Compare · iPad or Android for Zone 1

Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 vs i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

These two 8-inch tablets are certified for Zone 1/21 under ATEX and IECEx at the same gas rating, IIC T4, but they are built differently and run different software. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is a standard iPad mini (A17 Pro) in a flameproof (Ex db) housing. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is an intrinsically safe (Ex ib) Android tablet. The differences that decide the choice are the dust group (IIIA against IIIC), the ambient range (+50 °C against +60 °C) and security updates, which end in Q1 2027 for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1. Here is how they compare, and which we would choose for which team.

Our verdict

Which should you choose?

Both tablets cover Zone 1/21 gases at IIC T4, so pick by your dust, your climate and how long the tablets must stay in service. For sites with dust, hot sites up to +60 °C, North American Division 1 work, underground operations and crews who want an SOS key and the lighter tablet, we would choose the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1. For a fleet that must stay supported beyond Q1 2027, teams that already run iPadOS apps and Apple device management, and work that needs 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, we would choose the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7.

Choose the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 if…

  • You are buying a fleet for years of service: Apple’s minimum support runs to at least October 2029, while i.safe’s security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 end in Q1 2027.
  • Your team already works in iPadOS apps and manages Apple devices: it is a standard iPad mini (A17 Pro) inside the housing.
  • You want faster connectivity: the cellular version has 5G sub-6 GHz and Wi-Fi 6E, against 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5 for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1.
  • Photos and video are part of the job: its 12 MP rear camera works through a glass opening in the housing and records 4K video, and Atexxo offers a blocked-camera -BC version for sites that restrict cameras (a camera-free i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is listed only by a distributor).
Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 in full

Choose the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 if…

  • Your site has combustible dust: it is certified for dust group IIIC, while the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is IIIA, which covers combustible flyings only.
  • Your North American site is classified by Division: it is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D, Class II Division 1 and Class III, where the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7’s CSA listing covers Class I Zone 1 and Division 2, for gas only.
  • Your sites run hot: it is certified from −20 °C to +60 °C ambient, against −20 °C to +50 °C.
  • Crews carry the tablet through a whole shift and want a dedicated alarm control: it weighs 890 g against 990 g and has a red SOS key plus two programmable keys.
  • Some of your crews work underground, or a client asks for UKCA-marked equipment: the i.safe MOBILE IS930.M1 mining version adds Group I, and it has a UKEX certificate as well as ATEX and IECEx.
i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 in full

Key differences

Where they differ

  • Dust group

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    IIIA
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    IIIC

    Both tablets reach T135 °C for dust and cover Zone 21, but the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is rated for dust group IIIA, which is combustible flyings only, not dusts. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is IIIC. If your area classification includes dust, check this before anything else.

  • Security updates

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    At least until October 2029 (Apple's minimum)
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    Until Q1 2027

    i.safe’s security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 end in Q1 2027, which matters for anyone buying now. Apple’s minimum for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 runs to at least October 2029, a floor rather than an end date.

  • Maximum ambient temperature

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    −20 °C to +50 °C
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    −20 °C to +60 °C

    The certificate decides whether a tablet may be used on a hot site at all. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 has 10 °C more headroom, up to +60 °C against +50 °C, so go by the ambient range in the certificate, not the operating range on a datasheet.

  • Listing in North America

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    CSA 80152658 (NA certificate CSA23CA80152658X; original 2023-06-07 for the mini 6, updated 2025-05-05 to add the mini 7): Canada Ex db IIC T4 Gb; US Class I, Zone 1, AEx db IIC T4 Gb; Ta −20 to +50°C, charging +10 to +45°C. The certificate also allows the marking 'Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D, T4'. Gas only; no Class II/III (dust) rating.
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    NEC 500: Class I Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D T4; Class II Div 1 Groups E, F, G T135°C; Class III Div 1

    The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is listed under NEC 500 for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T4, plus Class II and III. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 has a CSA listing for Class I Zone 1 (AEx db IIC T4 Gb) and allows a Class I Division 2 marking, for gas only. On a Division-classified site this can decide the choice.

