The SL20 is a full-touch mobile computer operated without a physical keypad, using a 5.45-inch (1440 x 720) on-screen keyboard and 5 programmable side scan keys. There are two M3 Mobile spec sheets, the 2020 edition (SS-SL20) and the May 2024 SL20 X/W edition (SS-SL20XW), so the operating system, battery, and SIM configuration differ by edition.
Differences between the 2020 edition and the 2024 SL20 X/W edition
| Item | SL20 spec sheet (2020-12) | SL20 X/W spec sheet (2024-05) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 11 (GMS, AER) | Android 13 (GMS) |
| Processor | 2.3 GHz octa-core | 2.0 GHz octa-core |
| Battery as shipped | 3.8 V 3,000 mAh, 5,000 mAh optional | 3.8 V 5,000 mAh (all models) |
| Weight | 236 g (3,000 mAh) / 250 g (5,000 mAh) | 250 g (with battery) |
| SIM | 1 nano SIM + 1 combined nano SIM/SAM | 1 nano SIM + 1 eSIM (X model only) |
| Sealing | IP65 | IP67 |
| Storage temperature | -40 to 75°C | -30 to 80°C |
In the 2024 edition, LTE and SIM are only on the X model, and the W model is the Wi-Fi model. Both editions have 4 GB/64 GB, microSD up to 512 GB, an operating temperature of -20 to 55°C, repeated 1.5 m drops to concrete across the operating temperature range (MIL-STD-810G), and 1,000 tumbles at 0.5 m.
SE4710 imager reading distances
Both editions read 1D and 2D codes with the SE4710 imager, reading Code 39 20 mil at 5.08-76.2 cm and 4 mil at 8.4-22.4 cm. The thinner the barcode, the narrower the range of distances at which it reads.
Hot swap and wireless configuration
It supports hot swap, which briefly keeps WWAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth sessions alive while the battery is changed, and also fast charging. Wi-Fi is 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 1x1 MU-MIMO with 802.11r, OKC, and CCKM fast roaming; Bluetooth is 5.0 BLE (Class 2); and LTE supports VoLTE voice calls.
Android updates and SPEEDPACK
The 2020 edition carries a footnote that upgrading to a new Android version requires an M3 SPEED CARE service contract. Scanning a few setting barcodes created on a PC with the M3 SPEEDPACK StartUp tool sets several units to the same configuration.
For sites that need a physical keypad, see the PM352; for a 5-inch Android 8.1 full-touch model, see the SL10.
