Compare · iPad or Android for Zone 1

i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 vs Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch

These two tablets are certified for Zone 1/21 and gas group IIC, but they take different routes to it and do different jobs. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is an intrinsically safe (Ex ib) 10.1-inch Android tablet with ATEX, IECEx and North American certificates, a +55 °C ambient rating, a battery you can swap and permission to charge in the hazardous area within its certificate. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch is a flameproof (Ex db) cover around an iPad Pro 11-inch (M5), rated T6 instead of T4, with LiDAR and a 1,000-nit screen, but ATEX only, rated to +45 °C and 291 g heavier. Here is how they compare, and which we would choose for which team.

Our verdict

Which should you choose?

Pick by your gases, your sites and how the tablet is charged. For sites that need IECEx or a North American listing, ambient heat up to +55 °C, charging in the zone, underground work, or a lighter tablet with a red alarm key, we would choose the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1. For sites with gases that ignite below 135 °C, and for crews who want the iPad Pro’s screen, cameras and LiDAR in Zone 1/21 under ATEX, we would choose the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch.

Choose the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 if…

  • Your sites need IECEx or a North American listing: it holds IECEx EPS 24.0001X and a Class I Division 1 Groups A to D listing, while the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch is ATEX only, with IECEx planned and no North American listing in our data.
  • Your crews top up the tablet where they work: charging is allowed in the hazardous area within the certificate’s limits, and the IS-DS940.1 docking station is listed for it, where our data has no value for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch.
  • Your sites run hot: it is certified up to +55 °C ambient, against +45 °C for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch.
  • Your crews carry the tablet all shift: it weighs 1,059 g against 1,350 g, its battery can be swapped outside the hazardous area, and i.safe rates it IP68 and MIL-STD-810H.
  • 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

Choose the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch if…

  • Your hazardous-area study includes gases that ignite below 135 °C: it is rated T6 (85 °C) and T80 °C for dust, against T4 and 135 °C for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.
  • Your inspectors scan rooms and equipment: the LiDAR scanner works through the cover, and our data lists no depth sensor for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.
  • You read drawings and data on site: the 11-inch screen is 2420 × 1668 at up to 1,000 nits, against 10.1 inches at 1200 × 1920, and our data has no brightness figure for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.
  • You already manage iPads: it is a standard iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) inside, with the same apps and Apple device management, 12 or 16 GB of memory and Wi-Fi 7.
Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch in full

Key differences

Where they differ

  • Temperature class

    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    T4 (≤ 135 °C)
    Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch
    T6 (≤ 85 °C)

    The temperature class decides which gases a tablet may be used around. T6 (85 °C) is the stricter rating; T4 (135 °C) is fine for most gases, but not those that ignite below 135 °C. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch is the only one of the two that covers them.

  • Published certificates and approvals

    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    EPS 24 ATEX 1 010 X
    Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch
    ATEX certified

    i.safe publishes ATEX and IECEx certificate numbers and a North American listing for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1. Xshielder confirms ATEX certification for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch but has published no certificate number yet, and IECEx is planned. If your site or client needs IECEx or a Division listing, this decides the choice.

  • Maximum ambient temperature

    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    −20 °C to +55 °C
    Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch
    −20 °C to +45 °C

    The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 has 10 °C more headroom than the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch, which matters for plants and yards in hot climates. Go by the ambient range in the certificate, not the operating range on a datasheet.

  • Charging in the hazardous area

    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Yes
    Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch
    Not in our data

    i.safe allows the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 to be charged in the hazardous area within the certificate’s limits. Our data has no value for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch, so it is not confirmed either way. If crews cannot walk out to charge, ask Xshielder first.

  • LiDAR and 3D scanning

    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Not possible (no depth sensor listed)
    Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch
    Built in (iPad Pro LiDAR); Xshielder lists 'Pro camera with LiDAR'

    The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch has the iPad Pro’s LiDAR scanner, and Xshielder confirms it works through the cover. Our data lists no depth sensor for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.

In the field

Head to head, by kind of work

Gas coverage and temperature class

Edge: Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch

Both tablets are certified for Zone 1/21 at protection level Gb/Db, with gas group IIC and dust group IIIC. The difference is the class. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch is rated T6, with a maximum surface temperature of 85 °C for gas and 80 °C for dust. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is T4, with 135 °C for both. T4 is fine for most gases, but not those that ignite below 135 °C, so a site whose study lists one of them is the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch’s ground.

The protection methods differ too. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is intrinsically safe (Ex ib), which limits the energy in the device and is what allows its accessories and its charging rules. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch is a flameproof (Ex db) cover that contains an explosion instead. Neither is certified for Zone 0. If your study lists no gas below 135 °C, the class will not matter to you.

