Did you know those sleek tablets aren’t as popular as people consider them to be? Well, it is always desirable to carry around something light, if you have rough usage patterns, aesthetics are certainly secondary aspects to consider. For instance, as a casual or occasional swimmer, you might end up keeping the tablet on the sidelines before taking a plunge. At this point, owning a sleek and light tablet isn’t something that you should be concerned about.
Languishing at the edge of the pool, there are ample chances that the device attracts splashes or ends up immersing itself in the pool, thereby invariably getting damaged in the process. This is why, if you have similar usage habits that require the tablet to be in close proximity to water, it is better to take a look at the best water-resistant tablets as your go-to resource.
Be it safeguarding the tablet from the depths of a swimming pool to shielding it while stuck in the rain, you must account for several scenarios while purchasing a new tablet. Some of the issues a regular traveler must keep in mind are water damage to the tablet screen, seepage into the ports, and complete motherboard damage.
To circumvent these potential threats, it is important that you invest in IP67/IP68-certified rugged tablets that can ward off splashes and even complete immersions to a considerable extent. Plus, waterproof or even water-resistant tablets must sport sizable batteries so that you might not need to charge them while the device is still weight.
Keeping the possible issues, pain points, and the subsequent user requirements in mind, I have put together a list of the best water ready tablets that are capable of withstanding sudden weather changes, excessive moisture, and even complete submerges, in select cases. But then, regardless of how enduring the tablet is, I would always recommend using waterproof sleeves and pouches.
Contents
Best Waterproof Tablets of 2023
If you have already made up your mind about getting a waterproof tablet, you should also ascertain your other priorities, depending on the preferences. Still, if you are unsure of your own needs, I shall now enlist the top 5 waterproof tablets that are currently selling like hot cakes.
This list will include some of the premium, all-around tablets for the hardcore professionals followed by a few mid-tier devices and budget picks. Despite the disparate selections, each tablet is good enough to keep the water out and components unscathed to a given extent.
1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro
Despite being considered a rugged and water withstanding tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro has a lot more to it than just durability. If you are a professional who wants a powerful tablet for photo editing that can also ward off water splashes and dust, this is the perfect product to invest in.
Compared to the older and more affordable, Tab Active 2, this tablet offers improved storage support and most importantly, water resistance.
Water Resistance & Build Quality
The Tab Active Pro isn’t just any waterproof android tablet. Firstly, it is MIL-STD compliant, which validates the ruggedness of the chassis. In addition to that, it brings in the IP68 certification to lend protection against dust and water, for up to 30 mins.
Coming to the form factor, the rugged rubberized chassis makes quite an impression and protects the tablet from shocks, vibrations, drops, bumps, and other physical threats. To top it all, you have a water-resistant screen that brings in the Glove Mode for seamless operability during winters and the Wet Touch usability, in case you want to play some music after taking a dip in the swimming pool.
Hardware & Performance
This Samsung waterproof tablet brings in a Snapdragon 670 processor, with the octa-core architecture segregated into one high-speed dual-core setup and one hexa-core processing segment. Plus, there is 4GB RAM to help you edit videos and photos on the go. Finally, you get hold of a paltry, 64GB storage unit that can be upgraded by an additional 512GB, if needed.
The overall performances concerning gaming, productivity, and basic surfing are impeccable and you hardly experience lags. Plus, the Android 9.0 OS boots up like a charm.
Display
The water-resistant 10.1-inch LCD screen is adequately bright. More so, with the FHD+ display resolution adding to the vibrance. Plus, the screen exhibits peak brightness levels of up to 500 nits followed by an aspect ratio of 16:10.
Design & Connectivity
This tablet weighs a respectable 1.44 pounds and measures 9.59 x 6.70 x 0.39 inches. The ruggedness, however, makes it a tad thicker than some of the other standard tablets from Samsung, like the S7 and S7+.
Connectivity-wise, this tablet boasts a Type-C port for faster data transfers and charging. On top of that, you get Wi-Fi AC standard, Bluetooth 5.0, and other wireless perks to make life easier for a standard user. You also have Samsung’s DeX functionality to rely on for setting up a remote workstation.
