Unihertz, known for its adventurous rugged smartphones like the BlackBerry-inspired Titan and compact Atom, has introduced a new addition to its lineup: the Tank 2. What sets this model apart is its unique feature, reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Beam from over a decade ago—it comes with a built-in projector.
Describing the Tank 2 as big, bold, and brash wouldn’t be an exaggeration. It’s a hefty device, weighing over 500g, and its 23.5mm thickness is almost double that of the recently announced 15-inch Apple MacBook Air. Powered by a Mediatek CPU (Helio G99) and equipped with 12GB RAM (expandable to 22GB), the smartphone offers ample performance. Additionally, it boasts 256GB storage, a 6.8-inch FHD+ display, runs Android 13, and features a quadruple-camera setup, including a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, a 108-megapixel sensor, a 64-megapixel night vision camera, and a 16-megapixel wide-angle lens. With a massive 15.5mAh battery, the Tank 2 is ready for extended usage.
The standout feature, however, is the laser projector. While the native resolution of 1280 x 720 (HD) and brightness of 40 lumens might not deliver groundbreaking performance, it still offers a portable projection solution. The throw and contrast ratios of 1.2:1 and 80000:1 respectively mean that it’s not suitable for large audiences or business presentations requiring high-quality visuals. Nonetheless, the fact that it’s an underwater projector (IP68/IP69K certified) sets it apart. Priced at less than $340 (excluding taxes) on the Chinese online retailer Aliexpress, it’s surprisingly affordable considering the added projector feature. However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations, such as the lack of 5G support, wireless charging, a relatively slower processor, and potential challenges with aftersales support.
While the Tank 2 offers an intriguing proposition, it remains to be seen whether it will be better received than previous projector-equipped smartphones like the Lenovo Smartcast, Blackview Max 1, and Voga V. Excitement mounts as we eagerly anticipate Unihertz’s next offering. Our bet is on a 2024 iteration of the iconic yet under-appreciated Samsung Galaxy Camera.
