Zebra TC73 & TC78 Mobile Computers

The Zebra TC73 and TC78 are ultra-rugged Android mobile computers designed for demanding warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, transport and field-service environments.

Combining enterprise barcode scanning with a large touchscreen and rugged handheld design, the TC73 and TC78 are built for workers who need reliable access to business applications and data capture throughout demanding operational shifts.

The TC73 is designed primarily around Wi-Fi connectivity, while the TC78 adds cellular connectivity including 5G for workers operating beyond the organisation's wireless network.

Tek Direkt supplies Zebra TC73 and TC78 mobile computers in a wide range of configurations. Browse the available devices below to buy online, or send us the manufacturer part number (MPN) and quantity you require for a business quote.

Why Choose the Zebra TC73 or TC78?

The TC73 and TC78 combine smartphone-style touchscreen operation with the durability and data-capture capabilities expected from a dedicated enterprise mobile computer.

Depending on configuration, features can include:

Integrated 1D and 2D barcode scanning
Android operating system
Large 6-inch touchscreen
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
5G cellular connectivity on TC78 configurations
Bluetooth and NFC
Multiple Zebra scan-engine options
Standard and extended-range barcode scanning
Replaceable battery
Rugged construction for demanding environments
Zebra DNA software and management tools

The exact specification depends on the configuration, so always check the complete Zebra manufacturer part number before ordering.

Zebra TC73 vs TC78

The TC73 and TC78 share the same ultra-rugged mobile-computing platform, with connectivity being one of the most important differences.

Zebra TC73

The TC73 is designed primarily for workers operating within Wi-Fi environments.

It is particularly suited to applications including:

Warehousing
Distribution
Manufacturing
Inventory management
Goods receiving
Picking and replenishment
Asset tracking
Large indoor operational sites

For organisations with comprehensive wireless coverage throughout their facilities, the TC73 provides enterprise mobility without requiring cellular connectivity.

Zebra TC78

The TC78 adds cellular connectivity, including 5G, making it suitable for workers who need access to business systems when they move outside Wi-Fi coverage.

Typical applications include:

Transport and logistics
Yard operations
Field service
Delivery operations
Ports and terminals
Large manufacturing sites
Outdoor inventory management
Mobile workforce applications

Choose the TC73 when workers primarily operate within Wi-Fi coverage.

Choose the TC78 when cellular connectivity is required beyond the organisation's wireless network.

Zebra TC73 & TC78 Barcode Scanning

The TC73 and TC78 are available with different integrated Zebra barcode-scanning configurations.

This allows organisations to select a device around the scanning distances and barcode types encountered in their operation.

Typical applications include:

Product identification
Pallet scanning
Warehouse location scanning
Inventory counting
Goods receiving
Order picking
Dispatch
Parcel processing
Asset tracking
Manufacturing traceability

Because scan engines vary between configurations, don't assume that every TC73 or TC78 provides identical scanning performance.

Always check the complete MPN when scanning range is an important part of the application.

Standard or Extended-Range Scanning?

Workers performing picking, packing and goods-receiving tasks may primarily scan barcodes at relatively close range.

Other operations need to capture barcodes on warehouse racks, pallets or assets from considerably further away.

The TC73/TC78 family is available with different scanning options to accommodate these requirements.

For large warehouses and other scan-intensive environments, selecting the correct scan engine can make a significant difference to worker productivity.

Zebra TC73 for Warehouse Operations

The combination of rugged construction, touchscreen operation and integrated barcode scanning makes the TC73 particularly well suited to warehouse and distribution applications.

Typical workflows include:

Goods receiving
Put-away
Order picking
Replenishment
Inventory counting
Stock transfers
Pallet scanning
Location scanning
Packing
Dispatch
Returns processing

Unlike a traditional keypad-based warehouse terminal, the TC73 provides a modern touchscreen interface that can suit businesses running increasingly graphical Android warehouse and inventory applications.

