Compare · iPad or Android for Zone 1

Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 vs i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

These two tablets do different jobs, so this is a choice between iPadOS and Android for Zone 1 work. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is a standard 8.3-inch iPad mini (A17 Pro) in a flameproof (Ex db) housing. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is a dedicated intrinsically safe (Ex ib) 10.1-inch Android tablet. Both are certified for Zone 1/21 under ATEX and IECEx at T4, but the Atexxo’s dust group is IIIA and it must be charged outside the hazardous area, while the i.safe tablet is IIIC and may be charged in the zone. Here is how they compare, and which we would choose for which team.

Our verdict

Which should you choose?

Pick by the platform your fleet runs and the hazards on your site. For teams standardized on iPads, a lighter tablet and a US or Canadian Zone 1 listing, we would choose the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7, as long as its dust group suits your site. For sites with combustible dust, Division 1 classification, charging in the hazardous area or underground work, we would choose the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.

Choose the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 if…

  • Your fleet runs iPadOS apps and Apple device management: a standard iPad mini (A17 Pro) sits inside the housing.
  • Your inspectors carry the tablet all shift: it weighs 990 g including the tablet, 69 g less than the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, with an 8.3-inch screen.
  • You work in the US or Canada and classify by zone: its CSA certificate covers Class I Zone 1 AEx db IIC T4 Gb in the US and Ex db IIC T4 Gb in Canada.
  • Your site restricts cameras: a blocked-camera “-BC” version is available.
Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 in full

Choose the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 if…

  • You handle combustible dust: it is certified for dust group IIIC, while the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is IIIA, which covers combustible flyings only, not dusts.
  • Your North American sites are classified by Division: it has a Class I Division 1 listing for Groups A to D, plus Class II and Class III, where the Atexxo’s listing is gas only and allows the Division 2 marking.
  • Your crews need to charge in the hazardous area: it may be charged there within its certificate’s conditions, while the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 must be charged outside.
  • Your sites run a little hotter: it is certified up to +55 °C ambient, against +50 °C for the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7.
  • Some of your crews work underground: the i.safe MOBILE IS940.M1 mining version adds Group I certification.
i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 in full

Key differences

Where they differ

  • Dust group

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    IIIA
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    IIIC

    IIIC covers all combustible dusts, conductive dust included, as well as flyings; IIIA covers combustible flyings only, not dusts. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is IIIA and the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is IIIC, so in a Zone 21 area with powders or conductive dust only the i.safe tablet qualifies.

  • 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 IS940.1
    NEC 500 (QPS LR3081-7, 2025-08-13): Class I Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D T4; Class II Div 1 Groups E, F, G 155 °C; Class III; IP64; −20 °C to +55 °C

    The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7’s CSA listing is gas only: Class I Zone 1 in the US and Canada, with the Division 2 marking allowed. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1’s NEC 500 listing is Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T4, plus Class II and Class III. Division 1 roughly matches Zones 0 and 1 together and Division 2 roughly matches Zone 2, so check how your site is classified.

  • Charging in the hazardous area

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    Outside the hazardous area only
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Yes

    The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 may be charged inside the hazardous area within its certificate’s limits, and i.safe lists the IS-DS940.1 docking station for it. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 must be charged outside, at +10 °C to +45 °C. For a crew that works a long shift in the zone, this changes how you plan the day.

  • Security updates

    Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7
    At least until October 2029 (Apple's minimum)
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Until Q4 2032

    i.safe states security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 until Q4 2032. For the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 our data shows at least October 2029, which is Apple’s minimum rather than an end date. For a fleet bought to last, the longer stated date favors the i.safe tablet.

In the field

Head to head, by kind of work

Platform, apps and updates

Even

The platform is the first thing to settle. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 runs iPadOS on an Apple A17 Pro, with 128, 256 or 512 GB of storage, and keeps the same apps and Apple device management as any iPad mini. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 runs Android 14 on a Qualcomm QCM6490 with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage plus a microSD slot. If your fleet is on iPad, moving to Android means new apps and a new management platform, and the reverse holds too.

On updates, i.safe states security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 until Q4 2032. For the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 our data shows at least October 2029, Apple’s minimum, since Apple does not publish an end date. Neither tablet has a push-to-talk key; both rely on apps, and i.safe lists an Ex-rated push-to-talk button for its tablet. NFC reading is built in on the i.safe tablet, while our data lists no NFC reader for the iPad mini, a value flagged unconfirmed.

Dust, gas and North America

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

On gas the two are level: IIC and T4 in Zone 1/21, with a 135 °C dust surface limit. On dust they are not. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is marked Ex tb IIIA, which covers combustible flyings only, not dusts, so it does not suit Zone 21 areas that handle powders. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is IIIC, which includes conductive dust. For a plant with a dust hazard, check this row before you look at anything else.

