Zebra – TC501 Mobile Computer | Rugged Mobile Computing Reimagined for the AI-Powered Frontline
The Zebra TC501 is a powerhouse enterprise mobile computer engineered for frontline workers who need to run demanding AI applications in the field. At its core sits Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Q-6690 processor — delivering up to 300% more performance than legacy TC5 devices — paired with a dedicated AI engine and up to 12 GB RAM and 256 GB Flash storage. This makes the TC501 uniquely suited to industries where speed, accuracy, and real-time intelligence translate directly into operational results.
Designed for retail associates, field service technicians, postal carriers, and warehouse operations, the TC501 consolidates barcode scanning, UHF RFID reading, high-resolution imaging, NFC, and 5G cellular into a single hardened device. Its 6-inch AMOLED display with 1500 nits of brightness keeps workers productive in any environment — from bright outdoor docks to dimly lit stockrooms. Built to survive 8 ft. drops and thousands of tumbles, the TC501 is the most durable TC5 Series device Zebra has ever produced. Develop and deploy AI applications in days — not months — using Zebra’s Frontline AI Suite.
Specification
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions: 6.42 x 3.07 x 0.61 inches (163.15 x 77.9 x 15.5 mm)
- Weight: 9.63 oz (273 g) with 5000 mAh battery / 10.69 oz (303 g) with 7240 mAh battery
- Display: 6.0-inch AMOLED, Full HD+ 2160×1080, 1500 nits, adaptive refresh rate, optically bonded
- Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- Touch Panel: Multi-mode capacitive; bare or gloved fingertip; water droplet rejection; fingerprint-resistant coating
- Buttons: Dual scan buttons, push-to-talk, volume up/down; programmable
- Ports: USB Type-C (USB 3.1) bottom and back I/O (USB 2.0)
- Notifications: Audible tone, multi-color LEDs, vibration
Performance
- Processor: Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 octa-core, up to 2.9 GHz
- OS: Android (Zebra Lifeguard for Android)
- RAM / Storage: 8 GB / 128 GB UFS 3.1 or 12 GB LPDDR5 / 256 GB UFS 3.1
- Expansion: MicroSD up to 2 TB
- Security: Android Strongbox, Secure Element IC, FIPS 140-2 Validated, Common Criteria certified, Secure Boot
Wireless Connectivity
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), tri-band (2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz), 2×2 MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7
- WWAN: 5G Release 17; private 5G, CBRS, dual SIM/dual standby
- SIM: 1 physical SIM + dual eSIM
- Bluetooth: v6.0, Class 1 & 2, 2×2 Tx, secondary BLE beaconing
- GPS (WWAN SKU): Triple-band GNSS — GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
Data Capture
- Scanners: SR500 (all lighting), SR560 (high motion), AC670 long-range up to 100 ft.
- Rear Camera: 50 MP autofocus with PDAF; HDR; optional 50 MP with QPD AF
- Front Camera: 8 MP fixed focus
- Ultra-Wide Camera (optional): 13 MP autofocus, PDAF
- Time-of-Flight (iTOF): Select SKUs — depth, distance, volume measurement
- Integrated UHF RFID: 200+ tags/sec, up to 6.5 ft.; EPC Class 1 Gen2 / Gen2 V2; EU & US bands
- NFC: ISO 14443 A/B, FeliCa, ISO 15693; contactless payment; Apple ECP 1.0/2.0; Google Smart Tap
- OCR: On-device; license plates, VINs, TINs, and custom document scanning
Power
- Standard Battery: 5000 mAh (19.45 Wh), PowerPrecision+
- Extended Battery: 7240 mAh (28.16 Wh), PowerPrecision+
- Wireless Charge: Qi compatible, 5000 mAh
- Fast Charging: 0–70% in 45 minutes
- Hot Swap: Yes — zero downtime
Ruggedness & Environment
- Drop: 8 ft. to concrete (9 ft. with rugged boot); exceeds MIL-STD-810H
- Sealing: IP68 and IP65 (IEC 60529)
- Tumble: 2000 x 1.6 ft. standard; 2000 x 3.3 ft. with rugged boot
- Operating Temp: -4°F to +122°F (-20°C to +50°C)
- Storage Temp: -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C)
- Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
- ESD: ±20 kV air / ±8 kV direct / ±10 kV indirect
- Thermal Shock Tested: Yes
Environmental Compliance
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; REACH SVHC 1907/2006; EPEAT Gold Certified
Benefits
The Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 with a dedicated AI engine delivers up to 300% more performance than legacy TC5 devices. With up to 12 GB RAM, 256 GB Flash, and a 2 TB MicroSD slot, the TC501 runs the most data-intensive AI workloads without compromise.