Approvals, heat and where you can work

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 has the broader paperwork. It holds ATEX EPS 24 ATEX 1 010 X and IECEx EPS 24.0001X, and a North American listing for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T4, Class II Division 1 and Class III, where our data has no North American listing for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch. It also lists approvals for South Africa, China, Brazil, Japan, India and Korea. Xshielder confirms ATEX certification, has published no certificate number yet, and plans IECEx.

Heat and mining follow. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is certified from −20 °C to +55 °C, against −20 °C to +45 °C for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch. For underground work, i.safe offers the i.safe MOBILE IS940.M1, certified for Group I, and our data lists no mining version of the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch. If you rely on the North American listing, note that it shows IP64, where i.safe lists IP68 for the standard tablet.

Screen, cameras and software

Even

The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch has the bigger screen and the stronger platform: an 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display at 2420 × 1668 and up to 1,000 nits, an M5 with 12 or 16 GB of memory, and Wi-Fi 7. Xshielder confirms that the 12 MP rear camera with 4K ProRes video, the LiDAR scanner, the 12 MP front camera with Face ID, stylus input and the speakers and microphones work through the cover. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 has a 10.1-inch screen at 1200 × 1920 with glove touch, a Qualcomm QCM6490 with 8 GB, 128 GB plus microSD, 5G and NFC.

On cameras each has a case. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 has a 50 MP rear camera, which suits detailed inspection photos, and the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch has 12 MP, 4K ProRes video and LiDAR. Resolution alone does not decide image quality, so we call it even. On software, the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 runs Android 14 with security updates until Q4 2032, a maker’s date. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch runs iPadOS 27 with updates expected for 7–8 years, based on previous iPad Pro support, an expectation and not a date.

Carrying, controls and charging

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

For a tablet that moves around, the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is the easier one to live with. It weighs 1,059 g against 1,350 g, is rated IP68 and MIL-STD-810H, and has a battery that can be swapped outside the hazardous area, while the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch’s battery is not user-replaceable and its IP65 rating is pending testing. It has a freely programmable red key for SOS or a lone-worker app and an Ex-rated push-to-talk button accessory. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch has no programmable hardware key.

Charging is the planning point. i.safe allows the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 to be charged in the hazardous area within the certificate’s limits, with charging temperature limited to 0 °C to +45 °C, and lists its IS-DS940.1 docking station for it. Our data has no value for charging the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch inside the zone, and its USB-C port is accessible for charging and data. Confirm the charging rules with Xshielder before you plan around them. Our data has no battery-life figure for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, so runtime cannot be compared.

