Construction workers have physically demanding jobs. Their work also requires constant communication with co-workers and supervisors. When choosing a phone, construction workers look for a durable handset with excellent battery life and features built for the outdoors. They will need rugged devices that can withstand the conditions of a busy construction site. Here’s a list of phones best suited to meet the unique needs of construction workers.
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Top 7 Phones for Construction Workers
These phones come with features that the regular smartphone will not have. They are waterproof, have hard casings, and even meet military standards. These devices have been picked for their capabilities in harsh, outdoor settings.
CAT S62 Pro
CAT S62 Pro is the flagship Caterpillar phone. One of the best qualities of this phone is that it combines form with function. The CAT S62 Pro comes with features found on many smartphones while still maintaining its rugged capabilities.
At 128g, the device is surprisingly light but can still handle bumps and bruises. It has a metal casing encompassing the four corners, giving the phone a stylish finish.
Unlike many rugged phones, the CAT S62 Pro comes with Android 10, which you can upgrade to 11. It also has other standard smartphone features like 128GB storage, Snapdragon 660, and an FHD screen. These features make the CAT S62 Pro a powerful machine that can store a lot of apps while still running efficiently. A FLIR thermal imaging sensor enhances its rugged capabilities.
The phone’s battery capacity is 4000mAh, which is a little disappointing for a rugged phone. The CAT S62 Pro’s rear camera also falls short at 12MP, and the phone does not have a wireless charging option.
The CAT S62 Pro comes packed with excellent, military-grade features that deliver outstanding performance. Its camera and battery capacity may be a little disappointing by the phone is well-constructed and can handle the demands of a building site, no matter how remote.
CAT S42 H+
Caterpillar’s rugged phones range from the fully rugged, like the CAT S62 Pro, to others that, while still robust, offer a sleeker design. The CAT S42 H+ sits somewhere in the middle, with an elegant rubber aesthetic but the grit to handle unforgiving conditions.
The phone’s hardware specs are also average. The quad-core Mediatek Helio A20 processor is capable but cannot handle running many apps simultaneously. Its 3GB RAM is small compared to other phones, while the 13MP camera is sufficient but won’t take the best photos.
The CAT S42’s redeeming qualities include Android 10 (which can later be upgraded to 11), a great display, and a 220g lightweight design. Given the low CPU power, the 4200mAh battery capacity should last for one or two days. The phone comes with CAT suite applications that are great for use outdoors.
The CAT S42 H+ may not be a powerful phone, but it can withstand challenging environments. It also comes with impressive software and will run most Android Apps.
CAT S22
With 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable storage, the CAT S22 can perform essential functions. It runs on Android 11 Go and will have many of the functionalities and apps that come with Android devices.
Where the CAT S22 shines is in its durability. It comes with a matte black cover made of a soft-touch material that is easy to handle even when your hands are wet. You can scrub the waterproof phone with water and disinfectant. It only weighs 224g and can be carried with ease.
The CAT S22’s compact flip design can withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations. It has been drop-tested and can survive a fall of six feet, no matter what side it lands on. The phone’s screen is made of Gorilla Glass 5, which is scratch and shatter-resistant. Also, the flip phone design enables users to snap the phone shut to end calls.
With the CAT S22, Caterpillar did not come to play. This is a phone that can function effectively in the toughest of places. The CAT S22 is a device that any construction worker can rely on, irrespective of location.
Kyocera DuraXE Epic
When you first look at the Kyocera DuraXE Epic, you may get the impression that it can take a beating, and you would be right. The phone’s plastic and rubber exterior make it nearly indestructible. It has a waterproof rating of IP68 which means you can take it with you underwater to a depth of 6 feet for 30 minutes. The Kyocera DuraXE Epic will survive a drop of 5 feet and is vibration and shock-proof.
The phone measures 4.36 × 2.22 × 1.07, allowing this 170g flip phone to fit snuggly in your hand. The Qualcomm QM215 processor ensures that the Kyocera DuraXE performs well. It runs on Android 10 and comes with the features you would find on an Android device.
One drawback of the Kyocera DuraXE Epic is that it doesn’t have a touchscreen. Instead, it uses a physical keyboard. This may make it harder to navigate features like apps.
Kyocera DuraXE has download speeds of 33.8 Mbps, faster than many rugged phones in the market. The device’s voice quality is excellent, making it suitable for use on noisy, remote construction sites. One of its most impressive features has to be its removable battery that can last up to 16 hours.
The Kyocera DuraXE is an impressive rugged phone. Its design makes it nearly unbreakable and the software features installed give it the level of high performance you would find in many smartphones on the market.
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. It is 235g water-resistant, dust-proof, and shock-proof, which is not surprising given its IP68 and military 810G ratings. It is a device you can operate while wearing gloves or when it is wet. The device’s polycarbonate material makes this a hardy phone.
The DuraForce Pro 2 runs on Snapdragon 630, giving it the ability to perform tasks seamlessly. Its 4K camera functions underwater, but at 13MP, the image quality will not be much better than passable. However, the Pro 2 has an excellent 5-inch FHD display and comes with a 3240mAh battery with a standby capability of 14 days.
