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Ruggedness and durability are not something most manufacturers care about, but the best waterproof tablets beg to differ. While these sorts of tablets are few and far between, we know they are highly important to people who care about their devices lasting a lifetime.
Well, that is certainly quite rare these days. As tablets get more complex, they are also prone to failure all the more. However, there are a few companies out there that make excellent waterproof tablets that can survive tougher conditions.
Whether you need something spill-proof that stays protected from your kids or a tablet that can survive fieldwork in harsh conditions, this guide has got you covered.
Here’s a look at our top picks for the best waterproof tablets.
01
The best waterproof tablet
Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme
02
Best rugged Android tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO
03
Best budget waterproof tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3
Best waterproof tablet: things to consider
These days, the best waterproof tablets are few and far between. Our choices come down to barely a dozen options or so these days, and half of them are good enough to recommend. This is because waterproof tablets tend to vary a lot.
This is a common problem from the varying performance right down to a different OS. You’ll find many Android waterproof tablets, but they might not be intended for the harshest of conditions. On the flip side, some Windows tablets are recommended for fieldwork, but they are big and heavy and tend to be quite expensive.
Performance can also be all over the place. The little things such as storage, RAM, etc, also end up making a significant difference. So, the best approach is to know your situation, what exactly you need, and find the closest thing possible for an amount you are willing to spend.
Water-resistant vs waterproof
Many people think that these terms are interchangeable, but that is far from the case. Waterproof tablets can survive submersion into the water without too many issues, depending on how long you leave them in. Water-resistance is the same to a degree but provides a lower level of protection.
Usually, this is indicated by an IP rating, like IP65 or IP68. The difference comes down to how much punishment a waterproof tablet can take, and how deep in water it can survive for a certain period.
Why not just buy a water-resistant case?
This may not be too bad of an option for many use cases. You might be the type of person that needs a rugged tablet, but that situation comes up rarely rather than frequently. If that is the case, you can get away with buying a waterproof case for your tablet.
The best waterproof tablets are not the best tablets in general. This is because they cost a lot more than regular tablets, and performance is not up to par for the price in most cases. So, you can pick the best tablet possible for you, buy a waterproof case, and call it day.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case for some folks. People that need a rugged tablet on a daily basis will end up coughing up however much it costs them for the best waterproof tablet.
Be prepared to give up some performance
We’ve talked about this briefly above, and we’ll say it again: the best waterproof tablets might not be the best in terms of performance. This is because making a respectable rugged and waterproof tablet requires a lot of thought for the design. The R&D costs extra, and the implementation is hard to get right.
Profit margins might be higher than other tablets, but that’s because a company will likely sell a lower number of their best waterproof tablets. Putting all of that into perspective, it isn’t possible for you to get the best possible performance out of a waterproof tablet.
Best waterproof tablet: in-depth review
Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme
11.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Pros
- Bright display for outdoor usage
- Features hot-swappable batteries
- Built like a tank
- Brilliant attention to detail
It is easy to say that the Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged is by far the best waterproof tablet out there. This windows machine is built like a tank and looks like something straight out of the military. For those who demand versatility and a durable design, it does not get much better than this one.
This is a great tablet for first responders, factory workers, and those who generally work in harsh conditions. The tablet can be rigged up to a wall or various other mounting surfaces. It also comes with a sturdy stand that serves as the base when using it on a floor or table.
The design is impressive, as it is wrapped in a thick polycarbonate shell with rubberized corners. On the top, the webcam is protected by a slider. It also features physical buttons to adjust things such as volume, brightness, and other shortcuts.
The back features a metallic kickstand that is held in place via an enormous anchor screw. Performance is decent enough, but the processor is quite old considering the price. Finally, it comes with a magnetic keyboard that snaps to the bottom of the tablet.
Finding a rugged Windows tablet of this caliber is quite hard, and that is why it is the best waterproof tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active PRO
Pros
- Great battery life
- The display is quite good
- IP68 Water resistance
- Includes S-pen and stylus holder
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro is Samsung’s best tablet in the Active product lineup. When it comes to Android, this is by far the best waterproof tablet out there. It still performs decently well, and the overall protection here is quite good for use in harsh conditions.
