If you're someone who loves outdoor adventures or works in tough conditions, you need a phone that can keep up. Rugged phones are built to handle drops, dirt, water, and extreme temperatures. In this article, we'll look at some of the best rugged phones available today. These phones have been tested for durability, battery life, features, and price to make sure they can survive whatever you throw at them.
Key Takeaways
- Doogee S100 Pro: Known for its amazing battery life and durability.
- Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3: Offers a great display and strong build.
- AGM H6: A budget-friendly rugged phone with solid features.
- Cat S75: Sleek design with robust durability.
- AGM Glory G1S: Comes with special features like thermal and night vision cameras.
Doogee S100 Pro
The Doogee S100 Pro is a standout in the rugged phone market, designed to endure the harshest conditions. This rugged cell phone excels in safeguarding against drops from heights up to 6ft, submersion in 4ft of water for 30 minutes, and complete protection in dusty environments.
The phone features a 6.58-inch display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It runs on a Helio G99 Octa-Core 2.2GHz processor, paired with up to 20GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot up to 2TB.
Camera System
The Doogee S100 Pro boasts an impressive camera setup:
- 108MP main camera for 4K video and photography
- 20MP night vision lens for low-light environments
- 16MP wide-angle lens for landscape shots
- 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies
Battery Life
Equipped with a massive 22000 mAh battery, the S100 Pro ensures long-lasting performance, making it ideal for extended outdoor activities.
Additional Features
- Fingerprint sensor for added security
- Two-year warranty for peace of mind
- Android 12 operating system
The Doogee S100 Pro is not just a phone; it's a reliable companion for those who need a device that can withstand extreme conditions.
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3
Meet the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3, the smartphone built for tough conditions that offers protection from drops, shock, and extreme temperature. This rugged phone is designed to endure rough handling with IP68 dust/water resistance and MIL-STD-810H shock test certification. It can handle up to a 1.5-meter drop on concrete and is HazLoc certified as non-incendive.
The DuraForce Pro 3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The phone also supports a microSD card with up to 1TB of additional storage. The 4,500 mAh battery is removable, so you can carry spares and not worry about finding a place to charge. Wireless charging is also supported, so you don't need to remove the bottom USB-C port plug to top it off.
The phone features a 5.38-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080 pixels. The camera array includes a 64 MP main camera, a 16 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2 MP macro lens. The front camera is 8 MP. The stereo speakers face front and output audio at 100dB+ with AI-driven noise cancellation.
Three user-programmable buttons are available so that you can quickly launch your favorite app or perform key functions with the simple press of a button. The phone also supports using the phone when you are wearing gloves.
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 is built like a tank, with a sturdy design that can withstand drops and other physical torture. It is one of the best Verizon alternatives to an iPhone or Samsung phone. However, it is Verizon-only, so if you don't have a Verizon account, you might want to consider other options.
Pros
- Rugged build and certifications
- Large capacity battery
- Slim form factor
- Verizon 5G compatible
Cons
- Some performance hiccups
- Low-light photos are lackluster
AGM H6
The AGM H6 is a budget-friendly rugged phone that doesn't compromise on durability. Weighing just 240 grams and with a thickness of 10.75mm, it might not look like a rugged phone, but it can handle tough conditions. Survival is the name of the game with the AGM H6, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating, IP69K dustproof rating, and 1.8m shock-resistant test certification. The frame around the display is raised 0.4mm above the screen to help protect it, and extra corner protection is provided for drops. The USB-C port and headset jack are sealed with covers, which is a thoughtful touch.
The AGM H6 is perfect for those who plan to ski, hike, fish, and explore the outdoors. It's especially sleek for a rugged phone, and at the sub-$300 price, its durability features are totally worth it. Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and Walmart love the price and value of the AGM H6, but are mixed on the phone's fingerprint detection for unlocking the device.
Specifications
- Display: 6.56 inches (1612 x 720-pixel resolution)
- CPU: Unisoc T606
- RAM: 16GB
- Internal Storage: 256GB with microSD
- Rear cameras: 50MP main and 2MP macro
- Front camera: 8MP
- Battery: 4,900 mAh
- Weight: 240g
Pros
- Slim and sleek design
- Dual SIM card slot doubles as storage expansion
- 2MP macro lens has underwater mode
- Affordable
Cons
- Uses older Android OS
- SIM card slot is finicky
- Somewhat flimsy rubber port covers
The AGM H6 is a great choice for anyone needing a simple but tough smartphone for making calls, reading emails, and updating documents outside and in.
Cat S75
The Cat S75 is a top choice for those who need a rugged phone that doesn't compromise on design. Weighing just 268 grams, it has a sleek look similar to an early iPhone, making it easy to carry in a work pants or safety vest pocket. This phone is built to handle tough environments while still looking good.
The Cat S75 features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens with an underwater mode. This makes it great for both nature photography and industrial use. It also has 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card that doubles as a second SIM card slot for international calls.