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 is a workhorse of a phone. It’s not only durable, but it also performs well. This is a phone that is not likely to let you down on a job site.
Sonim RS60
The 396g Sonim RS60 is not only a lightweight tablet; it also doubles as a Smart Scanner. With an octa-core processor, this powerful machine can easily handle demanding tasks. With its IP67 and military-grade MIL-STD-810G ratings, the Sonim RS60 is water and dust-resistant and chemical-proof. It can be cleaned with disinfectant, submerged up to 3.28ft for 30 minutes, and not break when dropped.
You can use the Sonim RS60 when its screen is wet or when wearing gloves. Its 6-inch touchscreen is large enough to display data comfortably, and the rubber corners allow for a firm grip.
The RS60 operates on Android 10, an octa-core 2.2GHz processor, and Snapdragon 626. It is, therefore, a good performer and can manage several programs running simultaneously. It’s also one of the few rugged tablets out there that is dual-sim.
The sound quality of the Sonim RS60 is excellent. Its high-quality speakers ensure that sound is delivered optimally even on a noisy build site. The microphone has noise-cancellation technology so that your caller can hear you clearly. With a 13MP camera, the picture quality is only average but can take some decent pictures.
The Sonim RS60 is a reliable device with excellent capabilities. It is a machine that balances performance, design, and durability.
Sonim XP8
The Sonim XP8 can be dropped, jumped on, or dunked in water without getting so much as a scratch. It has IP69 and military MILL-STD-810 ratings making it water-resistant, dust-proof, and absorbs shocks and vibrations. It is also resistant to chemicals.
The Sonim XP8 has a replaceable 4900mAh battery. You may not need to replace it, though, as it has an impressive standby time of 720 hours. That’s about a month of battery life.
This phone is packed full of exciting features. It weighs 335g and has a gyro, barometer, accelerometer, and compass. It also includes a scanner that can process 45 barcodes in a minute.
Sonim XP8 has three microphones that have noise-cancellation technology. Coupled with the 100-decibel speaker, you have clear audio for your calls, even on a chaotic construction site. Additionally, the push-to-talk button turns the phone into a walkie-talkie, offering an extra option for communicating with co-workers. However, at 5 inches, the Sonim XP8 screen is on the small side, which is not ideal for a smartphone.
The device’s Snapdragon SM630 processor and octa-core 2.2Hz chipset make it powerful enough to handle running several apps or programs simultaneously.
The Sonim XP8 will remain functional even in unforgiving conditions. Its built-in features are designed for those working outdoors in challenging environments. The software capabilities of the phone ensure that you have a device that functions almost at the level of smartphones currently in the market.
Tips for Using Phone on Construction Site
Mobile devices can be hazardous on a construction site. They may be a source of distractions resulting in injuries or even fatalities. Struck-by incidents are among the top three causes of workplace accidents. Many of these occurrences are caused by distractions brought about by cellphone use.
Here are some of the ways to avoid phone-related incidents on construction sites.
- Personal cell phones should only be used with the authorization of a supervisor.
- Smartphones should not be used when operating machinery or driving a vehicle.
- The use of personal phones should be restricted to safe zones within the job site.
- Ringers should be turned off entirely when working. The vibrate feature could startle workers into causing an accident.
- Mobile devices should not be operated near flammable substances.
- Create a plan for workers to answer emergency calls. Having a proper procedure in place will significantly reduce the potential for accidents.
- Everyone on the construction site should have equal responsibility for observing safety guidelines.
Best Phone Case Brands for Construction Workers
A construction site presents a higher chance of phone damage. Devices are exposed to elements like dust and water and can easily be dropped. These brands provide rugged phone cases built to withstand challenging environments to protect your phone better.
- Rokform
- Case-Mate
- Ballistic
- Otterbox Defender
- Spigen
Best iPhone for Construction Workers
iPhones are known for their sleek design features. Even though they offer aluminum edges plus scratch and water resistance, they are not built to withstand the challenging nature of a construction site.
Most rugged phones have gone through military-grade testing to ensure that they can survive drops from significant heights. They can also be submerged in water safely and endure exposure to chemicals. iPhones are not manufactured with these requirements in mind. Like most modern smartphones, they are constructed using glass panels that do not do well on a work site surrounded by steel and concrete.
If you are looking for a rugged phone that has the functionality of a regular cellphone, look no further than CAT S62 Pro. It has an elegant design while remaining robust enough for a building site.
Talk to a Technology Expert
Rugged smartphones are specifically designed to handle demanding environments like construction sites. These phones undergo rigorous military-grade testing to ensure that they function even in the most remote locations and under extreme climates.
Different manufacturers focus on various features, so it is essential to understand the specifications of the phone that you are interested in. Some may have greater processing power than others, while other devices may offer a more durable exterior.
When investing in mobile devices for your construction workers, it would be best to talk to a technology expert. With your specific needs in mind, they will walk you through the features of phones available on the market.
Energy Electronics is a leading corporate mobile device distributor with technology experts on hand to assist you with your purchase. The company is a certified reseller of rugged mobile devices, and with their years of experience, you can trust them to provide you with the best mobile device for your needs.
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