TIJ Print Solutions
Anser Smart Printhead

Choosing a tablet for the Smart Printhead

The Smart Printhead doesn’t need a controller. You build messages and run the printer from the free NexLink app on an Android phone or tablet. Once messages are built, any web browser can run the printer through its Web Console.

What the tablet needs: Android 13 or later with the Google Play Store, and Wi-Fi.
Skip Amazon Fire tablets: they don’t have Google Play, so NexLink won’t install.

Find your tablet

Answer three questions and we’ll show the option that fits first.

1. Where will it live?
2. What do operators prefer?
3. Gloves on the line?

All 7 options

Lenovo Tab One, 8.7"
SimpleUnder $200

Lenovo Tab One, 8.7"

  • Android 14
  • 4 GB memory
  • 64 GB storage
  • Under 1 lb
  • Folio case included

You’ll like it if

  • You want something small enough to carry around the line
  • Cost matters most
  • It mostly sits in a clean area

Skip it if

  • It’ll get wet, dusty or dropped
  • Operators prefer a bigger screen
View on Amazon
Lenovo Tab M11, 11"
Simple$200–400

Lenovo Tab M11, 11"

  • Android 13 or later
  • 4 GB memory
  • 128 GB storage
  • Aluminum body
  • Pen included

You’ll like it if

  • You want a full 11" screen for building messages
  • You like a pen for precise taps

Skip it if

  • The area is harsh; it has no water or dust rating
  • You need a very bright screen (reviewers call it dim)
View on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+, 11"SUPCASE rugged case
ProtectedOur pick for most lines$200–400

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+, 11" + SUPCASE rugged case

  • Android 16
  • 6 GB memory
  • 128 GB storage, expandable
  • Case includes a screen protector

You’ll like it if

  • You want a trusted brand for about the price of a nice phone
  • It needs to survive bumps and drops on the floor
  • You want a big, bright screen

Skip it if

  • The line gets washed down; the case protects against knocks, not water
Tablet on AmazonCase on Amazon
Blackview Active 8 Pro, 10.36"
Budget rugged$200–400

Blackview Active 8 Pro, 10.36"

  • Android 13 or later
  • IP68 / IP69K
  • 22,000 mAh battery
  • Rugged build

You’ll like it if

  • You want a real waterproof, dustproof rating for the price of a regular tablet
  • A battery that lasts for days matters

Skip it if

  • You need Android updates for years; owners report few or none
  • Weight matters; big batteries are heavy
View on Amazon
Ulefone Armor Pad 3 Pro, 10.36"
Budget rugged$200–400

Ulefone Armor Pad 3 Pro, 10.36"

  • Android 13
  • IP68 / IP69K
  • 33,280 mAh battery
  • 4G capable

You’ll like it if

  • You want the biggest battery here
  • You might add a data plan later (4G)

Skip it if

  • You want a light tablet
  • Runs Android 13, the minimum NexLink supports.
View on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5, 8"
Industrial$600+

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5, 8"

  • Android 14, updates to 16
  • IP68
  • MIL-STD-810H
  • Works with gloves
  • Removable battery

You’ll like it if

  • The line is wet, dusty or rough on equipment
  • Operators wear gloves
  • You want business-grade security updates for years
  • You want it small enough for one hand

Skip it if

  • A protected consumer tablet would do the job for half the price
View on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, 10.1"
Top end$600+

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, 10.1"

  • Android 15
  • IP68
  • MIL-STD-810H
  • Removable battery
  • International model

You’ll like it if

  • You want the industrial build with a 10" screen
  • It’s a shared station tablet that has to last

Skip it if

  • You need a US warranty; this listing is the international model (SM-X356B), sold by a third-party seller. Check with the seller, or buy the US version through a Samsung business reseller
View on Amazon
Rugged brands vs. Samsung: Blackview and Ulefone give you the toughest build per dollar. Samsung’s rugged Active line costs more but gets security and Android updates for years, which matters on a device that stays on a line.

Before you buy

  1. Check the listing’s seller and model. “International version” listings often carry no US warranty.
  2. Install NexLink from Google Play and make sure it opens before you take the tablet to the line.
  3. Connect to the Smart Printhead (WiFi dongle or plant network), build a test message and print it.
  4. Questions about setup? Your distributor or TPS can walk you through it.
See the Smart Printhead →Make it handheld: the SPH Mobile Kit →Talk to TPS →

Third-party products sold by Amazon and other sellers. Not TPS or Anser products; they carry only their makers’ or sellers’ warranties. Product images are the manufacturers’; the Samsung, Lenovo, Blackview, Ulefone and SUPCASE names belong to their owners.