The Tab Active Pro is a tough Android tablet recommended for road warriors. This waterproof tablet comes with a protective case out of the box. The case also features a slot to hold the S-pen, which is included in the box as well. Both of these things show they paid attention to detail here.
This tablet incorporates MIL-STD-810G ruggedness, meaning this Android waterproof tablet can absorb a lot of abuse. Even without the included case, this thing is built like a tank, and we don’t expect it to get damaged in rough conditions.
Hardware-wise, the screen is good and features a high resolution. It also includes hardware buttons so you can navigate the tablet while wearing gloves. Battery life is also decent, and this tablet easily lasts all day.
As we said before, if you need an Android device, this is the best waterproof tablet out there.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3
Pros
- Sharp display for its size
- Compact form factor
- IP68 Water resistance
- Includes the S-pen
Cons
- Middling performance for its price
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 is the latest rugged tablet from Samsung. It takes everything that is great about the Tab Active Pro but uses a more compact design. If you care about portability a lot, then this may be the best waterproof tablet in your case.
This Android tablet uses an 8-inch display, with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Considering the small size, the sharpness is quite good here as it has almost 283 PPI. The form factor is quite good for those who want a rugged tablet, but don’t want to deal with the weight.
This one is a bit expensive, especially considering the underwhelming performance. It can handle day-to-day tasks just fine, but you’d expect more from the price. Fortunately, it still features excellent hardware buttons, a tough outer body shell, and a place to hold the included S-pen.
This is by far the best form factor for a rugged tablet. For that reason, it’s one of the best waterproof tablets available today.
Getac F110 G4
Pros
- Anti-glare display
- Sleek yet tough as nails
- Hot-swappable batteries
Cons
- Underwhelming performance
- Ridiculously expensive
In terms of the design, the Getac F110 G4 might be the best waterproof tablet out there. While this one is quite expensive, and the performance leaves something to be desired, the design and features on offer here are worth considering for field and factory workers.
First off, the design is quite sleek and thin for a waterproof tablet that is so rugged. Don’t let the slick design fool you, as this thing is built like a tank. The back of the device is tough as nails, and it can withstand a lot of abuse. We’re not worried about it holding up in fieldwork, as the design proves it can handle rough environments with ease.
Apart from that, this device features excellent battery life. It has two batteries, both of which are hot-swappable, and that’s great for long days of work outdoors. The anti-glare screen also holds up well and is visible in the sun.
Like other rugged tablets, this one also features hardware buttons. Performing is quite underwhelming, as the i5 7200U does start to show its age here and there. Considering the older processor, this thing is quite expensive.
Still, if you want a slick yet highly portable device, then it is the best waterproof tablet for you.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids
8-inch, 1280 x 800 pixels
Pros
- Perfect for kids
- A Soft yet tough rubber case
- Long battery life
Cons
- No official water resistance
- Underwhelming performance
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is the best rugged/waterproof tablet for kids. However, there is a catch. This tablet does not have an official water resistance rating. This means that you should not trust your kids with it when they have a drink around.
However, the interesting thing is that the case is very well protected. Even if they do spill something on this tablet, it is more than likely it will survive. Now, this seems like a cop-out for this round-up, but we had to feature something that catered to kids.
Apart from the rubberized case (available in different colors), this is the same Fire HD 8 we know and love. The screen is quite decent, and it works well for casual use. While performance is not impressive, it’s decent enough for your kids who will likely be just watching video either way.
All things considered, this is the tablet you would buy for a kid if you need something rugged.
Final word
When it comes to the best waterproof tablets, there aren’t that many options. If you need some serious protection, the Latitude 7220 Rugged or the Tab Active Pro are the ones to look out for. The Tab Active 3 is also quite good if you need something compact.
Finally, the Getac F110 G4 features the best lightweight design, and the Fire HD 8 is perfect for young kids.
Waterproof tablets are few and far between, and they come with a lot of sacrifices. However, if you are someone who truly needs one, those are some compromises that you need to be willing to put up with. We’re sure you’ll have found what you’re looking for with the help of our guide.
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