The Toughbook FZ-G2 is the official successor of the Toughpad FZ-G1 – with four CPU cores instead of two (i5-10310U), 16 GB RAM, up to 1000 cd/m² display brightness and MIL-STD-810H a real generational leap, from €849 (as of: October 2026). Nevertheless, at €599 the FZ-G1 MK5 remains an honest recommendation: for documentation, service software and use as a display device, its performance is perfectly sufficient. We show where the differences lie and who should buy which device.
Shared DNA: 10.1 inches, IP65, built for rough work
Both generations are full-rugged tablets in the 10.1-inch format with WUXGA resolution (1920 × 1200), IP65 protection against dust and water jets and a drop-resistant construction to the MIL-STD-810 standard. Both run Windows 11 Pro, can be operated by touch or stylus and are made for the workshop, construction site, warehouse and field service – wherever a consumer tablet would not survive its first month. And both come from us tested and with a 12-month warranty.
What the FZ-G2 does better
- Four cores instead of two: The Intel Core i5-10310U vPro (4 cores / 8 threads, turbo up to 4.4 GHz) has considerably more headroom than the FZ-G1’s i5-7300U – noticeable with parallel applications and large data sets.
- 16 GB RAM as standard instead of 8 GB – several programs run smoothly at the same time.
- Brighter display: up to 1000 cd/m² – very easy to read even in blazing sunshine.
- Newer durability standard: MIL-STD-810H instead of 810G, reinforced corners.
- Active digitizer pen with tether, plus an 8 MP rear camera and 2 MP webcam included.
- SSD choice up to 2 TB: variants with 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB.
Direct comparison
| Toughpad FZ-G1 MK5 | Toughbook FZ-G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-7300U (2 cores / 4 Threads) | Intel Core i5-10310U vPro (4 cores / 8 Threads, up to 4,4 GHz) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| SSD | 256 GB (further variants up to 2 TB in the shop) | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB selectable |
| Display | 10.1" WUXGA, glare-free, capacitive 10-finger touch | 10.1" WUXGA, up to 1000 cd/m², touch + active digitizer pen |
| Protection | IP65, MIL-STD-810G, drop-resistant | IP65, MIL-STD-810H, reinforced corners |
| Condition | refurbished, very good condition, 12-month warranty | grade A stock in top condition, 12-month warranty |
| Price (as of: October 2026) | 599 € | from €849 (2 TB variant €1,299) |
When the FZ-G1 is still the right choice
An honest assessment: if you mainly use the tablet as a rugged display and data-entry device – maintenance logs, checklists, ERP screens, service software, one application at a time – you will hardly notice the generational difference in everyday work. In return you save €250 and more. The FZ-G1 MK5 (i5-7300U, 8 GB, 256 GB) at €599 is the value-for-money tip; the older generation FZ-G1 MK4 is available from €449 (as of: October 2026, 4 GB RAM – only for undemanding single applications). We also stock larger MK5 SSD variants up to 2 TB in the category Panasonic Toughbook & Toughpad.
When the extra cost of the FZ-G2 pays off
You go for the FZ-G2 when the tablet becomes your main working device: several programs in parallel, large software packages, many years of planned service life, work in blazing sunshine or documentation with camera and pen. And if you already know today that your software benefits from four cores, you should no longer invest in the old generation.
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 MK5 – 599 € (as of: October 2026)
Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2 – from 849 € (as of: October 2026)
Practical scenarios from workshop and field service
Both generations shine wherever the device has to go along to the object: in the workshop as a companion right at the vehicle, on the lift or in the engine bay, where a notebook simply finds no room. In field service, the low weight and the carrying handle of the hand-strap version (fitted on the FZ-G1 MK5) score points, on the construction site the drop resistance and the bright, glare-free display. In industry and logistics, maintenance apps, stocktaking and inspection reports run on a device that can also be held out in the rain – thanks to IP65. In short: wherever paper and clipboard used to travel, the rugged tablet replaces both without you having to wrap it in cotton wool.
Who neither tablet is for
If you mainly type and write long texts, you are better served with a semi-rugged notebook (FZ-55, CF-54) – a tablet does not replace a keyboard. And for computationally intensive specialist software (CAD, video editing), even the FZ-G2 is not intended.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FZ-G2 really the successor of the FZ-G1?
Yes. Panasonic continues the FZ-G1 line under the name Toughbook FZ-G2 – the same 10.1-inch full-rugged concept, a more modern platform.
Can I operate both tablets with gloves?
Touch operation with thin work gloves works to varying degrees depending on the glove; with the stylus you are reliably served on both, and the FZ-G2 includes the active digitizer pen.
What does grade A mean for the FZ-G2?
Grade A refers to tested used devices in top condition with minimal to no signs of use – technically flawless, with a 12-month warranty.
Which SSD size makes sense?
For service software and documentation, 256 GB is enough. If you keep large databases or many programs locally, take 512 GB or 1 TB; the 2 TB variant is meant for special cases.
Are there accessories such as docking stations and spare batteries?
Yes, you will regularly find docking stations, power supplies, mounts and styluses for the Toughbook and Toughpad series in our shop.
Not sure which generation suits your use case? Give us a call: 0711-3654 4645. Buying on invoice is possible via Klarna or PayPal.