Comparison

Zebra TC53e vs TC58e: Wi-Fi only or 5G?

The TC53e and TC58e share screen, platform, batteries and Android. The TC58e adds 5G, a nano SIM and eSIM, GPS and more scan engine and glove options.

5 min Difficulty: Easy Updated: By SCANSHOP team
Best for most users
Zebra TC53e Terminal (SE4720) (TC530E-0T1E1B1000-A6)
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Alternative
Zebra TC58e Terminal (SE4720) (TC58BE-3T1E1B1A80-A6)
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In this guide

    The TC53e and TC58e are the same Android mobile computer with one main difference: the TC58e adds a 5G mobile network. The TC53e works over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The TC58e also takes a nano SIM and an eSIM for mobile data and phone calls, adds satellite positioning and offers more scan engine and glove options. Screen, processor, batteries and toughness are the same, so choose by where the device will be used.

    TC53e TC58e
    Network connections Wi-Fi (WLAN), Bluetooth (WPAN) Mobile network (WWAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
    Mobile network None 5G (FR1), 4G LTE, 3G, 2G; private LTE/5G support
    SIM None 1 nano SIM + 1 eSIM
    Voice calls VoIP over Wi-Fi Mobile voice (VoLTE, HD voice) and VoIP
    Location (GNSS) Not listed for the TC53e GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, dual-band GNSS, A-GPS
    Scan engine options SE4720, or SE55 advanced range with IntelliFocus SE4720, SE55, or SE4770/SR560
    Touch panel modes Finger Only; Glove and Finger Finger Only; Glove and Finger; Stylus and Finger; each with or without screen protector
    Wireless charging No Optional wireless charging battery and vehicle cradle (selected configurations)
    Pressure sensor No Yes
    Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2×2 MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) Same
    Bluetooth 5.3, Class 1 and Class 2, plus BLE beacon with the BLE battery Same
    Display 6.0 in., 1080 × 2160 (FHD+), 600 nits, Gorilla Glass, works wet and with gloves Same
    Processor Qualcomm 4490, 8 cores, 2.4 GHz Same
    Memory 6 GB/64 GB, 8 GB/64 GB or 8 GB/128 GB; microSD up to 2 TB Same
    Battery Removable: 4,680 mAh standard or BLE, 7,000 mAh extended Same
    Android Launched with Android 13; 13, 14 and 15 available; final supported version Android 18 Same
    Sealing IP68 and IP65 Same
    Drops 2.4 m to concrete with the rugged boot; 1.8 m to tile over concrete without Same
    Operating temperature −20 to 50 °C Same
    Size and weight 164.8 × 77.35 × 16.75 mm; 282 g with standard battery Same (one figure for both)

    Figures from Zebra's TC53e/TC53e-RFID/TC58e spec sheet, the user guide and the supported Android versions list. Mobile bands vary by region and operator.

    Choose the TC53e if
    • The device stays inside your Wi-Fi coverage, for example in a shop, warehouse or production hall
    • Staff call over Wi-Fi (VoIP or push-to-talk) or don't need calls
    • You don't want a SIM contract for each device
    Choose the TC58e if
    • Staff work outside Wi-Fi: deliveries, field service, sales visits, yards
    • You need mobile data for live orders, tracking or proof of delivery
    • Staff need normal phone calls or satellite positioning on the device
    • Users wear leather, cotton or freezer gloves, or use a screen protector
    • You want the SE4770 engine for scanning in bright sunlight, or wireless charging in vehicles

    Our configurations

    Zebra's configuration list shows our TC53e (TC530E-0T1E1B1000-A6) and TC58e (TC58BE-3T1E1B1A80-A6) with the same core: 6 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, the SE4720 2D imager, NFC, Google Mobile Services and the 4,680 mAh standard battery. The SE4720 suits barcodes within arm's reach: Zebra lists a 100 % UPC-A barcode at about 4–63 cm and a 20 mil Code 39 barcode up to about 92 cm. For labels on high shelves, the SE55 reads a 100 % UPC-A barcode at up to 1.8 m. Scanning works the same way on both models through DataWedge, see the DataWedge setup guide.

    What both models share

    Zebra covers both models in one user guide, so setup, settings and troubleshooting are the same. The batteries, the charging cradles (CRD-NGTC5 series), the 4-slot battery charger, the rugged boot and the trigger handle fit both. Our TC53e/TC58e setup guide and troubleshooting guide apply to both; the TC58e only adds the SIM, eSIM and mobile network steps.

    Coming from a TC22? Read TC22 vs TC53e to see what the step up brings.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the Zebra TC53e have a SIM card slot?

    No. The TC53e connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth only. The TC58e has one nano SIM slot and one eSIM.

    Does the TC58e support 5G?

    Yes. The TC58e supports 5G (FR1) as well as 4G LTE, 3G and 2G. Supported bands depend on the region and the operator.

    Does the TC53e have GPS?

    Zebra's spec sheet lists GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS only in the TC58e's mobile network section. If you need satellite positioning, choose the TC58e.

    Do the TC53e and TC58e use the same batteries and cradles?

    Yes. Both use the same 4,680 mAh and 7,000 mAh batteries and the same Zebra charging cradles. The wireless charging battery is for selected TC58e configurations only.

    What is the difference between the TC53 and the TC53e?

    The TC53e is a newer model in the TC5 series with a Qualcomm 4490 platform, Bluetooth 5.3, a secure element on selected configurations and Android support up to Android 18. The original TC53 has a Qualcomm 6490 processor and is supported up to Android 16.

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