Zebra TC78 for Transport, Yards & Field Operations

The TC78 extends the same rugged platform into workflows where workers need connectivity outside the warehouse.

Cellular connectivity makes it particularly useful where employees move between buildings, vehicles, yards or customer locations.

Applications can include:

Yard management
Proof of delivery
Parcel collection
Vehicle loading
Asset tracking
Field service
Outdoor inventory
Transport and logistics
Ports and terminals

For businesses operating across large sites, this can remove dependence on continuous Wi-Fi coverage.

Zebra TC73/TC78 vs TC53/TC58

The TC53/TC58 and TC73/TC78 families both provide enterprise Android mobile computing in a touchscreen form factor, but they target different operating environments.

The Zebra TC53 and TC58 are well suited to retail, warehouse, logistics and mobile workforce applications where a slimmer enterprise handheld is appropriate.

The TC73 and TC78 move into Zebra's ultra-rugged tier and are designed for more demanding environments where additional durability is important.

Choose the TC53/TC58 for mainstream enterprise mobility.

Choose the TC73/TC78 where the working environment requires an ultra-rugged handheld platform.

Zebra TC73/TC78 vs MC3400

The TC73/TC78 and MC3400 Series are both designed for demanding enterprise workflows, but their physical designs suit different styles of work.

The TC73 and TC78 use a large touchscreen interface suited to modern Android applications and touchscreen-led workflows.

The Zebra MC3400 and MC3450 provide physical keypad and scan-intensive form-factor options that can be particularly useful in traditional warehouse environments.

Choose the TC73/TC78 when touchscreen operation and smartphone-style interaction are priorities.

Consider the MC3400 Series where physical data entry and traditional warehouse scanning ergonomics are more important.

Zebra TC78 vs MC9450

The TC78 and MC9450 are both designed for demanding operations and can provide cellular connectivity, but they use very different form factors.

The TC78 provides a touchscreen-focused handheld experience suited to workers who need a combination of mobile applications, scanning and communication.

The Zebra MC9450 uses a traditional ultra-rugged warehouse mobile-computer design with physical keypad options and is particularly suited to intensive scanning and data-entry workflows.

The right choice therefore depends not simply on specification, but on how workers actually use the device throughout a shift.

TC73 or TC78 for Manufacturing

The TC73 and TC78 can support mobile data capture throughout manufacturing and material-handling operations.

Typical uses include:

Raw-material tracking
Component identification
Work-in-progress
Production data capture
Quality-control workflows
Finished-goods tracking
Inventory management
Material movements
Asset tracking

Their rugged design makes them particularly relevant where a conventional consumer smartphone would not be appropriate for the operating environment.

Replacing Older Zebra Mobile Computers

The TC73 and TC78 can be considered by organisations refreshing an existing Zebra mobile-computer estate.

However, don't assume that batteries, charging cradles, cables or other accessories from an older Zebra device will automatically be compatible.

For larger deployments, check the complete device and accessory requirements before ordering replacement hardware.

Choosing the Correct TC73 or TC78

Tek Direkt lists numerous TC73 and TC78 configurations because there isn't one universal specification for either model.

Depending on the manufacturer part number, differences can include:

TC73 or TC78
Wireless and cellular connectivity
Scan engine
Scanning range
Memory
Cameras
Battery configuration
Regional configuration
Other factory options

Always compare the complete Zebra manufacturer part number when checking specifications and supplier prices.

Two devices described simply as a “Zebra TC73” can have different configurations and substantially different prices.

Buying Zebra TC73 & TC78 Mobile Computers

Tek Direkt supplies Zebra rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and warehouse technology to UK businesses.

Browse our available Zebra TC73 and TC78 configurations below to buy online.

For larger deployments, send us the MPN and quantity you require and we'll provide a business quote.

If you're unsure which configuration is appropriate, tell us about the operating environment, scanning distances and whether workers require Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.

Explore our full mobile computer range or discover more Zebra mobile computing and data-capture technology.

Shop TC73

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