People might not realize it, but bartenders can have special needs when it comes to a smartphone that is suited for their line of work. That means a phone can operate with wet hands or one that can survive an accidental dunk in water or alcohol. If you’re a bartender looking for just the right device, we’ve compiled a list of the best smartphones for your industry. Check them out here.
CAT S62 Pro

The CAT S62 Pro is a tremendous all-around rugged smartphone with a brand-new look and a few upgraded features. This device has a great combination of specs to make an excellent standard smartphone. These include an FHD display, a Snapdragon 660 chipset, and 128GB storage. It also has useful features such as a tough exterior, a built-in FLIR sensor, and an extra programmable button.
Ranking: 4.8/5
This phone is built with superior construction and impressive features that make it easy to use in harsh conditions. It can take some abuse and keep working correctly.
Pros:
- Tough but aesthetically pleasing exterior
- Runs on Android 10
- 128GB storage capacity
Cons:
- Disappointing 12MP rear camera
- Doesn’t have wireless charging
Verdict
The CAT S62 Pro is an excellent device if you’re looking for a flagship smartphone with a good user experience. Talk to our technology experts if you want to know more about what makes the CAT S62 Pro one of the best-rugged phones. You can reach them by filling in the contact form at the bottom of the page.
CAT S42H+

The S42 H+ is an updated version of the Cat S42, another device from the CAT line of rugged phones. It uses silver ions embedded in the exterior components to make it the first phone with antibacterial protection. This makes the S42H+ ideal for people who work in environments with pathogens. The phone features an IP68 rating and rubber construction, making it incredibly resilient. A layer of Gorilla Glass 5 protects its 5.5-inch display.
Ranking: 4.7/5
The Cat S42H+ is a rugged smartphone with a silver-ion coating that prevents bacteria from growing. This makes it a great choice for environments like bars, where it’s essential to maintain high hygiene standards.
Pros:
- Excellent germ-defense exterior
- Waterproof construction
- Doesn’t require a case
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Low storage capacity
Verdict
The CAT S42H+ is an excellent phone for bartenders. Not only is it waterproof, but it also has a unique antibacterial coating that’s useful in places where hygiene standards need to be maintained. Talk to a technology expert about the CAT S42H+ by filling in the contact form at the end of the page.
iPhone 13 Pro Max

With the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple has built a phone that remains functional even if it falls into the water. It has an IP68 rating that makes it water- and dust-resistant. The device also has impressive cameras and a large display, perfect for capturing those cocktail photos even in low light.
Ranking: 4.7/5
The iPhone 13 Pro Max will not let you down if you are looking for a waterproof phone. Even if it’s accidentally submerged in a sink full of glasses, it will continue to function.
Pros:
- Excellent cameras
- Great performance
- Has cinematic mode
- Big, bright display
Cons:
- Could do with faster charging
- Cinematic mode is limited to 1080p
Verdict
The 13 Max Pro is a great, reliable waterproof phone. It can withstand the rigors of bar life while having the best cameras that smartphones have to offer. Our industry experts are on hand to give you more information about the 13 Max Pro. You can reach them through the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the latest flagship device from the company. It features IP68 water resistance and two telephoto lenses. The phone has a 6.8-inch HD display with a dynamic refresh rate that offers an effortless user experience. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the first phones to contain the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
Ranking: 4.6/5
This dynamic device packs more features than you will probably need. It is waterproof and reliable but comes with a price tag that matches its premium features.
Pros:
- Large, bright display
- Faster S Pen feature
- Excellent camera performance even in low light
- Fast 45W charging
Cons:
- High price tag
Verdict
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a robust, versatile, reliable phone. It features a great display and a powerful camera, which are improvements over previous models. If you are looking for more information on Samsung’s flagship phone, reach out to our industry experts using the contact form at the bottom of the screen.
Sonim RS60