In the field

Head to head, by kind of work

Dust, gases and where you can work

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

On gases the two start level. Both are certified for Zone 1/21 under ATEX and IECEx, with gas group IIC and temperature class T4 (135 °C), and neither is certified for Zone 0. T4 is fine for most gases, but not those that ignite below 135 °C. The split is dust. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is rated IIIC, while the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is rated IIIA, which covers combustible flyings only, not dusts. If your area classification includes dust, that settles it.

The protection methods differ too. Atexxo’s flameproof (Ex db) housing contains an ignition inside the enclosure, while the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is intrinsically safe (Ex ib), which limits the energy in its circuits. North America follows the same split: the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D, Class II Division 1 and Class III, while the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7’s CSA listing covers Class I Zone 1 and Division 2, for gas only. Both list Brazilian INMETRO approval, and the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 adds a UKEX certificate.

Heat, weight and ruggedness

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 has the wider working range: certified from −20 °C to +60 °C, against −20 °C to +50 °C for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7. It also weighs 890 g against 990 g including the tablet, a 100 g gap you notice when a tablet hangs on a strap or is held in one hand through a shift. Our data lists IP68 and MIL-STD-810H for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 and no ingress or ruggedness figure for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7, which means unverified, not absent.

Charging rules are strict on both. Neither may be charged in the hazardous area, and neither battery is user-replaceable. Atexxo specifies charging at +10 °C to +45 °C, through the USB-C port behind a bottom cover that is opened only outside the hazardous area. i.safe specifies +5 °C to +35 °C, and no interface cover may be opened in a hazardous area, though a commercial microSD card may be used in its slot, according to the IECEx text. Plan charging points outside the zone for either tablet.

Software, screen and updates

Edge: Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7

The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 runs iPadOS 27 on an Apple A17 Pro with 8 GB of RAM (Apple does not publish RAM, so that figure comes from teardowns) and 128, 256 or 512 GB of storage. Its 8.3-inch display is 2266 × 1488 at 500 nits, and the cellular version has 5G and Wi-Fi 6E. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 runs Android 14 on a Snapdragon SDM660 with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage plus a microSD card of up to 512 GB, with 4G LTE (no 5G) and Wi-Fi 5. Our data has no resolution or brightness figure for its 8-inch display.

Support life is the other gap. Apple’s minimum for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 runs to at least October 2029. i.safe’s security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 end in Q1 2027, so a short project or an existing i.safe MOBILE fleet can live with that, but a new multi-year rollout cannot. Our data lists up to 10 hours of battery life on Wi-Fi (9 hours on cellular) for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 but no figure for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1, so we do not compare runtime.

Alarms, tags and cameras

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

On controls, the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 has a dedicated red SOS key and two freely programmable keys, with push-to-talk through an app on a programmable key. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 has a top button and volume buttons and no programmable hardware key, and its Touch ID fingerprint scanner is removed in the conversion. Push-to-talk and lone-worker alerts would run as third-party apps, which Atexxo has not confirmed for this model. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 also lists built-in NFC; our data records no NFC reader on any iPad, a point it flags as unconfirmed.

On cameras, the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 has a 12 MP rear camera with 4K video that works through a glass opening, plus a 12 MP front camera, although its front camera and speakers working through the housing are inferred, not confirmed. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 has a 13 MP autofocus rear camera and a 5 MP fixed-focus front camera. Both scan barcodes through a camera app with no dedicated scan engine, and our data lists scanning as not possible on Atexxo’s blocked-camera -BC version.