Specifications
- OS: Android 12
- Screen: 6.6 inches, 2408x1080p
- Ratings: IP68, IP69K
- Weight: 268g
- CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 930
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (expandable to 2TB)
- SIM: Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- Battery: 5000mAh
Pros
- Specialized features for niche professionals
- IR and thermal cameras
- Water and shock resistant
- 3.5mm AUX and USB-C connections
Cons
- Uses older Android OS
- SIM card slot is finicky
- Somewhat flimsy rubber port covers
The Cat S75 is a great option for those who need a rugged phone that can handle extreme conditions without looking like a brick. Its sleek design and specialized features make it a standout choice.
Stay connected almost anywhere with the Cat S75, thanks to its satellite messaging service by Bullitt, which is already available in Europe and will soon be available in the USA and Canada. This feature ensures you can stay in touch even when you're out of cell tower range.
AGM Glory G1S
The AGM Glory G1S is a top choice for those needing a rugged phone with specialized features. This phone is built to withstand extreme conditions, boasting IP68 and IP69K certifications for water, dust, and shock resistance. It can survive drops from up to 4 feet and can be submerged in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes.
One of the standout features of the AGM Glory G1S is its 20MP night vision camera. This camera uses both infrared and thermal imaging to capture clear images in low-light conditions. Additionally, the phone includes a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots and a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
The AGM Glory G1S also comes with a built-in laser pointer, which is useful for presentations, work-site inspections, and survey projects. However, the phone has some drawbacks, such as a proprietary 4-pin charging dock and a USB-C port that may be too deep for some cables.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.53 inches (2,160 x 1,080-pixel resolution), LCD |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB with microSD slot |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main, 20MP infrared night vision, 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5500 mAh |
| Weight | 315g |
Pros
- Specialized features for niche professionals
- IR and thermal cameras
- Water and shock resistant
- 3.5mm AUX and USB-C connections
Cons
- Proprietary 4-pin charging dock
- USB-C port may be too deep for some cables
- Incompatible with some US cell networks and apps
The AGM Glory G1S is designed for just about any edge case you might need to put it through. Its ruggedized phone chassis and specialized features make it a reliable choice for extreme conditions.
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro 5G
The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro 5G is a rugged phone designed for those who need durability without sacrificing modern features. This phone is part of the larger Samsung ecosystem, making it a great choice if you already use other Samsung products.
The XCover6 Pro 5G boasts a 6.6-inch LCD screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, ensuring it can withstand scratches and cracks. The screen also has enhanced touch capabilities, allowing you to use it with gloves, even when wet. The phone has passed MIL-STD-810G testing and has an IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust, dirt, sand, and water.
Under the hood, the phone is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide camera on the back, along with a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
One of the standout features is the removable 4,050mAh battery, allowing you to swap it out easily when needed. The phone also supports dual SIM cards (one Nano SIM and one eSIM) and comes with Samsung's enterprise firmware for over-the-air updates. It also supports Knox Platform for Enterprise for security and Knox Manage for device management.
Pros
- Compatible with the larger Samsung ecosystem
- Removable battery
- 5G compatible
Cons
- Small-to-average battery
- Selfie cam is small
For those who need a rugged phone that integrates seamlessly with other Samsung devices, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro 5G is a solid choice. Its durability and enterprise features make it suitable for both personal and professional use.
Nokia XR21
HMD Global's Nokia XR21 takes rugged to a new level. The company claims this model can withstand the pressure of a 100-bar water jet and bills this phone as drop-proof, dustproof, and waterproof. Indeed, it has an IP rating of IP69K, where the "9K" connotes the maximum protection level against water, including pressure washers. The 6.49-inch 1,080 by 2,400 pixel screen has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, works with gloves in wet conditions, and carries a 1-year screen replacement guarantee.
Unlike many rugged phones, the Nokia XR21 targets everyday consumers for whom extremes are a lifestyle. After all, I think we can all agree that there's something nice about knowing your phone can handle whatever you throw at it — whether it's extreme temperatures (-4 degrees to 131 degrees Fahrenheit) or extreme elements such as rain, snow, sand, and dirt.
The phone has stereo speakers, AI-enhanced imaging with a 64 MP wide and 8 MP ultrawide rear camera array, and a 16 MP front camera. The phone has military-grade MIL-STD-810 protection, and it is drop-proof from up to 1.8 meters, more than enough to cover it falling from your hands. It uses a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 processor with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, all in a relatively sleek design.
Notably, HMD Global provides a three-year warranty, plus it promises three years of OS upgrades and four years of monthly security updates. You can buy the Nokia XR21 for $500 at Amazon. If that's too pricey for you, consider the Nokia XR20 5G, the previous model that now sells for $349 at Amazon.
Sonim XP10
The Sonim XP10 is an ultra-rugged smartphone designed for those who endure the toughest workdays. This device is built to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for frontline workers and first responders. It has been tested and validated to MIL-STD-810H standards, ensuring it can handle excessive heat, cold, noise, humidity, vibration, and shock.
