Rugged phones are smartphones built to survive dust, water and drops, and this category holds over 90 models for outdoor work, building sites, warehouses and hiking. You will find models from Ulefone, myPhone, Hammer, Samsung and Blackview.
Most are thicker and heavier than ordinary phones, but they have a larger battery and a tougher body.
How to choose a rugged phone
Protection rating. Look for IP68 or IP69K. IP68 means full protection against dust and submersion in water, while IP69K also withstands high-pressure hot water jets. Drop resistance is often backed by MIL-STD-810H, but this is a set of tests run by the manufacturer, so it is worth checking the stated drop height as well.
Battery. Most rugged phones have a battery of 5000 mAh or more, and some are well above that. If you work long shifts or spend days without a chance to charge, choose a higher capacity and check whether fast charging is supported.
Screen and controls. Outdoors the screen needs to be bright enough to read in sunlight, and the touchscreen should respond to wet fingers or gloves. Some models have physical or programmable buttons that are easier to press in gloves. Check the weight too, as some models weigh over 300 g.
Software and connectivity. Check the Android version and how long the manufacturer promises updates. Also see whether the phone has 5G, NFC and a dual SIM slot if you need them for work or travel.
Extra features. Some rugged phones come with a night vision camera, a walkie-talkie mode, a bright torch or a louder speaker. Choose only what you will actually use, because these features add to the size and weight of the phone.
Brands in our range
- Ulefone: known for its Armor series of rugged phones, and the brand with the most models in our range.
- myPhone and Hammer: Hammer is the rugged series from the Polish company myPhone, so the two are grouped here by purpose.
- Samsung: makes rugged phones in its Galaxy XCover series, aimed at outdoor and industrial work.
- Blackview: a manufacturer that focuses on rugged phones and tablets with large-capacity batteries.
- Volla: German-developed phones focused on privacy and on the option of alternative operating systems.
- Sonim: a US manufacturer known for phones built for emergency services, industrial and safety workers.
Also in our range: AGM, AGM Mobile, Bea-fon and Cyrus.
Frequently asked questions
How is a rugged phone different from a regular one?
A rugged phone has a reinforced body, sealed ports and protection against dust and water. It copes better with drops, knocks and harsh working conditions. The trade-off is extra thickness and weight, and many models have a larger battery.
What do IP68 and MIL-STD-810H mean?
IP68 means the phone is fully protected against dust and can be submerged in water under the conditions the manufacturer states. MIL-STD-810H is a US military test standard that covers drops, vibration, temperature and humidity. Manufacturers run the tests themselves, so it is worth checking the conditions in the specification.
Can I use a rugged phone with gloves?
Many rugged phones have a more sensitive touchscreen or a glove mode, but it depends on the model. If you work in thick gloves, look for a phone with physical buttons or one that states this feature clearly. Read the specification before buying.
Are rugged phones heavier than ordinary phones?
Yes, most rugged phones are thicker and heavier than ordinary smartphones. This is due to the reinforced body, rubberised edges and larger battery. The weight varies from model to model, so check it in the specification.
