Tank 5 Review: A Rugged Phone With a Built-In Projector

Introduction

The Tank 5 is a rugged Android phone that stands out from the crowd. At first glance, it looks like any other Android phone, with a 6.73 inch 120 Hz AMOLED display and familiar software. But once you look closer, you will notice it is packed with features you rarely see in a smartphone. It has a 17,000 mAh battery, an infrared night vision camera, and a built-in 2K projector with laser autofocus and keystone correction. It is a device designed for people who want more from their phone, whether that means camping trips, outdoor work, or serious mobile gaming.

The phone is certified IP66 and IP69K against water, dust, and extreme temperatures. It is a large and heavy device, which is expected given the massive battery inside. It is not for everybody, but for the right person, it offers a combination of utility and performance that is hard to match.

Who the Tank 5 Is For

The Tank 5 is for people who spend time outdoors and want a phone that can handle rough conditions. It is also for gamers and emulation enthusiasts who want a device that can run demanding titles and retro games without breaking a sweat. The built-in projector makes it a great companion for camping trips, where you can watch movies or play games on a big screen without carrying a separate projector.

If you are someone who needs a phone that can survive drops, dust, and water, and you also want a device that can double as a portable entertainment hub, the Tank 5 is worth considering. It is not a daily carry for most people, but it shines in specific scenarios.

Design and Build

The Tank 5 has a rugged design with reinforced corners and a textured back panel. Around the back, there is a large camping lantern with multiple modes, along with three 50 megapixel cameras and infrared emitters. The front houses a 32 megapixel camera and the 6.73 inch AMOLED display with a 1440 by 3200 resolution and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness in daylight.

On the side, there is a power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor. There is also a red button that turns the camping lantern on and off, and a programmable button that can be customized through software. Up top, you will find a SIM tray and SD card slot, an IR blaster, and the projector lens. At the bottom, there is a USB Type-C port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The USB Type-C port supports alt mode, so you can mirror the display to a larger screen if you prefer.

The phone has a built-in cooling system with an active fan. It is designed primarily for the projector, but it also helps cool the CPU during long gaming sessions. The build quality feels solid, and the device is clearly made to withstand tough environments.

Performance and Gaming

Under the hood, the Tank 5 is powered by the Dimensity 9400E, an octa-core ARM SoC with one Cortex X4 core up to 3.4 GHz, three cores up to 2.8 GHz, and four cores up to 2 GHz. It is paired with a Mali G720 MC12 GPU and 16 GB of RAM, with a RAM boost option available. The phone comes with 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, expandable via micro SD card. It runs Android 16 out of the box.

In benchmarks, the Dimensity 9400E performs a little above the Snapdragon Gen 3 in some cases. This makes the Tank 5 capable of high-end Android gaming and demanding emulation. Fortnite runs at 60 fps through the projector at the highest settings with 100% resolution scale. On the built-in screen, you can take advantage of the 120 Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay.

Emulation is where the Tank 5 really shines. Using the Dolphin emulator, GameCube and Wii games run well at 1080p. PS2 emulation through Nether SX2 also performs strongly, with games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Gran Turismo 4 running at 1080p without issues. Cloud gaming is also possible, with services like ExCloud delivering playable performance even through the projector.

Built-In Projector

The main feature of the Tank 5 is the built-in DLP projector. It has laser autofocus and keystone correction, which makes it easy to set up at an angle and still get a straight image. The projector outputs up to 2K resolution and is bright enough for use in dim environments. It is rated at 220 lumens, which is not as bright as a dedicated wall-powered projector, but for a portable projector built into a phone, it looks very good.

Using the projector, you can mirror the phone screen and watch movies, play games, or give presentations. The keystone correction works well to straighten the image when the phone is placed at an angle. The laser autofocus keeps the image sharp without manual adjustment.

Battery life with the projector on max brightness is around 5 hours while playing games. The 17,000 mAh battery supports 120 watt quick charging, going from zero to 100% in about 90 minutes. The included 120 watt wall charger and USB Type-C cable come in the box.

Battery and Charging

The Tank 5 has a battery capacity of a little over 17,000 mAh. This is one of the largest batteries you will find in a smartphone, and it provides excellent endurance for everyday use. With the projector running at max brightness, you can expect around 5 hours of gaming. The 120 watt fast charging is impressive, filling the battery from empty to full in about 90 minutes.

The phone also includes a toolbox application that gives you access to all the extra features. You can control the camping lantern, adjust its brightness, set a timer, and use the SOS mode. There is also a super flashlight mode that uses the projector as a bright light source. Other tools include an IR blaster for controlling TVs and other devices, a level, an underwater camera mode, and a digital tape measure.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The Tank 5 is not a phone for everyone. It is large and heavy, which makes it less convenient for everyday carry. The projector, while impressive for a phone, is not as bright as a dedicated projector. The Mali GPU may require some tweaking in emulators to get the best performance, though it handles most games well.

The phone is also a niche product. If you do not need a rugged device or a built-in projector, there are lighter and more conventional options available. However, if you want a single device that can handle outdoor conditions, provide long battery life, and project a big screen for entertainment, the Tank 5 is a compelling choice.

Buying Advice

Before purchasing the Tank 5, consider how you will use it. If you go camping frequently, work in demanding environments, or want a phone that can double as a portable projector, this device is worth the investment. It performs well for gaming and emulation, and the battery life is exceptional.

If you are looking for a slim, lightweight phone for daily use, the Tank 5 may not be the right fit. But if you value durability, utility, and unique features, it is a solid option.

Conclusion

The Tank 5 is one of the most interesting Android phones available. It combines rugged durability with a massive battery, strong performance, and a built-in projector that opens up new possibilities for entertainment. It is not for everybody, but for the right user, it is a versatile tool that can handle almost anything you throw at it. Whether you are gaming on the go, watching movies at a campsite, or working in tough conditions, the Tank 5 delivers.