Compare · Windows or Android for Zone 1

Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC vs ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1

These two tablets do different jobs, so this is a choice between Windows and Android for Zone 1 work. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is a 10.1-inch intrinsically safe (Ex ia) tablet that runs x86 Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and is Zone 0 rated inside its supplied case. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is an 8-inch flameproof (Ex db) Android tablet rated T6, with a North American Division 1 listing for Groups A to D. Both are certified for Zone 1/21 under ATEX and IECEx. Here is how they compare, and which we would choose for which team.

Our verdict

Which should you choose?

Pick by the software your team has to run and the gases on your site. If your Zone 1 work needs desktop Windows software, a 10.1-inch screen or Zone 0 access, we would choose the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC. If you run Android apps, work in North America with gases in Groups A or B, need the T6 class, or want a lighter tablet with a function key for push-to-talk or alarms, we would choose the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1.

Choose the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC if…

  • Your engineers or inspectors run desktop Windows software in Zone 1: it is an x86 tablet with Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.
  • You read drawings, data or dashboards on site and want the larger screen: 10.1 inches at 2560 × 1600, against 8 inches at 1920 × 1200.
  • Some of your work is in Zone 0: it is rated for it inside the case Eaton supplies, while the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1’s certificate covers Zone 1/21.
  • You store large files on the tablet, such as drawings, manuals or inspection photos: it has 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage against 6 GB and 128 GB.
Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC in full

Choose the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 if…

  • Your North American sites handle acetylene or hydrogen: it is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D, where the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC covers Groups C and D only.
  • Your substances ignite at low temperatures: it is T6 (85 °C), against T4 (135 °C) for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC.
  • Your crews carry the tablet all shift: it weighs 1,122 g against 1,430 g, and is rated IP68 and MIL-STD-810H.
  • Your teams rely on push-to-talk, an alarm key or gloves: it has a programmable function key, glove and wet-hands operation (ecom), and a wireless scanner with its own Ex approval.
  • You already manage Android devices: it is Android Enterprise Recommended with Samsung Knox 3.10, and has 5G.
ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 in full

Key differences

Where they differ

  • Gas groups in North America

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    UL certificate CER230869: Class I Div 1 Groups C, D T4; Class I Zone 0 AEx ia IIB T4 Ga (US) / Ex ia IIB T4 Ga (CAN); UL 913 8th ed. Class I, II, III Div 1. Gas group is IIB in North America, IIC in Europe/IECEx.
    ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1
    SGS certificate SGSNA/25/CA/00003X (ecom file CERT-7841): Class I Division 1, Group A, B, C, D, T6; Class II Division 1, Group E, F, G T80C; Class III T80C; Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb; Class I, Zone 1, AEx db ia IIC T6 Gb; Zone 21, Group IIIC T80C; Ta −20 °C to +55 °C

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC’s UL listing covers Class I Division 1 Groups C and D at T4, so not acetylene (Group A) or hydrogen (Group B). The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1’s SGS listing covers Groups A to D at T6. On a site classified by Division, this can decide the choice on its own.

  • Zone 0 or Zone 1 only

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Ga / Da
    ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1
    Gb / Db

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is rated Ga/Da, and Eaton limits Zone 0 use to the case it supplies. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is rated Gb/Db for Zone 1/21. If any of your work is in Zone 0, only the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC qualifies, and only inside that case.

  • Temperature class

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    T4 (≤ 135 °C)
    ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1
    T6 (≤ 85 °C)

    T6 keeps the surface at or below 85 °C and T4 at or below 135 °C. T4 is fine for most gases but not those that ignite below 135 °C, so check the ignition temperatures of your substances against the class.

  • Windows software

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Built in (Windows 11 IoT, x86)
    ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1
    Not possible (Android; Samsung DeX gives a desktop-style Android UI)

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC runs x86 Windows software natively. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is Android: Samsung DeX gives a desktop-style Android interface, but not Windows applications. If your software exists only for Windows, the choice is made.

