Intrinsically Safe Products
Bartec SP9EX2 vs Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2: 5G Smartphone Compared
Zone 2/22 and Division 2 sites no longer have to settle for last-generation connectivity. The Bartec SP9EX2 and the Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 are the newest 5G-capable smartphones each manufacturer has released for this exact classification, and both showed up in the ISS catalog within the same product cycle. That makes them a genuinely current head-to-head rather than a comparison against an aging model. The gap between them isn’t certification — both clear the same zone — it’s camera resolution and 5G band coverage, and that gap is worth exactly $142.00 in list price.
Not sure which intrinsically safe smartphone class fits your site?
Read our 2026 Guide to Intrinsically Safe Smartphones before comparing individual models.
Why Both Devices Qualify Under ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Zone 2/22
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU places Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust) equipment in Category 3 — areas where an explosive atmosphere is unlikely during normal operation and, if it occurs, does so only briefly. IEC 60079-11 defines the “ic” intrinsic-safety protection sub-level that both devices rely on to meet that threshold: the Bartec SP9EX2 is certified ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 alongside NEC Class 1, 2, 3 Division 2, while the Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 carries the explicit marking II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc / II 3D Ex ic IIIC T135°C Dc under IECEx certificate EPS 23.0021X. Both certifications land in the same zone, which means the decision between them comes down to hardware, not compliance.
Core Specifications: Bartec SP9EX2 vs. Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2
- Certification: Bartec SP9EX2 — ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22, NEC Class 1/2/3 Div. 2. Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 — ATEX Zone 2/22 (Ex ic, Division 2), IECEx EPS 23.0021X.
- Camera / connectivity: Bartec SP9EX2 — 48MP rear / 8MP front, 4K video, 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6. Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 — 13MP rear / 5MP front, extended-band 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6E, Gorilla Glass.
- IP rating: Both — IP68 + MIL-STD-810H.
- Price: Bartec SP9EX2 — $1,860.00 USD. Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 — $2,002.00 USD.
Which One Fits Your Field Team
With certification and IP rating tied, the real decision points are camera resolution, 5G band support, and price:
- Choose the Bartec SP9EX2 if photo and video documentation quality is a core requirement — 48MP with 4K video is a clear step up for reading small labels, gauges, or nameplates.
- Choose the Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 if you operate across multiple countries or carriers and need broader 5G band coverage, or if your fleet is already standardized on Ecom accessories.
- Factor in the $142.00 price gap as a minor input — it’s small relative to the camera and connectivity differences that actually separate these two devices.
- Confirm carrier-specific 5G band compatibility for your region before ordering either model in volume.
Recommended Products for 5G Intrinsically Safe Smartphones: Bartec SP9EX2 vs. Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2
The following products from our catalog are certified for use in hazardous areas and directly relevant to this guide:
| Product Category | Rating / Certification | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Intrinsically Safe Cell Phones | ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 · NEC Class 1/2/3 Div. 2 | Shop Now |
| Intrinsically Safe Cell Phones | ATEX Zone 2/22 (Ex ic) · IECEx EPS 23.0021X | Shop Now |
Shop Certified Intrinsically Safe Cell Phones
Browse the full Intrinsically Safe Cell Phone category for more Zone 2/22 and Zone 0/1 options.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Bartec SP9EX2 and Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2?
The SP9EX2 has a 48MP rear camera with 4K video and Wi-Fi 6, priced at $1,860.00. The Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 has a 13MP rear camera, broader 5G band support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Gorilla Glass, priced at $2,002.00. Both are certified for ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 and carry an IP68 + MIL-STD-810H rating.
Are both phones certified for the same hazardous area classification?
Yes. Both the Bartec SP9EX2 and the Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 are certified for ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22, with the Bartec also covering NEC Class 1/2/3 Division 2 and the Ecom’s ‘Ex ic’ protection level makes it suitable for use in NEC Division 2 locations. Neither has an advantage in zone coverage — the choice comes down to hardware.
Which intrinsically safe smartphone has the better camera?
The Bartec SP9EX2, with a 48MP rear sensor and 4K video recording versus the Smart-Ex 03 DZ2’s 13MP rear sensor. For documentation-heavy roles — reading nameplates, gauges, or small labels — the SP9EX2’s resolution is the more capable option.
Does either phone support 5G in multiple countries?
The Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 is built with extended 5G band support, making it the stronger choice for multi-country or multi-carrier deployments. The Bartec SP9EX2 supports 5G NR but with narrower documented band coverage — confirm carrier compatibility for your specific region before large fleet orders.
Is the price difference between these two phones significant?
Not really — at $1,860.00 versus $2,002.00, the gap is $142.00, small relative to the differences in camera resolution and 5G band coverage. Most buyers should decide based on which of those two features matters more to their operation, not on the price gap itself.
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Conclusion
The Bartec SP9EX2 and the Ecom Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 both represent the current generation of 5G-ready, Zone 2/22-certified smartphones, with matching IP68 + MIL-STD-810H ratings and only $142.00 separating their list prices. The decision comes down to two practical factors: camera resolution, where the SP9EX2’s 48MP sensor leads, and 5G band breadth, where the Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 is the stronger multi-region option. Neither certification nor durability should be the deciding factor here — both are equally solid on that front.
