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With the Zebra TC201, the next generation of the TC2x Series is now available. For IT teams, retailers and businesses operating across logistics and distribution, this creates an opportunity to modernise mobile hardware gradually rather than through a costly fleet-wide replacement.

The TC26 and TC201 belong to different device generations

The Zebra TC26 is based on an older technology platform. It was offered with Android 10, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE and, depending on the configuration, 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM.

The Zebra TC201 moves this device category onto a modern platform. Zebra states that the TC201 delivers more than 150% higher performance compared with legacy TC2x devices including the TC21, TC26, TC22 and TC27. It also introduces Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G Release 17 and configurations with 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM. Its ruggedness has also been improved compared with previous TC2x models.

For daily operations, however, specifications alone should not determine the timing of an upgrade. A new device generation becomes particularly relevant when business applications demand more performance, security and operating system requirements change, or ageing hardware creates increasing administrative and maintenance overhead.

Not every Zebra TC26 needs to be replaced immediately

A sensible modernisation strategy therefore starts with an assessment of your existing device fleet.

Which TC26 units are still reliable? What condition are their batteries in? Which devices fail regularly? Where are repair requirements increasing? And which employees or workflows would actually benefit from the capabilities of a newer generation?

Through its Hardware Services, COSYS can inspect, maintain and repair existing mobile computers. A technically sound TC26 can therefore remain in service for less demanding tasks, while heavily used or unreliable devices are replaced by TC201 units first.

This creates a phased lifecycle strategy instead of an expensive one-time replacement project.

COSYS MDM provides visibility across mixed device fleets

During the transition, old and new devices often need to operate side by side. This is where Mobile Device Management becomes particularly useful.

With COSYS MDM, Android devices can be centrally configured, applications distributed, device groups managed and security policies enforced. Remote Control also enables IT teams to support users without having physical access to the device. Device status, usage statistics and battery management provide additional information about the condition and utilisation of the mobile fleet.

MDM therefore becomes more than an administration tool. It can support future modernisation decisions by allowing IT teams to consider actual device condition and usage rather than relying on device age alone.

Bridge the transition with rental and replacement devices

In practice, migrations rarely follow a perfectly predictable schedule. Devices may require repair, additional branches or sites may need to be migrated, and seasonal peaks can temporarily increase hardware demand.

The COSYS device pool can provide additional flexibility during these periods. Mobile computers can be rented for short, medium or longer periods and supplied preconfigured for deployment. Replacement devices can also help minimise downtime if existing hardware fails during the transition.

This is particularly useful for Irish retailers, logistics providers and other multi-site businesses. TC201 devices can initially be deployed in selected branches, warehouses or operational areas, while functioning TC26 units continue to be used elsewhere.

Treat hardware modernisation as a lifecycle project

Moving from the Zebra TC26 to the TC201 should therefore not be viewed simply as a hardware purchase. A more sustainable approach combines hardware, device management and ongoing services.

COSYS supports this process from the assessment and maintenance of existing devices to the provision of new or temporary hardware, device rollout and central management through COSYS MDM. This allows you to focus investment on devices that genuinely need replacing while modernising your mobile fleet in a controlled and manageable way.

Modernise your mobile device fleet strategically

Do you want to keep reliable Zebra TC26 devices in service while preparing for the transition to the TC201? COSYS supports the complete device lifecycle, including repair and maintenance, hardware procurement, rollout, rental and replacement devices, and central fleet management with COSYS MDM.

For an individual consultation, contact vertrieb@cosys.de or call +49 5062 900 0.