In the field

Head to head, by kind of work

Windows software, screen and processing

Edge: Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC

This is the real dividing line. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC runs Windows 11 IoT Enterprise on an Intel quad-core Atom (Apollo Lake) at 1.6 GHz, with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and our data lists Windows desktop software as built in. For teams whose plant, maintenance or engineering software exists only as a Windows application, that is the whole case for it. It also has the larger screen, 10.1 inches at 2560 × 1600.

The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is Android, on a Samsung Exynos 1380 octa-core Arm chip with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, plus a microSD slot up to 1 TB. Its 8-inch screen is 1920 × 1200 and a little brighter, at 600 nits against 540. It is Android Enterprise Recommended with Samsung Knox 3.10, so it fits teams that already manage Android devices. For web tools and Android apps it does the job; for Windows applications it does not.

Gas groups, temperature class and Zone 0

Edge: ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1

On the European and IECEx ratings the two are close: Zone 1/21, gas group IIC, dust group IIIC, and the same ambient range of −20 °C to +55 °C. The difference is the temperature class. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is T4 for gas and T135 °C for dust, fine for most gases but not those that ignite below 135 °C. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is T6 for gas and T80 °C for dust, so it also suits gases with lower ignition temperatures.

North America widens the gap. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC’s UL listing is Class I Division 1 Groups C and D at T4, and in North America its gas group is IIB, so hydrogen and acetylene are outside it. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1’s SGS listing covers Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T6, plus Class II Division 1 and Class III. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC’s answer is Zone 0: it is rated for it, but only inside the case Eaton supplies, and the certificate warns of a friction hazard. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is certified for Zone 1/21.

Battery, charging and updates

Even

The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC has two 3,450 mAh cells at 7.2 V, 49.68 Wh, and Eaton quotes a typical 12 hours. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 has a 5,050 mAh battery of 18.87 Wh, and ecom quotes up to 14 hours. Both are makers’ figures with different wording, so test your own workload before you rely on either. Neither battery is user-replaceable, and both tablets must be charged outside the hazardous area, the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC with its own charger and its dock for safe areas only.

On updates, both dates carry a caveat. Our data gives October 2034 for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, Microsoft’s end date for the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 edition, but Eaton does not state which edition it ships. ecom states security updates until 2032, in line with Samsung’s Enterprise Edition commitment. We would not choose on either date: ask each maker for the exact support end date for the version you order.

Carrying, scanning and field controls

Edge: ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1

For a tablet that moves around, the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 has the advantage. It weighs 1,122 g against 1,430 g for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, 308 g less. ecom rates it IP68 (its Brazilian Inmetro marking adds IP64) and lists MIL-STD-810H, and quotes glove touch and wet-hands operation. Eaton rates the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC IP67, and the ATEX marking in its manual includes IP67, but its IECEx certificate states no IP code; our data lists no ruggedness standard or glove-touch figure for it.

Our data also lists more field tools for the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1. Its programmable function key can be assigned to push-to-talk, an emergency call or an alarm, the S Pen is named in its certificate and may be used in the zone, and the Ident-Ex 02 wireless 1D/2D scanner has its own Ex approval. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC scans through a camera app, with Aegex’s AegexScan as an option, and Eaton lists no scan engine. Its conditions of use allow no accessories or extensions in the hazardous area, and its dock is for safe areas only. Both have NFC and camera-free versions.

