Most decisions in life involve some element of compromise. And they almost always do when we’re choosing mobile devices.
‘This phone looks beautiful, but it’s as brittle as a 2mm sheet of glass.’
‘That one’s as tough as Dwayne Johnson but almost as heavy.’
You win something, you lose something. At least, usually. But the thing we think most impresses about the new Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile is that we are struggling to see the compromises.
It's a rugged phone with the user experience of a consumer model. It’s also so packed with features Zebra Technologies claims it’s going to end that awkward practice of juggling several devices to get the job done. (Never a good look.) Read this list of highlights and you can understand why:
- A large, high-end adaptive display
- The fastest wireless connections – 5G and WiFi 6E.
- Integrated short-range RFID that reads up to 20 tags per second
- Contactless transaction ready
- Transforms into a two-way radio or fully featured workstation
Because of these features (and many more highlighted below), every use case we throw at this model seems to stick. In fact, Zebra could have justifiably billed it as the chameleon of rugged phones: effortlessly adapting to any workplace scenario.
Here’s a deep dive into the Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile – see if you agree with our assessment.
EM45 Features: What You’d Expect – and Much, Much More
Rugged Meets Consumer at Last
The EM45 is going to take the knocks and come back fighting: it’s drop-proof, tumble proof and waterproof with an IP65/68 sealing. And it achieves these rugged credentials in Zebra’s thinnest device – just 11mm thick. But what about the screen? This is where compromise often rears its head with rugged devices. Not here. The 6.7-inch full HD display screen is beautifully backlit and refreshes at 120Hz.
Enterprise Performance – But Better
You’ll expect certain enterprise features as standard and the EM45 delivers – above and beyond. You get the fastest wireless connection – 5G, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, with Wireless Fusion delivering advanced always-connected WiFi roaming. Meanwhile, the battery delivers for days – up to 25 hours on one charge – and fast charging goes from 0-50% in 30 minutes, a feature that busy teams will appreciate. Finally, the EM45 comes fitted with Zebra’s most advanced camera — 50 MP with Optical Image Stabilisation.
Standout Features We Can’t Take Our Eyes Off
This is the section that will catch the eye of many a business tech buyer – because the workplace applications for these features are extremely promising:
- Built-in short-range UHF RFID: give your frontline workers the power of RFID in their pocket with no separate reader required. It reads up to 20 tags per second, and 5G ensures it works anywhere and is easy to carry and hold.
- Point of sale ready. CPOC payment support enables contactless payment with any NFC-enabled bank card or mobile wallet. The EM45 also supports contactless non-payment items in digital wallets, enabling instant validation of tickets, boarding passes, loyalty cards and more.
- Desktop functionality. Turn your phone into a desktop with Zebra Workstation Connect – great for intensive tasks or just where you need to present on a bigger display.
- AI-capability. This will unlock new ways of working — from transcription and translation to 3D measurement and analysis of shelf configuration and placement of products.
- Reassuring security. Deploy on-device fingerprint and facial recognition; and centrally controlled multifactor authentication — including facial recognition and 3rd party Single Sign On — with Zebra’s Identity Guardian.
What Will the EM45 Look Like in the Field?
To really get a sense of why this new phone launch matters, here’s how it could look in business operations.
Field Services and Repairs
No more getting stranded in the field. Technicians can access detailed repair manuals on the high-definition display, while Vision AI assists with part identification and measurement. Teams can document repairs with the 50MP camera and instantly share high-resolution photos with remote experts. All this while maintaining reliable 5G connectivity even in remote locations and experiencing zero worries about drops in challenging environments,
Delivery
Complete tasks, faster. Drivers can streamline operations by scanning up to 20 RFID-tagged parcels per second during loading and delivery verification. The large, bright screen provides clear navigation even in direct sunlight, while instant contactless payments at delivery ensure faster completion times. When drivers need to document delivery conditions or damage, the advanced camera captures clear images in any lighting condition.
Healthcare
Several of the EM45’s features fit this environment like a latex glove. The device's IP65/68 sealing allows for thorough sanitisation between uses, while the extended battery life ensures reliable operation through long shifts. Staff can instantly access and update patient records, communicate through secure channels, and even use the workstation feature to review detailed medical imaging on larger displays when needed.
Retail
Store associates can transform inventory management with rapid RFID scanning that locates items and monitors stock levels in real time. Out front, the device speeds up customer service by quickly finding specific sizes and colours, while its contactless payment capability enables flexible checkout anywhere in the store. The AI capabilities help with planogram compliance and automated shelf monitoring, while the workstation feature allows for detailed inventory analysis when needed.
Hospitality
Venue staff can efficiently manage large crowds by quickly scanning RFID wristbands for access control and payments. The device's durability withstands the demands of high-traffic environments like stadiums and cruise ships, while its payment capabilities enable mobile transactions anywhere. Staff can track high-value items, scan attendee badges for lead capture and process RFID bracelet payments – all while maintaining connection to key systems through WiFi 6E in crowded venues.
Yes, it’s, Great But…
In our view, the EM45 outperforms other models that might enter the procurement mix. Too many have gaps in their functionality that the EM45 fills every time. For instance, the ‘consumer rugged’ Samung XCover6 Pro lacks integrated RFID and has inferior wireless. The Enterprise Bluebird HF550X does have integrated RFID, but has an inferior display, wireless connectivity and camera. And the Urovo DT50D, also with integrated RFID, is cumbersome (27% thicker), has a smaller display and supports only half the RAM and flash memory.
But is there still a sting in the tail, or a compromise to be made with this new enterprise rugged phone?
Some will point out that this new device costs more than many consumer devices. This is true superficially – and demonstrably false when you examine the facts. Third party studies have shown that a consumer smartphone can cost twice as much as an enterprise device because of a shorter lifecycle, the need to buy additional kit to meet the functionality and lack of durability and increased repairs. See our post on total cost of ownership for a deep dive into this subject.
The Zebra DNA Factor
There’s one more thing we’ve saved for (nearly) last. All of the phones above and many others will be light on functionality and solutions compared to the EM45. This is partly because it can access a larger Zebra ecosystem that includes Zebra DNA, a series of enterprise tools to help you deploy, secure and gain maximum protectivity from your Zebra device. In our view, you should definitely factor the impressive capabilities of Zebra DNA into your decision-making – reading our Zebra DNA post is a good place to start.
And Finally… Sustainability
The EM45 has impeccable sustainability credentials – something that will be central to many organisations’ decision-making, including government bodies complying with the framework Greening Government: ICT and Digital Services Strategy 2020-2025.
Some standout sustainability facts:
- The device contains over 25% post-consumer recycled plastic/material
- Packaging is made with sustainable materials
- The device consumes 44% less energy than the US Department of Energy (DoE) required threshold
- Zebra’s circular energy program provides life cycle management that reduces the overall carbon impact
Nuffield Technologies advises organisations of all sizes on device procurement. As a Zebra partner, we can obtain preferential pricing for the new Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile and also help you with device rollout, and software development and integration across your IT estate. Get in touch to find out more.