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Today, we’re looking at the updated version of Unihertz 8849’s popular “tank” series – the classic Tank 4. Unlike the previous generation, even the base model (not the Pro or 3S) now includes a built-in projector, which has also been improved in resolution. The new version keeps all the useful camping features, including a full flashlight, reflective beacons, and a camera with night mode, while the display has seen notable upgrades. That said, some compromises were made in other areas. Let’s take a closer look at what’s changed in the 2025 model.
Read also: Unihertz 8849 Tank 3S Rugged Smartphone Review
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Specifications
- Display: AMOLED, 6.78″, 2.6K (2650×1200), 429 ppi, refresh rate up to 120 Hz
- Processor: Dimensity 7300, 8 cores (4×Cortex-A78 2.5 GHz + 4×Cortex-A55 2.0 GHz), 4 nm
- Graphics processor: ARM Mali-G615 MP2
- RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5 (+ up to 12 GB virtual RAM)
- Storage: 512 GB UFS 3.1
- Memory card support: microSD up to 1 TB
- Main camera: 50 MP main module, Sony IMX766, 1/1.56‘; 64 MP with night vision, OmniVision OV64B1B; 8 MP telephoto lens, Hynix HI-847, 1/4’
- Front camera: 32 MP, OmniVision OV32B40
- Projector: brightness 100 lumens, 60 Hz, resolution 1280×720, laser autofocus and automatic keystone correction
- Battery: 11600 mAh, 66 W fast charging, 25 W reverse charging
- Operating system: Android 14
- Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, IR port, GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo
- Slot: triple (2 nanoSIM + 1 microSD)
- Protection: IP68 / IP69
- Dimensions: 174.3×85.4×23.9 mm
- Weight: 538 g
- Additional features: OTG, side fingerprint scanner, full-featured flashlight, flashing beacons
Our video: Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Review
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Price and positioning
Unihertz’s Tank series is primarily positioned as rugged, reliable devices for outdoor or even extreme activities. The phones seem to include everything needed for such use: long battery life, maximum protection against dust and water, as well as resistance to mechanical damage, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations. Additional features cater to outdoor adventures, including a powerful flashlight, night-vision camera, and even a projector, providing entertainment in a tent or RV during the evening.
At the time of writing, the new model is available in the official 8849 store on AliExpress for around $500 or €430. Pre-orders on the official website come with a discount, bringing the price to between $420 and $470 (€360–€400), depending on the batch. Overall, the cost is roughly in line with the previous Tank 3 model, though the internal specifications and weight have changed.
First, compared to the classic Tank 3, the Tank 4 is slightly thinner and lighter (538 g vs. 670 g, 23.9 mm vs. 31 mm). On the surface, this seems like a clear improvement, but it comes at the cost of a significantly smaller battery – reduced from 23,800 mAh to 11,600 mAh. Other changes include an upgraded display (AMOLED 2650×1200 vs. IPS 2460×1080) and a newer version of Android.
The chipset has also been updated, though it’s somewhat less powerful than its predecessor: the Tank 4 uses the Dimensity 7300 (2024, up to 2.5 GHz) compared to the Dimensity 8200 (2022, up to 3.05 GHz) in the Tank 3. Additionally, the Tank 4 has one fewer camera, with the wide-angle module removed, though this is unlikely to be a major drawback for most users. Charging is slower, which makes sense given the battery reduction, and the package no longer includes a screen protector.
At first glance, several aspects of the Tank 4 appear to be a downgrade. However, one notable addition sets it apart: the base model now includes a projector, which was previously only available on the Pro and 3S versions. This feature has the potential to outweigh the reductions in other specifications.
Package contents
The Tank 4 comes in a minimalist black box featuring the brand and model logo, along with a simple outline of the smartphone. Inside, you’ll find the device itself, documentation, a 66 W charger, a Type-C to Type-C cable, and a SIM card slot tool.
Unlike most SIM tools, this one doesn’t resemble a paperclip; it’s flat and triangular, more like a guitar pick. This design matches the unusual slot mechanism on the phone – rather than a small pinhole, there’s a notch that lets you easily pry the tray out.
Read also: Unihertz 8849 TANK2 Review: Rugged Smartphone With Projector
Design, materials, layout of elements
The Unihertz Tank 4 remains a fairly bulky rugged device. Measuring 174.3 × 85.4 × 23.9 mm, it weighs 538 g – almost 2.5 times heavier than a typical smartphone and 1.5 times heavier than smaller rugged models. For comparison, the CUBOT King Kong Ace 3 is nearly twice as thin and weighs 284 g. However, the Tank 4 offers features the Ace 3 lacks, such as a built-in projector and a larger battery.
