Security guards need durable and tough smartphones with built-in resistance to impact, pressure, and shock. Rugged phones with PTT communication, superior GPS connectivity, and powerful batteries take priority over aesthetic features and other bells and whistles. Most importantly, security guards need reliable smartphones that can keep up with their intense and potentially dangerous work environment.
Take a look at our selection of the top 10 smartphones for security guards.
Top 10 Smartphones for Security Guards
1. CAT S62 Pro
The CAT S62 Pro is engineered to meet the most challenging performance industry standards, made with shatterproof Corning Gorilla Glass, and TPU non-slip material casing. This rugged device has IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it resistant to water, dust, and sand. It also has MIL-SPEC 810H certifications, so it can withstand shock, pressure, impact, and vibrations. This CAT phone features a FLIR camera with next-generation thermal imaging, which is an indispensable tool for security guards.
Pros:
- FLIR thermal imaging technology
- PTT communication
- IP68, IP69, and MIL-SPEC 810H certifications
- Break-proof Corning Gorilla Glass
- TPU non-slip material encasing
Cons:
- No face ID
Review: 5/5
The CAT S62 Pro is tough enough to withstand anything. It also offers Push-To-Talk programmable buttons and a fingerprint sensor for easier access. It has been drop-tested from a height of 6 feet and remained intact.
2. CAT S42 H+
The CAT S42 H+ has a fully-rugged design, and it’s resistant to impact, Category 4 vibrations, and rapid temperature changes. You can use the programmable Push-To-Talk button to access something or quickly make a call. The 5-inch screen is made scratch-resistant and shatterproof Corning Gorilla Glass 5. This rugged phone boasts an all-day performance, with a large 4200mAh battery that offers 18 hours of power. The battery also supports fast charging.
Pros:
- Fully-rugged design
- Programmable Push-To-Talk button
- All-day performance
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- Fast charging
Cons:
- No fingerprint sensor
- No wireless charging
Review: 5/5
The CAT S42 H+ is protected from all sides, and it doesn’t even require a protective case. It’s truly a durable device that can withstand almost anything.
3. Blackview BV9800 Pro
This rugged device has IP68, IP69, and MIL-STD 810G ratings. It can be submerged in 1.5-meter-deep water in 30 minutes and survive a 1.5-meter-high fall. The high-capacity 6580Ah battery allows for 27 hours of talk time and even 35 days of standby time. Not to mention that it supports wireless charging. The FLIR camera produces great images during the day and at night. Other useful features include face ID, a fingerprint sensor, global LTE support, high-coverage GPS, a walkie-talkie function, and a PTT button.
Pros:
- FLIR camera
- IP68, IP69, and MIL-STD 810G ratings
- Large 6580Ah battery
- Wireless charging
- Face ID and fingerprint sensor
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
Review: 4.7/5
The Blackview BV9800 Pro has many features that make it an excellent choice for security guards.
4. Samsung Galaxy XCover PRO
The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is made to withstand harsh treatment. It has IP68 and MIL-STD 810 rankings, so it’s waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. It packs a large, replaceable battery that can get you through the entire day and that supports fast charging. This phone features a programmable PTT button for instant communication. It also comes with enhanced glove capabilities. This Samsung phone is compact and can easily fit in your pocket.
Pros:
- Replaceable battery with fast charging
- PTT button
- MIL-STD 810 and IP68 rankings
- Enhanced glove capabilities
- Compact size
Cons:
- Slow performance
Review: 4.5/5
The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro can endure challenging environments, so it would be very useful to security guards.
5. CAT S61
There are many features that make the CAT S61 a great device for security guards. It has a FLIR camera that lets you see in complete darkness, and that can locate a heat source of up to 400 degrees Celsius (752 degrees Fahrenheit). It also comes with a laser-assisted distance measure tool that can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations. The 4500mAh battery allows for 35 hours of talk time and 37 days of standby time. This device is 100% waterproof.
