Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,150RAM capacity:4 GBInternal storage:64 GBScreen size:10.1 inchesChipset:Qualcomm Snapdragon 660

Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.4

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 61% of tablets
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

4.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

22%

6.3

Performance

20%

6.5

Display

16%

6.7

Camera

14%

4.8

Battery

12%

7.2

Connectivity

8%

8.5

Software

5%

5.0

Design

3%

6.0

Audio

â–²Better than 58%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

7.7

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 74%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,150
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB)

Based on 5 · 5

Reviewers praise the tough build, long battery life and loud speakers, but criticize the weak camera and sluggish software.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of tablet Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

22%

6.3

Performance

20%

6.5

Display

16%

6.7

Camera

14%

4.8

Battery

12%

7.2

Connectivity

8%

8.5

Software

5%

5.0

Design

3%

6.0

Audio

6.4
Reviews score
8.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

4.4

Price

6.4
RAM capacity
4 GB
This tablet has 4 GB of RAM, which is more than 47.2% of tablets and equal to 17.8% of tablets.
Process node
14 nm
This tablet is built on a 14 nm process, which is smaller than 44.6% of tablets and equal to 8.5% of tablets.
Internal storage
64 GB
This tablet has 64 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.1% of tablets and equal to 17% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
342 points
This tablet scores 342 points in single-core tests, which is lower than 77.4% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
This tablet runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, which is more advanced than 57.5% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1920×1200
This tablet has a 1920×1200 screen, which is sharper than 39.1% of tablets and equal to 18.8% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
224 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 224 ppi, which is higher than 50.1% of tablets and equal to 11.5% of tablets.
Display glass type
Chemically Strengthened Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Chemically Strengthened Glass, which is less durable than 65.1% of tablets and the same as 12.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 36.4% of tablets and equal to 31.9% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
5 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 5 MP resolution, which is higher than 48.6% of tablets and equal to 19.7% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.0
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.0, which is wider than 57.4% of tablets and equal to 24.7% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
3,200 mAh
This tablet has 3,200 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 95.8% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Charging speed
24.36 W
This tablet charges at 24.36 W, which is faster than 70.4% of tablets.
Battery life
9 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 9 hours, which is shorter than that of 62.7% of tablets and equal to that of 6.9% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 43.2% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
yes
This tablet includes NFC. 89.3% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
IP rating
IP65
This tablet's IP rating is IP65, which is more protected than 93.3% of tablets and the same as 1.1% of tablets.
Weight
880 g
This tablet weighs 880 g, which is heavier than 96.3% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
?
FM radio
yes
This tablet includes an FM radio. 81.1% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 399 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (800 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    800 nits vs 401 nits
  • 400 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (800 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    800 nits vs 400 nits
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Adreno 512 vs Mali-G51).
    Adreno 512 vs Mali-G51
  • More dust and water protection
    This tablet offers better dust and water protection than the average tablet (IP65 vs not rated).
    IP65 vs not rated
  • Supports DisplayPort over USB-C
    This tablet supports DisplayPort over USB-C, the average tablet does not. 21.3% of tablets support DisplayPort over USB-C.
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Includes NFC
    This tablet includes NFC, while the average tablet does not. 10.8% of tablets include NFC.
  • 17.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    7.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.0
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Adreno 512 vs Mali-G51).
    Adreno 512 vs Mali-G51
  • More advanced memory type
    This tablet uses more advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR4 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR4 vs LPDDR3
  • 30.8% faster GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU faster than the average tablet (850 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    850 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • 10% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 399 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (800 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    800 nits vs 401 nits
  • 400 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (800 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    800 nits vs 400 nits
  • Includes anti-reflection coating
    This tablet has anti-reflection coating, the average tablet does not. 24.6% of tablets use anti-reflection coating.
  • 194 Hz higher PWM dimming frequency
    This tablet has a higher PWM dimming frequency than the average tablet (194 Hz vs 0 Hz). The average tablet has PWM dimming frequency of 0 Hz.
    Below 100% brightness only.
    194 Hz vs 0 Hz
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • Monitors battery health
    This tablet monitors battery health, while the average tablet does not. 36.7% of tablets monitor battery health.
  • 35.3% faster charging
    This tablet charges faster than the average tablet (24.4 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    24.36 W vs 18 W
  • Supports DisplayPort over USB-C
    This tablet supports DisplayPort over USB-C, the average tablet does not. 21.3% of tablets support DisplayPort over USB-C.
  • Includes NFC
    This tablet includes NFC, while the average tablet does not. 10.8% of tablets include NFC.
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    via USB-C video-out adapter
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Includes clipboard warnings
    This tablet has clipboard warnings, the average tablet does not. 40.3% of tablets include clipboard warnings.
  • More dust and water protection
    This tablet offers better dust and water protection than the average tablet (IP65 vs not rated).
    IP65 vs not rated
  • Stylus included
    This tablet includes a stylus, while the average tablet does not. 17.2% of tablets offer this.
  • 51.5% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (3,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    3,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • Worse main-camera video
    This tablet supports worse main-camera video recording than the average tablet (720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • 79.6% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (880 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    880 g vs 490 g
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • 8.4 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (16.4 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    16.4 mm vs 8 mm
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • Less durable glass
    This tablet has less durable glass than the average tablet (Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 53.1% lower single-core score
    This tablet has a lower single-core score than the average tablet (342 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in single-core tests.
    342 points vs 729 points
  • 4.42x more expensive
    Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£1,150 vs £260).
    £1,150 vs £260
  • 17.9% worse value for money
    Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (6.41 vs 7.6).
    6.41 vs 7.55
  • 53.1% lower single-core score
    This tablet has a lower single-core score than the average tablet (342 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in single-core tests.
    342 points vs 729 points
  • Less durable glass
    This tablet has less durable glass than the average tablet (Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Worse main-camera video
    This tablet supports worse main-camera video recording than the average tablet (720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • 51.5% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (3,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    3,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 1 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (9 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    9 hours vs 10 hours
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • 79.6% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (880 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    880 g vs 490 g
  • 8.4 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (16.4 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    16.4 mm vs 8 mm
  • 96.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (272 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    272 mm vs 175.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
TechnoBabble
≈ estimated
02/12/2020
Hands-on review · design, battery, durability and price
Verdict
Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi is expensive and thick, but nothing else on the market comes close in extreme conditions.
9.0
LVLONE Tech
≈ estimated
29/06/2020
Hands-on review · hikes, speaker and camera tests
Verdict
Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi is a clear recommendation for field workers who need a rugged tablet, though the camera is limited.
8.0
JuanBagnell
≈ estimated
24/06/2020
Hands-on review · enterprise features, build and software
Verdict
Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi is a solid enterprise Android tablet, though it is not aimed at everyday consumers.
9.0
TK Bay
≈ estimated
24/06/2020
Hands-on review · barcode, Netflix and outdoor tests
Verdict
Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi is a great, long-lasting tablet for workers in harsh field conditions.
8.0
Kevin The Tech Ninja
≈ estimated
12/10/2020
Hands-on review · build, durability and software overview
Verdict
Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi is not for consumers, but it is a strong upgrade for field workers who need a rugged tablet.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
19/08/2020
Lab test · Rugged tablet
Verdict
The Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi handles harsh sites, with a sunlight-readable screen and easy battery swaps, though its chip dates from 2017.
9.0
androidcentral.com
✓ explicit
12/08/2020
Week-long test · First-responder tablet
Verdict
The Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi suits police and medics who want all-day battery and a rain-proof screen, though its Android 9 is dated.
9.0
fedtechmagazine.com
≈ estimated
24/02/2022
Feature review · Government tablet
Verdict
The Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi suits government field teams, with admin lockdown controls and a sturdy build, though Android 9.0 is dated.
7.8
notebookcheck.net
✓ explicit
01/09/2020
Lab test · Rugged 10-inch tablet
Verdict
The Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (FZ-A3) is a bright, slim rugged tablet suited to field work, though its screen flickers at every brightness setting.
9.0
ilfattoquotidiano.it
≈ estimated
22/03/2021
Field review · Rugged work tablet
Verdict
The Panasonic Toughbook A3 is a sturdy, precise work tablet with glove, rain and stylus modes, but it is no gaming machine.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB)