Survives 8 ft. concrete drops (9 ft. with rugged boot), 2,000 tumble cycles, thermal shock, and IP68/IP65 sealing. Backed by Secure Boot, Android Strongbox, and FIPS 140-2 validation — built to minimize downtime and reduce total cost of ownership.
Built-in UHF RFID reads 200+ tags/sec up to 6.5 ft. The AC670 scanner reaches 100 ft. A 50 MP camera, on-device OCR, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G combine every data capture and connectivity need into a single device.
Related Products
The ID PAD74-U is a compact and powerful USB pad reader designed for contactless data exchange with HF transponders. It features a defined capture window and a read range of up to 19 cm. With support for ISO 15693 and ISO 14443 transponders, it is suitable for applications like access control, user ID card detection, and book/document tracing in libraries and offices. The reader comes with 3 LEDs for optical feedback and is USB powered, making it easy to connect to a laptop or desktop PC.
- Dimensions: 240 mm x 180 mm x 13 mm (9.45 inch x 7.09 inch x 0.51 inch)
- Weight: approx. 0.5 kg (1.2 lbs)
- Housing: Insensitive surface with upper part made of plastic ABS and lower part made of plastic blade
- Color: Pad in black, upper part in similar RAL 9003 (white)
- Protection class: IP30
- Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz
- Max. transmitting power: 400 mW ±1 dB
- Supply voltage: 5V DC (via USB)
- Power consumption: max. 2.5 W
- Interfaces: USB 2.0
- Indicator, optical: 3 LEDs (green, red, blue)
- Supported transponders: ISO 15693, ISO 14443-A/B, (ISO 18000-3 MODE 1)*
- Reader modes: ISO Host Mode, Scan Mode**
- Temperature range: Operation:-25degree C up to +55degree C (-13F up to 131F), Storage:-25degree C up to +70degree C (-13F up to 158F)
- Relative air humidity: 5% up to 95% (non-condensing)
- Software development kits: Windows (C++, .NET, Java), LINUX (C++, Java), Raspberry Pi
- USB driver: Windows Server 2012 and 2016, Windows 10 and 11; 32/64 Bit
The ID ANT.U280/210 is a versatile UHF flat-panel antenna, engineered for peak performance in compact spaces. With a height of just 8mm, this ultra-flat antenna delivers a robust reading range of up to 4 meters, making it ideal for Smart Shelf applications and environments with limited installation space. Its circular polarization ensures optimal performance, while integrated mounting holes allow for easy installation on any flat surface. The ID ANT.U280/210 is constructed from durable, fire-retardant ABS material and features an IP54 protection rating, ensuring reliable operation in various industrial, production, and retail environments. Compatible with several FEIG UHF readers, this antenna is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern RFID applications.
- Dimensions: 275 mm x 214 mm x 8 mm
- Weight: 500 g
- Housing: ABS, fire-retardant
- Color: Black
- Protection Class: IP54
- Gain: Approx. 5 dBic
- 3 dB Beam Width: 60 x 80
- Polarization: Circular (RHCP)
- Antenna Connector: SMA (female)
- Operating Frequencies:
- EU Variant: 865 MHz – 868 MHz
- FCC Variant: 902 MHz – 928 MHz
- Temperature Range:
- Operation:-20 degree C to +55 degree C
- Storage:-30 degree C to +65 degree C
- Compatibility:
- ID LRU500i UHF Long Range Reader (with cable type B)
- ID MAX.U500i
- ID LRU1002 UHF Long Range Reader (with cable type A)
- ID LRU3000/ID LRU3500
- ID MAX.U1002
- ID MRU102 UHF Mid Range Reader (with cable type A)
- ID MRMU102 UHF Mid Range Reader Module (with cable type A)
- Accessories:
- ID ANT.C2-A UHF antenna cable SMA / SMA 2 m
- ID ANT.C2-B UHF antenna cable SMA / TNC 2 m
- ID ANT.C6-A UHF antenna cable SMA / SMA 6 m
- ID ANT.C6-B UHF antenna cable SMA / TNC 6 m
The UHF near-field antenna ID ANT.U82/82 is a compact and high-performance antenna that is ideal for use in enclosed spaces. With its small form factor and defined near-field reading area, it can be installed almost anywhere. It operates in a wide frequency range of 864-928 MHz, making it suitable for worldwide use.