Pros:
- FLIR thermal imaging technology
- Laser-assisted distance measure tool
- Long-lasting battery
- Completely waterproof
Cons:
- Only 4GB of RAM
Review: 4.7/5
The CAT S61 is built to last and has all the rugged features you’re looking for. Its advanced tools can make your job much easier.
6. Ulefone Armor 9
The Ulefone Armor 9 is a powerful, rugged device that can meet all your performance needs. Security guards would benefit from the PTT button, 3-in-1 endoscope, face unlock, fingerprint sensor, and quadruple navigation system. The FLIR thermal imaging camera lets you take pictures in total darkness. This phone can be carried in various ways, with a back clip, sling, armband, and holder, which are all purchased separately. It also boasts a large 660mAh battery, which lasts for two days between charges.
Pros:
- PTT button
- Versatile portability
- Large 6600mAh battery
- Extra security features
- FLIR thermal imaging technology
Cons:
- Only 128GB of internal storage
- No VOC sensor
Review: 4.8/5
This rugged phone is an excellent choice for law enforcement officers and security guards. It’s extremely tough and built for challenging environments. In fact, this rugged phone passed the low pressure, humidity, solar radiation, and acidic atmosphere test.
7. Doogee S90
The Doogee S90 is another great device for security companies. It comes with several add-on modules, including the walkie-talkie, night vision, power, extended battery, and game mods. It packs a long-lasting battery that supports both wireless and fast charging. The face ID and fingerprint scanners allow for quick and easy access. Although it’s bulkier than other models, this rugged phone is built to last.
Pros:
- Supports wireless and fast charging
- Face and fingerprint unlocking
- Clip-on accessories
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Bulky design
Review: 4.6/5
This rugged smartphone is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, so it can keep up with harsh conditions and challenging work environments.
8. CAT S22 Flip
For security guards who would rather have a smartphone that’s more lightweight and compact, the CAT S22 Flip can meet all of your needs. Although it’s smaller, it has the same military-grade as other CAT rugged phones. This flip phone is fully waterproof and resistant to dust, dirt, and sand. It has also been drop-tested from 6 feet. It has plenty of useful physical features, such as a large touchscreen, tactile buttons, and a programmable Push-To-Talk button.
Pros:
- Military-grade protection
- Push-To-Talk technology
- Completely waterproof
- Lightweight and compact
- Large tactile buttons
Cons:
- Not enough storage
Review: 4.7./5
Even though the CAT S22 Flip has a traditional flip-and-fold design, it’s still highly functional, just like any smartphone. However, it has only 2GB of storage, which might not be sufficient for everyone.
9. Sonim RS60
The Sonim RS60 is an all-in-one mobile computer that features an integrated high-speed barcode scanner, which security guards can use to process information. It also packs a high-capacity 8000mAh multi-shift battery that provides you with all-day power. This device is drop-tested and impact-resistant, so it can withstand almost anything. The large 6-Inch Gorilla Glass 3 display comes with an anti-fingerprint coating. Thanks to the integrated Push-to-Talk technology, it offers reliable, instant communication.
Pros:
- All-in-one mobile computer
- High-capacity multi-shift battery
- Integrated barcode scanner
- Large 6-inch Gorilla Glass 3 display
- Drop-tested and impact-resistant
Cons:
- Low storage
Review: 4.8/5
The Sonim RS60 is built to handle rough treatment, and it’s the ideal solution for active work environments. It also comes with a hand strap, so it’s easy to carry.
10. Unihertz Atom XL
The Unihertz Atom XL is a lightweight, compact device that offers 8 kilometers (5 miles) of walkie-talkie connection, for which you don’t even need an internet connection. Even though this smartphone is small, with a 4-inch display, it still packs impressive features like a 48MP rear camera, 360-degree full protection, and a 4,300mAh battery that supports fast charging. Indeed, this device can be fully charged twice as fast as other smartphones.
