In today’s world, smartphones have become essential to our lives. We carry them everywhere, and they are prone to damage from falls, spills, and rough usage. More than regular smartphones may be required for those who work in harsh environments or lead an active lifestyle.

This is where rugged smartphones come into play. This article will look at some of the best-rugged cell phones and smartphones available in 2023 that are built to withstand extreme conditions and rough handling.

Who Should Buy a Rugged Cell Phone Or Rugged Smart Phone?

Rugged cell phones and smartphones are designed to withstand harsh environments and extreme conditions that a regular smartphone might not be able to handle. These phones are ideal for people who work in rugged industries, such as construction, mining, or oil and gas.

They are also great for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, campers, and adventurers who need a phone that can withstand extreme temperatures, water, and dust. Additionally, rugged phones are an excellent choice for people who have active lifestyles and need a durable phone to keep up with their activities.

Best Rugged Cell Phones

 Nokia XR20 rugged smartphone

The Nokia XR20 is a rugged smartphone that was released in 2021. It has a 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor, and it comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The Nokia XR20 runs Android 11 and is powered by a 4630mAh battery. It also features a 48-megapixel primary camera and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. In addition, the phone is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance and has a MIL-STD-810H rating for ruggedness.

Ulefone Armor 9 FLIR rugged smartphone

The Ulefone Armor 9 is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand extreme conditions and comes with FLIR thermal imaging camera. It is a heavy-duty smartphone that can handle harsh environments with ease. Its durable, rugged design can survive drops, shocks, and even water submersion.

An octa-core processor powers the Armor 9, runs on the Android 10 operating system, and features a large 6.3-inch display. The standout feature of this phone is its FLIR thermal imaging camera, which can detect heat signatures up to 450°C and capture images in total darkness.

This makes it a perfect device for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and construction workers who need a durable smartphone with advanced thermal imaging capabilities.

Samsung Electronics Galaxy 4G LTE Xcover PRO Rugged

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover Pro is a rugged smartphone for outdoor use and extreme environments. It was released in 2020 and featured a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage (expandable up to 512GB with a microSD card).

An Exynos 9611 processor powers the device and runs on Android 10. The Xcover Pro also has a 4,050mAh battery and supports fast charging.

In addition, it comes with IP68 certification for dust and water resistance and a MIL-STD-810G rating for durability against shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and more. Other features include:

• A dual rear camera setup (25MP + 8MP).
• A 13MP front-facing camera.
• NFC.

A programmable button that can be customized to launch specific apps or functions.

Blackview BV8800 Pro rugged smartphone

The Blackview BV8800 Pro is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand tough environments. It is built with military-grade materials and has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. The phone features a 6.3-inch FHD+ display and is powered by an octa-core processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

It also has a large 5580mAh battery that can last up to two days on a single charge. The BV8800 Pro has a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, which supports 4G LTE connectivity. It runs on Android 10 and has a fingerprint scanner for added security.

Unihertz Atom XL, The Smallest DMR Walkie-Talkie Rugged Smartphone Android

The Unihertz Atom XL is a rugged smartphone with a DMR walkie-talkie, making it an ideal choice for outdoor adventurers and workers in rugged environments. It runs on Android 10 and features a 4-inch display, a 48MP rear camera, and an 8MP front camera.

It also has a MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB with a microSD card). In addition, the Atom XL is IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certified for water and dust resistance and can withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures.

Ulefone Power Armor 14 Pro Rugged Smartphone 2022

The Ulefone Power Armor 14 Pro is a rugged smartphone released in 2022. It features a 5.7-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and is powered by a MediaTek Helio A25 processor with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

It has a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera and runs on Android 11. The phone is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance and has a large 5200mAh battery. It also features NFC, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, and supports dual SIM cards.

The Ulefone Power Armor 14 Pro is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and drops, making it an ideal choice for those who need a durable smartphone for work or outdoor activities.

Cat S62 Pro rugged smartphone

The Cat S62 Pro is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand extreme conditions, including water, dust, and drops. It is built to military-grade specifications and features a thermal imaging camera, making it an ideal choice for construction, maintenance, and emergency services professionals.

The phone runs on the Android 10 operating system and has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. It also has a 5.7-inch Full HD+ display and a 4,000mAh battery.

Oukitel WP8 Pro rugged smartphone

The Oukitel WP8 Pro is a rugged smartphone designed for people who work in tough environments or are frequently exposed to the elements. It is an excellent option for those who need a phone that can withstand water, dust, and drops.

In addition, the phone has a large battery, a tough exterior, and many other features that make it an ideal choice for people in construction, transportation, or other fields needing a reliable phone that can handle the job’s demands.

Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, Blackview BV4900Pro 4G Dual SIM Unlocked Cell Phone

The Blackview BV4900Pro is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand tough environments. It is equipped with a 5.7-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels and is powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 processor.

The device comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. It also features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies.

The Blackview BV4900Pro runs on Android 10 and is powered by a 5580mAh battery. It is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance and can withstand drops up to 1.5 meters.

DOOGEE S98 PRO Rugged Smartphone, 8GB+ 256GB Android 12

The DOOGEE S98 PRO is a rugged smartphone that was released in 2022. It has a 6.39-inch display with a 1560 x 720 pixels resolution. An octa-core MediaTek Helio P90 processor powers the phone and has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card.

One of the standout features of the DOOGEE S98 PRO is its rugged design, which is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance and can withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures. It also has a built-in GPS, compass, and gyroscope, making it a good option for outdoor enthusiasts.

The DOOGEE S98 PRO runs on the Android 12 operating system. It has a 16MP front-facing camera and a triple rear camera system, including a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera.

It also has a large 8500mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging. In addition, the phone is unlocked and can be used with GSM carriers.

Rugged Cell Phone Factors

There are several factors to consider when choosing a rugged cell phone:

1. Durability: A rugged cell phone should withstand drops, shocks, water, and dust. Look for devices that are certified with military-grade standards for durability.
2. Battery Life: A rugged cell phone should have a long battery life, primarily if you use it in remote areas with scarce power sources.
3. Screen: The screen should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand scratches and shattering.
4. Camera: A good camera is essential for capturing images and videos, especially if you use the device for work.
5. Operating System: Choose a rugged cell phone with a reliable operating system that suits your needs.
6. Price: Rugged cell phones can be more expensive than regular smartphones, but the extra durability may be worth the investment.
7. Accessories: Check for the availability of accessories like cases and screen protectors to ensure you can keep your device protected for longer.

What is the most rugged cell phone made?

There is no definitive answer to what is the most rugged cell phone made of as it depends on various factors such as the manufacturer, model, and the specific type of ruggedness needed for the intended use.

However, some of the market’s most popular rugged cell phone manufacturers include CAT, Nokia, Ulefone, Blackview, and DOOGEE, among others.

In addition, it’s essential to consider the durability ratings of a phone, such as IP and MIL-STD certifications, as well as other factors such as drop resistance, water resistance, and dust resistance when determining the ruggedness of a cell phone.

Ultimately, the best-rugged cell phone meets your specific needs for durability and performance.

Which phone is rough and tough?

Several phones are considered rough and challenging, but it ultimately depends on the level of ruggedness you are looking for.

Some of the most rugged phones on the market include the Caterpillar S62 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover Pro, and the Blackview BV9900 Pro.

These phones are designed to withstand harsh environments and are often dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof.