Comparison

Zebra ET40 vs ET401: what changed and should you upgrade?

The ET401 replaces the ET40 with a newer processor, Wi-Fi 7, IP68, auto glove touch and support up to Android 19. Most cradles carry over; boots and batteries don't.

5 min Difficulty: Easy Updated: By SCANSHOP team
Best for most users
Zebra ET40 Tablet Terminal (ET40AA-001C2B0-A6)
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Alternative
Zebra ET401 Tablet Terminal (ET4010B-001C1B0P-A6)
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In this guide

    Zebra calls the ET401 the next generation of its ET40 and ET45 tablets, and now lists the ET40 as end of sale. The ET401 keeps the slim 8-inch and 10-inch design but adds a much newer processor, Wi-Fi 7, IP68 sealing, a touchscreen that needs no glove setting and a far longer Android roadmap. Most charging cradles and backs carry over; batteries, boots and the USB charger don't.

    ET40 ET401
    Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon SM6375, octa-core, up to 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690, up to 2.0 GHz; Zebra quotes 42 %+ more performance
    Memory (RAM / flash) 4/64 GB or 8/128 GB 6/64 GB or 8/128 GB
    Android Android 11, 13 and 14; final version Android 14 Android 15 today; final version Android 19
    Display, 8-inch 1280 × 800 1920 × 1200, 600 nits
    Display, 10-inch 1920 × 1200, 500 nits 1920 × 1200, 600 nits
    Touch Capacitive; touch panel mode set by hand for gloves or stylus Adjusts itself to fingers, gloves and conductive stylus (Standard and Premium models); water droplet rejection; Gorilla Glass 5
    Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6, 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 7, 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz
    Bluetooth 5.1, Class 2 6.0, Class 1
    Scan engines SE4100 (the ET40/ET45 family also lists SE4710 and SE55) SE4100 or SR500, optional
    RFID No Optional UHF RFID, up to 1.2 m
    Cameras 13 MP rear, 5 MP front 16 MP rear, 8 MP front, optional 13 MP ultra-wide
    Sealing IP65 IP68
    Drop to concrete 1.2 m; 1.55 m with rugged frame 1.2 m; 1.5 m with rugged frame
    Operating temperature −20 to +50 °C −20 to +50 °C
    Battery (8 / 10-inch) 6,100 / 7,600 mAh, user replaceable 6,100 / 7,600 mAh, user replaceable
    Charging by cable USB-C, 5 V USB power supply USB-C Power Delivery, 45 W power supply
    Weight (8 / 10-inch) 485 / 690 g 480 / 680 g
    Lifecycle Support for six years from the initial sale date Sold for four years, then up to eight years of service in total

    Figures from Zebra's ET40/ET45 and ET401 spec sheets and Zebra's supported Android versions list. The mobile-network versions are the ET45 and the ET401EA/EB; this comparison covers the Wi-Fi models.

    Choose the ET40 if
    • You are topping up an existing ET40 fleet on one software image and can still source the model
    • Your apps are validated on Android 14 and the tablets will retire within its support window
    Choose the ET401 if
    • You are buying new tablets and want Android support up to Android 19
    • Your site runs, or will run, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 on 6 GHz
    • Staff wear gloves, or the tablets work in rain or other wet conditions
    • You want RFID or an ultra-wide camera in the tablet itself

    Accessories: what carries over

    Zebra says nearly all ET40/ET45 accessories work with the ET401. Its accessory guides and user guides show where the line is:

    • Same part numbers for both: the 4-Slot Charge-Only Cradles CRD-ET4X-4S8I1-01 and CRD-ET4X-4S10I1-01, the Expansion Backs, the PowerPack BTRY-ET5X-PRPK2-01 with its 4-slot charger, the 8-inch payment backs and the 10-inch VESA adapter.
    • Works with both: the ET40 1-Slot Charge Only Cradle CRD-ET4X-1SCG1-01 and the USB PD 45 W power supply.
    • ET401 only: the 1-Slot PD Charging Cradle CRD-ET4A-1SCG1-01.
    • Separate parts for each model: internal batteries, battery covers and rugged boots. Zebra states that the ET40/ET45 rugged boots don't fit the ET401.
    • USB charging: the USB-A to USB-C cable CBL-TC5X-USBC2A-01 charges an ET40 but only carries data on the ET401. Charge the ET401 with the 45 W power supply and the USB-C to USB-C cable CBL-EC5X-USBC3A-01.

    Zebra's ET401 guides note that its cradles don't work with the ET401 Essentials models; our ET4010B-001C1B0P-A6 is a Standard model.

    The hard reset is the same on both: hold Power, Volume Up and the top scan button until the screen turns off.

    ET401 Enterprise Tablets Product Overview | Zebra

    Video: Zebra Technologies

    Our ET40 (ET40AA-001C2B0-A6) is the 8-inch Wi-Fi model; our ET401 (ET4010B-001C1B0P-A6) is the 10-inch Wi-Fi 7 model with SE4100 imager. Setting one up? Start with the ET401 setup guide. Zebra's supported Android versions list shows the current status of both.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is the Zebra ET40 discontinued?

    Zebra lists the ET40 and ET45 as end of sale and names the ET401 as their replacement. Zebra's support for the ET40 runs for six years from the initial sale date.

    Do ET40 cradles work with the ET401?

    Yes, mostly. The 4-slot charge-only cradles and the ET40 1-slot charge-only cradle are listed for both. The 1-Slot PD Charging Cradle is for the ET401 only.

    Can I use my ET40 rugged boot on the ET401?

    No. Zebra states that the ET40/ET45 rugged boots are not compatible with the ET401. Order the ET401 boot for your screen size and scanner option.

    Does the ET401 support Wi-Fi 6E?

    Yes. The ET401 is Wi-Fi 7 certified and also holds Wi-Fi 6E certification, with 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands. The ET40 uses Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 and 5 GHz only.

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