Which scanner covers the wider scan range and symbology breadth needed for your workflow?

The CX4605-3867 is the only model with a documented scan range: 2.2–554 inches (5.6–1,407 cm). This span covers close-proximity retail labels as well as distant warehouse signage or high-shelf bin locations without manual refocusing. No equivalent scan range figure is provided in the CX4438-3627 specifications, so a direct numeric comparison cannot be made for that unit.

Both scanners share a 1D/2D scan engine and list UPC as a confirmed symbology. Neither specification sheet enumerates a full symbology decode list beyond UPC, so buyers requiring PDF417, QR, DataMatrix, or other specific codes should request the full decode matrix from Socket Mobile before specifying either unit. Both devices report a camera-based scan engine designation and both declare Bluetooth LE as the wireless protocol, indicating comparable wireless pairing architecture.

How do the two scanners compare on dust, moisture, and environmental protection?

Both the CX4605-3867 and CX4438-3627 carry an IP67 ingress protection rating under IEC 60529. IP67 certifies full dust-tight closure (6) and withstands immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (7). This makes both units suitable for environments subject to dust, incidental liquid exposure, and routine sanitation washdowns.

Both models also comply with RoHS standard EN 50581, confirming restriction of hazardous substances in line with EU directives. Neither specification provides operating temperature range, drop-resistance height, or MIL-STD-810 rating beyond the IP67 seal. Storage temperature and battery life fields are listed as 'Information' in both data sets, meaning those values were not supplied in the source specifications and cannot be reported here.

Which model includes accessories in the box, and how do both units connect to host platforms?

The CX4438-3627 package contents are explicitly documented as: Scanner plus a Charging Dock. The inclusion of a charging dock in the base SKU is a concrete procurement advantage for deployments where a powered docking solution is required at each station, as it eliminates a separate line-item accessory purchase. The CX4605-3867 specifications do not list package contents, so whether a dock, cable, or other accessories ship in the box is not known from the provided data.

Both models declare USB and Bluetooth as interface options. Both use Bluetooth LE, enabling pairing with iOS, Android, and Windows host devices without a proprietary dongle. The CX4605-3867 specifications additionally note primary use cases of warehouse, logistics, and retail with inventory tracking, POS, and WMS applications called out. The CX4438-3627 similarly targets retail POS, warehouse, and field inventory. Both carry a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Which should you choose: the CX4605-3867 or the CX4438-3627?

Our take: The CX4438-3627 is the stronger out-of-box choice for fixed-station deployments where a charging dock is required, because it includes the dock in the documented package contents—an accessory not confirmed in the CX4605-3867 SKU. Conversely, the CX4605-3867 is the only model with a specified scan range (2.2–554 in / 5.6–1,407 cm), making it the defensible specification-backed pick for environments requiring verified long-range decode such as high-bay warehousing or overhead signage. Both units are identically rated IP67 and EN 50581 RoHS-compliant, so ruggedization does not differentiate them. Battery capacity, drop rating, and full symbology lists are absent from both data sets. Buyers prioritizing a dock-included bundle should specify the CX4438-3627; buyers who need a documented scan range guarantee for warehouse-depth reads should specify the CX4605-3867.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• Socket Mobile CX4605-3867 product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• Socket Mobile CX4438-3627 product page — full specs and to add to a quote