Specifications

Full specifications side by side

Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 vs i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: full specifications
Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
Ex rating
Certified forZone 1/21Zone 1/21
ProtectionFlameproof enclosure (Ex db)Intrinsic safety (Ex ib)
Gas groupIICIIC
Temperature classT4 (≤ 135 °C)T4 (≤ 135 °C)
Mining versionNot in our datai.safe MOBILE IS930.M1: also certified for Group I (underground mining)
Certification
ATEX markingII 2G Ex db IIC T4 Gb / II 2D Ex tb IIIA T135°C DbII 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb / II 2D Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db IP6X
ATEX certificateEPS 22 ATEX 1 162 XEPS 19 ATEX 1 071 X
IECEx markingEx db IIC T4 Gb / Ex tb IIIA T135°C DbEx ib IIC T4 Gb / Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db IP6X
IECEx certificateIECEx EPS 22.0020XIECEx EPS 19.0034X (Issue 0, 2019-12-20)
UKEX certificateNot in our dataCML 21UKEX2490X
Other approvalsINMETRO (Brazil) DNV 25.0026 X/00, revision 01 (2025-04-17; certificate first issued 2025-03-07), valid until 2028-11-16EAC, KCs (Korea), INMETRO (Brazil), Japan-Ex, IA (South Africa), PESO (India), TELEC
North AmericaCSA 80152658 (NA certificate CSA23CA80152658X; original 2023-06-07 for the mini 6, updated 2025-05-05 to add the mini 7): Canada Ex db IIC T4 Gb; US Class I, Zone 1, AEx db IIC T4 Gb; Ta −20 to +50°C, charging +10 to +45°C. The certificate also allows the marking 'Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C & D, T4'. Gas only; no Class II/III (dust) rating.NEC 500: Class I Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D T4; Class II Div 1 Groups E, F, G T135°C; Class III Div 1
Protection level (EPL)Gb / DbGb / Db
Dust groupIIIAIIIC
Max surface temperature (dust)135 °C135 °C
Safe use
Ambient temperature (Ta)−20 °C to +50 °C−20 °C to +60 °C
ChargingOutside the hazardous area onlyOutside the hazardous area only
Battery swapOutside the hazardous area onlyOutside the hazardous area only
Ports and accessories in the zoneSIM and charging covers must be closed and screwed in place; opened only outside the hazardous area; charging only +10 to +45°COpening any interface or connector cover in an Ex area is not permitted. Wired data connection and charging only outside Ex areas (docking station IS-DS930.1, i.safe PROTECTOR cables). A commercial microSD card may be used in its slot in the Ex area (IECEx text).
Certified accessoriesShoulder strap for Zone 1 and Zone 2 phones and tablets (Atexxo product). Ex rating not stated separately.Unconfirmed, see note 1Maker page lists: IS-DS930.1 docking station set (RJ45, 3 x USB), IS-MC930.1 six-bay multi charger, i.safe PROTECTOR 2.0 / 3.0 USB-C cables, leather case with shoulder/belt/carry straps, vehicle mount. Charging and cable accessories are for use outside Ex areas. Which accessories are Ex-rated for use inside Ex areas is not stated for IS930.1.Unconfirmed, see note 2
IP code in the Ex certificateNot in our dataIP6X (dust marking)
Operating temperature−20 °C to +50 °C−20 °C to +60 °C
Conditions of useATEX EPS 22 ATEX 1 162 X rev. 3 and IECEx EPS 22.0020X issue 3: Ta −20°C to +50°C. Repair of flameproof joints not allowed (EN/IEC 60079-1 values). Minimum property class of screws A4-70; only original parts from the manufacturer. Glass window to be protected from impact energy above 2 J. Device shall not be opened in a hazardous location; battery charging only outside the hazardous location. Added by CSA 80152658 and INMETRO DNV 25.0026 X (not in the ATEX/IECEx text): SIM card cover and bottom cover opened only outside the hazardous location and kept screwed in place; charging only at +10°C to +45°C (CSA); check the enclosure and corner bumpers for damage before use in a hazardous area (INMETRO).IECEx X conditions: battery may be charged outside explosion hazardous areas only; protect against permanent UV light and high electrostatic charge processes; permitted ambient temperature −20 °C to +60 °C. Safety instructions: all interface covers closed in Ex areas; charging only outside Ex areas (+5 to +35 °C); battery not interchangeable.
Device
TypeConverted tabletDedicated Ex tablet
Tablet insideiPad mini (A17 Pro)Not in our data
Also fitsiPad mini (6th generation)Not in our data
FittingSupplied as a complete unitNot in our data
Tablet can be removedNo (permanently converted: flameproof enclosure around the iPad, not to be opened in a hazardous location; bottom cover opened outside the Ex area only for charging and SIM)Unconfirmed, see note 3Not in our data
Launched20252019Unconfirmed, see note 4
Part numbersEXd-TABLET-M7-128, -128-CEL, -256, -256-CEL, -512, -512-CEL (incl. iPad mini 7); EXd-TABLET-M7-128-CEL-BC (blocked cameras); EXd-TABLET-M7-* (customer iPad conversion)Model M93A01 (DoC); article numbers not published on maker page
Operating systemiPadOS 27Android 14
EditioniPadOS (consumer; no LTSC or enterprise edition)Android 14
OS at launchiPadOS 18.1Android 9Unconfirmed, see note 5
OS upgradesStill supported by iPadOS 27 (current)Not in our data