Battery & other Features
Coming to autonomy, the Tab Active Pro is capable of lasting for up to 15 hours at one go, making it one of the best battery life tablets. Plus, you get access to a nifty fingerprint scanner, powerful front and rear shooters, including the 13MP Autofocus-powered back unit and an 8MP selfie camera, and the Samsung Knox compatibility for lending an additional layer of security.
But that’s not what makes this a great professional resource. The Active Pro comes with an adaptable and long-lasting S-Pen, which is best known for its creative precision and individual IP68 certification.
Conclusion
Overall, the Tab Active Pro is one of the better waterproof tablets from Samsung that you can buy in 2023, which ensures high-end performances across multiple levels. Plus, as compared to other tablets on the list, the Active Pro boasts a more inclusive spec sheet that covers every aspect of productivity.
- Durable chassis
- IP68 certification
- Bright screen
- Adequate system memory
- Fingerprint scanner
- Excellent camera setup
- Top-shelf stylus
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
- Thicker than usual
2. Best Storage Space: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
Honestly speaking, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 gives the Active Pro a run for the top position. Moreover, if you are a seasoned professional who wants the best of both worlds, i.e., durability and productivity, you simply cannot go wrong with this tablet.
I even compared the Active3 with yet another 8-inch tablet from Samsung, i.e., the Tab A, and wasn’t even surprised when the former outwitted the latter in every aspect, more so when battery backup and storage support are concerned.
Water Resistance & Build Quality
This tablet introduces a shock-proof chassis, bolstered further by IP68 dust and water resistance. What makes heads roll is the MIL-STD 810H-graded form factor that adds to the overall ruggedness of the device. Coming to the water resistance, you can expect the same to withstand 30 min of water exposure, i.e., a short rainy spell or two.
Hardware & Performance
The Exynos 9810 chipset is fast and works in tandem with 4GB of RAM, which is good enough for most games and android applications. Plus, there is 128GB of built-in storage space for all your images, videos, and files.
Display
The 8-inch screen is bright enough, courtesy of the FHD+ resolution and the In-Plane Switching technology. Plus, the Galaxy Tab Active3 also boasts enhanced touch modes that ensure responsiveness even during the winters, with the gloves on.
Design & Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 weighs a tad less than the 1-pound mark, which is surprisingly light considering the durability in play. Coming to the dimensions, this device measures 8.42. x 4.99 x 0.39 inches, which is still manageable and easy to fit into sleeves and pouches.
Samsung brings in Wi-Fi 6 as the primary connectivity trait followed by the Type-C port and a magnetic connector for quick charging, courtesy of the Pogo Pin-based layout.
Battery & Other Features
This tablet from Samsung offers close to 13 hours of backup, which is good enough considering its primary stead as a waterproof tablet. In addition to a beefed-up battery module, this device also comes equipped with a 13MP back shooter and a 5MP front camera unit.
Plus, you get access to a fast and responsive fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and the latest version of the Android 10 OS that makes the apps and resources way more available than usual.
In addition to these attributes, this tablet also supports DeX connectivity followed by the availability of a responsive and waterproof S-Pen that is good enough for standalone creative designs.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 is nothing short of a complete tablet, boasting IP68 certification and the latest connectivity standards. However, as compared to other tablets on the list, its excellent on-device storage space makes it one of the better 8-inch tablets to purchase.
- Sizable chunk of RAM
- Light and portable
- Nifty fingerprint scanner
- Fast charging support
- Excellent front shooter
- Thick
3. Best Tablet for Outdoors: TRIPLTEK 7
The TRIPLTEK 7 scales well beyond any other tablet on the list, courtesy of the loaded specs sheet and an intuitive processing setup. Also, when compared to the older TRIPLTEK tablets, this product is way faster and even boasts a brighter and more vibrant screen.