Specifications

Full specifications side by side

Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC vs ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1: full specifications
Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PCecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1
Ex rating
Certified forZone 1/21Zone 1/21
ProtectionIntrinsic safety (Ex ia)Flameproof enclosure (Ex db) with an intrinsically safe circuit (Ex ia)
Gas groupIICIIC
Temperature classT4 (≤ 135 °C)T6 (≤ 85 °C)
Certification
ATEX markingII 1GD Ex ia IIC T4 Ga / II 1GD Ex ia IIIC T135°C DaII 2G Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb / II 2D Ex tb ia IIIC T80°C Db
ATEX certificateNemko 25ATEX1018XEPS 24 ATEX 1 228 X
IECEx markingEx ia IIC T4 Ga / Ex ia IIIC T135°C DaEx db ia IIC T6 Gb / Ex tb ia IIIC T80°C Db
IECEx certificateIECEx NMK 25.0029X (Issue 0, 2026-05-26)IECEx EPS 24.0082X (issue 1, 2025-08-05
Other approvalsUL 913 / CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0 and -11KC Korea 25-KA4BO-0326X (gas) and 25-KA4BO-0327X (dust) (ecom files CERT-7928/7929); Inmetro Brazil TÜV 25.0140 X (CERT-7842; marking adds IP64); IA/MASC South Africa MASC S/25-8018X; Common Criteria portal listing for the Tab-Ex family
North AmericaUL certificate CER230869: Class I Div 1 Groups C, D T4; Class I Zone 0 AEx ia IIB T4 Ga (US) / Ex ia IIB T4 Ga (CAN); UL 913 8th ed. Class I, II, III Div 1. Gas group is IIB in North America, IIC in Europe/IECEx.SGS certificate SGSNA/25/CA/00003X (ecom file CERT-7841): Class I Division 1, Group A, B, C, D, T6; Class II Division 1, Group E, F, G T80C; Class III T80C; Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb; Class I, Zone 1, AEx db ia IIC T6 Gb; Zone 21, Group IIIC T80C; Ta −20 °C to +55 °C
Zone 0Zone 0 rated only inside the case supplied by the maker.Not in our data
Protection level (EPL)Ga / DaGb / Db
Dust groupIIICIIIC
Max surface temperature (dust)135 °C80 °C
Safe use
Ambient temperature (Ta)−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +55 °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 zoneNo accessories or extensions in the hazardous area; SIM/microSD slots not to be opened; docking connector and charging only in safe areas.SIM and microSD are reachable only in non-hazardous areas (flameproof cover). The USB-C port is intrinsically safe and may be used for wired data connections in the hazardous area within its entity parameters (Uo 5.6 V, Io 500 mA, Po 600 mW, Co 1 µF, Lo 1 µH); charging via USB-C only in non-hazardous areas. The S Pen is intrinsically safe and may be used in the hazardous area. Wireless peripherals (Bluetooth, DeX) are not restricted by the certificate text.
Certified accessoriesEaton accessory list: carry case GEC-ATP-CC-01 (required in Zone 0), anti-glare screen protector GEC-ATP-AGSP-01, USB cables GEC-ATP-STUSBS-01, IS USB adapter GEC-ATP-ISUSB-01, shoulder strap GEC-ATP-SHST-01, stylus with tether GEC-ATP-STYT-01, docking station GEC-ATP-DOST-01 (safe area), hands-free harness GEC-ATP-HFHA-01, power adapter GEC-ATP-POAD-XX-01. Ex-area use of each accessory is not stated beyond the case, strap and stylus.Named in the certificate: S Pen ST T05 X2, leather case LC T05 X1, chest harness CH T05 X1, belt clip BC T01, carrying strap CS T05, stylus tether ST 01. The Ident-Ex 02 wireless 1D/2D scanner carries its own Ex approval (Zone 1/21, Div 1). Chargers, docks and holders on the ecom page are for use outside the hazardous area only.
IP code in the Ex certificateIP67 in the ATEX marking printed in Eaton's manual (Nemko 25ATEX1018X ... Um = 20V IP67); not in the IECEx database marking for NMK 25.0029XUnconfirmed, see note 1Not in our data
Operating temperature−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +55 °C
Conditions of useDo not remove or replace the battery pack in hazardous areas; use only battery AAEB-100-XX and charge it only on the tablet; charge only with Eaton charger GEC-ATP-POAD-x-01; do not open the SIM/SD port in a hazardous location; in Zone 0 use only inside Eaton case GEC-ATP-CC-01 (friction hazard); avoid friction on the enclosure; inspect for damage; service only by Eaton; do not charge, connect or disconnect in hazardous areas; no accessories or extensions in hazardous areas (IECEx NMK 25.0029X conditions a-j). Um = 20 V appears in the ATEX/UL marking printed in the instruction manual, not in the IECEx text.IECEx X conditions: flameproof joints shall not be repaired; protect against high-energy impacts; do not use near processes producing high electrostatic charges; charging and SIM/SD-card replacement only in ordinary (non-hazardous) locations; charge only at −5 °C to +55 °C; charging and wired data via USB-C limited to Um 30 V (and the certificate's current limit) and from a SELV/PELV/ES1 supply; user may replace only the USB-C cover; repairs by the manufacturer or an authorised service centre.
