Compare · Windows or Android for Zone 1

Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC vs i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is an 8-inch intrinsically safe (Ex ib) Android tablet, 540 g lighter, with a Class I Division 1 listing for Groups A to D, but i.safe’s security updates for it end in Q1 2027. Both are T4 and certified for Zone 1/21. 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, the gases and zones on your site, and how long the tablets must stay in service. If your Zone 1 work needs desktop Windows software, a 10.1-inch screen, Zone 0 access or tablets that must stay in service past i.safe’s Q1 2027 update end, 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, carry the tablet all shift, or work on hot sites or underground, we would choose the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1.

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 for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1.
  • Some of your work is in Zone 0: it is rated for it inside the case Eaton supplies, while the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1’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 4 GB and 64 GB, though both take microSD cards (up to 2 TB on the Eaton, 512 GB on the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1).
  • Your tablets must stay in service past early 2027: i.safe’s security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 end in Q1 2027, while our data gives October 2034 for this tablet, Microsoft’s date for one Windows edition, flagged unconfirmed because Eaton does not state its edition.
Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC in full

Choose the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 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 crews carry the tablet through a whole shift: it weighs 890 g, against 1,430 g for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC.
  • Your sites run a little hotter: it is certified up to +60 °C ambient, against +55 °C for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC.
  • Some of your crews work underground: the i.safe MOBILE IS930.M1 mining version adds Group I certification.
  • A client or site asks for UKCA-marked equipment: it has a UKEX certificate as well as ATEX and IECEx, and our data lists none for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC.
i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 in full

Key differences

Where they differ

  • Zone 0 or Zone 1 only

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Ga / Da
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is rated Gb/Db for Zone 1/21. If any of your work is in Zone 0, only the Eaton qualifies, and only inside that case.

  • 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.
    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 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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1’s NEC 500 listing covers Groups A, B, C and D at T4. On a site classified by Division, this can decide the choice on its own.

  • Windows software

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Built in (Windows 11 IoT, x86)
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    Not possible (Android)

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC runs x86 Windows software natively. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is Android, and our data lists Windows desktop software as not possible on it. If your software exists only for Windows, the choice is made.

  • Weight

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    1430 g
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    890 g

    The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is 540 g lighter, at 890 g against 1,430 g, which you notice when a tablet is carried on a strap or held in one hand through a shift.

  • Security updates

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Until October 2034Unconfirmed, see note 1
    i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
    Until Q1 2027

    i.safe’s updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 end in Q1 2027, which matters for anyone buying now. Our data gives October 2034 for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, Microsoft’s end date for one Windows edition, but Eaton does not state which edition it ships, so that date is flagged as unconfirmed.

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 maintenance or engineering software exists only as a Windows application, that is the whole case for it. Its screen is 10.1 inches at 2560 × 1600 and 540 nits, and a stylus is supplied.

The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is Android 14 on a Qualcomm Snapdragon SDM660 octa-core with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, plus a microSD slot up to 512 GB. It has an 8-inch glove-usable display; our data lists no resolution or brightness for it, which means unverified, not absent. For web tools and Android apps it does the job, and its 13 MP rear camera has more megapixels than the Eaton’s 8 MP. Both have NFC. Eaton offers a camera-free version; one for the i.safe tablet is listed by a distributor, not by i.safe.

Zone 0, gas groups and North America

Even

On the core European ratings the two start level: Zone 1/21 under ATEX and IECEx, gas group IIC, dust group IIIC, and T4 with a 135 °C dust limit. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC adds one thing: it is rated Ga/Da, and Eaton limits Zone 0 use to the case it supplies, with a friction hazard noted in its conditions of use. The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 is rated Gb/Db for Zone 1/21 and is not certified for Zone 0. If you need a tablet in Zone 0, only the Eaton qualifies.

North America splits the other way. The Eaton’s UL listing is Class I Division 1 Groups C and D at T4, with Class I Zone 0 AEx ia IIB T4 Ga, and its gas group is IIB in North America, so hydrogen and acetylene are outside it. The i.safe’s NEC 500 listing covers Class I Division 1 Groups A, B, C and D at T4, Class II Division 1 Groups E, F and G, and Class III Division 1. For a team that works in North America with hydrogen or acetylene, only the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 fits.