The Sonim RS60 features a powerful octa-core CPU that can handle the most demanding tasks without a hitch. Its Gorilla Glass screen is ideal for those who may need to use the phone with wet or gloved hands. The device has a fully rugged exterior that’s waterproof, as well as dust- and chemical-resistant.
Aside from being durable, the RS60 also comes with a built-in barcode scanner that can perform well in low-light conditions. With the addition of a customized version of the SonimWare app, users can enjoy more versatility and efficiency.
Ranking: 4.6/5
The RS60 features a durable build that can endure harsh conditions. Its high-capacity battery lasts for long periods, making it ideal for multiple shifts.
Pros:
- Military-grade resilience
- Long-lasting battery
- Can be used with wet or gloved hands
- Large touchscreen display
- Has a barcode scanner
- Good storage capacity
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Camera performance isn’t ideal
Verdict
The Sonim RS60 is a rugged smartphone that can handle various tasks and conditions. You can use it in diverse industries, including bartending. Talk to one of our industry experts if you are interested in acquiring this device. They can be reached using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
OnePlus 10 Pro

The OnePlus 10 Pro has a gorgeous design, great cameras, and an impressive battery life. It also comes with an IP68 rating, which means it can endure water submersion. The phone’s price tag makes it a more appealing choice than some premium, high-end smartphones. Its cameras and software work great, especially when images are viewed through the 120Hz display.
Ranking: 4.4/5
The goal of the OnePlus 10 Pro is to be a legitimate flagship device that rivals the likes of Samsung and Google. Its sleek design and sophisticated features make it a viable alternative to the big brands.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life
- Runs on OxygenOS 12
- Great cameras
Cons:
- Only has 3 years of updates
Verdict
The OnePlus will give you the waterproof qualities you are looking for, great battery life, and good performance at a more affordable price than better-known brands. To learn more about this device, reach out to our industry experts using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Google Pixel 6 Pro

The latest version of Google’s flagship phone, the Pixel 6 Pro, features an all-new design with an IP68 water resistance feature. It’s also the best camera phone Google makes and comes with a Tensor chip for enhanced performance. The impressive hardware and software of the Pixel 6 Pro phone make it an ideal Android device for use in a hectic bar environment. It can survive a dunk in up to 1.5 meters of water.
Ranking: 4.2/5
Pros:
- Excellent cameras
- Great Tensor performance
- Gorgeous design
- More attractive price point
Cons:
- Battery life could do with some improvement
- The fingerprint reader is a bit unreliable
Verdict
The Pixel 6 Pro is a powerful phone that can handle various tasks and applications. It also has an excellent rugged rating that makes it ideal for use in a bar. If you are interested in purchasing a Google Pixel 6 Pro, contact one of our experts using the form at the bottom of the screen.
iPhone SE

The new iPhone SE features the A13 Bionic processor, which is the same one used in the 2019 flagship models. It features a glass-and-aluminum design and is equipped with wireless charging. The mobile computer also comes with water resistance, which means it can endure submersion of up to 3.3 feet for half an hour.
Ranking 4.1/5
The price of the iPhone SE makes it an ideal choice for budget-minded consumers looking for a durable phone.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- A13 Bionic performance
- Great cameras
- Wireless charging
Cons:
- Doesn’t have 5G support
- Doesn’t have night mode
Verdict
The iPhone SE is the best value iPhone yet, with a wide variety of features and a premium design. It’s the closest thing to a rugged phone that you’ll find at this price point. Contact us using the form below and our experts will walk you through the device’s unique features.
Sony Xperia 1 III

The Sony Xperia 1 III is a great smartphone that combines a top-tier display with great battery life, perfect for those long days (or nights) behind the bar. The company’s approach to smartphones might not be for everyone, but if you are looking for something a bit different, you should look at this device. The device features 12GB of RAM and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. It delivers impressive performance and plenty of storage space for the average user.
Ranking: 4/5
Smartphones might not be the first thing you think of when you hear Sony. However, with this phone, the company has proved that it can create durable, reliable devices that measure up to those made by well-established brands.
Pros:
- Fantastic battery life
- Great display
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Can be challenging to handle
- Doesn’t have a fingerprint sensor
Verdict
For those who love Sony’s Android phones, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a great choice. It features a beautiful screen, a powerful battery, and a versatile camera. It’s a bit pricey, but its durability is worth the price tag. Learn more about the Sony Xperia 1 III phone by contacting our experts using the form at the bottom of the page.
Oppo Find X3 Pro