Security updatesAt least until October 2029 (Apple's minimum)Until Q1 2027
ProcessorApple A17 Pro (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)Qualcomm Snapdragon SDM660 octa-core
Processor architectureArmArm
Memory (RAM)8 GBUnconfirmed, see note 64 GB
Storage128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB64 GB, microSD up to 512 GB
What works through the housing
Face ID / Touch IDTouch ID (top-button fingerprint scanner) REMOVEDNot in our data
Side and volume buttonsAluminium push buttons held by stainless retaining washers (3 buttons)Not in our data
Rear camerasRear camera works (glass opening); '-BC' variants have blocked camerasNot in our data
Front cameraWorks (all original features preserved except as listed)Unconfirmed, see note 7Not in our data
TouchscreenWorks through toughened glass front windowNot in our data
Screen coverToughened specialty glass front window (flameproof joint)Not in our data
ChargingUSB-C through the bottom cover (removed by the user to charge in a safe area; charging only outside the Ex area, +10 to +45°C)Not in our data
Speakers and microphonesPreserved ('all features of the original product are preserved')Unconfirmed, see note 7Not in our data
USB-C portVia the removable bottom cover, outside the Ex area onlyNot in our data
SIM cardNo SIM tray (eSIM only); SIM cover on the housing is opened outside the Ex area onlyNot in our data
Removed or disabledFingerprint scanner (Touch ID) removed; blocked-camera '-BC' variant availableNot in our data
Field capabilities
Push-to-talkVia app (third-party PTT apps over Wi-Fi/cellular; no PTT key; Ex-rated? n/a)Unconfirmed, see note 8Via app (PTT/PoC app on a programmable key; no PTT button accessory listed for IS930)
Emergency / SOSNot in our dataBuilt in (dedicated red SOS key)
Lone workerVia app (third-party lone-worker apps)Unconfirmed, see note 8Via app (LWP ready: third-party application required, per maker page)
Barcode scanningVia app (camera-based scanning; no scan engine); not possible on the blocked-camera '-BC' variantUnconfirmed, see note 8Via app (camera-based; no dedicated scan engine listed)
NFC readingNot possible (no NFC reader on any iPad)Unconfirmed, see note 8Built in (NFC)
3D scanning / LiDARNot possible (no LiDAR on this iPad)Not possible (no depth sensor listed)
Remote expert / video callsVia app (FaceTime, Teams or remote-assist apps; needs camera and audio access through the case)Unconfirmed, see note 8Via app (front and rear cameras, Wi-Fi/LTE; third-party app)
Windows desktop softwareNot possible (iPadOS only)Not possible (Android)
Bluetooth gas detectorsVia app (Bluetooth 5.3; vendor app; no maker-certified integration listed)Unconfirmed, see note 8Not in our data
Display and camera
Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, P3, True Tone, fully laminated, antireflective coating8-inch Glove-usable touch display; Corning Gorilla Glass V3 stated on the IS930.M1 page (not on the IS930.1 page)
Resolution2266 × 1488 (326 ppi)Not in our data
Brightness500 nitsNot in our data
TouchNot in our dataUsable with gloves (maker); wet-touch not stated
Pen / stylusApple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C); hoverNot in our data
Rear camera12 MP Wide, f/1.8, True Tone flash13 MP autofocus
Front camera12 MP Center Stage5 MP fixed focus
Video4K videoNot in our data
Connectivity
NetworkWi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular (5G sub-6 GHz)4G LTE (no 5G)
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), 2x2 MIMOWi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/h) with hotspot
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5
NFCNot in our dataYes
Satellite positioningGPS/GNSS on Wi-Fi + Cellular models; digital compass and Wi-Fi location on allGPS, A-GPS, Glonass, Beidou (Galileo added on IS930.M1 page)
SIMeSIM only (no SIM tray)Micro-SIM
Physical and power
Weight990 g (including the tablet)890 g
Dimensions240 × 170 × 22 mm237 × 156 × 22 mm
Ingress protectionNot in our dataIP68
RuggednessNot in our dataMIL-STD-810H
Battery5034Unconfirmed, see note 98160Unconfirmed, see note 5
Battery energy19.330.2Unconfirmed, see note 10
Battery lifeUp to 10 hours web or video on Wi-Fi (9 hours cellular)Not in our data
Hot-swap batteryNoNoUnconfirmed, see note 5
Replaceable batteryNoNo
Ports and expansionUSB-C (USB 3, 10 Gb/s); magnetic Apple Pencil connectorUSB-C; 24-pin docking interface; magnetic charger port; earphone jack; microSD slot; micro-SIM
DockingUSB-C hubs and docks; Smart Connector or magnetic keyboard accessories where the iPad has them. Not usable through sealed Ex cases except the USB-C or Lightning charging port where the case exposes it.Office dock IS-DS930.1 (RJ45, 3 x USB); IS-MC930.1 six-bay multi charger; vehicle mount
KeyboardNot in our dataNo (slate)
Controls & Accessibility
KeysTop button with Touch ID sensor, volume buttons; no programmable hardware keySOS key (red); two freely programmable keys
Push-to-talk keyNoNo
Glove touchNot in our dataYes
BiometricsTouch ID (top button)Not in our data
Fleet and support
ManufacturerAtexxo B.V., Netherlandsi.safe MOBILE GmbH, Germany

