The Unihertz Tank 3 Pro: A Smartphone That’s Ready for Anything (and Projects Movies)
Unihertz, a company known for its innovative networking hardware and endearingly small smartphones, has once again thrown a curveball into the mobile market with the announcement of the Tank 3 Pro. This isn’t your average sleek and slim device; it’s a behemoth, a powerhouse, a smartphone that unabashedly embraces its rugged nature. Marketed under the 8849 brand, known for its durable and feature-rich devices, the Tank 3 Pro is targeted squarely at adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values resilience above all else.
The most striking feature of the Tank 3 Pro is undoubtedly its massive 23,800 mAh battery. In a world where most smartphones struggle to last a full day, this battery promises days of uninterrupted use. But the battery isn’t just about longevity; it’s also the lifeblood of another unique feature: a built-in 100-lumen DLP projector. Imagine being able to project movies, presentations, or even just photos onto any flat surface, anytime, anywhere. With a throw ratio of 1.2:1, setting up a personal cinema on a camping trip or in a dimly lit room becomes effortlessly simple.
When you’re not using the projector to entertain yourself or others, the Tank 3 Pro offers a vibrant 6.79-inch Full HD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures a visually appealing experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and media consumption. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for a device designed for outdoor use.
Powering all of this is the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chip, a capable processor that strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. It’s paired with a generous 16 to 18GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance, even when running demanding applications. The internal storage is a substantial 512GB, providing ample space for storing photos, videos, music, and apps. And if that’s not enough, the storage is expandable up to a staggering 2TB via a microSD card.
The Tank 3 Pro also boasts a robust camera system. The primary camera is a high-resolution 200-megapixel sensor, capable of capturing stunningly detailed photos and videos. In addition, there’s a 64-MP camera equipped with "super night vision," promising impressive low-light performance. This combination of cameras allows users to document their adventures in vivid detail, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Beyond its headline features, the Tank 3 Pro is packed with functionalities designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor life. It’s IP68 rated for water, dust, and shock resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in water, exposure to dust and dirt, and accidental drops without skipping a beat. The projector even has a built-in cooling fan to dissipate heat during extended use, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
For those venturing into the wilderness, the Tank 3 Pro includes a powerful camping light with adjustable brightness and a red and blue emergency warning light. These features can be invaluable in situations where visibility is limited or assistance is needed. To ensure you don’t get lost, the phone supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and L1+L5 dual-band GPS, providing accurate and reliable location tracking in various environments.
The Tank 3 Pro charges quickly with a maximum charging wattage of 120W, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability. The included charger is powerful and efficiently restores the massive battery to full capacity in a reasonable amount of time.
All of this comes at a price of around $600, which is surprisingly reasonable for a smartphone with such a unique combination of features and ruggedness. However, there are a few caveats to consider. The software update schedule may be slower compared to mainstream brands like Pixel or Samsung, and the Tank 3 Pro doesn’t ship with the latest version of Android. While the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 is a capable chip, its benchmarks place it in the mid-range category, rather than the high-end.
Despite these drawbacks, the Tank 3 Pro represents a fascinating niche in the smartphone market. It’s a device that prioritizes functionality and durability over sleek design and cutting-edge performance. It’s a testament to the idea of a single, all-encompassing gadget that can handle almost any situation. The 16GB of "extended" RAM is a feature that can help throttle its performance allowing the phone to last longer than other devices. For those who crave adventure, value resilience, and appreciate the convenience of a built-in projector, the Unihertz Tank 3 Pro is a compelling option. It’s a smartphone that’s ready to tackle the world, one projected movie at a time.