Finding the perfect rugged phone is more challenging than it seems. Your device should have a fully-rugged design, a large battery, and the ability to withstand the toughest of environments. Since there are so many rugged phones to choose from, it’s important to check out some of the best options before making a decision.
Need any advice on buying a rugged phone? Fill out our contact form to connect with a tech expert.
Here’s our selection of the top 20 rugged phones on the market right now:
1. CAT S42 H+ (Top Pick)
CAT has a reputation for making high-quality, rugged phones, and the CAT S42 H+ is no exception. It offers unparalleled resilience with its Gorilla Glass 5.5-inch display and ultra-rugged build. This device is entirely waterproof and even comes with water-resistant seals for internal ports. What’s more, it’s resistant to vibrations, shock, dust, humidity, dust, and extreme weather conditions.
The screen is glove-friendly. This device also comes with powerful speakers, ideal for loud working environments. Anyone who works in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and similar industries, would definitely benefit from the CAT S42 H+.
2. CAT S62 Pro (Top Pick)
The CAT S62 Pro is known as the ultimate rugged smartphone. With IP68, IP69, and Mil-Spec 810H certifications, this device is fully equipped for the outdoors. In fact, it’s so rugged that it doesn’t even need a protective case. Thanks to its military-grade design, it can be immersed in 1.5 feet of water for over half an hour. It can also withstand being dropped from a height of 6 feet.
Taking it a step further, the CAT S62 Pro features a FLIR thermal imaging camera, which can produce quality infrared photos and images. The phone’s frame is made from a TPU non-slip material. The CAT S62 Pro is built to last, with excellent battery life and a programmable PTT button.
3. Nokia XR20
Designed for the long run, the Nokia XR20 has such a sleek, modern design that you would never guess it was a rugged phone. This model is the first rugged device made with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the toughest Gorilla Glass ever produced. The device has all the necessary certifications, including MIL-STD 810 and IP68 ratings, making it resistant to water, drops, scratches, and extreme temperatures.
What’s great about this rugged phone is that it doesn’t lack any of the regular features found on modern smartphones. For example, it comes with two excellent rear cameras and a selfie camera, the Android™ 11 operating system, and a two-day battery life.
4. Ulefone Armor 11T
One of the most impressive models from the Armor series, the Ulefone Armor 11T is an excellent option. It’s the first rugged phone to feature a FLIR thermal imaging camera, which can be more than useful in a variety of industries. This phone is drop-proof, dustproof, and waterproof, allowing you to carry it in all kinds of harsh and risky environments.
Other notable features include a 48-MP5 super camera system, underwater photography mode, a long-lasting 5200mAh Battery, 5G connectivity, and dual SIM card standby. Therefore, this is a great rugged phone for both business and outdoor adventures.
5. Blackview BV9900 Pro
Another rugged phone with FLIR imaging technology, the Blackview BV9900 Pro is definitely an option worth considering. It runs on the Android 10 operating system and has the MediaTek Helio G90 chipset. This rugged phone comes with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G certifications, making it resistant to water, drops, and dust.
Along with the FLIR camera, it has three rear cameras, the main one of which has an impressive 48MP. It even features a so-called “ice mode.” It makes this phone functional at -30 degrees Celsius, allowing you to perform basic tasks, like sending an SMS or calling someone. The display is made from Gorilla Glass 5, and it also features FHD water-resistant technology.
6. Oukitel WP8 Pro
If you’re looking for a non-bulky device that can withstand anything, take a look at the Oukitel WP8 Pro. This phone is 360-degree water-resistant, featuring a waterproof earpiece, speaker, USB port, and buttons. It’s also dustproof and drop-resistant.
This phone weighs just 260 grams, even with the large 5000mAh battery. Not to mention that it has the largest and thinnest body from this series, at only 12.7 millimeters wide. It has a stunning, 6.49-inch HD+ borderless screen.
7. Sonim XP8
The Sonim XP8 is virtually indestructible. It’s designed for people who work in construction, law enforcement, manufacturing, transportation, field service, or any other type of demanding environment. Not only does this device come with a fully-rugged design, but it also has a longer lifespan than regular smartphones.
Thanks to its Gorilla Glass 5 screen and ultra-rugged build, the Sonim XP8 is resistant to water, dust, shock, vibrations, and impacts. The Sonim XP8 offers plenty of other useful features, including a dedicated SOS button, extra-loud speakers, a high-capacity battery, and a glove- and wet-friendly screen.
8. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Unlike other rugged phones, which are compact and bulky, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro has a stunning, sleek design and an amazing 6.3-inch edge-to-edge display. In terms of ruggedness, this phone is MIL-STD 810G-certified and IP68-rated. In other words, water, dust, drops, vibrations, impact, shock, and dramatic temperature changes won’t damage this phone.
The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro features a large capacity 4,050mAh removable battery, a programmable Push-To-Talk button, and Pogo Pin support. It can be immersed in 5 feet of water for up to half an hour and be dropped from a height of 5 feet.
9. Kyocera DuraSport 5G
The Kyocera DuraSport 5G looks like a regular smartphone, but it has an ultra-rugged build. Whether you drop it on concrete or accidentally spill water over it, this device will remain intact. You can even clean it with mild soap or disinfectant wipes. In fact, it can withstand anything you throw at it.
It’s action-ready, featuring a programmable PTT button, 5G connectivity, facial recognition, and a fingerprint sensor. It even comes with fun fitness features. With its high-capacity 4500mAh battery, you’ll get up to 17.75 hours of talk time and 336 hours of standby time.
