Best Rugged Phones To Choose From

Here we’re going to provide some of the best rugged phones that are built to endure shocks, drops, and harsh weather conditions, while also offering modern processors, large batteries, and other desirable features.

What Are Rugged Phones?

In today’s world, many fancy smartphones have shiny glass backs just like their screens. But guess what? That glass can easily crack if the phone slips from your hand. Sure, phone companies will happily sell you insurance or super-tough cases, but there’s a cooler option out there: rugged phones.

Rugged phones are like the superheroes of the phone world. They are made to handle tough conditions. They have high ratings for dust and water resistance, plus they’re tested to military standards for durability. This means they’re less likely to break if you drop them. Some even have extra battery power or let you change batteries, so you can keep using them without worrying about charging all the time.

Moreover, rugged phones usually come with a friendlier price tag compared to top-of-the-line flagship models. They don’t bother with fancy high-end cameras, focusing instead on being reliable companions in any situation, minus the extra frills.

They’re just built tough to handle any situation. So, if you’re into outdoor stuff or work in tough places, these phones are perfect. And if you want to, you can always leave your fancy iPhone or Samsung Galaxy at home and use your rugged phone instead when you need it.

The Best Rugged Phones To Choose From

Factors to consider when choosing a rugged phone

Consider these factors when choosing a rugged phone:

Price: Rugged phones come in various price ranges. Big brands may charge more for rugged features, while lesser-known brands offer more affordable options. They’re great for emergency kits due to their long battery life and durability.
Size: Rugged phones are typically larger and heavier than regular smartphones. Sleek models might cost more, so you’ll need to decide if the size is worth the investment.
Features: While all rugged phones are built to withstand tough conditions, some have unique features. For instance, the Cat S62 Pro comes with a thermal imaging camera, which is handy for certain professions. Determine your specific needs before choosing the right option for you.

Cat S62 Pro | Best rugged phone with a thermal camera

Pros:

FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal camera: Equipped with a powerful thermal camera, ideal for various fieldwork tasks such as detecting hot spots.
Fully rugged (IP68/69 and MIL-810H): Built to withstand extreme conditions with high resistance to dust, water, and military-standard durability.
Manageable size: Despite its ruggedness, the Cat S62 Pro maintains a manageable size for everyday use.
Solid battery life: Offers reliable battery performance to keep you powered throughout the day.
Enterprise-ready features: Designed with features tailored for professional use, making it suitable for enterprise environments.

Cons:

No air quality sensor or distance tool from S61: Lacks certain features present in previous models, such as an air quality sensor and distance tool.
Mid-range performance: While capable, the performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor may not match that of higher-end devices.

More Details: The Cat S62 Pro boasts a 5.7-inch display with glove mode, IP68 dust/water resistance, and MIL-STD 810H drop test certification up to 1.8 meters. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and runs on Android 10. The highlight of the device is the FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal camera, capable of measuring temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius. This feature makes it a valuable tool for professionals working in various industries. Despite these features, the FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal camera is the star of the show, with the ability to measure temperatures between -20 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius.

Unihertz Tank | Best Large BatteryRugged Phone

Pros:

Affordable: Offers great value for the price, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Ample RAM and storage: Provides generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth performance and ample space for storing files.
Multi-day battery life: Features an enormous 22,000 mAh battery capacity, capable of lasting multiple days on a single charge.
Stock Android software: Runs on stock Android software, providing a clean and user-friendly interface without bloatware.
Headphone jack: Includes a headphone jack, allowing users to easily connect their wired headphones for audio enjoyment.

Cons:

No 5G support: Lacks support for 5G connectivity, limiting its future-proofing capabilities.
Limited software updates: May receive fewer software updates compared to mainstream devices, potentially impacting long-term performance and security.
Big and heavy: Due to its robust build and large battery, the Unihertz Tank is bulky and heavy, making it less portable compared to slimmer smartphones.

More Details: The Unihertz Tank boasts impressive specifications, including a 6.81-inch display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by a MediaTek MT6789 processor and features a versatile camera setup, including a 108MP main camera, 20MP night vision camera, and 2MP macro camera on the rear, along with a 32MP front-facing camera. The standout feature of the device is its massive 22,000 mAh battery, capable of charging other devices. Despite its bulk, the Unihertz Tank offers excellent value for its reasonable price point.

AGM H6 | Best affordable rugged phone

Pros:

Low price: Offers excellent value for budget-conscious consumers.
Rugged build and certifications: Designed to withstand harsh environments with IP68 waterproof rating, IP69K dustproof rating, and 1.8m shock-resistant test certification.
Large capacity battery: Features a sizable 4,900 mAh battery for extended usage without frequent charging.
Slim form factor: Despite its ruggedness, the AGM H6 maintains a slim profile with a thickness of just 10.75mm, making it easy to carry and handle.

Cons:

No 5G support: Lacks support for 5G connectivity, limiting its future-proofing capabilities.
Single rear camera: Offers only a single rear camera setup, potentially limiting photography capabilities compared to phones with multiple camera systems.

More Details: The AGM H6 boasts impressive specifications, including a 6.56-inch display with a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels. It is powered by a Unisoc T606 processor and offers ample 16GB of RAM along with 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.