The new model looks not only bulky but also quite rugged – some might even call it aggressive – thanks to its reinforced construction, design elements, and combination of materials. The body incorporates metal parts, soft rubberized sections, and harder textured plastic. Standard plastic is also present in some areas, such as the transparent cover over the flashlight.
The Tank 4 has a number of functional elements on its back. At the top sits a triple main camera module, with a flash and infrared illumination for night vision located just below. Further down, a camping flashlight stretches across two elongated trapezoids, featuring built-in blue and red beacons, with the brand logo positioned underneath. Like many rugged devices, the main speaker is not on the bottom edge but integrated into the back cover. There’s also a carabiner attachment point.
On the front, the Tank 4 features a 6.78-inch display with relatively thick bezels. In rugged devices, this is necessary to protect one of the most vulnerable components. The side bezels are thinner, while the top and bottom are more substantial. The earpiece is positioned at the top edge where it meets the screen, and the front-facing camera is housed in a small “island” directly on the display.
On the right side, there’s a power button with an integrated fingerprint scanner and a grille for the projector’s cooling system. On the left side, you’ll find the volume controls, the SIM and microSD card slot, and two programmable buttons.
By default, the red button controls the flashlight – turning it on and off, adjusting brightness, and activating the strobe function. However, it can be reassigned to other tasks, such as taking a screenshot, recording the screen, quickly opening the camera, or enabling silent mode. The second programmable button can be customized in the same way.
At the top, there’s the projector lamp, a sensor window, and an additional grille for the cooling system.
Under a rubber cover on the bottom edge, there’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a Type-C port for charging.
Build quality and materials are solid, giving the Tank 4 a sturdy and reliable feel. Most importantly, it offers top-level dust and water protection, meeting IP68 and IP69 standards. According to the official website, it’s not just resistant to water and dust – the device can also withstand vibrations, drops, temperature fluctuations, and pressure changes. Overall, the Tank 4 is suitable for mountain trips or other demanding environments without worrying about its performance under extreme conditions.
Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Ergonomics
When it comes to ergonomics, the Tank 4 is difficult to compare with standard smartphones. In terms of comfort, it naturally falls short of non-rugged models – primarily due to its size and thickness, and secondarily because of its significant weight.
During extended use – like browsing or reading for long periods – hand fatigue becomes noticeable. The phone also doesn’t fit easily into standard smartphone pockets in bags or clothing. That said, it works fine in a backpack or specialized tactical pants and jackets. In my view, its size and weight impose some practical limitations. If you plan to use the Tank 4 as both a primary device and a companion for outdoor activities, you’ll need to plan for carrying a half-kilogram “brick” with you.
Read also: Cubot KingKong Power 5 Review: Rugged, Durable, and Budget-Friendly
Additional features – projector, flashlight, beacons
This is the first time I’ve held a smartphone with a built-in projector, so I was curious to see how it works and what it could be used for. To start, here are its technical specs: the lamp brightness is 100 lumens, the refresh rate is the standard 60 Hz, and the resolution is a solid HD 1280×720. It also features laser autofocus and automatic keystone correction – similar to what you’d find in more advanced standalone projectors.
I appreciated that the projector can be quickly turned off not just from the notification panel, but also via a dedicated desktop button. When the projector is off, the button is blue; when in use, it becomes colorful – fast and convenient. In the settings menu, you can enable automatic orientation, adjust projection brightness, turn on keystone correction and autofocus, or manually adjust the focus.
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the projector quality on the Tank 4. While 100 lumens is minimal for a standalone projector, the smartphone manages to deliver a reasonably clear projected image even in daylight and on imperfect surfaces.
Under better conditions, it’s possible to watch a movie or YouTube video, share photos with friends, or even give a small presentation if needed. The cooling system is audible during use – projecting consumes a lot of power, so active cooling is necessary. The phone does get warm, but not uncomfortably so, and the fan noise isn’t distracting. The main practical consideration is finding the right placement to achieve the proper projection angle. Otherwise, the feature works very well and seems especially useful for outdoor or leisure settings.
For camping enthusiasts, the Tank 4 also includes a full-featured flashlight. It offers three brightness levels and three operating modes: constant light, SOS signaling, and a faster strobe. There’s also a timer function that can be set from 5 to 30 minutes.
