Comparison · July 2026
ecom Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 vs
Aegex 10 IS
Android vs Windows — the two dominant ATEX Zone 1 tablet platforms for process industry. Same zone rating, same gas group, fundamentally different operating systems and price points.
Quick Verdict
Choose Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 if:
- • Your field apps run on Android (inspection, photo docs)
- • Weight matters — 690g vs 850g is noticeable all day
- • You want Samsung Knox enterprise management
- • IP68 water/dust protection is required
- • Budget is a factor (~€3,200 vs ~€4,500)
Choose Aegex 10 IS if:
- • You need native Windows (SAP GUI, SCADA, legacy .exe)
- • Your IT runs Windows Endpoint Manager / SCCM
- • Full desktop-class browser is essential
- • You need USB-A peripherals (printers, instruments)
- • Budget is secondary to Windows compatibility
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Specification | Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 | Aegex 10 IS |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pepperl+Fuchs / ecom | Aegex Technologies |
| ATEX Zone | Zone 1 / 21 | Zone 1 / 21 |
| IECEx | Yes | Yes |
| Gas Group | IIC | IIC |
| Display | 10.1″ TFT | 10.1″ IPS |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Windows 10/11 |
| Enterprise MDM | Samsung Knox + Intune | SCCM / Intune / GPO |
| Weight | ~690 g | ~850 g |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP65 |
| Temperature Class | T4 | T4 |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6 / BT 5.3 / LTE | WiFi 6 / BT 5.0 / LTE |
| Native Desktop Apps | No (Android only) | Yes (.exe, SAP GUI, SCADA) |
| Price (approx.) | ~€3,200 | ~€4,500 |
Green highlight = advantage in that category. Specs from manufacturer datasheets and certificates, July 2026.
Operating System: The Defining Choice
This comparison comes down to one question: does your workflow require Windows?
The Aegex 10 IS runs full Windows 10 or 11, meaning it can execute legacy desktop software — SAP GUI, Pi ProcessBook, SCADA HMI clients, custom .NET inspection tools, and anything else compiled for x86. For refineries and chemical plants with decades of Windows-based process software, this is non-negotiable. No Android tablet, however capable, can run these applications natively.
The Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 runs Android 13, which covers modern web-based inspection tools, cloud ERP, photo documentation, and barcode scanning. If your critical apps are browser-based or available on Google Play / managed via MDM, Android is the lighter, more battery-efficient choice. Samsung DeX also provides a desktop-like experience when docked.
Ingress Protection and Ruggedness
The Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 carries an IP68 rating (dust-tight, submersible beyond 1m), while the Aegex 10 IS is rated IP65 (dust-tight, water jets from any direction). In practice, IP68 provides better protection against accidental immersion — important when working around process water, rain, or cleaning operations. The Aegex can handle rain and splashes but should not be submerged.
Weight and Form Factor
At 690g vs 850g, the Tab-Ex is approximately 19% lighter. Over an 8-hour shift carrying a tablet between process units, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces, 160g makes a real difference in hand fatigue. The Aegex is heavier partly because it houses an x86 processor and fan-less cooling architecture required for Windows workloads. Both are 10.1″ screens, so pocketability is equivalent.
Price and Total Cost of Ownership
The Aegex 10 IS commands a roughly €1,300 premium per unit over the Tab-Ex 03 DZ2. For a fleet of 30 tablets, that’s a €39,000 difference in hardware alone. However, if the Aegex eliminates the need for separate desktop terminals in control rooms or offices, the Windows capability may reduce total IT infrastructure cost.
Android devices also benefit from lower per-device license costs (no Windows licensing) and generally simpler MDM. For the full pricing picture: ATEX tablet pricing comparison →
Where Aegex Genuinely Wins
To be fair: the Aegex 10 IS is the only Zone 1 certified Windows tablet on the market at this screen size. If Windows is a requirement, there isn’t a direct ecom alternative — the Tab-Ex runs Android exclusively. The Getac F110-Ex offers Windows too, but only with Zone 2 certification. For Zone 1 Windows, Aegex is the only option.
Bottom Line
Choose the Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 if your apps are browser-based or Android-native, you want the lighter and better-sealed device, and price matters. It’s the default choice for most modern field inspection workflows.
Choose the Aegex 10 IS if you have hard dependencies on Windows desktop software and need Zone 1 certification. It’s more expensive and heavier, but it’s the only way to run SAP GUI or SCADA clients in a Zone 1 area without a separate fixed terminal.
Considering other options? See all Tab-Ex alternatives → or the full 2026 comparison →