50 Coolest Mobile Devices Of The 2020 Mobile 100

We round up the top mobile devices such as highly portable notebooks, tablets and smartphones, along with some of the leading mobile device accessories.

Coolest Mobile Devices

With much of the corporate workforce now shifted into the home across North America, countless workers have become mobile workers for the first time. Demand is surging for mobile devices such as laptops, docking stations and accessories--and solution providers have been answering the call to enable effective work-from-home deployments. But the mobile device landscape is broad, and so we've endeavored to help narrow down the field to the top devices worth considering for mobile workers. These range from 2-in-1 tablets such as the Apple iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro 7, to business-friendly notebooks from HP, Dell and Lenovo, to accessories from Belkin, Kensington and Logitech--and much more.

What follows is our roundup of the 50 coolest mobile devices of CRN's 2020 Mobile 100.

Acer Swift 5

Acer's Swift 5 notebook differentiates itself in the crowded laptop market with surprising portability for a 14-inch laptop, with a weight of just 2.1 pounds and a thickness of 0.6 of an inch. The device still offers durability, however, with its magnesium-lithium body.

Apple iPad, 7th Gen

Last year's update to the standard iPad features Apple's popular Retina display--now in a larger 10.2-inch size, up from 9.7 inches previously--along with support for the Apple Pencil stylus (sold separately). And, for the first time, the standard iPad can now connect directly to a keyboard (also sold separately).

Apple iPad Pro

With the recent update to the iPad Pro, Apple has introduced a trackpad to the detachable keyboard for the first time--while also enhancing the keyboard's design. The "Magic Keyboard" design uses a scissor mechanism and offers 1 millimeter of key travel for improved typing. The updated iPad Pro also features the new A12Z Bionic chip for faster performance.

Apple iPhone 11

Apple's iPhone 11 moves up to dual rear 12-megapixel cameras, with the addition of an ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view for taking expansive shots. The iPhone 11 also adds Apple's latest processor, the six-core A13 Bionic, while Face ID is now 30 percent faster and supports more angles.

Apple MacBook Air

Apple's recently updated MacBook Air features the new "Magic Keyboard" scissor mechanism design for enhanced typing. The new MacBook Air also moves up to quad-core processors for the first time with 10th-generation Intel Core processors, up to the Core i7.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch

The new MacBook Pro is Apple's first notebook to feature a 16-inch Retina display, while also offering a larger battery and expanded RAM (up to 64 GB) and storage (up to 8 TB), as well. Meanwhile, the latest MacBook Pro comes with the revamped Magic Keyboard design, for improved typing comfort.

Apple Watch Series 5

The fifth-generation Apple Watch offers a boost to mobility by being able to play Apple Music even without having an iPhone nearby. The latest Apple Watch also introduces an always-on display, so that users no longer have to raise their wrist or touch the display to activate it.

Asus Zenbook Pro Duo

Asus brings an innovative laptop design with the Zenbook Pro Duo, which features the "ScreenPad Plus" -- a secondary touch-sensitive screen located above the keyboard. The ScreenPad Plus adds 12.6 inches of display space and works in tandem with the 14-inch main display.

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Spot

For businesses that are looking to provide wireless charging to customers or employees, Belkin's Boost Up Wireless Charging Spot offers a Qi-certified charging pad that can be installed on surfaces such as tables. The Boost Up Wireless Charging Spot offers 10W of power for speedy wireless charging of iPhones and other compatible devices.

Bluebird EF501R

Bluebird's mobile computers for enterprises include the rugged EF501R, which has been designed to withstand conditions such as dust and humidity as well as impact. The device also offers advanced barcode scanning technology and strong performance thanks to an octa-core processor.

Dell Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chromebook Enterprise

Along with putting Chrome OS on a Latitude business notebook for the first time, Dell's Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chromebook Enterprise features a 13.3-inch touch screen, a weight of 3 pounds and up to a quad-core Intel Core i7. Battery life reaches up to 14 hours on a charge, meanwhile, and the convertible notebook includes Chrome Enterprise for multi-layered security and support.

Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme

An offshoot of Dell's mainstream Latitude commercial line, the Latitude rugged portfolio is aimed at workers in challenging environments. The Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme is a 12-inch tablet that is lightweight compared to other rugged devices of its size, while offering high performance with processor options up to an eighth-gen Intel Core i7.

Dell Latitude 7300

Thanks in part to a slim-bezel design, Dell's Latitude 7300 rates high on portability as the "world's smallest 13-inch premium business-class notebook," according to the company. Key capabilities include automatic connectivity to the fastest available Wi-Fi signal (through the ExpressConnect feature) and the SafeScreen digital privacy screen.

Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1

The 14-inch display on Dell's Latitude 7400 2-in-1 has narrow bezels on all four sides, which dramatically reduces the overall size of the notebook. On battery life, the notebook can reach up to 24 hours on a charge--while key features include "Express Sign-In," which detects when users are near and automatically wakes up the PC.

Dell XPS 13

The new XPS 13 for 2020 features smaller bezels around the "InfinityEdge" display, allowing for an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 91.5 percent. The display size is also a bit larger now at 13.4 inches, and the aspect ratio has been switched to 16:10 for a larger workspace area on the screen.

Dynabook Portege X30L

Dynabook's Portege X30L stands out on portability with a weight of just 1.9 pounds, which makes it the world's lightest 13.3-inch notebook with 10th-generation Intel Core processors, according to the company. The laptop offers up to 14 hours of battery life, as well.

Google Pixel 4 XL

Google's Pixel 4 XL includes a 6.3-inch OLED display and QHD+ resolution, with features including "Motion Sense," which brings hand gesture control to key apps in the phone. The Pixel 4 XL also adds a second rear camera to its setup, with a 16-megapixel telephoto camera joining the 12.2-megapixel main rear camera.

Google Pixelbook Go

Google's latest laptop, the Pixelbook Go, offers a 13.3-inch touch display with FHD or 4K resolution and strong performance for a Chrome OS device with up to a Core i7 processor. The Pixelbook Go is also highly portable with a starting weight of 2.3 pounds and a thickness of half an inch.

Honeywell CK65

As one of Honeywell's top mobile computers for productivity in manufacturing and distribution centers, the CK65 offers capabilities including up to 28 hours of battery life on a charge, a long lifecycle and robust ruggedness features--along with simplified migration to the device's Android platform from legacy Windows devices.

HP Chromebook x360 14

HP's Chromebook x360 14 features a 14-inch FHD display with up to 220 nits of brightness, and includes an aluminum cover and keyboard deck as well as a diamond-cut trackpad. Notably, the convertible laptop is HP's first Chromebook to offer an Intel Core i7 processor.

HP Elite Dragonfly

HP's Elite Dragonfly features a magnesium body and a weight of just 2.2 pounds, along with up to 24.5 hours of battery life per charge. On performance, the Elite Dragonfly offers processors from Intel's eighth-generation Whiskey Lake series—while the notebook includes a 13.3-inch convertible touch screen with FHD or 4K resolution.

HP EliteBook x360 1040 G6

HP's EliteBook x360 1040 G6 stands out by offering expanded battery life at up to 24 hours on a charge. The 14-inch convertible notebook is also highly portable with a weight of less than 3 pounds, and offers options for a 4K HDR display and up to 32 GB of RAM.

HP EliteBook x360 830

With the convertible EliteBook x360 830, HP has expanded the x360 concept to EliteBook models used by mainstream corporate workers for the first time. Along with the ability to use the 13.3-inch display in multiple modes, key features include an option for HP's Sure View integrated privacy screen; a built-in webcam cover; and an optional high-brightness display.