Pros:
- Walkie-talkie connection
- 360-degree full protection
- Fast charging
- Compact size
Cons:
- Old CPU
- No port covers
Review: 4.6/5
The Unihertz Atom XL is a great choice for security guards because of the walkie-talkie feature and the ultra-rugged design.
What Is a Rugged Phone?
A rugged phone is made from military-grade materials to withstand the toughest conditions. They’re not like regular, thin smartphones that can break easily. Rugged phones are built to last, optimized for outdoor environments and challenging, active working conditions. They can withstand being submerged in water for 30 minutes to one hour and dropped from a height of 1.5 meters. In addition, rugged smartphones are made to withstand extreme temperatures.
They are made for people who work in active environments, whether it’s in a factory or the outdoors. Manufacturing, transportation, law enforcement and security, construction, and healthcare workers can all benefit from rugged phones.
Why Do Security Guards Need a Rugged Phone?
Security guards never know what challenges they’ll face. In most cases, they’re on their feet the whole day. That’s why they need a rugged phone, which won’t break the first time it falls on the ground.
When looking for a rugged phone, certain features are more important than others. This includes durability, Push-To-Talk communication capabilities, a long-lasting battery life, face ID, fingerprint sensors, and reliable performance. Security guards need to be able to contact their colleagues or ask for help quickly and efficiently. Additional features, like a FLIR camera or a night vision camera, clip-on accessories, and excellent service, would also be of great use in various on-the-job situations.
5 Best Mobile Apps for Security Guards
If you work as a security guard, here are the top five apps you should download on your phone.
Life360
Life360 is a family tracking app, but it can also be used by security companies. Some of the features include location sharing, place alerts, one-tap directions, and driver reports. You can use this app to keep track of other security guards who are working on the same site. The app is free and available on the App Store and Google Play.
Evernote
Even though Evernote is essentially a note-taking app, it can be useful to security guards in many ways. It’s a good place to store all your work-related information and allows you to take photos during walk-throughs and checks. If you need to quickly record something or write down a phone number, Evernote can help you. This app would be especially useful to security agency supervisors or managers. It’s free, and you can find it on the App Store and Google Play.
OfficeReports
OfficeReports is an analytics tool that can help you organize all your paperwork, which is done with the Security Guard Reporting feature. It’s like Excel for security guards, where you can store all your files. It’s available for Android and iPhone devices.
iTrack
The iTrack GPS tracking system app should be installed on every security guard’s phone. It allows you to track multiple people at the same time while providing you with a street-level image of their exact location. It’s free and available on Androids and iPhones.
Wiser
Wiser is an extremely useful app that can help security guards, law enforcement officials, first responders, and firefighters. It basically tells people what to do in emergencies by providing accurate information and available resources. It could even help you save someone’s life. It doesn’t cost anything to download this app, and you can find it on Google Play and the App Store.
Top 5 Smartphones for Security Guards Accessories
Here are the best five phone accessories for security guards.
Phone Holster
Security guards need to be free to move around all the time. That’s why a phone holster attached to your belt can be of great use.
Power Bank
A power bank is always helpful, especially if you’re on your feet the whole day and don’t have access to an electrical charger.
External Light
External light can help you if you work night shifts when your phone’s lamp might not be enough.
Phone Case
A phone case helps you make sure your phone doesn’t break if it slips out of your pocket. Keep in mind that rugged phones don’t need cases.
Armband Case
An armband case is similar to a holster, except it goes around your arm. These types of cases are usually adjustable, and they provide you with freedom of motion.
How to Get a Bulk Discount on Rugged Phones
If you would like to get a bulk discount on rugged phones, feel free to contact Energy Electronics. We offer exclusive pricing and the best deals for bulk orders and some of the most advanced rugged phones, like the CAT S62 Pro, CAT S42 H+, CAT S22 Flip, and Sonim RS60.
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