A Simple Guide to Buying an ATEX Tablet

In Short:

• Choosing the right ATEX tablet isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we made this simple, step-by-step guide.
• There are 4 steps: define your use case, choose the right operating system, consider the hardware specs, and determine the right certification.

Step 1: Define your use case

First things first — why do you actually need a tablet?

This sounds obvious, but it’s worth thinking through. A tablet is a bigger, more powerful device than a smartphone. It’s not always the right tool for the job. In some cases, a smaller ATEX smartphone is more practical — easier to carry around and just as capable for communication and basic tasks.

But for certain applications, a tablet is exactly what you need. These are the most common use cases we see among our customers:

• Running specific software or enterprise applications on-site
• Datalogging during maintenance inspections
• Video calls between field personnel and engineers
• Accessing dashboards or databases through a browser or web app
• Working with detailed inspection reports that require a larger screen

If your work involves any of these, an ATEX tablet is a strong choice. The larger screen and processing power make a real difference for data-heavy or visual tasks.

 

 

Step 2: Choose the right operating system

ATEX tablets run on either Android, Windows, or iOS (Apple).

A good place to start is your software. Will you be using apps that are only available on Android? Or is your software web-based? Or will you use specific Microsoft-Office applications?

Also worth checking: does your organisation use Mobile Device Management (MDM)? MDM lets your IT team manage all devices from one central place — and it often means sticking to a single operating system. Check with your IT department before making a decision.

Step 3: Look at the hardware specs

Once you’ve picked your OS, it’s time to look at the hardware. Here’s what actually matters:

• Battery life: Windows generally consumes more power than Android. Keep in mind that charging devices inside a hazardous area is not permitted. Make sure the battery can last a full shift.
• Processor and memory: If you’re running demanding software, you need a fast processor and sufficient RAM. This is especially important for Windows tablets running heavy applications.
• Camera: Many inspection workflows rely on the tablet’s camera. More megapixels and better low-light performance matter if the camera is a core part of the job. If the only part of the job is doing visual inspections, then a dedicated ATEX-camera might actually be a better solution than an ATEX-tablet.
• Screen size: ATEX tablets are built tough — but size still matters. A larger screen is great for detailed work, but also adds weight. Think about how the device will actually be carried and used in the field.

 

 

Step 4 (IMPORTANT): Determine the right certification

The Ex-marking on a device must match the zone classification of your work environment. This is non-negotiable. It also determines which devices you can actually choose from, so it makes sense to figure this out before you start comparing specs and prices.

Speaking of prices — certification has a direct impact on cost. A Zone 1-certified tablet is always more expensive than a Zone 2 equivalent. Paying a higher price to be fully compliant with regulations is always the right thing to do: for you, your company, and most importantly, your employees. In the end, being non-compliant will cost you more than buying a Zone 1 Tablet ever will.

Not sure which zone you’re working in? Check the Explosion Protection Document (EPD) for your site, or ask your safety officer.

 

 

BONUS: ATEX Tablet Case

Buying an ATEX tablet is expensive, and why should you spend all that money if you can also buy an ATEX Case for your company tablet.

Armadex recently introduced the first reusable ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 case for all 10-11 inch tablets: the Armadex Ex UniCase.

Here is an example of how it works: if one of the operators uses an Android-tablet, and another operator uses a Windows-tablet, then both these tablets fit inside the UniCase as long as they’re 10 to 11 inches in size. The only thing that needs to be done when passing on the UniCase, is to swap the design-specific inlays inside it so the other tablet can fit. That means that the UniCase can also be shared between multiple operators, resulting in significant cost savings on equipment.

Wondering how the Ex UniCase can benefit you? Check out our interview on the Ex UniCase with Bram Renkema from Armadex.

 

 

Which ATEX tablets do we recommend?

At COBIC-Ex, we carry a wide range of certified ATEX tablets. To make it easy for you, we created an ATEX-Tablet Comparison Guide:

 

Still not sure which tablet is right for you?

No problem. That’s what we’re here for. Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you find the right device for your specific environment and workflow.

Contact us at sales@cobic-ex.com