When you hold the OSCAL TANK 1 in your hand for the first time, you immediately realize that this smartphone is in a league of its own. It's not a delicate designer piece, nor a thin office companion; instead, it's all about pure power and robustness. OSCAL calls it "TANK Power," and yes, that's no exaggeration.
I tested this outdoor beast for several weeks, including everyday use, outdoor activities, and tours. There's hardly a smartphone that's as uncompromisingly tuned for endurance, durability, and functionality as this one. This is clearly reflected in its design and weight.
Design & Haptics
This thing is a real beast. With its 640 grams and At almost 3 cm thick, the TANK 1 isn't a device you can just slip into your jeans. At least, it's not comfortable. Honestly, you can feel it constantly. And yes, at that moment, I envied women who simply carry a handbag.
A woman I showed the device to said dryly:
"This isn't a phone with a big battery, it's a battery with a phone attached."
And that pretty much sums it up. The design is impressive. It looks robust, has a high-quality feel, and its massive, armored appearance draws everyone's attention. Everyone I showed it to was impressed by the size and presence of the device.
Equipment & workmanship
The TANK 1 is built like a tank and lives up to its name. The case consists of a A metal-reinforced frame, rubberized protective strips, and a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 display. Its IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810H certifications speak for themselves: it's dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof, so even 30 minutes at a depth of 2 meters is no problem. The device also survives high-pressure water jets and extreme temperatures from -20°C to +60°C without a hitch.
There is also a practical lanyard (I didn't attach it) with which you can securely attach the smartphone to your backpack - perfect for outdoor use, construction work, rescue services or adventure seekers.
Display
The 6,78-inch (17,22 cm) 2.4K FHD+ display is a real eye-catcher. With 700 nits of brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate, it delivers a clear, high-contrast image, even in direct sunlight. Videos, maps, and games appear razor-sharp, and the touch response is pleasantly responsive with a 240 Hz refresh rate.
I find the 2,01-inch (5,11 cm) secondary display on the back particularly cool. It displays the time, music controls, notifications, weather, and even selfie previews from the camera. It's really handy for quick access to information without having to unlock the device.
Offering
Inside is the MediaTek Dimensity 7050, a 6nm chip with solid 5G performance. Combined with up to 16 GB of RAM (expandable to 32 GB), everything runs smoothly.
In my everyday tests, the system ran smoothly throughout, without any stuttering or freezes. Apps open quickly, multitasking works smoothly, and games run reliably. DokeOS 4.2 (based on Android 15) offers many useful features, including Game Mode, Focus Mode, and even AI-powered apps like "ImageX" and "VidGen," which let you creatively edit photos and videos. However, these apps, like everywhere else, require a subscription.
camera
OSCAL incorporates a 64 MP main camera, a 20 MP night vision camera, and a 50 MP selfie camera. The night vision camera is a unique feature. It delivers amazingly clear images in complete darkness, ideal for camping or security personnel.
The main camera takes solid photos in daylight, with vibrant colors and good sharpness. The AI optimization works discreetly but effectively. Videos can be recorded in 4K at 30 fps, and here, too, the TANK 1 delivers a solid performance.
Please excuse the fact that the pictures do not show the most beautiful objects. Since I am currently an inpatient in a hospital, I had to try to make the best of it.
Flashlight
A real highlight (in the truest sense) is the integrated dual LED flashlight with up to 170 lumens.
This makes it perfect for illuminating paths in the dark. It's even possible for small surface work or repairs, although I haven't tested it yet.
The SOS flashing mode is also handy if you need help. It may sound trivial, but it can be crucial outdoors.
Battery
Now comes what makes the OSCAL TANK 1 legendary: the 20.000 mAh ExploVolt battery. With moderate use, the device easily lasted a week. No joke.
OSCAL says it'll last 3 to 5 days with heavy use, and that's absolutely realistic. With normal use, like browsing, WhatsApp, camera, display, etc., I got 7 full days.
Charging is done with 55-watt fast charging or via the dock, which is easy to insert. Unfortunately, I didn't have an OSCAL dock to test. Charging via cable still takes a while (not surprising given the battery size), but the results are excellent. A smartphone that lasts longer than average.
everyday practicality
The TANK 1 isn't the smartphone for everyone. Yes, OSCAL advertises it as "made for everyone," but let's be clear: It's as big as a Galaxy S25 Ultra, only thicker and significantly heavier.
It's simply too bulky for everyday pocket use. I didn't carry it with me every day, as I prefer a lighter smartphone for everyday use.
But if you're outdoors a lot, hiking, camping, working on construction sites, or simply looking for a device that won't break with every drop, then the TANK 1 is a true tool smartphone. Definitely a device for those who want more than glass and shine.
Personally, I'll try to get the new OSCAL Powerstation for you to test. Because this smartphone and power station together? That sounds like a really strong outdoor duo. If you like the device, you can here to OSCAL TANK 1.
