Datalogic GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP vs Datalogic GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B: Specification Comparison
Both the Datalogic GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) and the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500) are handheld 2D area imager barcode scanners from Datalogic's Gryphon I line, targeting retail, healthcare, warehouse, and logistics environments. Both share USB/RS-232/Keyboard Wedge wired interfaces, IP52 ingress protection, Green Spot good-read confirmation, and 5-year warranty coverage. The primary differentiators are Bluetooth generation, symbology breadth, weight, and specific ergonomic dimensions — all factors a buyer should weigh when selecting between the two generations.
In This Guide
- Which scanner offers stronger wireless connectivity and interface breadth?
- Which scanner reads a broader range of barcodes and symbology types?
- How do the two scanners compare on form factor, weight, and environmental ruggedness?
- Which should you choose: the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP or the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which scanner offers stronger wireless connectivity and interface breadth?
The GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) supports Bluetooth 5.2 Classic and Low Energy (LE), including HOGP keyboard emulation over BLE, giving it a materially newer radio than the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500), which is specified at Bluetooth 4.0. Bluetooth 5.2 offers improved range, data throughput, and coexistence over 4.0 in dense RF environments such as warehouse floors or busy retail lanes.
The 4600 also explicitly lists GS1 Digital Link and Digital Watermarking among its supported symbologies — neither appears in the 4500's spec sheet. Both scanners share USB, RS-232, and Keyboard Wedge wired interfaces. For deployments where wireless reach, modern BLE peripheral pairing, or next-generation GS1 symbologies are required, the 4600 holds a documented advantage; the 4500's Bluetooth 4.0 is adequate for legacy cordless cradle configurations but does not offer BLE or HOGP.
Which scanner reads a broader range of barcodes and symbology types?
The GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) lists the following symbologies: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN, GS1 Digital Link, and Digital Watermarking. The GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500) lists QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 39, UPC, and EAN — omitting Code 128, GS1 Digital Link, and Digital Watermarking per its provided specs.
Code 128 is one of the most widely used linear symbologies in logistics and healthcare; its absence from the 4500's documented symbology list is a notable gap for buyers operating in those verticals. GS1 Digital Link and Digital Watermarking support on the 4600 positions it for emerging GS1 standards adoption. Both units share an omnidirectional 2D area imager scan pattern and both include the Datalogic Green Spot good-read confirmation. The 4600's spec sheet additionally calls out a high-speed dual-core processor; the 4500's specs do not specify processor architecture.
How do the two scanners compare on form factor, weight, and environmental ruggedness?
Both scanners carry an IP52 ingress protection rating — dust-protected (5) and splash-resistant (2) — making them equally suited for light industrial or retail environments where minor liquid exposure is possible but full washdown is not required.
Drop tolerance is documented only for the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) at 0.5 m to concrete; no drop rating is provided in the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500) spec data supplied. On weight, the 4600 spec sheet lists 240 g, while the 4500 body spec lists 161 g with a marketing note of 222 g — an internal inconsistency in the 4500's provided data that cannot be resolved from the specs alone. Dimensionally, the two units share a depth of 4.29 in; the 4500 is wider at 6.54 in vs. the 4600's 8.27 in width. Battery capacity is specified at 3,250 mAh for the 4600 and 3,250 mAh for the 4500 — nominally identical, though the 4600 also lists a separate 250 mAh figure (likely the cradle or secondary cell) not explained in the 4500 data.
Which should you choose: the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP or the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B?
