Upgrade your existing zebra TC20 to TC21 for your warehouse stocktake application, is it a need to do so?
25/Nov/2021


Are you a Zebra TC20 user currently and planning to purchase more TC20 mobile computers for your existing operation? Or planning to expand your existing application with more features? Let's understand the latest TC21 and what is its improvement first before deciding if you still want to purchase the old TC20 or move to TC21.

Processor Upgrade

Zebra TC20 launch in Malaysia for more than 4 years since this article is publish, TC20 built with QCOM MSM8937® 64-bit 8-Core, ARM® Cortex A53 1.4GHz, 512KB L2 cache, power-optimization processor which allows you to capture the barcode and communicate with the server in the fastest way possible. With the time moving forward, better performance processors are now available for the manufacturer and higher operating system requirements. The TC21 launched in 2020 now comes with the Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 660 octa-core, 1.8 GHz processor. Increased speed of 0.4GHz compared with its predecessor. This speed increase allows you to feel the time shorten for the data transfer back to the server if you are required to transfer more than 1000 records a day and also smoother screen and application movement.

Android Version

By default, TC21 comes with Android 10 with built in support for a future Android release comparing TC20 with Android Nougat 7.X. This operating system system upgrade allows you to add in more latest applications features like picture in picture function, Indoor positioning with Wi-Fi RTT, Dark Theme for night shift operation and other useful features. It is more possible with the TC21 compared with the TC20.

Memory Upgrade

In terms of memory size and flash capacity, the standard model of TC20 comes with 2GB RAM/16 GB Flash memory compared with standard model TC21 4 GB RAM/64 GB Flash memory. Increasing memory means the chances for the device Hang due to memory leakage is lower for the developer. At the same time, it also improves the application performance and smooth operation.

IP rating Improved

However TC21 improved its IP sealing from IP54 to IP67 from its predecessor. That means this mobile computer now is more rugged and waterproof. Customers can have better peace of mind when using TC21 compared with TC20.

Display LCD improvement

The latest TC21 comes with full HD 5.0 in. color HD (1280 x 720); LED backlight; Corning® Gorilla® Glass versus 4.3 in. color WVGA (800x480); LED backlight; Corning Gorilla Glass, Bigger and clearer LCD mean easier to view the content and minimised mistakes happen during the production process.

What is the same between TC20 and TC21

TC21 maintenance it drop test specification at 4 ft./1.2 m drop to concrete per MIL-STD 810G
across operating temperature same as TC20. Its Vibration test also maintains at 4g peak; 5Hz to 2kHz; 1 hour duration per axis. The same specification of Thermal Shock -40°C to 70°C rapid transition 10 cycles: (1 cycle = 1.25 hours at -40°C and 1.25 hours at 70°C) and Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD) specification at +/-15 kV air discharge, +/-8 kV direct discharge; +/-8 kV indirect discharge



by: pang



Related Article



Video

Streamline Warehouse Operations with A-Gen, Honeywell CT45XP & RP4 Mobile Printer!



16 Reasons to Use Our Latest Stock Take Software for Your Warehouse Simplify Data Entry.