Specifications

Full specifications side by side

i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 vs Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: full specifications
i.safe MOBILE IS940.1Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch
Ex rating
Certified forZone 1/21Zone 1/21
ProtectionIntrinsic safety (Ex ib)Flameproof enclosure (Ex db)
Gas groupIICIIC
Temperature classT4 (≤ 135 °C)T6 (≤ 85 °C)
Mining versioni.safe MOBILE IS940.M1: also certified for Group I (underground mining)Not in our data
Certification
ATEX markingII 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb / II 2D Ex ib IIIC T135°C DbII 2G Ex db IIC T6 Gb / II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db
ATEX certificateEPS 24 ATEX 1 010 XATEX certified
IECEx markingEx ib IIC T4 Gb / Ex ib IIIC T135°C DbNot in our data
IECEx certificateIECEx EPS 24.0001X (issue 1, 2025-02-06Not in our data
Other approvalsIA South Africa (MTEx-S/24.0456 X), PCEC China (CE24.5940X), INMETRO (BRA 24.GE0015X), Japan-Ex, PESO, KCsLanyard hole to NS-9611 (pending testing)
North AmericaNEC 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 °CNot in our data
Protection level (EPL)Gb / DbGb / Db
Dust groupIIICIIIC
Max surface temperature (dust)135 °C80 °C
Safe use
Ambient temperature (Ta)−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +45 °C
ChargingYesNot in our data
Battery swapOutside the hazardous area onlyOutside the hazardous area only
Ports and accessories in the zoneUSB-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.Not in our data
Certified accessoriesEx-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.Xshielder Stylus (capacitive, 22 g, aluminium, with lanyard). Ex rating of the stylus not stated. Apple Pencil not mentioned.Unconfirmed, see note 1
Operating temperature−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +45 °CUnconfirmed, see note 2
Conditions of useBattery 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.Not in our data
Device
TypeDedicated Ex tabletCertified Ex case
Tablet insideNot in our dataiPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Also fitsNot in our dataiPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
FittingNot in our dataFitted by the makerUnconfirmed, see note 3
Tablet can be removedNot in our dataYes, but only by Xshielder authorised personnel (lid glued on the ATEX version)Unconfirmed, see note 3
Launched2024Unconfirmed, see note 42026
Part numbersModel M940A01; battery BPIS940A.1A (MBP940AA01) per DoC; R. STAHL Art. No. 329056 (Tablet Set), 329467 (Tablet Set no Camera)Unconfirmed, see note 5XS1-TB-G01-C01-S01; datasheet ref. iPad11P-000033-1
Operating systemAndroid 14iPadOS 27
EditionAndroid 14iPadOS (consumer; no LTSC or enterprise edition)
OS at launchNot in our dataiPadOS 26
OS upgradesNot in our dataStill supported by iPadOS 27 (current)
Security updatesUntil Q4 20327–8 years (based on previous iPad Pro support)
ProcessorQualcomm QCM6490 octa-core (long-term support chipset)Apple M5 (up to 10-core CPU)
Processor architectureArmArm
Memory (RAM)8 GB12 (256/512 GB) / 16 (1/2 TB)
Storage128 GB, microSD supported256 GB, 512 GB, 1024 GB, 2048 GB
What works through the housing or case
Face ID / Touch IDNot in our dataYes: Face ID works through the cover (confirmed by Xshielder)
Apple Pencil / stylusNot in our dataYes: stylus input works through the cover (confirmed by Xshielder); Xshielder capacitive stylus (22 g, interchangeable tips, lanyard) offered
Side and volume buttonsNot in our dataYes: usable through the cover (Xshielder: all iPad Pro functions available)
Rear camerasNot in our dataYes: 12 MP Wide camera with 4K video and ProRes works through the cover (confirmed by Xshielder)
LiDARNot in our dataYes: LiDAR works through the cover (confirmed by Xshielder)
Front cameraNot in our dataYes: landscape 12 MP Center Stage camera with Face ID works through the cover (confirmed by Xshielder)
TouchscreenNot in our dataYes: works through the cover (Xshielder: all iPad Pro functions available)
ChargingNot in our dataUSB-C charging as on a standard iPad Pro (confirmed by Xshielder); 50% in 30 min with a 60 W adapter (M5); no wireless
Speakers and microphonesNot in our dataYes: all 4 microphones and 4 speakers usable (confirmed by Xshielder)
Headset audioNot in our dataYes: audio in and out works (confirmed by Xshielder); headsets via USB-C or Bluetooth, as the iPad Pro has no 3.5 mm jack
USB-C portNot in our dataYes: accessible for charging and data, as on a standard iPad Pro (confirmed by Xshielder)
SIM cardNot in our dataeSIM only (1 x eSIM, cellular models); no SIM tray
Removed or disabledNot in our dataNothing removed or disabled: all iPad Pro features available (confirmed by Xshielder)
Mounting pointsNot in our data1/4-inch tripod mount; lanyard hole to NS-9611 (pending testing)
Field capabilities
Push-to-talkVia accessory (IS-PTTB1A.1 PTT button on the 16-pin ISM interface; Ex-rated? yes) and PTT appVia app (third-party PTT apps over Wi-Fi/cellular; no PTT key; Ex-rated? n/a)
Emergency / SOSBuilt in (freely programmable red key, e.g. SOS / lone worker)Not in our data
Lone workerVia app (red key assigned to a lone-worker application; third-party app)Via app (third-party lone-worker apps)
Barcode scanningVia app (50 MP camera-based; no dedicated scan engine listed)Via app (camera-based scanning; no scan engine)
NFC readingBuilt in (NFC)Not possible (no NFC reader on any iPad)Unconfirmed, see note 6
3D scanning / LiDARNot possible (no depth sensor listed)Built in (iPad Pro LiDAR); Xshielder lists 'Pro camera with LiDAR'
Remote expert / video callsVia app (front and rear cameras, Wi-Fi 6 / 5G; third-party app)Via app (FaceTime, Teams or remote-assist apps; cameras and audio work through the cover)
Windows desktop softwareNot possible (Android)Not possible (iPadOS only)
Bluetooth gas detectorsNot in our dataVia app (Bluetooth 6 (M5) / 5.3 (M4); vendor app; no maker-certified integration listed)
Display and camera
Display10.1-inch Corning Gorilla Glass V3 (3rd generation), usable with gloves11-inch Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED, ProMotion 10-120 Hz, P3, True Tone, antireflective coating; nano-texture glass option on 1 and 2 TB
Resolution1200 × 19202420 × 1668 (264 ppi)
BrightnessNot in our data1000 (SDR max)
TouchUsable with gloves (maker); wet-touch not statedNot in our data
Pen / stylusPassive stylus available as accessory (IS-Stylus Set, 'stylus for operating touch screens'); not in the boxApple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C); magnetic attach and charge, hover
Rear camera50 MP autofocus12 MP Wide, f/1.8, True Tone flash
Front camera5 MP fixed focus12 MP Center Stage, landscape, TrueDepth (Face ID)
VideoNot in our data4K video, ProRes
Depth sensingNot in our dataLiDAR scanner
Connectivity
Network5G NR and 4G LTEWi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular (5G sub-6 GHz)
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/ax/v) with hotspotWi-Fi 7 (802.11be), 2x2 MIMO
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 6
NFCYesNot in our data
Satellite positioningGPS, A-GPS, Glonass, A-Glonass, Beidou, GalileoGPS/GNSS on Wi-Fi + Cellular models; digital compass and Wi-Fi location on all
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)eSIM only (cellular models)
Physical and power
Weight1059 g1350 g (including the tablet)
Dimensions266.17 × 168.46 × 19.82 mm289 × 217 × 16 mm
Ingress protectionIP68IP65 (pending testing)Unconfirmed, see note 7
RuggednessMIL-STD-810HNot in our data
Battery81608160Unconfirmed, see note 8
Battery energy30.2Unconfirmed, see note 931.29
Battery lifeNot in our dataUp to 10 hours web or video on Wi-Fi
Hot-swap batteryNot in our dataNo
Replaceable batteryYesNo
Ports and expansionUSB-C; 12-pin docking interface; 16-pin ISM interface (audio/PTT accessories; the page text also calls it '13-pin'); nano-SIM + eSIM; microSDThunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C, up to 40 Gb/s); Smart Connector; magnetic Apple Pencil connector
DockingIS-DS940.1 docking station (VESA 100; charging in Ex area); IS-MC930.1 six-bay multi charger; vehicle mountUSB-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.
KeyboardNo (slate)Smart Connector (Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro)
Controls & Accessibility
KeysFreely programmable red key (e.g. lone worker / SOS); additional programmable side buttonsTop button (no Touch ID; Face ID model), volume buttons; no programmable hardware key
Push-to-talk keyNoNo
Glove touchYesNot in our data
BiometricsNot in our dataFace ID
Fleet and support
Manufactureri.safe MOBILE GmbH, GermanyXshielder AS, Norway