Only values we could check are listed; “Not in our data” means we have not verified it, not that the tablet lacks it. A numbered marker means a value is unconfirmed, and the matching note at the foot of the page explains why. Prices are on request for both.

Impartial advice

Still deciding between the two?

Both tablets are certified for Zone 1/21 at IIC T4, so the choice comes down to your dust, your climate and how long you need the tablets supported. Tell us about your sites and we will help you choose impartially.

FAQ

Common questions

Is the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 better than the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1?

Neither is better across the board. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 suits sites with dust, heat up to +60 °C, North American Division 1 work, underground operations and crews who want the lighter tablet with an SOS key. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 suits iPadOS fleets and buyers who need support beyond Q1 2027. Both are certified for Zone 1/21 at IIC T4.

Can either tablet be used in Zone 0?

No. Both are certified to protection levels Gb (gas) and Db (dust), which cover Zone 1/21 and below, and neither is certified for Zone 0.

Are both tablets approved for North America?

Both have a listing, but of different kinds. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A, B, C and D at T4, Class II Division 1 Groups E, F and G, and Class III. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 has a CSA listing for Class I Zone 1 (AEx db IIC T4 Gb in the US, Ex db IIC T4 Gb in Canada), and the certificate also allows a Class I Division 2 marking. It is gas only, with no dust rating.

Which gets security updates for longer?

The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7. Apple’s minimum runs to at least October 2029, while i.safe lists Q1 2027 for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1. If you are buying now, that shorter window is the main thing to plan around.

Can you charge either tablet in the hazardous area?

No. Both must be charged outside the hazardous area, and neither battery is user-replaceable. Atexxo specifies charging at +10 °C to +45 °C for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7, and i.safe specifies +5 °C to +35 °C for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1.

Is there a mining version of either tablet?

For the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1, yes: the i.safe MOBILE IS930.M1 is also certified for Group I (underground mining). Our data lists no mining version of the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7, and its markings cover equipment group II only, so do not take it underground. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.M1 marking includes IP64, while i.safe lists IP68 for the standard model, so check the mining version’s ingress rating before ordering.

How much do the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 and i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 cost?

Prices depend on volume, configuration and region, so both are on request. Contact us for a price.

Notes on unconfirmed values

  1. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Not checked against the certificate for this exact model.
  2. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: Not checked against the certificate for this exact model.
  3. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Not stated by the maker for this exact model.
  4. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  5. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: From a single or secondary source; the maker doesn't state it for this model.
  6. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Apple doesn't publish RAM; from independent teardowns.
  7. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Inferred from related information; not stated by the maker for this exact model.
  8. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Not confirmed by the maker for this exact model.
  9. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Apple states battery capacity in watt-hours only; this figure is from the case maker's documents.
  10. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: Calculated from the maker's battery capacity and voltage; the maker doesn't state watt-hours.

Facts last verified on against certificates, declarations of conformity and manufacturer data. The sources for each tablet are listed on its page: Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 and i.safe MOBILE IS930.1. Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.