The Chinese brand 8849 has launched the Tank Xa rugged phone with an integrated 220 lumen DLP projector and 1080p resolution. It is not the first mobile phone to try this, but it is the one that arrives with the most complete specifications to date.
The projector includes autofocus laser up to 4 meters and keystone correction of ±40°, allowing you to project without distortion even if the phone is not perfectly aligned. The autonomy in projection mode reaches 6 hours in night use and about 5 in high brightness mode. For construction site presentations, camping trips or impromptu meetings, the concept makes sense. The limitation is the same as always in portable projectors: with intense ambient light, 220 lumens are not enough.
Hardware that does not disappoint
Equip the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 4 nm with 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. For the use profile for which this device is aimed – field, construction site, outdoors – the power is more than enough. The L screen6.78 FHD+ CD» at 120 Hz; 8849 presents it as an advantage due to the absence of PWM flicker and less visual fatigue in long sessions, although the maximum brightness of 750 nits can remain just in very bright outdoors.
The camera system is triple: Sony IMX766 50MP as the main sensor, a secondary 64 MP with infrared night vision and a 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera is also 50 MP. The Sony sensor provides a reasonable starting point, but the final quality will depend on image processing, a subject that Chinese rugged devices do not always have resolved.
Technical data sheet of the 8849 Tank
- Screen: 6.78″ FHD+ LCD, 120 Hz, 750 nits, without PWM
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8200, 4nm, octa-core up to 3.1GHz
- RAM/Storage: 16 GB LPDDR5 / 512 GB UFS 3.1 (+ 16 GB virtual RAM, expandable up to 2 TB with microSD)
- Rear cameras: 50 MP Sony IMX766 (main) + 64 MP OV64B (IR night vision, AF) + 8 MP telephoto lens 3x optical zoom
- Front camera: 50 MP, fixed focus
- Projector: DLP, 1920x1080p, 220 lumens, laser autofocus up to 4 m, ±40° keystone correction
- Battery: 17,600 mAh, 120W fast charge (~70 min), USB-C reverse charge
- Software: Android 15
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, dual band GPS L1+L5, FM, IR
- Endurance: IP68/IP69K
- Flashlight: 1,200 lumens, SOS and strobe modes; red/blue warning lights
- Dimensions: 180.5 x 91.8 x 31.9mm / 750g
The battery is where this phone really shines.
The 17,600 mAh It is an unusual figure even for this segment. With fast charging 120W, 8849 promises a full charge in 70 minutes and up to 65 hours of talk time. To put it into context: most current smartphones range between 4,000 and 6,000 mAh. The Tank transport in an airplane cabinsomething non-trivial with such energy density.
Otherwise, this device comes with IP68/IP69K certificationdual-band GPS L1+L5, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 1,200 lumen flashlight with SOS and strobe modes, red and blue warning lights, infrared remote control and Android 15. It weighs 750 grams – it's a brick – and measures 180.5 x 91.8 x 31.9 mm. It is not a phone to carry in your pocket.
If you are interested in getting this all-terrain beast, you can check out its availability and shipping on AliExpress. On the other hand, to know the complete list of technical specifications or see the detailed presentation of the manufacturer, you can visit the Tank X official page in 8849.