The Oppo Find X3 Pro is a great phone that’s packed with a lot of exceptional features. Its impressive display and top-tier camera are just some of the reasons why it’s considered such a great smartphone. The X3 Pro is a powerful device as it features a Snapdragon 800 processor and 128GB of storage. Despite its curved glass design, the Oppo X3 Pro still has plenty of durability features, such as IP68 water resistance and dust resistance.
Ranking: 3.8/5
The Find X3 Pro is a great phone. Its display is stunning, its battery life is impeccable, and its core specs are hard to fault. However, it’s a bit on the high side as far as the price is concerned.
Pros:
- Impeccable display
- Long-lasting battery
- Excellent cameras, including a microlens
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a periscope lens
- Is not very affordable
Verdict
This phone looks great and is a device you can comfortably use at the bar. However, it’s somewhat pricey. Our experts can help you determine if this is the phone for you. Reach out to them using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
What Is a Rugged Device?
A rugged phone is a device made to endure the rigors of outdoor life or challenging work environments. They are often equipped with military-grade features that make them more durable than the average smartphone.
Why Bartenders Need a Rugged Phone

Bartending can be an exciting career, but the bar can be a challenging environment for smartphones. There are lots of liquids in the workplace that your phone can accidentally fall into. It may also be difficult to operate your device with wet hands. A rugged phone can easily overcome these challenges, making it ideal for bartenders.
Five Best Mobile Apps for Bartenders

Mobile apps can significantly enhance your phone’s capabilities by allowing you to do more with your device. These are some of the best apps for bartenders.
Cocktail Flow
The app features hundreds of cocktail recipes that will have you mixing drinks with ease.
Perfect Drink
The program offers instructions on mixing drinks, including the correct ratios for the indicated ingredients.
Distiller
Distiller helps you select the perfect brand of liquor for a specific cocktail. The app uses reviews from other bartenders and industry experts to come up with the right bottle for your cocktail.
Highball
The app allows you to upload your masterpiece cocktail creations. You will also be able to organize them according to your preference or store your favorite recipes.
Modern Classics
Modern Classics features a list of contemporary cocktails curated by legendary drinks expert Robert Simonson.
Top Five Bartender Add-On Accessories

Mobile phone accessories are designed to improve the usability of your phone. Check out some useful add-ons for your device.
Screen Protector
Although many smartphones come with Gorilla Glass, it would still be good to use a screen protector. The accessory will protect the glass from scratches and cracks that would otherwise affect the display.
If you’d rather not use a screen protector, check out our full list of rugged smartphones, which require no additional protection.
Rugged Phone Case
Bartending will occasionally leave you with hands that are wet a good portion of the time. This means that your phone can easily slip into water when handled. A rugged phone case will have a grip that makes the device less likely to drop from our fingers. It will also protect your smartphone if it does fall into the water.
Smartwatch
A smartwatch comes in handy because it allows you to manage your phone functions more conveniently.
Phone Sanitizer
Because we carry our phones everywhere with us, they tend to be rather unhygienic. A phone sanitizer will thoroughly clean your device, ensuring that it’s safe for use in the bar.
Headset
A headset will allow you to take calls while your hands are occupied. You can then mix and serve your drinks while carrying on a conversation.
How to Get a Bulk Discount on Rugged Phones

If you are looking for the greatest deals on rugged phones, Energy Electronics has got you covered. We offer excellent discounts on bulk orders, saving you money on the best phones for your industry.
Talk to a Technology Expert
When buying phones for your business, it would be best to speak to an industry expert for quality advice. Fill out the contact form below for a quick response from the team at Energy Electronics.