Zebra had bet on the right horse with its early emphasis on Android in the handheld space. The TC20 was available as touch-only or with a hardware keyboard. It was joined early 2018 by the touch-only TC25 as a better-sealed mobile broadband equipped version, and then the TC21/TC26 in 2020.
Just like the TC21/TC26, the new TC22/TC27 models are touch-only. The keypad form factor option is long gone, and both versions are equally well-sealed, so the only difference between the two is cellular data for use in the field.
 As you'd expect, the new models offer very noticeable advances compared to the outgoing TC21/TC26. The specs don't say which Android OS is shipping, but that there will be upgrade support through Android 16. Given Google's rapid-fire Android version proliferation, that's good news as in the past Android devices were often stuck with a certain version.
And while early versions of Android did not meet enterprise security standards and requirements, Android security has been ramped up in leaps and bounds.
In addition to what's baked into standard Android in terms of security, Zebra offers LifeGuard for Android that adds years of OS security support via periodic security updates and legacy OS security support to match the enterprise hardware lifecycle.
And with Zebra being one of the earliest adopters of Android for enterprise solutions, the company has compiled significant experience and makes that available in its "Mobility DNA," an integrated and ever-growing suite of business, management, productivity and development tools. There are so many extensions available by now that customers can decide which features to activate and configure via Zebra's Enterprise Mobility Management tool kit.
What does the TC22/TC27 offer?
With the new TC22/TC27, Zebra provides a nice update to its versatile business handheld specifically designed for use around the workplace. It looks, feels and handles much like a modern smartphone and almost anyone will instantly be familiar with it.
The new TC22-TC27 are powered by a 2.1GHz hex-core Qualcomm QCM5430 processor, replacing the ubiquitous Snapdragon 660 in the TC21/TC26. The QCM5430, which was introduced Spring 2023, is described by Qualcomm as a "scalable 5G-enabled mid-tier platform for IoT." RAM and storage both have doubled to 6GB RAM/64GB Flash or 8GB RAM/128GB Flash.
While the predecessor TC21/TC26 had a smallish 5-inch screen, the TC22/TC27 sport a larger 6-inch display that's sharper to boot (402 vs 294 ppi). There's the ubiquitous Corning Glass for protection, and the screen is reasonably bright at 450 nits.
Like the TC21/TC26, the new TC22/TC27 models have a removable battery. The standard 3,800mAH/24.63Whr pack should easily make it through full shift on a charge, and an optional 5,200mAH extended battery goes well beyond that.
Cameras have been improved as well. The rear camera is now at 16mp, up from 13mp in the older version. And a 5mp user-facing camera for video calls is also available.
Enterprise-grade scanning options
What sets professional and enterprise mobile computing devices apart from standard consumer smartphones is not only greater ruggedness and durability, but also the availability of industrial-grade scanning. TC22/TC27 users can either opt for the Zebra SE55 advanced range scan engine with Zebra's IntelliFocus tech, or the tried-and-true Zebra SE4710 high performance scan engines. A snap-on trigger handle and wearable arm mount are optionally available, as are various charge and communications cradles (see all accessories).
Connectivity galore
On the connectivity and communications side, there's dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/d/h/i/r/k/v/w/mc/ax (whew!) WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 BLE, and, for the TC27, mobile broadband using a Nano SIM or an eSIM. There are two speakers now and dual microphones for maximum voice clarity on PTT Pro or PTT Express Push-To-Talk calls. With the press of a button, users can reach a specific contact, a specific group of contacts, or everyone in the group. The TC22/TC27 supports USB 3.1 host and client via a USB Type-C port. Positioning is via A-GPS that supports GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, QZSS and Galileo. The TC27 comes with 3G/4G/5G broadband wireless.
Tougher and more rugged than before
Although built to handle plenty of abuse, at just over 8 ounces (same as the older models despite the bigger screen) the TC22/TC27 are no heavier than your average consumer phone in a case. The footprint is roughly that of an iPhone 14 Pro Max, but with its extra protection the TC22/TC27, of course, is thicker (12.5 vs 8mm). In return for the thickness and weight users not only get an integrated industrial-grade scanner, but also remarkable ruggedness.
There's now IP68 sealing for both versions (vs IP67 for the TC21/TC26), which means the new models are fully protected against dust and can also handle full immersion. The devices can also handle 4-1/2 foot drops to concrete, 500 tumbles from a height of half a meter (5 foot and 500 tumbles from a meter with the optional with the protective boot), thermal shock, humidity, etc. The operating temperature range is 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, good enough for use in virtually any business.
A nice upgrade to the Zebra TC handheld lineup
What Zebra has done with the new TC22/TC27 is smartly upgrade and update the low-end offering in its TC Series line of mobile computers. Despite their bigger screens, the new models are no larger or heavier than their predecessors. The replaceable battery, larger screen, and increased performance add to their appeal.
The Zebra TC22/TC27 is now technologically up-to-date, both on the hardware and on the software side, it's tough enough for enterprise use, it's light and handy enough to go anywhere, but now with a screen large enough to get the job done. -- C. H. Blickenstorfer, July 2023
|
