A rugged phones for AT&T is a smartphone that has been specially designed to handle challenging environments. It comes with a durable exterior that can withstand falls, vibrations, and water submersion. In contrast, the best smartphones for outdoor use focus on durability. They have military-grade protection, tough exteriors, and massive batteries.
Need expert help? Use the contact form below to reach out to our expert tech advisors. They will respond within 1 business hour.
Let’s look at the best-rugged phones for AT&T.
1. CAT S62 Pro – Top Pick for Rugged Phones for AT&T
If you’ve been to a construction site, you are probably familiar with the yellow Caterpillar construction equipment. The company is synonymous with strength and durability and has now lent its name to the CAT S62 line of rugged phones.
The Cat S62 Pro is one of the best-rugged phones on the market. It features a thermal imaging sensor that allows you to detect the temperature of various machines during construction.
The phone comes with a sturdy aluminum frame and TPU rear panel. It has IP68 and IP69 ratings to protect against dust and water, and it features a 5.7-inch Full HD+ display. The S62’s Gorilla Glass 6 can withstand drops from about six feet, and the Snapdragon 660 processor makes it a machine powerful enough to keep up with the demands of a busy, unorthodox workplace.
The S62 Pro is equipped with excellent features that make it a rugged and reliable device. Its waterproof shell and thermal imaging camera make it a great addition to any construction site.
Pros:
- Thermal imaging camera (Learn more about thermal imaging)
- IP68, IP69, and MIL-STD 810H ratings
- Useable with wet or gloved hands
- The EE top pick for rugged phones for AT&T
Cons:
- No 5G capability
- face unlock feature
Ranking: 4.8/5
2. Doogee S97 Pro
Although it doesn’t have the same name recognition as CAT or Nokia, Doogee is known for making durable mobile devices. The Doogee S97 Pro is the company’s latest flagship model, and it features tough metal and rubber construction.
The phone has a massive 8,500mAh battery, comes with a fast-charging feature, and can deliver up to 26 days of standby time. It’s also IP68 and IP69K rated, making it waterproof and dustproof. The S97 Pro ditches the 3.5mm headphone jack for a sleek design and a pair of smart keys on the side.
This phone is an excellent choice for professionals who need to take on-site measurements. The device can measure lengths of up to 40 meters and even calculate volume and area. The S97 Pro has a decent camera with a 48MP sensor. It also features a fingerprint reader and customizable buttons.
The Doogee S97 Pro is one of the fastest smartphones on the market. Its impressive performance and multiple cameras make it an excellent choice for outdoor professionals.
Pros:
- Great battery life
- Laser measurement capabilities
- IP68 and IP69K ratings
- Fast, wireless charging
Cons:
- No 5G
- Heavy
- It doesn’t have the latest MIL-STD rating
Ranking: 4.7/5
3. Sonim RS60
The Sonim RS60’s Gorilla Glass screen is durable enough for workers who require a phone that can withstand challenging conditions. Its fully-rugged exterior allows the device to endure drops and can be handled with wet or gloved hands. The phone is also chemical, water, and dust resistant.
The device’s high-capacity battery can be used for multiple shifts without a recharge. Its in-built scanner performs well in low-light conditions and can also read worn-out codes with ease.
The RS60 is an ideal choice for emergency service workers and anyone who requires a phone that can be used in demanding industrial environments.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Excellent battery life
- Useable when wearing gloves or with wet hands
- Large display
- Includes a barcode scanner
- Good storage capacity
- Dual SIM
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
- Average camera performance
Ranking: 4.6/5
4. CAT S42 H+
The CAT S42 H+ comes with revolutionary Biomaster technology that makes it capable of preventing bacteria from growing on it. The external components of the phone are blended with silver-ion, which is where the phone gets its good germ defense. Its water and chemical-proof ratings mean that you can scrub the phone under running water or disinfectant.
The S42 H+ might not have the fastest processor or camera, but its 4,200mAh battery will last long. Despite these minor drawbacks, it still beats most other smartphones in its class in terms of ruggedness.
This phone is excellent for those in the healthcare field or anyone who regularly comes in contact with harmful pathogens.
Pros:
- Anti-bacterial exterior
- Rugged construction
- Chemical-resistant
Cons:
- Low specs for a modern phone
- No 5G capability
Ranking: 4.6/5
5. Nokia XR20
The Nokia X20 is a rugged phone that doesn’t look clunky. It features a metal frame available in various colors, such as Ultra Blue and Granite Grey. Like most rugged devices, it can be dropped from six feet without damage and has enough processing power for outdoor use.
One of the most striking features of this phone is the after-sales service that includes a three-year commitment to updates, free screen replacement for a year, and an extended warranty. It also comes with 5G connectivity and wireless charging.
Pros:
- Tough but appealing exterior
- Three-year software updates
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Average camera
- Performance could use some improvement
Ranking: 4.4/5
6. AGM Glory Pro
AGM has been known for creating rugged smartphones that look like regular devices. However, with the Glory Pro, they have deviated from their original practice and have made a phone that you are unlikely to mistake for an ordinary smartphone. It features a clean, minimal design and a surprisingly thin bezel.
The Glory Pro has a solid rubber frame designed to prevent the device from getting damaged when dropped. The rear panel has a large circular area that holds the cameras and a slot with an embedded speaker. One of the main selling points of the Glory Pro is its ability to deliver loud sounds of up to 110 decibels. The rear panel also has various features, including a fingerprint reader and a wireless charging port.