The Sonim XP10 features Non-Incendive Class I, II, and III Div 2 ratings, which means it is safe to use in hazardous locations. The phone has undergone rigorous testing, including drop tests onto concrete from up to 1.5 meters, ensuring its durability.
Key Features
- MIL-STD-810H Compliance: Tested for 13 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, dust, shock, and water resistance.
- Non-Incendive Ratings: Safe for use in hazardous locations with Class I, II, and III Div 2 ratings.
- Drop Tested: Can withstand drops from up to 1.5 meters onto concrete.
- Waterproof: Certified IP68, making it resistant to dust and water.
The Sonim XP10 is built for those who need a phone that can handle the harshest environments. Whether you're dealing with extreme temperatures or rough handling, this phone is up to the task.
Motorola Defy
The Motorola Defy is a budget-friendly rugged phone that doesn't skimp on durability. Built to withstand tough conditions, it features a thermoplastic frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection. This phone is MIL-STD-810G compliant, meaning it can handle drops from up to 1.8 meters and is dust and water-resistant with an IP68 rating.
The Motorola Defy (2021) is powered by a 2.0 GHz octa-core processor and comes with 4GB of RAM. It offers 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via microSDXC. The phone runs on Android 10, with an update to Android 11 promised.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.5 inch 720x1560px (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus)
- Cameras: 48 MP + 2 MP + 2MP (rear); 8MP (selfie)
- OS: Android 10 / 11
- CPU/GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2GHz & 4 x 1.8GHz Kryo) / Adreno 610
- Memory: 64GB + microSDXC
- RAM: 4GB
- Dust/Water Protection: IP68 (1.5m for 30mins)
- Drop Test: 1.8m
- Rugged: MIL-STD-810G compliant
- Practical Features: Accelerometer, proximity, compass, fingerprint
- Size: 170 x 78 x 11 mm
- Weight: 232g
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable for its rugged features
- Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery
Cons:
- Uncertain coverage in the USA
- Camera performance is average
The Motorola Defy is a solid choice for those needing a rugged phone on a budget. While it may not have the best camera, its durability and battery life make it a reliable option for extreme conditions.
AGM Glory G1 Pro
The AGM Glory G1 Pro is a top choice for those needing a rugged phone that can handle extreme conditions. This 5G phone is built to withstand harsh environments, including very low temperatures. It features a 48MP thermal-imaging camera with high resolution and frame rate, making it ideal for capturing detailed images in challenging conditions. The phone is also equipped with a 20MP infrared night vision camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
The AGM Glory G1 Pro is designed to be drop-proof, dust-proof, and water-proof, ensuring it can survive drops, dust, and water exposure. It has a cold-resistant battery, a powerful 3.5-watt speaker that can output 110db, and a dual-torch design for better visibility in low-light conditions.
Key Features
- 48MP thermal-imaging camera
- 20MP infrared night vision camera
- 2MP macro lens
- 16MP front camera
- Cold-resistant battery
- 3.5-watt speaker with 110db output
- Dual-torch design
- Drop-proof, dust-proof, and water-proof
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent thermal imaging
- Resilient to -40˚C
- Powerful speaker
Cons:
- Charging dock sold separately
- Weighty
The AGM Glory G1 Pro is a reliable choice for those who need a rugged phone with specialized features for extreme conditions. Its robust design and advanced camera capabilities make it stand out in the market.
Conclusion
Choosing the right rugged phone can make a big difference in how well you handle extreme conditions. These phones are built to last, with features like long battery life, durability, and special tools like thermal cameras. Whether you're an adventurer, work in tough environments, or just need a phone that can take a beating, there's a rugged phone out there for you. Remember to consider what you need most in a phone, like battery life or special features, and pick the one that fits your lifestyle best. With the right rugged phone, you can stay connected no matter where you are or what you're doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rugged phone?
A rugged phone is a tough version of a regular smartphone. It's built to resist water, dust, drops, and extreme temperatures. These phones are often tested against military standards to ensure they can handle rough conditions.
Are rugged phones worth it?
If you often find yourself in tough environments or have a job that puts your phone at risk, a rugged phone is a good investment. They are designed to last longer and withstand harsher conditions than regular smartphones.
What's the difference between a rugged phone and a regular smartphone?
Rugged phones have reinforced designs to protect against drops, water, and dust. They often have larger batteries and may include features like thermal imaging or night vision, which you won't find on regular smartphones.
Do rugged phones have good cameras?
While rugged phones may not have the high-end cameras found on flagship smartphones, many still offer decent camera quality. Some even come with special features like thermal imaging or night vision.
Can I use a rugged phone as my everyday phone?
Yes, you can use a rugged phone as your everyday phone. They offer many of the same features as regular smartphones but are built to be more durable.
Is it better to buy a rugged phone or just a rugged case?
A rugged phone is built from the ground up to be durable, while a rugged case only adds protection to a regular smartphone. If you need maximum durability, a rugged phone is the better choice.