Also, if you are planning to set up a drone mechanism, this tablet with top-notch water resistance is the best suited for outdoor scenarios, especially when it comes to wirelessly connecting multiple drones and viewing the coverage, in real-time.
Water Resistance & Build Quality
This tablet is IP67 certified and boasts the highest possible quality of water and dust resistance. Coming to structural strength, this TRIPLTEK tablet is a military-grade device, featuring an alloyed chassis, made of aluminum and titanium.
Hardware & Performance
There is an octa-core processor to work with, which is ably assisted by 6GB RAM and 128GB of on-device storage space. Coming to performance, this tablet allows you to handle most games and image editing applications with considerable ease.
Display
The 7-inch IPS screen cannot get any brighter than this. At 1200 nits, the cumulative brightness level is worth investing in, especially with HD resolution and sharp viewing angles to rely on.
Design & Connectivity
This durable, metal-clad tablet is on the heavier side at 2.53 pounds. Coming to the dimensions, this tablet measures 8.75 x 8.59 x 1.85 inches, which is a bit thick for my comfort but justifies the enduring capabilities of this device.
Connectivity-wise, there is a standard USB port in play for faster data transfers followed by Wi-Fi AC and 4G LTE or rather tablet with SIM support.
Battery & Other Features
The TRIPLTEK tablet is capable of lasting for almost 6 hours on a single charge. On top of that, this 7-inch tablet also projects excellent sunlight visibility.
Conclusion
If you are on the lookout for a processing-intensive tablet that fits in rather perfectly with outdoor work scenarios such as a drone setup and more, there isn’t a better device than the TRIPLTEK 7”. Also, the 6GB RAM in play is one of the best when it comes to enlisting waterproof tablets and allows you to manage multiple tasks concurrently, without lags.
- Sizable chunk of RAM
- Large storage module
- Brightest possible screen
- Alloyed chassis
- Type-C port
- Resolution and therefore, color accuracy is subpar
- Middling battery backup
4. Best for Inventory Management: Vanquisher
If you want to purchase a rugged tablet for warehouse and inventory management, you might have to consider the new Vanquisher 8-inch tablet, courtesy of the rugged, weather-resistant chassis, and a dedicated barcode scanning engine.
As compared to other durable tablets within the same price range, the Vanquisher is better equipped for warehousing, first mile and last mile professionals, and other forms of usage that need you to stay outdoors for the better part of the day. While the Zebra Laser barcode scanning engine helps, the excellent battery life also furthers the credibility of this tablet as a major professional resource.
Water Resistance & Build Quality
This ultra-rugged tablet is protected against dust and water, courtesy of the IP67 certification. On top of that, the layout is as durable as it gets, bolstered further by the toughened exterior and shock resistance.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, Vanquisher packs in a standard Octa-Core chipset, capable of clocking at speeds of up to 2GHz. Assisting the processor is 4GB RAM that takes care of the processing performances, relevant warehousing apps, and other professional tasks. On top of that, Vanquisher makes room for a 64GB storage unit that can be upgraded by an additional 128GB, as deemed fit.
Display
The 8-inch IPS screen is bright enough for managing most outdoor tasks without issues. Coming to the resolution, the screen exhibits 1920 x 1200 pixels, which is at par with most user expectations. Also, the IPS panel boasts 500 nits, in terms of peak brightness level.
Design & Connectivity
As far as the structural presence is concerned, this tablet weighs close to 1.80 pounds and measures 9.84 x 7.01 x 3.19 inches, provided you take the entire package into consideration. Not just that, you get access to a USB Type-C port followed by high-speed Wi-Fi 5 and 4G LTE support for comprehensive connectivity.
Battery & Other Features
The 15-hour battery backup is purely top-shelf and ensures that the tablet can fit in almost everywhere, professionally. Plus, the Vanquisher tablet also makes room for a 13MP rear and a 5MP front shooter followed by a powerful microphone and a single speaker. Finally, this tablet runs Android 9.0 right out of the box and surprisingly cuts down on the bloatware.
