Zebra TC22 vs TC27: Wi-Fi only or mobile network?
The TC22 and TC27 are the same Android mobile computer with one difference: the TC27 adds a mobile network. The TC22 works over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth only. The TC27 also takes a nano SIM and an eSIM for 5G or 4G data and phone calls. Screen, scanner options, battery, memory and toughness are identical, so choose by where the device will be used.
| TC22 | TC27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Network connections | Wi-Fi (WLAN), Bluetooth (WPAN) | Mobile network (WWAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Mobile network | None | 5G NR Sub-6 (NSA and SA), 4G LTE, 3G, 2G; private LTE/5G support |
| SIM | None | 1 nano SIM + 1 eSIM, dual SIM dual standby |
| Voice calls | VoIP over Wi-Fi | Mobile voice (VoLTE, HD voice) and VoIP |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2×2 MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi 6E (needs Mobility DNA Enterprise License) | Same |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, plus BLE beacon with the BLE battery | Same |
| Location (GNSS) | Not listed for the TC22 | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, dual-band GNSS, A-GPS |
| Scan engine options | SE4710 1D/2D, or SE55 1D/2D advanced range with IntelliFocus | Same |
| Display | 6.0 in., 1080 × 2160 (FHD+), 450 nits, Corning Gorilla Glass | Same |
| Touch | Capacitive, bare or lightly gloved fingers | Same |
| Battery | Removable: 3,800 mAh standard, 5,200 mAh extended, 3,800 mAh BLE | Same |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM / 64 GB flash, or 8 GB RAM / 128 GB flash; microSD up to 2 TB | Same |
| Processor | Qualcomm 5430, 6 cores, 2.1 GHz | Same |
| Android | Launched with Android 13; 13, 14 and 15 available; final supported version Android 16 | Same |
| Sealing | IP68 and IP65 | Same |
| Drops | 1.5 m to concrete with protective boot; 1.3 m to tile over concrete | Same |
| Operating temperature | −10 to 50 °C | Same |
| Size | 165 × 76.3 × 12.5 mm | Same |
| Weight | 236 g (3,800 mAh battery), 262 g (5,200 mAh battery) | Not listed separately |
Figures from Zebra's TC22/TC27 spec sheet and the supported Android versions list. Mobile bands vary by region and operator.
Choose the TC22 if
- The device stays inside your Wi-Fi coverage, for example in a shop, warehouse or production hall
- Staff call over Wi-Fi (VoIP or push-to-talk) or don't need calls
- You don't want a SIM contract for each device
Choose the TC27 if
- Staff work outside Wi-Fi: deliveries, field service, sales visits, yards
- You need mobile data for live orders, tracking or proof of delivery on the road
- Staff need normal phone calls on the device
- Your site runs a private LTE or 5G network
- You need satellite positioning (GPS) on the device
Same scanner, two engine options
Both models come with either the SE4710 or the SE55 scan engine. The choice depends on how far away your barcodes are, not on the model.
- SE4710: for barcodes within arm's reach. Zebra lists a 20 mil Code 39 barcode at up to 66 cm and a 20 mil QR code at up to 35.6 cm. It shows a red aiming dot.
- SE55 with IntelliFocus: for both close and distant barcodes, such as labels on high shelves. Zebra lists a 100 % UPC barcode at up to 180 cm and a 20 mil Code 39 barcode at up to about 2.8 m. It shows a green aimer.
Check which engine a configuration has before you order. Scanning works the same way on both through DataWedge, see the DataWedge setup guide.
Video: Zebra Technologies
What both models share
Zebra covers both models in one user guide and one quick start guide, so setup, settings and troubleshooting are identical. Batteries, charging cradles and the 4-slot battery charger fit both. Our TC22/TC27 setup guide and troubleshooting guide apply to both, and the TC27 only adds the SIM and eSIM steps.
Compare the models in our shop: Zebra TC22 and Zebra TC27.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Zebra TC22 have a SIM card slot?
No. The TC22 connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth only. The TC27 has one nano SIM slot and one eSIM.
Does the TC27 support 5G?
Yes. The TC27 supports 5G NR Sub-6 in both NSA and SA modes, plus 4G LTE. Supported bands depend on the region and the operator.
Can the TC22 make phone calls?
Only over Wi-Fi with a VoIP or push-to-talk app. Mobile phone calls need the TC27.
Do the TC22 and TC27 use the same batteries and cradles?
Yes. Both use the same 3,800 mAh and 5,200 mAh batteries and the same Zebra charging cradles.
Does the TC22 have GPS?
Zebra's spec sheet lists GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS with assisted GPS in the TC27's mobile network section, not for the TC22. If you need satellite positioning, choose the TC27.
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