  • Exceptional durability with MIL-STD-810H and IP65 certifications, surviving 6-foot drops and liquid spills
  • High-brightness 10.1-inch display (up to 800-1000 nits) is easily readable in direct sunlight
  • Hot-swappable dual battery design allows for continuous operation without powering down
  • Five user-programmable physical buttons for quick access to critical apps or functions
  • Loud audio output (up to 94dB) suitable for noisy industrial or emergency environments
  • Specialized screen modes support use with gloves and in rainy conditions

What customers don't like about Panasonic Toughbook A3 WiFi (4GB + 64GB)

  • High initial cost compared to consumer tablets or rugged cases
  • Dated Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor can lead to occasional frame skips or slowdowns
  • Limited 4GB of RAM may struggle with heavy multitasking
  • Ships with older Android versions (initially Android 9.0), which lacks some modern features
  • MicroSD slot is difficult to access, requiring a more cumbersome process than standard devices
  • High power consumption during standby mode

Verdict

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK A3 is a 10.1-inch fully rugged Android tablet designed for extreme field conditions, featuring a high-visibility WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS display with up to 800-nit brightness, anti-reflective coating, and rain/glove touch modes. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, housed in a chassis certified for MIL-STD-810H durability and IP65 dust and water resistance. Key advantages include dual hot-swappable batteries providing approximately 9 hours of runtime, five user-programmable physical buttons, and a loud 94dB speaker for noisy environments. However, its primary drawbacks are the dated Android 9.0 operating system, mid-range processing performance compared to consumer tablets, and a significantly high enterprise-level price point.

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