10. Ulefone Armor 10
Another model from the Armor series, the Ulefone Armor 10 is a world premiere 5G rugged phone. It has all the makings of an excellent device – IP68 and IP69K ratings, a 6.67-inch full-view display, wireless charging, and a variety of sensors.
Thanks to 5G connectivity, this phone will allow you to do everything you want twice as fast. Along with the MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G chipset, you can expect fast performance and reliability from this device.
11. Blackview BV9500 Pro
The Blackview BV9500 Pro offers the highest level of protection against water, impact, and dust. It’s IP68 and IP69K rated, so you can take your phone everywhere without having to worry. Featuring a high-frequency walkie-talkie, you can stay connected in faraway locations.
Paired with a side-place fingerprint sensor, this phone allows for maximum comfort and easy access. It even comes with 10 professional sensors.
12. Doogee S96 Pro
The Doogee S96 Pro has a rugged build and a modern black-gold design that makes it stand out from the crowd. What also makes this rugged phone different from others is its night vision camera which has the capacity to capture black and white images, even in complete darkness.
With IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G certifications, the Doogee S96 is waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof. It also features four satellite navigation systems, and a number of hi-tech sensors, like a fingerprint unlocker, an OTG, a proximity sensor, facial recognition, an ambient light sensor, and more.
13. Motorola Defy
The Motorola Defy has been rigorously tested to withstand the toughest of environments. It’s fully waterproof and can withstand being dropped repeatedly. Despite its fully-protective build, this phone has super-responsive performance and all the state-of-the-art features of a hi-tech smartphone. You can even clean it with soap or sanitizer.
This device has an extra-long battery life of two days, scratch-resistant glass, and an impressive 48-MP quad camera. What’s more, it’s temperature safe, so it can be used at -25 to 55 degrees Celsius or -13 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
14. Unihertz Atom XL
If you work in outdoor environments or places with low signal connectivity, the Unihertz Atom XL might be for you. It doubles as a walkie-talkie, so you won’t have to rely on an internet connection. The Unihertz Atom XL is so lightweight and compact, you can easily carry it in your pocket. It can survive under extreme weather conditions and is water, dust, and shock-resistant.
Its 4300mAh non-removable battery can be charged twice as fast as regular smartphones, and it allows you to use it the whole day. The phone comes with a digital mobile radio (DMR) antenna.
15. Plum Gator 7
The Plum Gator 7 is “everything-proof.” This phone is designed for adventurers and those who go outdoors a lot. With the necessary certifications, it can withstand quite a beating. Some of the features of this phone include face recognition unlock, a high-capacity, 5580mAh battery, and a variety of GPS and compass functions. Not to mention that the Plum Gator 7 has 32GB of ROM, while many rugged phones only come with 4GB.
16. Sonim RS60
The Sonim RS60 is a rugged handheld device with an integrated smart barcode scanner. Despite its extra-tough build, this device is still relatively lightweight, weighing around 14 ounces. Built from high-quality materials, this phone is waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant. It can even function in low-lighting conditions.
It features a multi-shift battery, so you can use it the whole day without charging it. Since the Sonim RS60 is completely sealed, it can repel dust and industrial micro-particles. The 6-inch display is made from Gorilla Glass 3. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the display is sunlight readable and glove-friendly.
17. Doogee S88 Pro
The Doogee S88 Pro is designed for people who work in unpredictable environments, in which they might drop their phone at any time. Thanks to its full-time protection technology and drop-proof design, this device offers good value for money. Its build consists of Gorilla Glass, an aluminum back with rubber, and an aluminum frame.
What’s really impressive about this rugged phone is its huge-capacity non-removable 10000mAh battery, which features fast charging 24W, fast wireless charging 10W, and wireless charging technology 5W. This battery allows for 47 hours of talk time and 780 hours of standby time.
18. Oukitel F150 Bison 2021
If you want a rugged phone that isn’t bulky or plainly designed, take a look at the Oukitel F150 Bison 2021. While you can buy the black model, it also comes in gold. Despite its modern design, it has a heavy build and a protective frame. Thanks to its 8,000mAh battery, this phone has an incredibly long battery life.
This phone is resistant to drops, water, and dust, and it can function in temperatures from -20 to 55 degrees Celsius or -13 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
19. Cubot KingKong Mini 2
If you’re looking for a rugged phone that’s still compact and lightweight, the Cubot KingKong Mini 2 will meet all your requirements. It has a 4-inch QHD+ screen, so you can carry it in your pocket all day long. Most importantly, this phone is sturdy and durable, resistant to water, dirt, dust, and sand. It can even withstand drastic temperature changes and sudden impacts.
20. Ulefone Armor 9
The Ulefone Armor 9 is IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G-certified, making it tough enough to withstand water, dust, and being dropped from 4 feet. This device passed the low pressure, humidity, acidic atmosphere, and solar radiation test. Therefore, the Ulefone Armor 9 is literally protected from all angles.
It features four cameras, one of which is a FLIR thermal sensor. The main camera has an amazing 64MP and integrated 3D HDR technology. Even more notable is the waterproof 3-in-1 endoscope inspection camera.
Talk to a Rugged Phone Expert
Since there are so many rugged phones available in the market, the best thing you can do is consult with a technology expert. Here at Energy Electronics, we offer some of the best-rugged phones you can find, including the CAT S42 H+, the CAT S62 Pro, the Sonim XP8, and the Sonim RS60.
If you have any questions about rugged phones in general, or if you’re interested in a specific rugged phone, feel free to contact us. In addition, if you’re interested in buying rugged phones in bulk for commercial use, we can give you a wholesale quote.
