8849 has introduced a rather unusual take on rugged smartphones by combining outdoor-focused hardware with a built-in laser projector.
The Tank X delivers that combination in a rugged handset built around a laser projector, an oversized battery, and outdoor-oriented features, creating one of the most unique smartphones we’ve seen so far this year.
Projector and power define the design
Rather than relying on a low-resolution pico projector, the Tank X integrates a 1080p DLP laser projector rated at 220 lumens, with laser autofocus for simplified setup in temporary or outdoor environments.
That projector-centric design places the Tank X closer to a portable utility device than a conventional smartphone, targeting scenarios such as camping, field work, or off-grid use where external screens may not be available.
The outdoor focus extends to the rear of the device, where a 1,200-lumen LED camping light provides high-output illumination suitable for night-time use, emergency lighting, or campsite visibility.
Powering both the projector and lighting hardware is a 17,600mAh battery, which ranks among the largest capacities currently offered in a smartphone and reflects the device’s emphasis on endurance over portability.
The large battery supports 120W charging and allows the Tank X to function as a power bank, delivering up to 10W of output to charge other devices in the field.
Rugged design with specialist trade-offs
That capacity comes with a clear trade-off in size, as the Tank X measures approximately 32mm thick and weighs around 751g, placing it well outside mainstream smartphone proportions.
Despite its rugged build, the device includes a 6.78-inch display with a 2460 x 1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, aligning it with modern smartphone expectations for smooth scrolling and media playback.
Performance comes from a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, offering mid-to-upper-tier performance rather than the entry-level chips often found in rugged phones.
Camera hardware includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a 64MP night vision sensor, and a 50MP front-facing camera, which reinforces its role as an all-purpose outdoor tool.
Additional features such as dual SIM support, a microSD slot, GPS, NFC, an infrared transmitter, and a 3.5mm headphone jack further underline the Tank X’s utility-first approach.
The 8849 Tank X is set to launch on February 1, although pricing has not yet been announced.
While its size and weight limit everyday appeal, the Tank X stands out as a concept-style rugged smartphone that explores how built-in projection and extreme battery capacity could reshape outdoor-focused mobile hardware.
