Oscal Tank 1, it's a real tank [Review]

The rugged smartphone market has always had a very defined profile: rugged phones with military certifications and reinforced casings that can withstand drops and extreme conditions. The problem is that, until now, most of these models have sacrificed power, connectivity, or battery life. The OSCAL Tank 1 arrives to break that dynamic with a radical approach: to be as resistant as an armored vehicle, but with an autonomy beyond all logic. and more than competent hardware.

It's a device that doesn't aim to be pretty or lightweight. In fact, it doesn't even try. Its objective is clear: to accompany you in any situation, from outdoor work days to multi-day mountain getaways, without fear of it breaking or running out of power. Does it deliver what it promises? Let's take a look.

Materials and design

The first thing that catches the attention of OSCAL Tank 1 is its size. We are looking at a large and heavy device, which exceeds 900 grams and has dimensions of 179 × 87 × 27 mmThere's no attempt to disguise it: it's a true technological brick. But that's precisely where its character lies, because it conveys a sense of solidity that few smartphones can match.

The case is reinforced with rubber edges and corners designed to absorb impacts. The chassis combines high-strength polycarbonate with metallic finishes in the most exposed areas, allowing it to withstand drops from heights that would shatter any other device. On the sides, we find the classic volume and power buttons, as well as a fingerprint reader and programmable keys that can be assigned to quick functions such as activating the flashlight or opening the camera.

• You can buy this smartphone from AliExpress y Amazon.

Technical characteristics

Inside, the Tank 1 mount a processor MediaTek Dimensity 7050 6 nanometers, with a maximum frequency of 2,4 GHz. This is a mid-range chip with support for 5G, enough to smoothly run messaging, browsing, social networking, and even moderately demanding games.

It is accompanied by a generous RAM memory: 12 GB physical RAM expandable up to 24 GB via virtual RAM, ensuring fluidity even with multiple apps open. Internal storage is 256 GB UFS 3.1, expandable up to 2 TB with microSD cards, more than enough to store photos, videos and large files.

In photography it surprises with a versatile system: a 64 MP main camera, 20 MP wide angle, 20 MP night vision sensor and an additional macro. The front sensor reaches the 32 SM, offering sharp selfies and video calls. It's not a phone designed for professional photography, but it's designed to capture scenes in challenging conditions where other phones would fail.

Multimedia

Unlike many ruggedized models that sacrifice screen quality, the OSCAL Tank 1 integrates a panel 6,78-inch IPS with 2.4K resolution (1080 × 2460 pixels) y 120 Hz refresh rate. This results in a fluid visual experience, ideal for navigating menus, reading documents, or enjoying multimedia content. It's also protected with Gorilla Glass 5, which adds resistance to scratches and impacts.

The terminal has a second rear screen of 2,01 inches, which is very practical for checking notifications, controlling music, or checking the time without having to turn on the main panel. In terms of sound, its speakers deliver loud and clear volume, prioritizing voice power and clarity over musical fidelity. In noisy environments, this feature is a real asset.

Connectivity and autonomy

El OSCAL Tank 1 It does not fall short in connectivity: it is compatible with 5G dual SIM, dispose of Wi-Fi 6 for fast and stable networks, Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless accessories and NFC for mobile payments. In terms of navigation, it includes compatibility with multiple positioning systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, ensuring accuracy even in very remote environments.

The battery is the star of this terminal. With a capacity of 20.000 mAh, four or five times what a conventional smartphone offers. In practice, this means several days of intensive use or even weeks of moderate use. It includes 55W fast charge, which, considering the capacity, is more than welcome, and also allows charging via dock base, a practical solution for such a bulky device. It can also function as a Powerbank, charging other devices thanks to its enormous battery.

What makes you so different?

This "device" isn't a conventional smartphone, and that's evident in the number of extras it includes beyond what we find in a typical phone. First of all, its certifications. IP68 and IP69K They claim it can withstand not only splashes, but also prolonged immersion in water, exposure to the finest dust, and even high-pressure jets. This is in addition to the military standard MIL-STD-810H, which guarantees its resistance to drops, vibrations, humidity, solar radiation, and sudden temperature changes. It's not a rugged phone just because, but because it's passed laboratory tests that place it among the elite of all-terrain devices.

Another differentiating detail is its second rear screen of 2,01 inches, a rarity in the rugged smartphone market. This secondary screen allows you to check notifications, manage music, view the time, or access custom widgets without having to turn on the main display, resulting in battery savings and greater convenience. It may seem like an odd addition, but in everyday use, it turns out to be more useful than expected.

La 20.000 mAh battery Not only does it serve to power the terminal itself for days, it also allows it to be converted into a real portable power bankWith its reverse charging function, it's possible to power other devices such as headphones, smartwatches, or even another smartphone. For professionals working in the field or adventurers who spend days without access to power outlets, this feature can make the difference between being cut off or keeping all your devices powered.

not missing one high-power integrated flashlight, which is activated with a physical button and is especially useful outdoors, camping, or working at night. Unlike most smartphones, which have built-in flashlights, the Tank 1's is designed to offer a more powerful and constant beam, making it a real support tool in low-visibility situations.

Finally, the device includes programmable buttons on its sides, which allow you to assign shortcuts to functions such as opening the camera, activating SOS mode, turning on the flashlight, or launching specific applications. This customization provides a boost in efficiency, because in a demanding work environment, every second counts. These functions make the Tank 1 a device more like a multifunction tool than a simple smartphone.

Editor's opinion

This “device” is not a smartphone for everyone. Its size and weight make it impractical for those seeking everyday comfort. But for its target audience—professionals in demanding environments, adventurers, or users who value autonomy over aesthetics—it's a perfect tool.

• The device will officially be available starting December 26th, and prices will range between €400 and €500.

Your combination of Extreme endurance, enormous autonomy and modern connectivity making it one of the most complete rugged phones on the market. It's true that it's neither cheap nor discreet, but it offers something that few phones can promise: the peace of mind that it won't let you down. And in that area, the Tank 1 is in a league of its own.