Our take: The GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) is the stronger choice when wireless capability, symbology breadth, or future-proofing against GS1 standards are priorities. Three concrete spec deltas drive this: Bluetooth 5.2 Classic + BLE with HOGP on the 4600 vs. Bluetooth 4.0 on the 4500 — a full generation gap that affects pairing flexibility and RF density tolerance; a documented 0.5 m drop rating on the 4600 vs. no drop rating stated for the 4500; and Code 128, GS1 Digital Link, and Digital Watermarking symbology support on the 4600 that does not appear in the 4500's spec sheet. The GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B may suit buyers on tighter budgets who need only the core six symbologies and operate in environments where Bluetooth 4.0 cradle connectivity suffices, but critical spec gaps — no drop rating, an unresolved weight discrepancy (161 g vs. 222 g in its own data) — reduce confidence in deploying it without additional vendor datasheet verification.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Datalogic GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP | Datalogic GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B |
|---|---|---|
| Series / Family | Gryphon I 4600 | Gryphon I 4500 |
| SKU | GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP | GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B |
| Scan Engine | 2D Area Imager | 2D Area Imager |
| Scan Pattern | Omnidirectional | — |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 Classic & BLE (HOGP) | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Wired Interfaces | USB; RS-232; Keyboard Wedge | USB; RS-232; Keyboard Wedge |
| Symbologies — 1D | Code 128; Code 39; UPC; EAN; GS1-128 | Code 39; UPC; EAN |
| Symbologies — 2D | QR Code; Data Matrix; PDF417; GS1 Digital Link; Digital Watermarking | QR Code; Data Matrix; PDF417 |
| IP Rating | IP52 | IP52 |
| Drop Rating | 0.5 m to concrete | — |
| Weight | 240 g | 161 g (spec) / 222 g (marketing note — inconsistent) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 66 × 165 × 94 mm (2.6 × 6.5 × 3.7 in) | 16.6 × 6.8 × 10.9 cm (6.5 × 2.7 × 4.3 in) |
| Battery Capacity | 3,250 mAh Lithium-Ion | 3,250 mAh Lithium-Ion |
| Good-Read Confirmation | Datalogic Green Spot | Datalogic Green Spot |
| Processor | High-speed dual-core | — |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 5-Year Factory Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP or the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B?
The GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) is the stronger choice when wireless capability, symbology breadth, or future-proofing against GS1 standards are priorities. Three concrete spec deltas drive this: Bluetooth 5.2 Classic + BLE with HOGP on the 4600 vs. Bluetooth 4.0 on the 4500 — a full generation gap that affects pairing flexibility and RF density tolerance; a documented 0.5 m drop rating on the 4600 vs. no drop rating stated for the 4500; and Code 128, GS1 Digital Link, and Digital Watermarking symbology support on the 4600 that does not appear in the 4500's spec sheet. The GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B may suit buyers on tighter budgets who need only the core six symbologies and operate in environments where Bluetooth 4.0 cradle connectivity suffices, but critical spec gaps — no drop rating, an unresolved weight discrepancy (161 g vs. 222 g in its own data) — reduce confidence in deploying it without additional vendor datasheet verification.
Is the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP or GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B better for healthcare environments requiring Code 128 scanning?
Based on the provided specs, the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) is the documented choice: Code 128 is explicitly listed in its symbology set. Code 128 does not appear in the GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500) spec sheet as supplied. Healthcare buyers relying on Code 128 for wristbands, medication labels, or lab samples should verify the 4500's datasheet directly before specifying it.
Can either scanner work wirelessly without a cable, and which has the better Bluetooth?
Both scanners include Bluetooth for cordless operation. The GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) uses Bluetooth 5.2 Classic and Low Energy (LE) with HOGP keyboard emulation, enabling direct BLE pairing to tablets, POS terminals, and modern host systems. The GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500) is specified at Bluetooth 4.0, which supports Classic pairing with compatible cradles but does not offer BLE or HOGP. For deployments with dense RF or modern BLE hosts, the 4600 holds a documented advantage.
Which scanner is rated for drops, and does ruggedness differ between the two models?
Only the GBT4600-HC-BTK1-HP (Gryphon I 4600) has a documented drop rating in the provided specs: 0.5 m to concrete. The GD4590-HCK10-HDR-B (Gryphon I 4500) specs do not include a drop tolerance figure. Both carry an IP52 ingress protection rating, making them equal on dust and splash resistance. Buyers in environments where accidental drops are likely should note that only the 4600 has a confirmed drop specification in the data provided.
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