In outdoor and camping situations, this feature is definitely useful. For everyday use, however, the camera flash is usually sufficient as a basic flashlight.
The Tank 4 also includes blue and red flashing beacons. You can set them to blink in a single color or both simultaneously, and there’s an option to play various siren sounds. These features can be useful for attracting attention if you get lost during a hike or in the mountains, making it easier for rescuers to locate you.
It’s worth noting that for civilians without any affiliation to emergency services, using these beacons in urban areas is illegal in many countries. Be careful and avoid activating them where their use is prohibited.
Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Display
The Tank 4 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 2.6K resolution (2650×1200) and a pixel density of 429 ppi. The refresh rate goes up to 120 Hz, with four available modes: standard 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz, and an adaptive mode that automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on the type of content.
In the settings, there’s a MiraVision section where you can adjust color output to your preference – standard, vivid, or manual mode, which allows fine-tuning of contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness, and color temperature. You can also enable blue light protection and dynamic contrast for video. Standard options are available as well, including dark mode, screen timeout, adaptive brightness, night mode, and choices for wallpapers, fonts, and other customization tools.
The Tank 4’s display is excellent – wide viewing angles, smooth performance, and vibrant, deep colors. Brightness is sufficient for use even in direct sunlight, keeping both text and multimedia content clearly visible. Combined with the extensive settings for personalizing the screen, it’s easy to make the display as comfortable as possible – hard to ask for more in a smartphone.
Read also: Fossibot F109 Review: Rugged Smartphone with Additional Touch Display
Performance, wireless connectivity
The Tank 4 is powered by the Dimensity 7300, built on a 4 nm process. The octa-core CPU consists of four Cortex-A78 cores clocked up to 2.5 GHz and four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores up to 2.0 GHz. Graphics are handled by the ARM Mali-G615 MP2. The review unit comes with 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which can be expanded by an additional 12 GB using virtual memory. Storage is 512 GB UFS 3.1, expandable via microSD up to 1 TB. The phone also includes a full set of wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, geolocation services, and even an IR port.
Although the previous Tank 3 used a more powerful, albeit older, processor (Dimensity 8200 up to 3.05 GHz), the Tank 4 has enough performance for all typical tasks – running apps, messaging and social media, browsing, and gaming. It may not achieve record-breaking benchmark scores, but for daily use, multitasking, and multimedia, it’s more than adequate. Below are the results from several synthetic tests.
Software
The Tank 4 runs on stock Android 14. There’s no bloatware or custom-branded interfaces – just the core functionality, mostly provided by Google services, necessary for the device to operate effectively given its specialized features.
Since the Tank 4 includes features rarely found in other phones, it also comes with dedicated tools to manage them. I’ve already covered the apps for the projector and camping lights, so here’s a brief overview of some of the other notable functions.
For outdoor and everyday use, the Toolbox app proves useful. It brings together various tools – from a compass, noise level meter, and pedometer to a leveling tool and an underwater camera app. There’s also a dedicated app that can remove dust and moisture from the phone using vibrations, as well as a feature to manually activate the cooling system if you need to lower the device’s temperature.
Another useful feature is ZazaRemote. Thanks to the Tank 4’s IR port, the phone can function as a remote control for household and other devices. You simply select your TV model or a smart appliance, like a humidifier, and control it directly from the smartphone.
More familiar features include Gaming Mode, which optimizes the device for gaming, and the Student Mood app, which limits functions that could distract from studying or work. Overall, the software on the Tank 4 is straightforward and intuitive, though some specialized apps lack proper translations into languages other than English.
Ways to unlock
Like most smartphones, both rugged and standard, the Tank 4 offers fingerprint and facial recognition. The capacitive fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button and works quickly and accurately. Facial recognition is slightly more finicky in low-light conditions. You can temporarily increase the screen brightness for reliable unlocking, but the light can be intense and uncomfortable when your eyes are adapted to darkness. Around 30% screen brightness provides a good balance – enough for the face scanner to work without being blinding. At minimal brightness, you’ll need to rely on the fingerprint sensor.
Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 Rugged Smartphone Review
Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Cameras
The rear camera setup consists of three modules: a 50 MP Sony IMX766 main sensor, a 64 MP OmniVision OV64B1B lens with night vision capability, and an 8 MP Hynix HI-847 telephoto lens. The main sensor supports 4K video recording.
The camera app offers a fairly minimal set of shooting modes. These include IR mode, standard Photo and Video, Pro mode, Timelapse, Monochrome (black and white), and full-resolution shooting (by default, images are captured at 12 MP rather than 50 MP). There are no beautification features or filters, but a QR code scanner is included.