HP EliteDisplay S14

HP’s EliteDisplay S14 is a secondary display for mobile workers that runs off USB-C--meaning that users can just connect one end of a USB-C cable to a laptop and the other end into the display. The 14-inch display features FHD resolution.

HP Thunderbolt Dock G2

An "all-in-one" docking station for workers--including those working from home--HP's Thunderbolt Dock G2 provides connectivity to a wide variety of ports through a single USB-C connection. The device also includes a rounded design and smooth black finish for improved aesthetics.

IGEL UD Pocket

IGEL's UD Pocket is a tiny endpoint device--about the size of a paper clip--that plugs into USB and enables secure access to virtual desktops, server-based applications and cloud services for mobile and remote workers.

Intel Compute Stick

Intel's Compute Stick enhances mobility by transforming any HDMI display into a full-functioning desktop computer. The device measures just 4.5 inches long and features Intel Atom or Core M processors along with up to 64 GB of storage and up to 4 GB of RAM.

Kensington SD4750P Docking Station

Kensington's SD4750P Docking Station offers docking capabilities for power users with dual 4K video output (both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2) and six USB ports (both USB-C and USB-A). The dock is also compatible across operating systems with support for Windows 10, macOS 10.14+ and Chrome OS 44+.

Lenovo ThinkBook

With the ThinkBook, Lenovo combines many business-friendly elements of the ThinkPad—including strong performance, durability and security—with a sleeker design and a price level meant to appeal to small and midsize businesses. The 13.3-inch ThinkBook 13s and 14-inch ThinkBook 14s are also highly portable for SMB-class notebooks, with a starting weight of just under 3 pounds for the ThinkBook 13s.

Lenovo ThinkPad T490s

Lenovo's ThinkPad T490s features a 14-inch display with FHD resolution and an optional touch screen--paired with strong portability (starting weight at just under 3 pounds), performance (up to eighth-gen Intel Core i7) and battery life (up to 20 hours on a charge).

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, 7th Gen

Lenovo enhanced the ThinkPad X1 Carbon for its seventh-generation update with an integrated privacy screen option as well as optional 4K resolution on the 14-inch display. Other key features include a woven carbon-fiber finish on the body, a Dolby Atmos four-speaker sound system and up to 15 hours of battery life. The seventh-gen X1 Carbon also remains highly portable at 2.46 pounds.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga, 4th Gen

Key features on Lenovo's fourth-gen ThinkPad X1 Yoga include an option for UHD resolution on its 14-inch display; a built-in webcam cover and optional integrated privacy screen; and a 17-percent smaller footprint, thanks to reduced bezels and a thinner form factor (with a thickness of 0.59 of an inch thick).

LG V60 ThinQ 5G

While some smartphone makers have focused on foldable smartphone displays, LG has gone the dual-display route with devices such as the V60 ThinQ 5G. The phone features detachable dual 6.8-inch OLED displays that can work in tandem for multitasking and gaming. The V60 is also "5G-ready" with support for both sub-6GHz connectivity and millimeter-wave 5G (on Verizon only).

Logitech Slim Folio For iPad

Logitech's Slim Folio for iPad case includes a keyboard and locks the iPad into place at an ideal angle—bringing the standard iPad (fifth through seventh generations) or the third-gen iPad Air much closer to a laptop experience.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

With the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft has added a 15-inch size in addition to the 13.5-inch model. CPU options include quad-core processors from Intel's 10th generation and AMD Ryzen processors, while other key features include a 20-percent larger trackpad.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 has a 12.3-inch display with resolution of 267 pixels per inch, and moves up to 10th-generation Intel Core processors. And, for the first time with the Surface Pro series, the Surface Pro 7 integrates USB-C connectivity (USB-A is still included as well).

Microsoft Surface Pro X

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2-in-1 tablet series got a big refresh with the larger 13-inch display and thinner form factor of the Surface Pro X. Another key addition is the ability to store the optional digital stylus inside the keyboard itself—while Microsoft’s custom SQ1 processor helps enable “always on” functionality as well as LTE connectivity.

