The new generation of smartphones comes equipped with a certain level of protection. They tend to be water-resistant, and many of them contain Gorilla Glass screens that can withstand the bumps and scrapes of daily life. However, rugged phones would be more suitable for those who need something a little sturdier. These rugged phones for T-Mobile have military-grade ratings that allow them to function in unforgiving terrain.
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Check out the best-rugged phones that T-Mobile has to offer.
CAT S62 Pro
At first glance, it’s hard to tell that the CAT S62 Pro is a rugged phone as it doesn’t have the clunky design you would expect from one. Instead, the device has a sleek aluminum and rubber casing that is pleasing to the eye.
With its impressive IP69 rating, this phone is one of only two phones on the market to meet this standard. It also has MIL-STD 810H and IP68 ratings, making it more than capable of functioning in harsh climates. The S62 Pro has Gorilla Glass 6 and a casing that makes it possible for users to handle it with wet hands or when wearing gloves.
The inner workings of this phone are just as impressive as its exterior. The Snapdragon 660 octo-core, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage allow it to function as well as most smartphones on the market. It also has a thermal imaging camera and a battery capacity of 4,000mAh that can last for two days.
With its military-grade ratings and stellar operational specifications, the CAT S62 Pro is one of the most durable and reliable rugged phones that T-Mobile offers.
Pros:
- Thermal-imaging camera
- Impressive 4,000mAh battery
- Decent display screen
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Performance could be better
- Fairly pricey
Ranking: 4.8/5
Doogee S97 Pro
The Doogee S97 Pro might have a lower screen resolution than its predecessor, but it still has plenty of features, such as a laser rangefinder and an 8,500mAh battery.
The S97 Pro has a utilitarian design made from plastic and gray metal. It’s equipped with a sturdy build, but at 350g, it’s a little on the heavy side. Despite this, the phone is surprisingly easy to handle and comes with a finger reader and customizable buttons.
Although it doesn’t have 5G connectivity, the S97 Pro is one of the fastest smartphones on the market. Its impressive PCMark score and overall performance make it an excellent choice for those looking for a rugged device that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Pros:
- Laser rangefinder
- Affordable price
- Great battery life
- Excellent performance
Cons:
- Screen resolution is low
- Heavy design
Ranking: 4.7/5
Sonim RS60
The Sonim RS60 features a powerful octa-core processor that allows it to handle the demanding tasks required by outdoor workers. Its Gorilla Glass screen makes it durable and will enable you to use it even with wet fingers or when wearing gloves. The device’s rugged exterior makes it waterproof, chemical, and dust-resistant, plus it can survive being dropped from heights.
The phone features a high-capacity battery that can last for multiple shifts and has a built-in barcode scanner that performs well in low-light conditions. With the addition of a customized version of SonimWare, you can use it with almost any smartphone.
The RS60 is ideal for workers and emergency responders who require a durable and rugged device. Its design features are made to endure harsh industrial conditions.
Pros:
- Excellent rugged features
- Long-lasting battery
- Use with wet hands or gloves
- Six-inch touchscreen
- In-built barcode scanner
- Good storage capacity
- Push-to-talk capability
- Dual-SIM
Cons:
- A little heavy
- Average camera capabilities
Ranking: 4.6/5
CAT S42 H+
The CAT S42 H+ sits somewhere in the middle of the CAT rugged range of phones. It doesn’t have as many features as the S620 line, but it’s an upgrade from the S22. If you are looking for a tough phone at a lower price point, you may want to consider the S42 H+.
This phone has IP68, IP69, and MIL-SPEC 810H ratings, making it waterproof and shatter-resistant. It can withstand drops of about six feet onto steel and will still function after submersion in about four feet of water for 35 minutes.
However, the S42 H+’s strongest selling point is its exceptional germ protection. CAT blended all the external parts of the phone with a silver ion-based antimicrobial additive that resists bacterial growth. The device is also waterproof, which means that you can wash it under running water and scrub it clean with disinfectant or bleach. These features make it an excellent option for those working in the health care industry or emergency services personnel.
With its germ-defense casing, CAT created a niche phone for those who find themselves in environments where they may encounter pathogens.
Pros:
- Superior germ defense
- Waterproof and shatterproof
- No case required
- Up to two-day battery life
Cons:
- Low 32GB storage
- Performance could be better
Ranking: 4.6/5
Nokia XR20
The Nokia XR20 is a rugged phone that’s durable yet easy to use. It comes with a decent camera and a bright display, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for form and functionality.
The design of the XR20 is unassuming, with its industrial-inspired metal body and light blue shade. Nokia offers exceptional after-sales service for this phone with a year’s free screen replacement, extended warranty, and long-term software updates.
The Nokia XR20 is the first smartphone to feature the durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It has an IP68 and MIL-STD-810 rating, an emergency button, and a dedicated Google Assistant button.
This phone hits the sweet spot of rugged phones. It’s tough and durable but affordably priced.
Pros:
- Very resilient
- Great after-sales service
- Good battery life
- Wireless charging
Cons:
- 60Hz refresh rate is not great
- Performance could be better
Ranking: 4.4/5
CAT S22
There was a time when the standard phone was a flip phone. Those days are behind us now, which is why the CAT S22’s design may remind you of a bygone era. However, the advantage of this flip feature is the device can be turned on and off without pushing a button. It’s ideal for those who work on job sites where gloves are required, making it challenging to operate their phones conventionally.