Conclusion
Overall, the Vanquisher 8” is one of the most promising, waterproof tablets in plain sight, provided you plan on purchasing something for tracking inventory and other warehouse-relevant processes. What makes this tablet stand out is the availability of a right-adhering barcode scanner that supports the EM1350 laser scanning functionality from Zebra.
- Bright screen
- Reliable Snapdragon processor
- Ruggedized layout
- Excellent battery backup
- Vibrant rear shooter
- Thicker than usual
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
5. Best Camera Setup: Bix
The rugged, 7-inch tablet from Bix is the last waterproof device on the list, best suited for professionals who are mostly into field work. Plus, when compared with other relevant water-resistant and rugged devices on the list, the tablet from Bix comes out on top, courtesy of the exceptional camera setup.
Water Resistance & Build Quality
This 7-inch tablet from Bix is IP67-certified, which makes it dust and water-resistant. As far as the extent of protection is concerned, you can expect the device to handle a few splashes and a couple of rainy spells. Not just that, the rugged layout doesn’t make it all that heavy despite the shock and drop resistance in play.
Hardware & Performance
There is a standard Octa-core processor in play, capable of speeding up the tablet along with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage space. Plus, you can always upgrade the storage by 256GB, via the micro-SD slot. Coming to the performances, most professional apps work like a charm and you hardly need to be concerned about overheating.
Display
There is a 7-inch screen to work with, that boasts a cumulative resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. Despite the slightly underwhelming color presence, the 500-nits of maximum brightness level more than makes up for the same and ensures that the tablet can be used outdoors.
Design & Connectivity
When it comes to aesthetics, the device measures 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.74 inches, which is thick and appropriately so, owing to the rugged form factor. The tablet from Bix, however, is surprisingly light at 1.23 pounds.
Coming to the connectivity suite, you get access to Wi-Fi AC, NFC, BT 4.0, GPS, and a Type-C port as a part of a comprehensive setup.
Battery & Other Features
This tablet comes with a dependable battery that can last for almost 10 hours, on a single charge. Apart from the excellent autonomy, this tablet also brings in 13MP and 5MP, rear and front shooters.
Conclusion
Overall, this 7-inch tablet from Bix is easily a force to reckon with, considering the resourceful set of cameras, excellent military-grade form factor, and the interactive Android 9.0 OS that cuts out Bloatware better than some of the other products on the list.
- Durable and light form factor
- Reliable processor
- Upgradable storage
- Excellent battery life
- Resourceful camera setup
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
- Not the biggest screen
Frequently Asked Questions
The best IP-rated tablet is easily the Active PRO from Samsung with IP68 certification, which is good to go for extreme weather conditions and deep-water immersions up to 1.5m or for 30 minutes.
Not exactly as even though some iPads have the machinery to handle liquid incursions, none of them are truly waterproof. In some cases, you might consider the new variants as minimally water resistant but that’s all there is to these Apple tablets
Yes, ruggedized waterproof tablets are certainly worth investing in as they aren’t just good enough for keeping the water out but also come with features like shock and drop resistance. On top of that, ruggedized tablets are also immune to dust and extreme weather conditions.
Despite having multiple ports and orifices, waterproof tablets use a surprisingly simple yet effective technique to keep liquid out. They use glue as tape, adhesive, or gasket to ensure that internals keep functioning in the desired way without having to let in water.
Verdict
Finding the right waterproof tablet can be a stretch if you aren’t sure about your preferences. While you can always sift through the reviews to take your pick, here is a handpicked list that might help you select better.
- If you want a powerful tablet that offers a lot more than just IP68-certified water resistance, you can consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro as your go-to device.
- In case you want to plan out a drone set up and need a tablet that can withstand the occasional rainy day and extreme weather conditions, the TRIPLTEK 7 seems to be the perfect choice.
- For affordability seekers, the 7-inch tablet from Bix is the right choice, courtesy of the excellent processing setup and a reliable camera setup.
Apart from the mentioned selections, you can pick any other tablet, depending on your choice of IP rating, additional features, and obviously the price.
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