8849 launches new rugged flagship smartphone with built-in 2K DLP projector

The Chinese rugged smartphone manufacturer, 8849, has launched its Tank 5 smartphone in the global market. The main highlight of the Tank 5 smartphone is its built-in 2K DLP projector that features laser-based auto-focus and automatic keystone correction and delivers 220 lumens of brightness and a resolution of 2048 x 1080 pixels.

This time around, 8849 has incorporated a flagship chipset into its latest generation of rugged smartphone. Speaking more precisely, the Tank 5 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor paired with 18 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, which is further expandable up to 2 TB via microSD card. Software-wise, it runs Android 16 out of the box, and the company promises 5 years of security updates. However, there’s no word on its major OS updates. 

Besides the laser projector, the Tank 5 can also function as a precise laser rangefinder, thanks to the integrated 4-meter laser ranging module. A massive 17,600 mAh battery powers the smartphone and supports 120 W wired (Anker 140 W GaN charger curr. at $79.99 on Amazon) and 25 W reverse wired charging. Dimensionally, it measures 33.8 mm in (1.33 inches) in thickness and weighs around 715 grams (1.57 lbs). 

The Tank 5 sports a 6.73-inch AMOLED punch-hole display that outputs at a 3200 x 1440 pixel resolution with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. For photography, you get a 50 MP main camera complemented by a 50 MP night vision camera and a 50 MP telephoto lens. Up front, there’s a 32 MP snapper for selfies and video chats. 

Other features include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, two programmable keys, a 1200-lumen camping light with RGB warning lights, IP68 and IP69K water resistance ratings, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and eSIM support.

As for price, the 8849 Tank 5 is priced at $899.99 for the sole 18 GB + 512 GB model. Available in a single black colorway, buyers can now purchase the smartphone directly from 8849’s official website.