The device is certified with various ruggedness standards, ensuring durability in extreme conditions. Despite its rugged build, the AGM H6 maintains a sleek design and is suitable for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. With its affordable price tag, it offers excellent value for users seeking a durable smartphone.

Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 | Best designed rugged phone

Pros:

Sleek: Offers a stylish and modern design that may not resemble typical rugged phones, making it more attractive to users.
Reliable fingerprint sensor: Provides secure and convenient access to the device, ensuring efficient authentication.
Solid camera performance: Equipped with high-quality cameras, including a 64MP wide-angle lens, 16MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro lens, delivering impressive photo and video capabilities.
microSD card and removable battery: Allows for expandable storage up to 1TB with a microSD card and the convenience of carrying spare batteries for extended usage.
Two-year warranty: Provides peace of mind with an extended warranty period, offering protection against potential defects or malfunctions.

Cons:

Expensive: Despite its sleek design and advanced features, the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 comes at a higher price point compared to other rugged phones.

More Details: The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 boasts a 5.38-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080 pixels, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and 6GB of RAM. It offers ample internal storage of 128GB, expandable via microSD slot.

The device features three rear cameras for versatile photography options and a front-facing 8MP camera for selfies. With a robust 4,500 mAh battery and support for wireless charging, the DuraForce Pro 3 ensures long-lasting performance even in demanding environments.

Its IP68 dust/water resistance, MIL-STD 810H shock test certification, and action overlay data make it ideal for outdoor adventures, providing durability and reliability when you need it most. Additionally, user-programmable buttons and glove-friendly touchscreen functionality enhance usability and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro | Best rugged phone overall

Pros:

Samsung ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with other Samsung devices and services, providing a cohesive user experience across multiple devices.
Affordable: Offers value for money with a competitive price point compared to other rugged smartphones.
Samsung DeX support: Enables desktop-like productivity by connecting the phone to a monitor or TV, enhancing versatility for work and entertainment.
Customizable hardware buttons: Allows users to personalize their device by assigning functions to hardware buttons for quick access to frequently used features.
Capable dual rear cameras: Equipped with high-quality cameras, including a 50MP wide-angle lens and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, delivering impressive photography capabilities.
Removable battery and microSD card slot: Provides flexibility for users to easily replace the battery or expand storage capacity using a microSD card, catering to individual preferences and needs.

Cons:

Single physical SIM card slot: Limits connectivity options for users who require dual SIM functionality or prefer using multiple SIM cards simultaneously.

More Details: The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro features a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 2,408 x 1,080 pixels, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor and 6GB of RAM. It offers ample internal storage of 128GB, expandable via a microSD card slot.

The device boasts dual rear cameras, including a 50MP wide-angle lens and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, along with a front-facing 13MP camera for selfies. With MIL-STD 810G 1.5m drop test certification and an IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating, the XCover6 Pro ensures durability and reliability in challenging environments. Additionally, the device features a large capacity 4,050mAh removable battery, Pogo Pin support for accessories, and Samsung DeX support for enhanced productivity and versatility.

Which rugged phone should you buy?

In my opinion, the top choice for a rugged phone is the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro. Not only does it offer robust durability, but it also maintains a sleek profile and works seamlessly across all major US wireless carriers. What sets it apart is its support for Samsung DeX, allowing you to transform it into a desktop-like experience.

Here’s a comparison of some of the best rugged phones available:

Best Rugged Phone	Price	Display Size	Storage
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro	$600	6.6 inches	128GB with microSD
AGM H6	$219	6.56 inches	256GB
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3	$900	5.38 inches	128GB with microSD
Unihertz Tank	$310	6.81 inches	256GB
Cat S62 Pro	$649	5.7 inches	128GB with microSD

Now, which one suits your needs best?

Since all these phones run on the Android operating system, your choice mainly depends on specific features and budget.

Firstly, identify any unique requirements for your work. Whether it’s a FLIR thermal imaging camera, night vision capabilities, a large battery for charging other devices, or a removable battery, look for the phone that meets your specific needs.

Next, consider your budget, as prices range from just over $300 to $900.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro: Ideal for tough fieldwork with DeX support.
AGM H6: An affordable option priced under $250.
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3: A well-rounded 5G rugged phone, especially for Verizon users.
Unihertz Tank: Features a massive battery and powerful flashlight.
Cat S62 Pro: Offers durability along with a thermal camera for specialized tasks.

Are rugged phones worth it?

If you tend to put your phone through tough situations because of work or hobbies, investing in a rugged phone is a smart move. These phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, boasting high IP ratings for dust and water resistance, and undergo military-standard testing for durability. Many also offer extended battery life or the option to swap batteries, reducing the need for frequent charging.

What If You just buy a rugged case?

For loyal Apple users who prefer iPhones, a rugged case is the best option to safeguard your device, as Apple doesn’t offer a ruggedized iPhone model yet. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of weatherproof and rugged cases available, with OtterBox and Urban Armor Gear (UAG) being popular choices. These cases feature multiple layers of protection against drops and shocks, along with port covers to keep water and dirt out. Some models even include kickstands for hands-free use.

What is the most rugged Samsung phone?

In my view, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro stands out as the top choice for Samsung enthusiasts seeking a rugged phone. It boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, along with military-grade shock and drop protection. Additionally, it supports Samsung DeX, allowing you to connect it to an external monitor for a desktop-like experience.