In North America, the Atexxo’s CSA certificate covers Class I Zone 1 AEx db IIC T4 Gb in the US and Ex db IIC T4 Gb in Canada, and allows the marking Class I Division 2 Groups A to D at T4, with no Class II or III rating. The i.safe tablet’s NEC 500 listing is Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T4, Class II Division 1 Groups E, F and G, and Class III. i.safe also lists the i.safe MOBILE IS940.M1 for mining and approvals for South Africa, China, Brazil, Japan, India and Korea; Atexxo lists INMETRO for Brazil.

Charging, battery and shift planning

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 may be charged inside the hazardous area, within its certificate’s conditions, and i.safe lists the IS-DS940.1 docking station for it. Its battery can be replaced, outside the hazardous area only. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 must be charged outside: its bottom cover is opened only there, and CSA sets charging at +10 °C to +45 °C. Our data lists its battery as not replaceable and without hot swap, so a team that needs the tablet back in the field has to plan around a charge in a safe area.

Our data lists up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi (9 hours on cellular) for the Atexxo and no battery-life figure for the i.safe tablet, so we do not compare runtime. Capacity is not runtime either: the Atexxo’s 5,034 mAh is flagged unconfirmed, since Apple states watt-hours (19.3 Wh), against 8,160 mAh for the i.safe tablet. Touch ID is removed in the conversion, which matters for fleets that rely on fingerprint unlock.

Screen, cameras and carrying

Even

The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 weighs 990 g including the tablet, 69 g less than the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 at 1,059 g, and has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen at 2266 × 1488 and 500 nits. The i.safe tablet has a 10.1-inch Gorilla Glass screen at 1200 × 1920, usable with gloves according to i.safe; our data lists no brightness figure for it, and no glove-touch value for the Atexxo. i.safe lists IP68, and our data has no ingress rating for the Atexxo.

On cameras, the Atexxo has a 12 MP rear camera with 4K video that works through a glass opening, and its blocked-camera “-BC” version suits sites that restrict cameras. A 12 MP front camera is listed, but that it works through the housing is unconfirmed. The i.safe tablet has a 50 MP autofocus rear camera and a 5 MP front camera; ask i.safe whether a camera-free version is available.