Weight, build and carrying

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

The i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 weighs 890 g against 1,430 g for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, a gap of 540 g that shows over a shift on the move. It is also certified to +60 °C ambient against +55 °C. i.safe lists IP68 and MIL-STD-810H. Eaton rates its tablet IP67, which appears in the ATEX marking in its manual but not in the IECEx certificate, and our data lists no ruggedness standard for it.

On keys, the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 has a dedicated red SOS key and two freely programmable keys, with push-to-talk and lone-worker apps added by you; our data has no key details for the Eaton. In the zone both are closed systems: Eaton’s conditions allow no accessories or extensions in the hazardous area, and the i.safe tablet allows no interface cover to be opened there, though a commercial microSD card may be used in its slot. For underground work, i.safe offers the i.safe MOBILE IS930.M1, certified for Group I; our data lists no mining version of the Eaton.

Updates, connectivity and battery

Edge: Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC

Support life comes first. i.safe’s security updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1, which runs Android 14, end in Q1 2027. 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, so we flag that date as unconfirmed. The edge here rests on the confirmed end of i.safe’s updates, not on Eaton’s date. A short project or an existing i.safe MOBILE fleet can live with Q1 2027, but a new multi-year rollout cannot.

On connectivity and power the two are closer. Eaton lists Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.2, with an optional LTE-A Cat 12 version; the i.safe lists 4G LTE (no 5G), Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5. The Eaton has a 49.68 Wh battery with a typical 12 hours (Eaton’s figure). Our data has no battery-life figure for the i.safe, whose capacity is 8,160 mAh and flagged unconfirmed, so we do not compare runtime. Neither battery is user-replaceable and both tablets must be charged outside the hazardous area, the Eaton with its own charger and the i.safe at +5 °C to +35 °C.