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.

Xshielder

Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch cover for Zone 1/21

A flameproof cover for the iPad Pro 11-inch (M5), certified IIC T6 for Zone 1/21 under ATEX, with the cameras, LiDAR and stylus input working through the cover. Tell us about your site and fleet size to get a quote. See the iPad Pro 11-inch cover.

FAQ

Common questions

Is the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 better than the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch?

Neither is better across the board. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 suits sites that need IECEx or a North American listing, ambient heat up to +55 °C, charging in the zone or a lighter tablet. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch suits sites with gases that need T6 and teams that want the iPad Pro’s screen, cameras and LiDAR. Both are certified for Zone 1/21.

Can either tablet be used in Zone 0?

No. Both are certified to protection level Gb/Db, which covers Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22, and neither is certified for Zone 0.

Is either tablet approved for North America or IECEx?

The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is both: it holds IECEx EPS 24.0001X and a Class I Division 1 Groups A to D listing at T4. The Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch is ATEX only. IECEx is planned, and our data has no North American listing for it.

Which gets security updates for longer?

On the makers’ own statements they are close. i.safe states security updates until Q4 2032 for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, and Xshielder expects 7–8 years for the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch, based on previous iPad Pro support. The i.safe date is a stated end date, and the Xshielder figure is an expectation.

Can you charge either tablet in the hazardous area?

The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 may be, within the certificate’s limits, and i.safe lists its IS-DS940.1 docking station for it. For the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch our data has no value for charging inside the zone, so it is not confirmed either way. Both batteries can be swapped outside the hazardous area only, but only the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1’s is user-replaceable.

Is there a mining version of either tablet?

For the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, yes: the i.safe MOBILE IS940.M1 is also certified for Group I (underground mining). Our data lists no mining version of the Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch, and its marking covers equipment group II only, so do not take it underground.

How much do the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 and Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch cost?

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

Notes on unconfirmed values

  1. Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: Not checked against the certificate for this exact model.
  2. Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: From a single source.
  3. Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: Not stated by the maker for this exact model.
  4. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  5. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Order codes from a certificate or distributor; confirm them with the maker when ordering.
  6. Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: Not confirmed by the maker for this exact model.
  7. Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: From a single source; not stated in the Ex certificate.
  8. Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch: 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: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 and Xshielder iPad Pro 11-inch. Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.