Zebra’s TC53/TC58 Touch Computers: An Ideal Upgrade for Aging Devices 

If you’re running older industrial handhelds or touch handheld mobile computers in your business, there’s a good chance that you’re starting to struggle with slow app response times, outdated connectivity, and limited support options. 

As always, when technology and business needs evolve, mobile devices do, too. So, the hardware that you’ve been using over the past four or five years may no longer be keeping up with your needs and might not have the specs and capabilities to take advantage of the latest improvements in business apps, connectivity, and data capture.  

Fortunately, with hardware trade-in programs, you don’t have to keep using old devices that might be holding you back, and one of the best trade-in upgrades for enterprise touch mobile computers is Zebra’s TC58/TC53 device.   Zebra’s newest TC5x platform is a huge step up in mobile computing specs and performance, not just in terms of raw speed and processing power but also with a larger display, new connectivity options, more battery power, more advanced barcode scanning and range, more voice and push-to-talk capabilities, and even point-of-sale and RFID support. And it’s all available in a device that’s thinner and tougher, with advanced materials technology to provide better rugged durability in a more lightweight and compact device. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the TC58/TC53 platform, its key differentiators, and why our mobile technology experts at SK&T are recommending this device to many of our customers.  

What Makes Zebra’s TC53 and TC58 a Superior Option  

Zebra’s TC53 (Wi-Fi only) and TC58 (Wi-Fi + 5G) enterprise-grade touch mobile computers are the first of a new generation of devices designed with new materials technology, mobile computing components, and new sensor and connectivity technologies. These all represent a huge leap forward from devices that were available just a few years ago, so if you need to upgrade the speed, performance, and connectivity of your mobile computers, this new platform offers the best way to do it while also keeping your costs manageable. 

Also, since the TC53 and TC58 provide all these capabilities in an extremely rugged, thin, and compact device, there’s an opportunity for many businesses to switch from traditional industrial handhelds to these sleeker and more modern touch computers.   

Here are some of the key highlights of the TC53 and TC58’s many capabilities and improvements:  

Massively Better Performance and Connectivity 

• Qualcomm 6490 octa-core 2.7 GHz processors for virtually instant app response 
• 8GB RAM with up to 128 GM of Flash memory to complement app response 
• 6th-generation Wi-Fi with 2×2 MU-MIMO for much better bandwidth and reliability 
• 5G networking for much faster and more reliable cellular connectivity 
• CBRS support for private enterprise cellular networks 
• Easy-to-use Android operating system updatable to Android 16 

 Larger Screen Display with Major Improvements  

• 6-inch hi-resolution and ultra-bright display that are the best in this device class 
• Edge-to-edge display technology to see more information with less scrolling 
• Corning® Gorilla® Glass for maximum shatter and scratch resistance 
• Display usable with a finger, gloved finger, or stylus with no mode change needed 
• Touchscreen display that works beautifully, even when it’s wet 

  Unmatched Battery Technology 

• A standard 4680 mAh battery plus an extended 7000 mAh battery option 
• Continuous power capabilities depending on the battery options you choose 
• Zebra PowerPrecision+ battery technology for longer life plus battery health and stats 

  Thinner, Tougher Yet Ruggedly Durable 

• Advanced manufacturing and materials technology for more rugged performance 
• Military-grade spec for 5-foot drops to tile over concrete 
• 6-foot direct concrete drop spec with optional protective boot  
• Extreme operating temperature resistance of -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) 
• A thinner profile at 6.48” x 3.04” x 0.66” (164.8 mm x 77.35 mm x 16.75 mm) 
• Lightweight at just 10.3 ounces (293 g) with a standard battery 

Advanced Scanning Range and Capabilities 

• SE4720 1D/2D scanning engine for standard ranges 
• Optional SE55 1D/2D scanning engine for ranges of over 40 feet away 
• Split-second, first-time capture of virtually any barcode in any condition 

  PBX Handset and Push-to-Talk Options 

• Fully-featured PBX handset functionality with Zebra’s Workforce Connect Voice 
• Two-way radio capability with optional Push-to-Talk Express or PTT Pro 
• Push-to-talk calls and secure messaging over cellular with PTT Pro 

  RFID Sled Compatibility 

• Lightning-fast RFID reading with a standard or extended range Zebra RFID sled 
• Reads up to 1,300 tags per second with easy Bluetooth, NFC or eConnext connectivity 
• Wi-Fi 6E for easy over-the-air management of devices and attached RFID sleds 

  $75 Per Device Trade-In Savings 

• Fast trade-in rebates of $75 per device when you trade in your qualifying old hardware 
• Savings available for the trade-in of any qualifying Zebra or non-Zebra device 

Why the TC53 and TC58 Get Our Top Recommendation 

Beyond the specs and improvements, we’ve outlined here, the TC53 and TC58 platform are one of the mobile industry’s strongest enterprise-grade offerings because of their long-term cost of ownership. 

Compared to consumer-grade devices, which often suffer damage or begin to fail after just six months in rugged enterprise environments and workflows, the TC53 and TC58 are built to look and feel like a consumer smartphone but perform like a powerhouse enterprise computer and rugged industrial device. This makes them vastly more durable than consumer-grade devices, so, while they certainly cost considerably more than an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy smartphone, they are often vastly cheaper, even over a period of a year or two. 

Additionally, since they offer an opportunity to switch from traditional industrial handhelds, which are often much larger, bulkier, and heavier, and since they’re touchscreen devices that are much easier to use and more familiar to users who use smartphones at home, they offer a huge advantage in mobile efficiency.  

Quite simply, in many cases, you can get more done with these devices a lot faster than you can with keypad-driven industrial devices, although those still have their place in many use cases. In fact, Zebra now has next-generation industrial handhelds that are both touchscreen and keypad devices, such as the MC9400, so there are always options to match your specific needs. 

However, for arguably the best of all worlds, we recommend a close look at the TC53 and TC58, as it can be a real difference maker when it comes to training users, onboarding new workers, and giving your users the kind of convenience and performance they’d expect from a high-end smartphone, but in a device that’s tough and diverse enough for all-day enterprise work.

Download a Spec Sheet and Get Special Pricing from SK&T 

To learn more about the TC53 and TC58, download our spec sheet for quick reference, and feel free to visit our product page or contact our mobile technology experts at SK&T for pricing and answers to your questions. We can also provide details on the GO Zebra Trade-In Program and help you determine if your current hardware is eligible.