The S22 has good battery life, reliable call performance, and an exemplary 2.8-inch touchscreen display. The phone also has Android GO 11, making it a capable communication device.
Pros:
- Durable, rugged design
- Large keypad buttons
- Affordably priced
- Removable battery and storage
Cons:
- A little chunky
- Passable battery
Ranked: 4.2/5
Sonim XP8
The new Sonim XP8 is the successor to the popular XP7 device. The phone has retained most of the features that made its predecessor great, but it also has additional specs that make it more suitable for rugged use.
The Sonim XP8 is not aimed at the general public but targeted at a specific group that mainly works in hazardous conditions. This phone is equipped with FirstNet Ready certification, which ensures that the data sent and received by first responders can be quickly and safely processed. Aside from FirstNet Ready, the XP8 also comes with a Push-To-Talk function that can be used in an emergency.
With its square appearance and antenna, this device was designed to endure the elements and be used in harsh environments. Other features such as the front-facing buttons and the top-mounted PTT button make the XP8 stand out from the crowd. It also comes with various connectivity options, such as the Laser Barcode Scanner, the Channel Select module, and the SecureAudio Connector.
Despite its improved looks and performance, the Sonim XP8 isn’t exactly suitable for everyone. It’s great for people who work in harsh environments and valuable for those passionate about outdoor sports.
Pros:
- Strong, durable construction
- Lightweight design
- Useable with gloves and wet hands
- Several accessories included
- Long-lasting battery
- Dual-SIM and expandable storage
- Three-year warranty
Cons:
- Users have complained of dropped calls
- A little bulky
- Relatively pricey
Ranking: 4.2/5
CAT S48C
The CAT S48C is a rugged smartphone from Bullitt that comes with many features that make the CAT phones reliable in harsh conditions. It features a thick case, a black finish, and narrow longitudinal canals at the rear and the sides.
Compared to other rugged smartphones, its simple design lacks unnecessary plates and screws that don’t do much to increase the phone’s protection. Instead, it has simple buttons that are very useful in oily environments.
The S48C’s rear camera features a 13MP sensor while on the front, it has a 5MP camera. Despite having a lower-resolution sensor, this camera can still shoot good photos in low-light conditions. Its 4,000mAh battery can last for up to 48 hours of continuous use.
The S48C is a rugged smartphone ideal for people who want to go about their outdoor activities without worrying about their device’s safety.
Pros:
- Good battery life
- Rugged construction
- Sizeable display
- NFC-enabled
Cons:
- No reverse charging
Ranking: 4/5
Doogee S88 Pro
If you’re looking for a specifically designed phone for use in harsh environments, then the Doogee S88 Pro should be on your list.
This phone features a great battery and is equipped with useful software features. It also has reverse wireless charging, IP68 rating, and dust-resistant protection, making it an outstanding value.
Although it’s no longer the latest model in the company’s line-up, the rugged phone market doesn’t move as fast as that of other smartphones. Therefore, the S88 is not outdated.
Pros:
- Good performance
- Great battery life
- NFC-enabled
- Reverse wireless charging
Cons:
- Okay camera performance
- A little heavy
Ranking: 3.8/5
Samsung XCover Pro
Samsung revived the XCover series with the release of the Galaxy S4S. Two years later, the company launched the Galaxy XCover Pro, a slightly improved version of the XCover 4.
The Galaxy XCover Pro has a plastic case that’s slightly smaller than its predecessor, but it still has a modern look. It has a rubber-like frame that fits the device and is designed to provide a firm grip. The Galaxy XCover Pro’s rear side is equipped with a unique texture that prevents the device from slipping while you’re holding it.
This phone features a 24-megapixel rear camera that can capture HD videos at 30 frames per second. It also comes with a 13-megapixel secondary camera on the front.
The rear camera of the Galaxy XCover Pro is slightly better than its predecessor. It does a good job of capturing vibrant colors in low light, though it does lose some of its sharpness. Despite this, the overall picture quality is still good. Samsung also made the right choice by equipping the Galaxy XCover Pro with a removable battery that can provide over 11 hours of screen time.
The Galaxy XCover Pro is a good choice for people looking for a rugged smartphone that also looks great. It offers good protection against dust and falls while still looking like a regular smartphone. Compared to other devices in its category, the Galaxy XCover Pro is suitable for active individuals. However, it might not fare as well in harsh conditions.
Pros:
- Waterproof rating
- Tough, durable construction
- Integrated point-of-sale app
Cons:
- 2GHz performance and 4GB RAM could do with some improvement
Ranking: 3.5/5
Why Buying Unlocked Phones Is the Best Option
Unlocked phones don’t have software limiting them to just one mobile carrier. This means you don’t have to be stuck with only the devices your mobile carrier has on offer. You can buy a discounted phone or even purchase one from abroad.
What Is a Durable Rugged Phone for T-Mobile?
A rugged T-Mobile phone is a smartphone that’s specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions. These devices have military-grade ratings that make them more water-resistant, dust-resistant, and shatterproof than the average smartphone.
Talk to a Rugged Phone Expert
Energy Electronics specializes in supplying corporate communication devices to manufacturers, construction companies, and other industry leaders who work in challenging environments. If you would like to acquire rugged phones for your staff, Energy Electronics can help you pick a model that will suit the needs of your business.