In terms of image quality, the Tank 4’s camera isn’t a perfect all-around performer. One noticeable point is that it takes a few seconds to focus on a chosen subject. Once focused, it produces a photo with a sense of depth, highlighting the foreground with a bokeh effect in the background. Without proper focus, images can appear flat and slightly soft, lacking sharpness – this is particularly evident in daylight shots.
At night, the camera behaves differently: algorithms actively enhance the image. For example, when streetlights are on after dark, photos can look brighter, as if it’s only twilight – the camera effectively boosts available light. This works fairly well in low-light conditions. Overall, daytime shots suffer slightly from software processing, while night shots benefit from it. Below are some sample images to illustrate the camera’s capabilities.
A standout feature is the night vision mode with IR illumination, effective up to 15 meters. Even familiar objects take on a different appearance in this mode, and it’s clearly aimed at outdoor “photo scouting” or wildlife observation. For everyday use, it’s harder to find a practical application, but the results are visually interesting. A few sample shots in this mode are shown below.
The front-facing camera uses a 32 MP OmniVision OV32B40 sensor. It records video in Full HD and offers basic shooting modes: Photo, Video, Monochrome (black and white), and Timelapse. There are no filters or beautification features, though the camera slightly softens skin and subtly enlarges the eyes by default. Overall, it produces fairly sharp selfies in good lighting – arguably sharper than images from the main rear sensor. It also performs well for video calls.
Sound
Audio on the Tank 4 comes from a single speaker located on the back near the bottom. It’s fairly loud and clear, sufficient for video playback, though its placement has pros and cons. On the plus side, holding the phone in landscape mode doesn’t block the speaker, and sound seems to emanate from inside the device rather than just the rear side. On the downside, when the phone lies face-up on a table, the audio becomes muffled, which can be inconvenient when using the projector. A Bluetooth speaker can be used as an alternative for a better viewing experience.
For listening to music, headphones are recommended. The Tank 4 supports both wired headphones via a 3.5 mm jack and Bluetooth connections.
Unihertz 8849 Tank 4 Battery life
With a 11,600 mAh battery, the Tank 4 is not only long-lasting but can also serve as a power bank for other devices, supporting 25 W reverse charging. Thanks to its 66 W fast charging, the phone can reach 100% in just over an hour.
Considering that most modern smartphones have around a 5,000 mAh battery, the Tank 4’s 11,600 mAh capacity is more than double. A typical 5,000 mAh battery lasts about a day under heavy use or up to two days with moderate use. With the Tank 4, you can expect roughly three days of active daily tasks, from social media to gaming. One factor that significantly affects battery life is the projector: using it for an hour consumes about 24% of the charge, giving roughly four hours of projection – enough for a full movie or several episodes of a series.
Conclusions and competitors
If you’re looking for a durable, rugged device for extreme conditions with a range of practical features, the Tank 4 delivers. It includes essentials for outdoor activities like hiking or camping – and more: a dust-, water-, and impact-resistant body, a vibrant AMOLED display, solid performance on clean Android, long battery life with fast and reverse charging, a fully functional flashlight with signal beacons, a built-in projector, a night-vision camera, and a variety of additional tools such as an altimeter, pedometer, and level. On the downside, the device is quite large and heavy, the main camera can be temperamental, and the speaker quality is average.
If we talk about competitors to the Tank 4 among rugged devices with projectors, you can look at both earlier Tank models and the new Oukitel WP100 Titan. In terms of size and weight, the Oukitel is bigger – 877 g, compared to Tank 4’s 538 g – but it packs a much larger battery at 33,000 mAh (almost three times bigger) with the same 66 W charging power, though it will take longer to fully charge. For camping features, the devices are similar: Oukitel also includes a bright flashlight, a projector (with a lower resolution of 854×480), and reverse charging (though only at 18 W instead of 25 W). The WP100 Titan comes at a higher price point, starting around $621 or €530.
If a projector isn’t a priority, the UleFone Armor 28 Pro is a reasonable alternative. It has a slightly smaller battery at 10,600 mAh, but supports 120 W fast charging, as well as wireless and reverse wireless charging. The phone also includes a secondary display and a mechanical shutter for the camera. Like the Tank 4, it features an IR port, a night-vision camera, and an AMOLED screen. Pricing is similar, starting around $455 or €390.
Read also:
Where to buy Unihertz 8849 Tank 4