Device
TypeDedicated Ex tabletDedicated Ex tablet
Launched2026Unconfirmed, see note 22025
Part numbersGZ1A1W51A1A1 (WiFi); GZ1A1G51A1A1 (LTE); carry case GEC-ATP-CC-01; dock GEC-ATP-DOST-01TAB-EX05-DZ1-* (datasheet 480996; WiFi and WWAN types)
Operating systemWindows 11 IoT EnterpriseAndroid 16Unconfirmed, see note 3
EditionWindows 11 IoT Enterprise (channel/LTSC year not stated; Eaton: 'Windows 11 IoT')Unconfirmed, see note 4Android (Samsung One UI); Android Enterprise Recommended, Samsung Knox 3.10
OS at launchNot in our dataAndroid 14
OS upgradesNot in our dataAndroid 22 (ecom claim)Unconfirmed, see note 3
Security updatesUntil October 2034Unconfirmed, see note 5Until Q1 2032Unconfirmed, see note 6
ProcessorIntel quad-core Atom (Apollo Lake) 1.6 GHz base, 1.8 GHz burstSamsung Exynos 1380 (S5E8835) octa-core, 4 x 2.4 GHz + 4 x 2.0 GHz, 5 nm
Processor architecturex86Arm
Memory (RAM)8 GB6 GB
Storage256 GB, MicroSDXC up to 2 TB128 GB, microSD up to 1 TB
Field capabilities
Push-to-talkNot in our dataVia app (programmable function key assignable to PTT, per ecom)
Emergency / SOSNot in our dataBuilt in (freely programmable function key, e.g. emergency call or alarm)
Lone workerNot in our dataVia app (key assigned to alarm/emergency; third-party or ecom lone-worker solution)
Barcode scanningVia app (camera-based; Eaton lists no scan engine)Via accessory (ecom Ident-Ex 02 wireless 1D/2D scanner; Ex-rated? yes) or camera-based via app
NFC readingBuilt in (NFC)Built in (NFC)
3D scanning / LiDARNot possible (no depth sensor)Not possible (no depth sensor listed)
Remote expert / video callsVia app (front and rear cameras; a camera-free version is also offered)Via app (front and rear cameras, Google ARCore ready; ecom promotes remote-support use)
Windows desktop softwareBuilt in (Windows 11 IoT, x86)Not possible (Android; Samsung DeX gives a desktop-style Android UI)
Display and camera
Display10.1-inch AHVA (IPS-type), 1000:1 contrast, 170 degree viewing angle8-inch TFT, capacitive multitouch, 60 Hz / adaptive up to 120 Hz; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (DZ1/DZ2), Gorilla Glass 5 (D2)
Resolution2560 × 1600 (WQXGA)1920 × 1200 (WUXGA), 283 ppi, 16:10
Brightness540 nits600 nits
Outdoor readabilityNot in our dataMaker claims optimum readability in direct sunlight (600 nits max)
TouchNot in our dataYes: glove touch and wet-hands operation (maker)
Pen / stylusStylus supplied (type not stated)Samsung S Pen included (pressure sensitive), with Tab-Ex S Pen holder
Rear camera8 MP autofocus with flash (Eaton: camera-free version available)13 MP autofocus, 8x digital zoom (camera-free version available)
Front cameraFront camera 1920 x 1080 stills (megapixels not stated; 2 MP in Eaton manual)5 MP
Video1080p at 30 fpsUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps
Connectivity
NetworkWi-Fi; optional LTE-A Cat 12 / UMTS5G Sub-6 and 4G LTE; Wi-Fi-only version also available
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g, Wi-Fi 4/5/6 2.4 + 5 GHz)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.3
NFCYesYes
Satellite positioningGPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo
SIMNano-SIM (LTE version)Nano-SIM and eSIM (optional)
Physical and power
Weight1430 g1122 g
Dimensions278 × 207 × 13.8 (28.3 at battery section) mm161.5 × 262.75 × 25.75 (W × H × D) mm
Ingress protectionIP67IP68
RuggednessNot in our dataMIL-STD-810H
Battery2 x 3450 (7.2 V)5050 (typical)
Battery energy49.6818.87 (typical)
Battery lifeTypical 12 h (Eaton datasheet)Up to 14 h
Replaceable batteryNoNo
Ports and expansion5-pin magnetic charging connector; docking connector (LAN, USB 2.0/3.0, USB-C, HDMI, SD, audio jack); microSDXC and nano-SIM under port cover; VESA 75 x 35 mm mount (Eaton)USB 2.0 Type-C; 3.5 mm audio jack and POGO pins on DZ2; microSD; nano-SIM / eSIM
DockingDock DS100M (Aegex) / GEC-ATP-DOST-01 (Eaton), safe area only; shoulder strap; VESA mountDZ2: Lite Cradle, DC T01 X2 desktop charger, passive holder with tilt/swivel (ordinary areas)
KeyboardNo (slate)No keyboard; wireless DeX with Bluetooth keyboard/mouse; POGO keyboard-dock port on DZ2 (ordinary areas only)
Controls & Accessibility
KeysNot in our dataFunction key (programmable: PTT, emergency call, alarm) and Active button
Push-to-talk keyNot in our dataYes
Glove touchNot in our dataYes
BiometricsNot in our dataFace recognition; fingerprint only on the D2 model
Fleet and support
Preinstalled appsAegexScan barcode-scanning application (optional, Aegex)Not in our data
ManufacturerEaton Electric Limited (MTL), United Kingdomecom instruments (Pepperl+Fuchs), 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 software and your gases: Windows or Android, Groups C and D or A to D, Zone 0 or not. Tell us about your sites and we will help you choose impartially.