The phone has a built-in push-to-talk function and is equipped with an IP68 and IP69K rating, which means it can endure demanding conditions. It can be submerged in up to five feet of water for 30 minutes. Aside from being certified to withstand drops, the phone also comes with various other features that help it endure harsh terrain. One of these is the Arctic Battery, which can keep the device running for an hour even when the temperature drops to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
AGM has added various features to the Glory Pro to attract more users, such as a loudspeaker, built-in thermal camera, wireless charging, night vision camera, and a powerful flashlight.
Pros:
- Strong, rugged exterior
- Excellent battery
- 5G support
- Thermal camera
- Black and white night vision camera
Cons:
- No Gorilla Glass screen
- Average sound quality for the bottom speaker
- Tricky fingerprint sensor
Ranking: 4.4/5
7. CAT S22
The CAT S22 Flip is a new type of flip phone that takes a different path from other models. It features a rugged design and is built to last. This is a phone for people who need a basic phone in a harsh working environment. CAT S22 has a rugged design to survive drops, water submersion, and cleaning with bleach or disinfectant.
Aside from being rugged, the S22 comes with a 2,000mAh battery that can be removed using a screwdriver. You can also access the card slots by sliding the covers back. The S22 has a 2.8-inch screen with Gorilla Glass 5 coating and is operable with wet or gloved hands.
The device comes with a dual-core Snapdragon 215 chipset and runs on Android 11 Go Edition. It has 16GB of internal storage and a micro SD card slot that you can use to store various documents.
The S22 is a rugged smartphone ideal for people who need a tough device to handle calls and text messages.
Pros:
- IP68 water and dust-resistant rating
- Gorilla Glass 5 screen
- Android 11 Go operating system
- Good performance
- Micro SD slot
Cons:
- Small display screen
- Limited 16GB internal storage
- Low camera performance
- Limited battery capacity
Ranking: 4.2/5
8. Sonim XP8
The Sonim XP8 is the successor to the popular XP7. It’s a great device that retains most of its predecessor’s features, but it has also been updated to make it more suitable for challenging terrain. This phone is geared toward first responders, especially those who work in hazardous environments.
Its in-built, congestion-free FirstNet Ready network feature enables it to transmit data in real-time. This means that information can be sent to hospitals promptly, saving lives. The XP8 also includes a Push-To-Talk function that can be used for emergencies.
Like the previous model, the new version of the Sonim XP8 retains its antenna’s top protrusion. However, it loses its octagonal shape and features a more squarish look. It measures 5.98 x 3.12 x 0.7 inches and weighs 11.81 ounces.
Sonim XP8 features a variety of front-facing buttons that are different from those found in other smartphones. These include a dedicated button for connecting various peripherals, such as the laser barcode scanner, alarm key, and the SecureAudio Connector.
Other notable features that were previously available in most smartphones, such as the removable battery and microSD card, are not present in this device.
The ruggedness of the new Sonim XP8 makes it an excellent choice for people who work in harsh environments. It’s beneficial for first responders who require excellent communication capabilities.
Pros:
- Rugged, damage-resistant exterior
- Good storage capacity
- Great battery life
- Good processing power
Cons:
- Small display screen
- Low megapixel camera
Ranking: 4.2/5
9. Blackview BV9900 Pro
Blackview is a well-established and consistent manufacturer of rugged smartphones. The company recently introduced the BV9900 Pro, a follow-up to the BV9800 Pro. Its main selling point is the infrared camera sensor.
This phone sports a more compact design and has a utilitarian feel. It retains the same features as its predecessor, although it loses some of the roundness present in the previous design. The BV9900 Pro comes with IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810G ratings that make it capable of withstanding demanding workplaces. It also comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage and features UFS 2.1, which allows it to store data faster.
It is a good choice for those looking for smart rugged phones for AT&T that can still perform admirably.
Pros:
- Good price point
- Great camera sensor
- Thermal imaging capabilities
Cons:
- No 5G support
- Android 9 OS
- Inadequate storage
- Limited battery capacity
Ranking: 4.1/5
10. CAT S48C
The CAT S48C is a formidable smartphone and is one of the company’s mid-range rugged devices. It’s a quality phone that offers all the basics, including a decent display, good software, and a durable exterior. The phone features a thick case with a black finish and narrow longitudinal canals at the rear and sides for better grip.
The S48C’s front and rear are relatively clean compared to other rugged smartphones. It doesn’t have any screws or additional metal plates, but its sides are cluttered due to the plastic strips and buttons. These are, however, very useful in oily environments.
The phone’s rear camera is the same as its predecessor, the S41, and it features a 13-megapixel sensor with LED flash and phase detection autofocus. It has a 4,000mAh battery that can last for 14 hours when used continuously.
This device is an excellent choice for people looking for rugged phones for AT&T that can endure challenging environments.
Pros:
- Good battery life
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Slightly pricey
- Average camera performance
- No reverse charging
Ranking: 4/5
Why Buying an Unlocked Phone Is the Best Option
Buying an unlocked phone means purchasing a device that isn’t locked to a specific carrier. This means being able to buy the device that sports all the features you are looking for without being limited to the options your mobile carrier has on offer.
Talk to a Rugged Phones for AT&T Expert
When looking for a suitable phone for your business needs, it would be advisable to consult an expert. Energy Electronics specializes in supplying rugged phones suitable for challenging terrain and demanding workplaces.
To get a quote on any of the listed devices, or get a quote on any AT&T device, use the contact form below. We will respond within 1 business hour.
