The Benefits of Next Gen Zebra Mobile Computers
Mobile technology continues to play an increasingly important role in retail, warehousing, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and field service. As applications become more sophisticated and businesses rely on their mobile workforce to process more information in real time, the hardware supporting those workers needs to evolve as well.
The next generation of Zebra Mobile Computers is designed to do exactly that.
Zebra is introducing the TC201, TC501, and TC701, a new generation of enterprise mobile computers designed to deliver greater performance, improved connectivity, enhanced scanning capabilities, AI-ready processing, and the durability businesses expect from Zebra.
For organizations currently using the Zebra TC22, TC53, or TC73, these new devices provide a natural path toward the next generation of Zebra’s mobile computing platform.
Meet the Next Gen of Zebra Mobile Computers
The three new devices are designed around different levels of performance and ruggedness, allowing businesses to select the right mobile computer for each workflow.
Zebra TC201: The New Standard for Everyday Frontline Work
The Zebra TC201 is designed for everyday frontline applications where employees need a lightweight, familiar, smartphone-style device without sacrificing enterprise functionality.
It is an excellent fit for retail associates, warehouse employees, healthcare teams, inventory operations, fulfillment environments, and customer service applications.
The TC201 combines a modern Android experience with Zebra’s enterprise scanning technology, helping workers quickly capture traditional barcodes as well as damaged, poorly printed, and on-screen codes.
For organizations currently deploying TC22-class devices, the TC201 represents an opportunity to move to Zebra’s newest mobile computing platform while maintaining the usability employees already know.
Key benefits include:
- Familiar smartphone-style design that can reduce employee training
- Fast enterprise barcode scanning
- Improved internal hardware for modern business applications
- Lightweight design for comfortable all-shift use
- Newer platform designed to support evolving enterprise applications and workflows
Zebra TC501: More Power and Flexibility for Demanding Workflows
Moving up the lineup, the Zebra TC501 provides additional performance, connectivity, scanning range, and ruggedness for businesses with more demanding mobile workflows.
The TC501 is powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 processor with an integrated on-device AI engine, enabling businesses to take advantage of a new generation of intelligent applications directly on the mobile computer.
Connectivity also receives a major upgrade with support for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G, helping employees remain connected to critical applications and information throughout facilities and in the field.
For scanning-intensive applications, long-range scanning options allow workers to capture barcodes from greater distances, making the TC501 particularly attractive for warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution environments.
Optional integrated UHF RFID further expands the potential applications of the device.
The TC501 is ideal for mixed supply-chain environments including warehouses, last-mile delivery, retail floors, manufacturing and field service.
Key benefits include:
- Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 processor
- Integrated on-device AI processing
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity
- 6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display
- Long-range barcode scanning options
- Integrated UHF RFID configurations
- Hot-swappable battery options
- IP65/IP68 rugged design
- Increased performance for demanding enterprise applications
Zebra describes the TC501 as a rugged mobile computer built around AI-powered productivity and future-ready Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity.
Zebra TC701: Built for the Toughest Environments
At the top of the new lineup is the Zebra TC701, designed for organizations that need maximum durability and performance.
The TC701 brings the same new Dragonwing Q-6690 platform and on-device AI capabilities into an ultra-rugged mobile computer built for transportation and logistics, shipping and receiving, proof of delivery, field service, warehouses and other environments where device downtime can directly impact operations.
Zebra lists configurations with up to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, along with Wi-Fi 7, 5G and a 6-inch display.
Durability is one of the TC701’s biggest advantages. Its ultra-rugged construction is designed to withstand repeated drops and demanding operating conditions while still providing the processing power required for modern enterprise applications.
The TC701 can also support specialized workflows such as UHF RFID and optional Time-of-Flight technology for mobile parcel dimensioning. Zebra’s Mobile Parcel solution supports TC701 configurations equipped with the appropriate iToF camera, allowing compatible devices to assist with capturing parcel dimensions.
Key benefits include:
- Ultra-rugged construction for demanding environments
- Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 processor
- Powerful on-device AI capabilities
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity
- Up to 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage
- Long-range barcode scanning
- Integrated UHF RFID configurations
- Optional Time-of-Flight capabilities for specialized workflows
- Replaceable high-capacity battery options
- Designed for transportation, logistics and intensive field operations
Why Upgrade to the Next Generation?
The biggest advantage of the new generation of Zebra Mobile Computers isn’t one individual specification. It’s the combination of improvements throughout the platform.
More Processing Power
Modern enterprise applications continue to become more demanding. Faster processors and increased memory provide more headroom for multitasking, data-intensive applications, advanced scanning, computer vision and AI-assisted workflows.
AI at the Edge
On-device AI represents an important change in enterprise mobility.
Instead of requiring every intelligent process to communicate with a remote cloud service, compatible applications can take advantage of local AI processing. This can help enable faster responses and create new opportunities for intelligent frontline applications.
Faster Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi 7 and 5G capabilities available on the higher-end models can provide faster and more responsive connectivity for businesses increasingly dependent on cloud applications, real-time inventory systems, voice communication and other connected workflows.
Advanced Data Capture
Barcode scanning remains one of the most important functions of an enterprise mobile computer, but the next generation goes beyond conventional scanning.
Depending on configuration, businesses can combine barcode scanning, long-range scanning, RFID and advanced imaging capabilities within a single mobile platform.
Better Long-Term Investment
Enterprise mobile computers typically remain in service for years. Selecting newer hardware isn’t simply about making today’s applications run faster.
It provides additional performance and technology headroom for the applications businesses may deploy tomorrow.
The TC201, TC501 and TC701 also appear within Zebra’s current Android 15 enterprise software ecosystem, helping organizations build their next device deployment around a modern Zebra platform.
Which Zebra Mobile Computer Is Right for Your Business?
The choice ultimately depends on the environment and workload.
Choose the Zebra TC201 for everyday frontline mobility where size, simplicity and comfortable all-day use are priorities.
Choose the Zebra TC501 when you need additional processing power, ruggedness, long-range scanning, RFID capabilities or advanced Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity.
Choose the Zebra TC701 for your toughest transportation, logistics, warehouse and field environments where maximum ruggedness, performance and uptime are essential.
For organizations already using the TC22, TC53 or TC73 generation, now is a good time to begin evaluating how these next-generation devices could fit into future hardware refresh plans.
Ready to Refresh? Take Advantage of the Go-Zebra Rebate Program!
Did you know that Zebra will pay you cash for legacy devices when you purchase new Zebra devices?
This is the Go-Zebra Rebate Program, and PLS can help your business or organization take advantage of this rebate.
Please contact PLS to find out how much you can receive per legacy device.
Prepare Your Business for the Next Generation of Zebra Mobile Computers
Upgrading mobile computers isn’t simply a hardware decision. Device configuration, accessories, wireless infrastructure, mobile device management, application compatibility, staging, deployment and ongoing support all play an important role in a successful rollout.
Professional Label Solutions (PLS) can help organizations evaluate the new Zebra TC201, TC501 and TC701, determine the right configurations for each workflow, and develop a deployment strategy designed around their operational requirements.
Whether you’re replacing an existing fleet of Zebra Mobile Computers or planning a new mobility deployment, PLS can help you select, configure, deploy and support the right Zebra solution for your workforce.
Contact PLS today to learn more about the next generation of Zebra Mobile Computers and determine whether the TC201, TC501 or TC701 is right for your organization.
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