FAQ

Common questions

Is the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC better than the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1?

Neither is better across the board. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC suits teams that need x86 Windows software, a 10.1-inch screen or Zone 0 access. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 suits Android teams, Division 1 sites with Group A or B gases, T6 requirements and crews who want a lighter tablet. Both are certified for Zone 1/21.

Can either tablet be used in Zone 0?

Only the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, and only inside the case supplied by Eaton. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is certified for Zone 1/21 (protection level Gb/Db) and is not certified for Zone 0.

Do both cover hydrogen and acetylene in North America?

No. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D, which include acetylene and hydrogen. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is listed for Groups C and D only. Under ATEX and IECEx both are rated for gas group IIC.

Can you charge either tablet in the hazardous area?

No. Both must be charged outside the hazardous area, and neither battery is user-replaceable. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1’s USB-C port may carry wired data in the zone within its limits, but not charging. Eaton’s dock and charger for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC are for safe areas only.

Which gets security updates for longer?

On the dates we have, the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, to October 2034, but that is Microsoft’s date for the LTSC 2024 edition and Eaton does not state its edition. ecom states updates until 2032 for the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1. Treat both as unconfirmed until the makers confirm them.

Do these tablets replace older models?

Our data lists the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC as the successor to the Aegex 100M, which replaced the Aegex 10 IS, and the ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 as the successor to the ecom Tab-Ex 03 DZ1. The BARTEC Agile X IS, also discontinued, names no Zone 1 successor.

How much do the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC and ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 cost?

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

Notes on unconfirmed values

  1. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: From Eaton's manual; the IECEx certificate doesn't state an IP code.
  2. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  3. ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1: From a single or secondary source; the maker doesn't state it for this model.
  4. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: The maker doesn't state the edition year.
  5. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: Microsoft's end date for Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024. The maker doesn't state the edition year.
  6. ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1: ecom states security updates until 2032, which matches Samsung's Enterprise Edition commitment.

Facts last verified on against certificates, declarations of conformity and manufacturer data. The sources for each tablet are listed on its page: Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC and ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ1. Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.