Specifications

Full specifications side by side

Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 vs i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: full specifications
Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
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 IS940.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
ATEX certificateEPS 22 ATEX 1 162 XEPS 24 ATEX 1 010 X
IECEx markingEx db IIC T4 Gb / Ex tb IIIA T135°C DbEx ib IIC T4 Gb / Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db
IECEx certificateIECEx EPS 22.0020XIECEx EPS 24.0001X (issue 1, 2025-02-06
Other approvalsINMETRO (Brazil) DNV 25.0026 X/00, revision 01 (2025-04-17; certificate first issued 2025-03-07), valid until 2028-11-16IA South Africa (MTEx-S/24.0456 X), PCEC China (CE24.5940X), INMETRO (BRA 24.GE0015X), Japan-Ex, PESO, KCs
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 (QPS LR3081-7, 2025-08-13): Class I Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D T4; Class II Div 1 Groups E, F, G 155 °C; Class III; IP64; −20 °C to +55 °C
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 +55 °C
ChargingOutside the hazardous area onlyYes
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°CUSB-C and 16-pin ISM covers closed in Ex areas. In Ex areas only these may be connected to the 16-pin ISM: headset IS-HS2A.1, remote speaker microphone IS-RSM3A.1, PTT button IS-PTTB1A.1 (with or without headset IS-HDHS1x.1). The 12-pin dock interface may stay open. Nano-SIM and microSD (IS-SD164.1 / IS-SD1128.1 or cards meeting the entity parameters) allowed in their slots in the Ex area.
Certified accessoriesShoulder strap for Zone 1 and Zone 2 phones and tablets (Atexxo product). Ex rating not stated separately.Unconfirmed, see note 1Ex-rated for use in Ex area: IS-HS2A.1 headset, IS-RSM3A.1 speaker microphone, IS-PTTB1A.1 PTT button, IS-HDHS1A/B/C.1 headsets (headband, neckband, helmet), IS-DS940.1 docking station, microSD IS-SD164.1/IS-SD1128.1. Charging via IS-DS940.1 or MC930.1 multi charger; PROTECTOR 2.0 USB-C cable only outside Ex areas. Leather cases, vehicle mount, carry straps also listed.
Operating temperature−20 °C to +50 °C−20 °C to +55 °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).Battery may be replaced outside explosion hazardous areas only; protect against excessive UV light and high electrostatic charge; USB-C interface under IP cover may only be opened outside hazardous areas; 16-pin ISM interface must be closed with its cover when not in use in hazardous areas; ambient −20 °C to +55 °C; charging temperature limited to 0 °C to +45 °C (IECEx EPS 24.0001X issue 1). Safety instructions: protect from high-energy impacts; zones 1, 2, 21, 22 only.
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 2Not in our data
Launched20252024Unconfirmed, see note 3
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 M940A01; battery BPIS940A.1A (MBP940AA01) per DoC; R. STAHL Art. No. 329056 (Tablet Set), 329467 (Tablet Set no Camera)Unconfirmed, see note 4
Operating systemiPadOS 27Android 14
EditioniPadOS (consumer; no LTSC or enterprise edition)Android 14
OS at launchiPadOS 18.1Not in our data
OS upgradesStill supported by iPadOS 27 (current)Not in our data
Security updatesAt least until October 2029 (Apple's minimum)Until Q4 2032
ProcessorApple A17 Pro (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)Qualcomm QCM6490 octa-core (long-term support chipset)
Processor architectureArmArm
Memory (RAM)8 GBUnconfirmed, see note 58 GB
Storage128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, microSD supported
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 6Not 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 6Not 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 7Via accessory (IS-PTTB1A.1 PTT button on the 16-pin ISM interface; Ex-rated? yes) and PTT app
Emergency / SOSNot in our dataBuilt in (freely programmable red key, e.g. SOS / lone worker)
Lone workerVia app (third-party lone-worker apps)Unconfirmed, see note 7Via app (red key assigned to a lone-worker application; third-party app)
Barcode scanningVia app (camera-based scanning; no scan engine); not possible on the blocked-camera '-BC' variantUnconfirmed, see note 7Via app (50 MP camera-based; no dedicated scan engine listed)
NFC readingNot possible (no NFC reader on any iPad)Unconfirmed, see note 7Built 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 7Via app (front and rear cameras, Wi-Fi 6 / 5G; 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 7Not in our data
Display and camera
Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, P3, True Tone, fully laminated, antireflective coating10.1-inch Corning Gorilla Glass V3 (3rd generation), usable with gloves
Resolution2266 × 1488 (326 ppi)1200 × 1920
Brightness500 nitsNot in our data
TouchNot in our dataUsable with gloves (maker); wet-touch not stated
Pen / stylusApple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C); hoverPassive stylus available as accessory (IS-Stylus Set, 'stylus for operating touch screens'); not in the box
Rear camera12 MP Wide, f/1.8, True Tone flash50 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)5G NR and 4G LTE
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), 2x2 MIMOWi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/ax/v) with hotspot
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.2
NFCNot in our dataYes
Satellite positioningGPS/GNSS on Wi-Fi + Cellular models; digital compass and Wi-Fi location on allGPS, A-GPS, Glonass, A-Glonass, Beidou, Galileo
SIMeSIM only (no SIM tray)Nano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)
Physical and power
Weight990 g (including the tablet)1059 g
Dimensions240 × 170 × 22 mm266.17 × 168.46 × 19.82 mm
Ingress protectionNot in our dataIP68
RuggednessNot in our dataMIL-STD-810H
Battery5034Unconfirmed, see note 88160
Battery energy19.330.2Unconfirmed, see note 9
Battery lifeUp to 10 hours web or video on Wi-Fi (9 hours cellular)Not in our data
Hot-swap batteryNoNot in our data
Replaceable batteryNoYes
Ports and expansionUSB-C (USB 3, 10 Gb/s); magnetic Apple Pencil connectorUSB-C; 12-pin docking interface; 16-pin ISM interface (audio/PTT accessories; the page text also calls it '13-pin'); nano-SIM + eSIM; microSD
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.IS-DS940.1 docking station (VESA 100; charging in Ex area); 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 keyFreely programmable red key (e.g. lone worker / SOS); additional programmable side buttons
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, so the choice comes down to your platform, your dust and gas hazards and your region. 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 IS940.1?

Neither is better across the board. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 suits iPad fleets, teams that want a lighter tablet and zone-classified sites in the US and Canada. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 suits sites with combustible dust, Division 1 classification, charging in the hazardous area and underground work. 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 and Db, which cover Zone 1/21, and neither is certified for Zone 0. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is flameproof (Ex db), and the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is intrinsically safe (Ex ib).

Do both cover combustible dust?

Not equally. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is certified for dust group IIIC. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 is IIIA, which covers combustible flyings only, not dusts, so it is the wrong choice for Zone 21 areas that handle powders. Its certificate also covers a Zone 22 version marked Ex tc IIIB, for non-conductive dust.

Are both tablets approved for North America?

Yes, in different ways. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 has a CSA certificate for Class I Zone 1 (gas only) with the Division 2 marking allowed. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is listed under NEC 500 for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T4, plus Class II and Class III.

Can you charge either tablet in the hazardous area?

Only the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, within its certificate’s conditions: i.safe lists the IS-DS940.1 docking station for charging there. The Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 must be charged outside the hazardous area, at +10 °C to +45 °C.

Which gets security updates for longer?

On the dates we have, the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, which i.safe states until Q4 2032. For the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 our data shows at least October 2029, which is Apple’s minimum, not an end date, as Apple does not publish one.

How much do the Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7 and i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 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. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Not stated by the maker for this exact model.
  3. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  4. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Order codes from a certificate or distributor; confirm them with the maker when ordering.
  5. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Apple doesn't publish RAM; from independent teardowns.
  6. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Inferred from related information; not stated by the maker for this exact model.
  7. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Not confirmed by the maker for this exact model.
  8. Atexxo Zone 1 iPad mini 7: Apple states battery capacity in watt-hours only; this figure is from the case maker's documents.
  9. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: 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 IS940.1. Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.