Zebra DS3678 vs CipherLab A2564S2BS0001: Specification Comparison
The Zebra DS3678-HP2F003VZWW and CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 are both cordless handheld barcode scanners designed for mobile scanning in industrial and commercial environments. The DS3678 is a high-performance 1D/2D area imager with FIPS 140-2 compliance and ultra-rugged construction, while the A2564S2BS0001 is a Bluetooth 1D linear imager built for standard warehouse and retail scanning tasks. Buyers evaluating cordless scanning solutions often cross-shop 1D and 1D/2D options to determine whether expanded decode capability and durability justify the differences between these two product profiles.
In This Guide
- What can each scanner decode, and how fast does it perform?
- How does each scanner handle drops, dust, liquids, and temperature extremes?
- What are the wireless connectivity, battery life, and device management capabilities of each scanner?
- Which should you choose: the DS3678 or the A2564S2BS0001?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What can each scanner decode, and how fast does it perform?
The DS3678 uses a 1D/2D area-imager engine with a 1280x800-pixel sensor, decoding both linear barcodes and 2D symbologies including QR codes, Data Matrix, and PDF417, at up to 100 scans per second. Its minimum resolution reaches 1 mil for 1D codes and 6.6 mil for 2D codes, and it supports OCR, photo capture, document scanning, and signature capture. Multi-code capture allows simultaneous reading of up to 20 barcodes in a single scan. Scanning range extends from near contact to 7 ft./2.1 m.
The CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 uses a 1D-only linear imager engine with a scan rate of 578 scans per second — significantly faster on pure linear reads. It decodes a broad set of 1D symbologies including Code 39, Code 128, UPC/EAN/GS1-128, Codabar, GS1 DataBar, ISBT-128, and several pharmacodes. Scan range varies by code density: Code 39 at 3 mil reads 3–10 cm, at 5 mil reads 2–14 cm, and at 20 mil reads up to 60 cm. No 2D decode capability is listed. Minimum print contrast is specified at 15%.
How does each scanner handle drops, dust, liquids, and temperature extremes?
The DS3678 is rated ultra-rugged with a 8 ft./2.4 m drop specification to concrete and a tumble specification of 5,000 tumbles at 3.3 ft./1 m. It carries dual IP ratings of IP67 and IP65, meaning it is fully dust-tight and rated for temporary immersion as well as sustained low-pressure water jets. Operating temperature spans -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) and storage temperature extends to -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C), making it suitable for cold-storage and outdoor industrial deployments.
The CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 is rated IP65, providing full dust protection and resistance to low-pressure water jets from any direction. No drop specification, tumble rating, or independent operating/storage temperature range is listed in the provided specifications. IP65 is adequate for typical warehouse splash and dust environments but does not cover immersion. Buyers requiring rated drop survivability or temperature-range documentation should note the absence of those published figures for the CipherLab unit.
What are the wireless connectivity, battery life, and device management capabilities of each scanner?
The DS3678 uses a proprietary Zebra cordless radio (the specific protocol is not stated in the provided specs beyond 'Cordless') and pairs with Zebra charging and communication cradles. Its 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery delivers up to 100 hours of operation per charge with a 2.5-hour charge time. Device management is supported through Zebra's 123Scan configuration utility and Scanner Management Service (SMS), enabling centralized fleet configuration and monitoring. FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliance addresses wireless security requirements in regulated and government environments.
The CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 connects via Bluetooth, making it compatible with a broad range of hosts without a proprietary cradle requirement. No battery capacity, battery life hours, or charge time are listed in the provided specifications. No device management software platform is cited. The unit carries a 2-year warranty. Buyers who require specific battery runtime guarantees or centralized scanner management should verify those details with CipherLab directly, as the published spec sheet does not address them.
Which should you choose: the DS3678 or the A2564S2BS0001?
