In Short:
- Choosing an ATEX Smartphone over an ATEX Camera is not always the right call
- Consider an ATEX Camera if imaging quality and data protection are essential
- Consider an ATEX Smartphone if communication is essential and you need a do-it-all device
A trend we see in the market is that a lot of operators use an ATEX Smartphone where using an ATEX Camera would actually be way more effective. Mainly, because an ATEX Smartphone is cheaper and ‘does the job’.
In this blog, we explain when to use an ATEX Camera instead of an ATEX Smartphone (and vice versa), and why an ATEX Smartphone will actually be more costly in the end.
When do you need an ATEX Camera?
1. When imaging quality is very important.
Operators often think that an ATEX smartphone will perform as well for inspections as a distinct ATEX camera, but this is far from reality.
For detailed inspections, you’re better off with an ATEX Camera. Modes like ‘construction mode’, ‘microscope mode’ or ‘document mode’ will make the difference when it counts.
Also, features such as optical zoom (that does not compromise image quality), or time & date stamps on pictures are especially convenient for inspections; these types of features are rarely found in ATEX smartphones.
For example, the image on the left is taken with the IS880.2 Smartphone, while the image on the right is taken with the Armadex OZC3.
2. When data security and device management are very important.
An ATEX Camera does not have a SIM card, and operates without needing wireless connectivity. Furthermore, an ATEX Camera does not store personal data, while an ATEX Smartphone does. Therefore, an ATEX Camera is far more ‘data breach-proof’ than an ATEX Smartphone.
Also, to use an ATEX Camera, you don’t need to create and log into a personal user account, unlike with smartphones. The camera can simply be passed on without the risk of personal data and work data intertwining.
When do you need an ATEX Smartphone?
For use cases such as:
- In-field communication
- Asset management and data capturing
- Process automation and using software applications
- Lone worker protection (LWP)
- Simple inspections and video conferencing
Basically, an ATEX Smartphone is better for multitasking. They are especially convenient when direct in-field communication is needed, in combination with one of the use cases above.
If you need a do-it-all device, then an ATEX Smartphone is the right call. No pun intended.
Is an ATEX Smartphone always cheaper than an ATEX Camera?
For ATEX Zone 2, an ATEX Camera like the Armadex OZC3 is indeed more expensive than an ATEX Zone 2 smartphone like the i.Safe MOBILE IS880.2. Granted.
Here is the thing: you’ll take better pictures and videos with the OZC3 than with an ATEX Smartphone, which will make your inspection way more time-efficient.
With an ATEX Smartphone, you’ll often find the imaging quality is not up to standards, so you’ll have to retake pictures or videos, costing you significantly more time during inspections. The ATEX Camera will save you that time. And as we know, time is money.
Now, if you’re doing inspections in ATEX Zone 1, an ATEX Camera is already less expensive from the start. Here is why: the BARTEC SP9 EX1 Cam Version is valued at €1,995, while modern ATEX Zone 1 Smartphones start at €2,095 — and that is without telephone subscription costs.
In Conclusion
Go with an ATEX Camera if:
- Imaging quality is essential
- Data security and device management are essential
Our recommendations are:
- Armadex OZC3 (ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22) — our bestselling product.
- BARTEC SP9 EX1 Cam Version (ATEX/IECEx Zone 0/1/21). This is a smartphone-shaped camera; no ATEX Zone 1 certified digital cameras exist as of yet.
Go with an ATEX Smartphone if:
- communication is essential
- you need a multipurpose device
Our recommendations are:
- Best budget option: Sonim XP10 (ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22)
- Best overall: i.Safe MOBILE IS540.1 (ATEX/IECEx Zone 1/21)
Still unsure what to pick? We are happy to help you out. Contact us at sales@cobic-ex.com.
About the Author: Jules Pleijsier
