ZDNET’s essential insights highlight that the 8849 Tank 4 Pro, currently retailing at approximately $759, is a formidable piece of mobile engineering. It is not merely large — it is a substantial, physically imposing smartphone characterized by its robust chassis, impressive structural reinforcement, massive battery, and expansive 6.73‑inch display boasting notable brightness. While its central processing unit (CPU) occupies the mid‑range category in terms of performance, this potential limitation is effectively offset by an exceptionally generous provision of random access memory (RAM), ensuring a consistently fluid and responsive user experience even under demanding workloads.
For those who wish to keep up with technology coverage, ZDNET encourages readers to add it as a preferred source on Google, fostering continuous access to cutting‑edge reviews and analyses. Long before the debut of Apple’s iPhone signaled a revolution, industry experts predicted that smartphones would evolve into multifunctional convergence devices. These modern handsets have gradually absorbed the functions of countless earlier technologies — for instance, the portable MP3 player, the digital camera, the handheld gaming console, and even the in‑car satellite navigation system. Nonetheless, few could have imagined a smartphone integrating a fully functional projector within its body — yet that is precisely what this device achieves, coupling it with an impressive assortment of additional advanced features. The only caveat lies in its formidable physicality; this phone truly earns its nickname, “Tank.”
The Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Pro distinguishes itself in the rugged smartphone category as the first of its kind to incorporate a 720p DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector. Physically, it is an immense device, measuring 174.9 × 87 × 22.5 millimeters and tipping the scales at a hefty 530 grams — over one full pound. Its design caters explicitly to durability, featuring exceptional shock resistance and comprehensive environmental sealing that meets both IP68 and IP69 certifications. This means the device is engineered to survive immersion, dust exposure, and the kinds of impacts that would incapacitate most conventional phones.
Dominating the front is a spectacular 6.73‑inch AMOLED display with a 3K resolution of 1440 × 3200 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The screen runs at a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, delivering silky‑smooth navigation and gameplay, while its peak brightness of 1,800 nits ensures excellent visibility even under intense sunlight — a rarity among outdoor‑focused smartphones. Beneath this vivid panel lies a 3.35GHz octa‑core MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor paired with a Mali‑G615 MP6 GPU. Shipments begin with Android 14, but the system efficiently upgrades to Android 15 without issue, confirming both hardware compatibility and strong software support. Together, these components provide ample power for multitasking, streaming, and moderate gaming applications.
The rear of the Tank 4 Pro is visually dominated by a large, high‑intensity camping light — a practical addition for users who frequently operate in outdoor or low‑light environments. The camera system is equally impressive in scope and flexibility, comprising a 50‑megapixel primary lens, a 50‑megapixel telephoto module, a 64‑megapixel infrared night‑vision camera adept at capturing clear images in near‑darkness, and a 32‑megapixel front‑facing camera designed for selfies and high‑definition video calls. With this array, photographers and field engineers alike can document their work or adventures under virtually any lighting conditions.
When it comes to memory and storage, consumers are offered two configurations: one featuring 16GB of physical RAM with an additional 16GB available via memory extension (and 512GB of built‑in storage), and another high‑end variant with 18GB of RAM supplemented by another 18GB of virtual expansion, combined with a vast 1TB of internal storage. The reviewed unit represents this premium specification. Such an abundance of memory allows the phone to handle sophisticated multitasking effortlessly — from running simultaneous productivity apps to managing large media files or even projecting high‑resolution video content.
Affixed to the back is a powerful 1,200‑lumen LED COB camping light. This feature emits an intensely bright beam capable of illuminating wide areas, effectively transforming the phone into an emergency light source or a tool for outdoor exploration. That brightness, however, produces considerable heat, a reminder of the light’s formidable output.
Powering all of this hardware is an enormous 11,600mAh battery, an appropriately oversized energy source given the device’s capabilities and power demands. Benchmarks confirm it can easily deliver an entire day’s worth of web browsing and typical use per charge. Surprisingly, despite the immense capacity, charging times remain short thanks to the inclusion of 120W fast‑charging support. Tests indicate that the bundled charger and cable can restore the battery from empty to full in roughly an hour — an impressive accomplishment that mitigates one of the usual disadvantages of large‑battery smartphones.
Of course, one of the handset’s most distinctive features is its integrated projector: a 100‑lumen, 1280 × 720‑pixel DLP unit equipped with laser‑based autofocus and automatic trapezoidal (keystone) correction. These technical refinements enable users to project movies, presentations, or images onto a blank wall or portable screen with minimal setup. The feature is particularly useful for impromptu business meetings, outdoor movie nights, or educational demonstrations. Although the projection remains crisp and stable under moderate indoor lighting, its 100‑lumen brightness cannot compete with direct sunlight or very bright environments, which somewhat limits its use in daytime outdoor settings.
In comprehensive performance terms, the Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Pro holds its own. The CPU, while positioned in the mid‑tier, is substantially supported by the combined total of up to 36GB of physical and extended RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking without perceptible slowdown. It may not top benchmark charts, but real‑world performance remains smooth and reliable across all standard smartphone functions. Completing its pragmatic feature set, the handset also retains a traditional 3.5‑millimeter headphone jack, serving audiophiles and professionals who prefer wired listening solutions.
According to ZDNET’s final verdict, this device clearly isn’t tailored for every consumer. It targets a niche but enthusiastic audience: individuals who prioritize ruggedness, practical outdoor functionality, and novelty features such as night vision, a powerful camping light, and an integrated projector. Such users — campers, RV travelers, field technicians, and engineers — are likely to appreciate the Tank 4 Pro’s resilience and multi‑tool versatility. The pricing reflects its premium hardware composition: the top 18GB RAM/1TB ROM model is available for $770, while the slightly pared‑down 16GB RAM/512GB ROM version costs $690. Taking into account the extensive list of components, the unusually durable construction, and the pioneering inclusion of projection technology, the Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Pro stands out as a remarkably capable, if highly specialized, smartphone designed to withstand both the elements and the test of innovation.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-tank-of-a-phone-has-a-built-in-projector-but-thats-not-why-you-should-care-about-it/