Motorola Razr

The reboot of the famous Motorola Razr features a 6.2-inch OLED display that folds top to bottom. The device also includes an interactive "Quick View" display on the cover when the device is closed, which can be used to check notifications. The view switches to the main display when the phone is unfolded.

OnePlus 8 Pro

The latest flagship from Android phone maker OnePlus, the 6.8-inch OnePlus 8 Pro offers a 120hz refresh rate for enhanced smoothness on its QHD+ display. The device also offers 5G support and a quad-camera system on the rear, including two 48-megapixel lenses.

Panasonic Toughbook 55

Panasonic's recently launched Toughbook 55 offers major advances around component configurability, with modular "expansion packs" that allow for a far greater level of configurability for partners to meet the needs of end customers. Other advances in the Toughbook 55 include the expansion of available battery life to 40 hours through offering an optional second battery.

Panasonic Toughbook T1

Panasonic's Toughbook T1 is a rugged handheld device that runs Android and offers capabilities such as a straight-shooting barcode reader (with an optional triggered pistol grip), a glove-enabled 5-inch display and strong performance thanks to a quad-core processor.

RealWear HMT-1

RealWear's HMT-1 headset includes an Android-powered display that can be mounted onto safety helmets or hats--offering workers an equivalent amount of viewable screen space to that of a 7-inch tablet. The headset is also hands-free and completely controlled by voice.

Samsung Galaxy Fold

When opened, the Galaxy Fold offers 7.3 inches of display space, using Samsung's Infinity Flex Display technology. When closed, the Galaxy Fold has a 4.6-inch display on its top cover, which can be used to access apps as normal. The foldable display makes use of a sophisticated hinge system that allows users to open and close the Galaxy Fold smoothly.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

The Note 10 Plus offers a huge 6.8-inch AMOLED display with brightness of 800 nits outdoors, ideal for getting work done in any environment. Business-friendly features include easier connectivity from the phone to the DeX Android desktop; users can access their DeX desktop on a PC or Mac by simply plugging into the computer using an included USB-C to USB-C cable.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

The OLED display on Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G reaches a massive 6.9 inches and offers a 120hz refresh rate for smoother display motion. For 5G connectivity, the Galaxy S20 Ultra supports both sub-6GHz connectivity and higher-speed, millimeter-wave 5G. And on the rear camera system, the Ultra's wide-angle camera provides a staggering 108 megapixels while the device provides up to 100X zooming capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro

The Galaxy Tab Active Pro includes a larger display than previous models in the business-focused tablet series at 10.1 inches, along with expanded battery life at 16 hours. The tablet also offers business-friendly features such as the ability to use it with gloves; strong durability and water resistance; and capabilities to ensure continuous security and control.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Samsung's 2-in-1 Galaxy Tab S6 includes enhancements such as a redesigned S Pen stylus that now includes remote control functionality and a "fine-tuned" keyboard. The Galaxy Tab S6 features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display and is also highly portable with a weight of less than a pound.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 includes a vibrant Super AMOLED display and an appealing design, and comes in 40 mm or 44 mm sizes. The smartwatch offers Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and offers features including fitness tracking and health insights.

Zebra EC30

Zebra's EC30 Enterprise Companion mobile computer is highly portable--with a weight of less than four ounces and a thickness of a half-inch--while offering strong ruggedization, push-to-talk capabilities and barcode scanning "in practically any condition," the company says.

Zebra XSLATE L10

A fully rugged slate tablet for mobile workers, Zebra's XSLATE L10 offers a 10.1-inch display with optional brightness capabilities of up to 1,000 nits, up to 24 hours of battery life with a hot-swappable battery and support for LTE connectivity. The tablet is also available in Android 8.1 or Windows 10 versions.