Our take: The DS3678 is the stronger choice when scan versatility, extreme ruggedness, and managed deployment are the primary requirements. On decode capability, the DS3678 reads both 1D and 2D symbologies plus OCR and supports multi-code capture of up to 20 barcodes simultaneously, while the A2564S2BS0001 is limited to 1D linear codes. On ruggedness, the DS3678 is rated for 8 ft./2.4 m drops to concrete and 5,000 tumbles versus no published drop or tumble rating for the CipherLab. On battery, the DS3678 specifies up to 100 hours per 2.5-hour charge; the A2564S2BS0001 publishes no battery life figure. The CipherLab's 578 scans/second linear read rate exceeds the DS3678's 100 scans/second, which may favor high-throughput 1D-only conveyor or retail checkout scenarios. The DS3678 suits regulated, multi-surface industrial environments requiring FIPS compliance; the A2564S2BS0001 suits lighter-duty Bluetooth 1D scanning where host-agnostic connectivity is the priority.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Zebra DS3678 | CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner Type | 1D/2D Area Imager | 1D Linear Imager |
| Connectivity | Cordless (proprietary radio) | Bluetooth |
| IP Rating | IP67 and IP65 | IP65 |
| Drop Specification | 8 ft./2.4 m to concrete | — |
| Tumble Specification | 5,000 tumbles at 3.3 ft./1 m | — |
| Scan Rate | Up to 100 scans/second | 578 scans/second |
| Scanning Range | Near contact to 7 ft./2.1 m | 3 mil: 3–10 cm; 20 mil: up to 60 cm |
| Image Sensor | 1280 x 800 pixels | — |
| Minimum Resolution | 1D: 1 mil; 2D: 6.6 mil | — |
| Multi-Code Capture | Up to 20 barcodes | — |
| Battery Capacity | 3000 mAh Li-Ion | — |
| Battery Life | Up to 100 hours | — |
| Charge Time | 2.5 hours | — |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) | — |
| FIPS Compliance | FIPS 140-2 Level 1 | — |
| Warranty | — | 2-Year Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the DS3678 or the A2564S2BS0001?
The DS3678 is the stronger choice when scan versatility, extreme ruggedness, and managed deployment are the primary requirements. On decode capability, the DS3678 reads both 1D and 2D symbologies plus OCR and supports multi-code capture of up to 20 barcodes simultaneously, while the A2564S2BS0001 is limited to 1D linear codes. On ruggedness, the DS3678 is rated for 8 ft./2.4 m drops to concrete and 5,000 tumbles versus no published drop or tumble rating for the CipherLab. On battery, the DS3678 specifies up to 100 hours per 2.5-hour charge; the A2564S2BS0001 publishes no battery life figure. The CipherLab's 578 scans/second linear read rate exceeds the DS3678's 100 scans/second, which may favor high-throughput 1D-only conveyor or retail checkout scenarios. The DS3678 suits regulated, multi-surface industrial environments requiring FIPS compliance; the A2564S2BS0001 suits lighter-duty Bluetooth 1D scanning where host-agnostic connectivity is the priority.
Can the CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 read QR codes or 2D barcodes?
No. The A2564S2BS0001 is a 1D linear imager only. Its listed symbologies include Code 39, Code 128, UPC/EAN/GS1-128, and similar linear codes, but no 2D symbologies such as QR Code, Data Matrix, or PDF417 are listed. If your application requires 2D decode, the Zebra DS3678 supports those formats.
How do the drop ratings compare between these two scanners?
The Zebra DS3678 is rated for drops of 8 ft./2.4 m to concrete and 5,000 tumbles at 3.3 ft./1 m, and carries IP67/IP65 dual ratings including immersion protection. The CipherLab A2564S2BS0001 is rated IP65 for dust and water-jet resistance, but no drop specification or tumble rating is published in the available product specifications.
Which scanner is better for environments with strict wireless security requirements?
The Zebra DS3678 carries FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliance, which satisfies wireless security mandates in U.S. federal, defense, and regulated-industry deployments. No FIPS or equivalent security certification is listed for the CipherLab A2564S2BS0001. If FIPS compliance is a procurement requirement, the DS3678 meets it; the CipherLab unit's security certification status should be confirmed directly with CipherLab.
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