Specifications

Full specifications side by side

Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC vs i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: full specifications
Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PCi.safe MOBILE IS930.1
Ex rating
Certified forZone 1/21Zone 1/21
ProtectionIntrinsic safety (Ex ia)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 1GD Ex ia IIC T4 Ga / II 1GD Ex ia IIIC T135°C DaII 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb / II 2D Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db IP6X
ATEX certificateNemko 25ATEX1018XEPS 19 ATEX 1 071 X
IECEx markingEx ia IIC T4 Ga / Ex ia IIIC T135°C DaEx ib IIC T4 Gb / Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db IP6X
IECEx certificateIECEx NMK 25.0029X (Issue 0, 2026-05-26)IECEx EPS 19.0034X (Issue 0, 2019-12-20)
UKEX certificateNot in our dataCML 21UKEX2490X
Other approvalsUL 913 / CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0 and -11EAC, KCs (Korea), INMETRO (Brazil), Japan-Ex, IA (South Africa), PESO (India), TELEC
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.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
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 °C135 °C
Safe use
Ambient temperature (Ta)−20 °C to +55 °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 zoneNo accessories or extensions in the hazardous area; SIM/microSD slots not to be opened; docking connector and charging only in safe areas.Opening 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 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.Maker 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 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 3IP6X (dust marking)
Operating temperature−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +60 °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: 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
TypeDedicated Ex tabletDedicated Ex tablet
Launched2026Unconfirmed, see note 42019Unconfirmed, see note 5
Part numbersGZ1A1W51A1A1 (WiFi); GZ1A1G51A1A1 (LTE); carry case GEC-ATP-CC-01; dock GEC-ATP-DOST-01Model M93A01 (DoC); article numbers not published on maker page
Operating systemWindows 11 IoT EnterpriseAndroid 14
EditionWindows 11 IoT Enterprise (channel/LTSC year not stated; Eaton: 'Windows 11 IoT')Unconfirmed, see note 6Android 14
OS at launchNot in our dataAndroid 9Unconfirmed, see note 7
Security updatesUntil October 2034Unconfirmed, see note 1Until Q1 2027
ProcessorIntel quad-core Atom (Apollo Lake) 1.6 GHz base, 1.8 GHz burstQualcomm Snapdragon SDM660 octa-core
Processor architecturex86Arm
Memory (RAM)8 GB4 GB
Storage256 GB, MicroSDXC up to 2 TB64 GB, microSD up to 512 GB
Field capabilities
Push-to-talkNot in our dataVia 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 workerNot in our dataVia app (LWP ready: third-party application required, per maker page)
Barcode scanningVia app (camera-based; Eaton lists no scan engine)Via app (camera-based; no dedicated scan engine listed)
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, Wi-Fi/LTE; third-party app)
Windows desktop softwareBuilt in (Windows 11 IoT, x86)Not possible (Android)
Display and camera
Display10.1-inch AHVA (IPS-type), 1000:1 contrast, 170 degree viewing angle8-inch Glove-usable touch display; Corning Gorilla Glass V3 stated on the IS930.M1 page (not on the IS930.1 page)
Resolution2560 × 1600 (WQXGA)Not in our data
Brightness540 nitsNot in our data
TouchNot in our dataUsable with gloves (maker); wet-touch not stated
Pen / stylusStylus supplied (type not stated)Not in our data
Rear camera8 MP autofocus with flash (Eaton: camera-free version available)13 MP autofocus
Front cameraFront camera 1920 x 1080 stills (megapixels not stated; 2 MP in Eaton manual)5 MP fixed focus
Video1080p at 30 fpsNot in our data
Connectivity
NetworkWi-Fi; optional LTE-A Cat 12 / UMTS4G LTE (no 5G)
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/h) with hotspot
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5
NFCYesYes
Satellite positioningGPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, Glonass, Beidou (Galileo added on IS930.M1 page)
SIMNano-SIM (LTE version)Micro-SIM
Physical and power
Weight1430 g890 g
Dimensions278 × 207 × 13.8 (28.3 at battery section) mm237 × 156 × 22 mm
Ingress protectionIP67IP68
RuggednessNot in our dataMIL-STD-810H
Battery2 x 3450 (7.2 V)8160Unconfirmed, see note 7
Battery energy49.6830.2Unconfirmed, see note 8
Battery lifeTypical 12 h (Eaton datasheet)Not in our data
Hot-swap batteryNot in our dataNoUnconfirmed, see note 7
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-C; 24-pin docking interface; magnetic charger port; earphone jack; microSD slot; micro-SIM
DockingDock DS100M (Aegex) / GEC-ATP-DOST-01 (Eaton), safe area only; shoulder strap; VESA mountOffice dock IS-DS930.1 (RJ45, 3 x USB); IS-MC930.1 six-bay multi charger; vehicle mount
KeyboardNo (slate)No (slate)
Controls & Accessibility
KeysNot in our dataSOS key (red); two freely programmable keys
Push-to-talk keyNot in our dataNo
Glove touchNot in our dataYes
Fleet and support
Preinstalled appsAegexScan barcode-scanning application (optional, Aegex)Not in our data
ManufacturerEaton Electric Limited (MTL), United Kingdomi.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 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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1?

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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 suits Android teams, Division 1 sites with Group A or B gases, hot sites and crews who want a much 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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 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 i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 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. Eaton’s dock and charger for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC are for safe areas only, and i.safe specifies charging at +5 °C to +35 °C for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1.

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, so treat it as unconfirmed. i.safe’s updates for the i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 end in Q1 2027, which is the main thing to plan around if you are buying now.

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 Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, so treat it as a surface tablet unless Eaton confirms otherwise.

How much do the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC 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. 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.
  2. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: Not checked against the certificate for this exact model.
  3. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: From Eaton's manual; the IECEx certificate doesn't state an IP code.
  4. 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.
  5. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  6. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: The maker doesn't state the edition year.
  7. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1: From a single or secondary source; the maker doesn't state it for this model.
  8. 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: Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC and i.safe MOBILE IS930.1. Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.