- Dimensions: 82 mm x 82 mm x 9.5 mm
- Weight: approximately 50 g
- Housing: ABS material
- Color: anthracite
- Max. input power: 1 W
- Antenna connector: SMA (female)
- Anti-static Protection/Antenna Detection: 60 Ohm DC Resistance (typical)
- Operating frequencies: 864 MHz up to 928 MHz
- Temperature range:
- Operation: 0degree C up to +50degree C
- Storage:-30degree C up to +60degree C
The ID ANT340 / 240 HF Pad Antenna is an elegantly designed, high-performance antenna for contactless data exchange with HF transponders. Ideal for office and library applications, it provides up to a 30 cm read range for seamless file and document tracking. The antenna is built with a sleek, flat profile, making it a versatile choice for desktop use. It comes equipped with a 230 cm coaxial cable and SMA plug, ensuring easy integration with compatible readers. Available in both plastic housing and module form, this antenna offers flexibility for various applications in secure, contactless communication systems.
- Dimensions: 337 mm x 237 mm x 8 mm
- Weight: 530 g
- Material: Plastic ABS housing
- Color: Grey-white
- Protection Class: IP40
- Operating Frequency: 13.56 MHz
- Maximum Transmitting Power:2 W
- Antenna Connection: 1 x SMA plug (50 ohm)
- Cable Length: 230 cm RG58 coaxial cable
- Operating Temperature: 0degree C to +55degree C
- Storage Temperature: -25degree C to +85degree C
- Humidity Range: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
- Compliance: EMC EN 301 489, Safety EN 62368-1, EN 50364
The ID ANT40/30 and ID ANT100/100 are HF antennas designed for RFID proximity readers. They have an impedance of 50 ohm and operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The antennas have a maximum transmitting power of 1 W and a data transfer rate of up to 424 kbits/s. The ID ANT100/100 has a reading distance of up to 14 cm. These antennas are suitable for applications such as eTicketing, eMobility, and Closed Loop Payment.
- Dimensions: ID ANT40/30 – 40 mm x 30 mm, ID ANT100/100 – 100 mm x 100 mm
- Interface: 2-pin connector or U.FL connector option
- Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz
- Impedance: 50 ohm
- Max. transmitting power: 1 W
- Max. reading distance: ID ANT40/30 – up to 7 cm, ID ANT100/100 – up to 14 cm
- Data transfer rate: ID ANT40/30 – up to 424 kbit/s, ID ANT100/100 – up to 212 kbit/s
- Power supply: Unneeded
- Temperature range: Operation -25 degree C up to +70 degree C, Storage -40degree C up to +85 degree C
- Relative air humidity: 0% up to 95% (non-condensing)
The 4 Channel Antenna Multiplexer (ID CPR.ANT.MUX-M4) is a device that allows the connection of up to 4 external antennas to the reader module ID CPR74. With this multiplexer, it is possible to create up to 5 reading areas by utilizing the internal antenna of the ID CPR74. The control of each active antenna can be easily configured through the CPR74 or via two digital inputs with external control electronics. The multiplexer features non-wearing electronic switching of the outputs and has a high switching speed of less than 1 ms.
- Weight: 12 g
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): 500,000 hours
- Power supply: +5 V DC ± 5%
- Current consumption: Less than 40 mA
- Digital inputs: Low level: 0 -0 V, High level: 3.8 V – VCC, Pull-Down: 10 kohm
- LED: 4 yellow LEDs for indicating active antennas
- Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz
- RF power: Maximum 500 mW
- Reader connection: U.FL connector
- Antenna connection: 4 x U.FL connectors for external antennas
- Temperature range: Operation: -25 degree C up to +70 degree C, Storage: -40degree C up to +85 degree C
- Relative air humidity: Maximum 95% (non-condensing)
- Standard conformity: EMC: EN 301 489, Safety & Health: EN 62368-1, EN 50364, Environment: WEEE-2002/96/EC, RoHS-2011/65/EC