Top 10 Rugged Cell Phones

We get asked all the time what we think are the best and most durable cell phones for operating out in the real world.

Check out our list of the top 10 most rugged cell phones that will not let you down when the going gets tough and will make it through any wet or sandy spot your in.

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#10 Sony Xperia Z3

The Sony Xperia Z3, with its sleek design and impressive performance, has been my faithful companion for several years now. Its water and dust resistance, coupled with its solid build quality, have stood the test of time, making it a reliable choice for durability. The device’s vibrant display, excellent camera capabilities, and powerful processing have consistently delivered a top-notch user experience, whether for multimedia, gaming, or productivity.

I picked up this system about 9 months ago and really glad I upgraded to get it.

A major improvement! The SONY XPERIA Z3 is very fast and last for 3 days with a charge if you just texting and emailing.

Battery life remains commendable, even after years of use, and the addition of expandable storage is a notable advantage. While it may not be the latest flagship, the Sony Xperia Z3 continues to impress with its reliability and versatile features, making it a worthy investment for those seeking a dependable smartphone. I thought the speakers sound pretty good. I have put this one through the ringer and no problems at all.

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An easy method to upgrade your phone if it is not rugged and built tough. Add an outside case like the Otterbox.

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#9. ULEFONE ARMOR 16 PRO

The Ulefone Armor 16 Pro Rugged Smartphone has proven to be an exceptional companion for my active lifestyle. Its rugged design offers remarkable durability, and it has endured drops, dust, and even water submersion without missing a beat. The device’s robust performance, powered by its impressive hardware, ensures smooth multitasking and responsive apps.

The camera delivers surprisingly decent photos and videos for a rugged phone, while the generous battery life keeps me connected during extended outdoor adventures. I like that the dedicated programmable key and outdoor toolbox feature make it a breeze to access vital tools when in the great outdoors. I think that the Ulefone Armor 16 Pro is a reliable, ruggedized smartphone that combines toughness with functionality, making it an ideal choice for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Either way you can rely on this phone to get the job done and survive everything that mother nature can throw at it.

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#8.DOOGEE S61 Rugged Smartphone

The DOOGEE S61 rugged smartphone has been my trusty companion in some of the most demanding outdoor adventures. This phone is an absolute tank, boasting impressive durability and a host of features that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Its IP68 and IP69K ratings make it both waterproof and dustproof, so I can confidently take it along on kayaking trips or dusty hikes. The military-standard drop resistance ensures it can handle accidental drops and knocks on rocky terrain.

With a massive 5,500mAh battery, the S61 offers an exceptional battery life, and it also serves as a power bank to charge other devices. The 16-megapixel camera captures vivid photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The fingerprint sensor and facial recognition provide easy and secure access, and the included barometer, altimeter, and GPS features are a boon for outdoor navigation. Whether I’m hiking, camping, or kayaking, the DOOGEE S61 has proven to be a robust and versatile companion, combining ruggedness with essential outdoor features that have greatly enhanced my outdoor experiences.

In terms of specifications, the DOOGEE S61 boasts an octa-core processor for smooth performance, 6GB of RAM for multitasking, and 64GB of internal storage that’s expandable via microSD. The 5.2-inch display is both tough and vibrant, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The phone runs on Android 9.0, and its physical buttons and user-friendly interface ensure usability in outdoor conditions, even with gloves on. The inclusion of NFC, wireless charging, and a customizable physical button make this smartphone a versatile and practical tool for the great outdoors.

I like that it features an excellent protective military grade cell phone is worry free on dropping from 6FT height onto the ground, fully submerging into 4FT depth water 30mins, dusty or sandy complete covering.

The DOOGEE S61 rugged phone unlocked is made of tough stuff and complies with harsh environments using standards which is passed IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H tests outstandingly. Overall, the DOOGEE S61 is a rugged smartphone that doesn’t compromise on functionality, making it an excellent choice for those who need a durable device for their outdoor pursuits.

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#7. Kyocera Duraforce

The Kyocera DuraForce is a robust and reliable military-grade cell phone designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Boasting a 4.5-inch display screen and an Android v4.4.2 (KitKat) operating system, this phone is not only tough but also functional.

I like that it features a QuadCore 1.4 GHz processor powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 chipset, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks. With 16GB of internal memory and 2GB of RAM, the DuraForce provides ample storage and smooth performance. I like that it has a microSD slot that’s expandable up to 32GB, allowing you to store even more data.

One of the standout features of the Kyocera DuraForce is its ruggedness. It’s built to be waterproof and can handle exposure to a variety of liquids, making it an ideal choice for those who work in challenging environments or enjoy outdoor activities. Its durability extends to the protection of its ports, ensuring that charger/data ports, audio jacks, and card slots are properly sealed and secured. It can withstand accidental exposure to fresh water or tap water and is engineered to endure even when wet, provided it is properly dried after exposure. The Kyocera DuraForce’s military-grade construction and resilience make it an excellent option for individuals who need a dependable and tough smartphone for both work and play.

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#6. OUKITEL WP17

The Oukitel WP17 Rugged Cell Phone is a robust and reliable device designed for individuals who need a smartphone that can withstand harsh conditions. With an array of specifications tailored to outdoor enthusiasts and those working in demanding environments, the WP17 is a solid choice.

This well built rig sports an IP68 and IP69K rating, this phone is both waterproof and dustproof, making it an ideal companion for adventures or professions that expose it to the elements. It is also MIL-STD-810G certified, ensuring it can survive drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures.

The Oukitel WP17 rugged cell phone features a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, offering sharp visuals even in challenging lighting conditions. Under the hood, it’s equipped with a MediaTek Helio A25 octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage, providing enough power for smooth multitasking and ample space for storing your apps and data.

I like that he device also includes a substantial 8,000mAh battery, which ensures all-day usage and even supports reverse charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices. I also like that the phone comes with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, allowing you to capture decent photos and videos on your adventures. Overall, the Oukitel WP17 Rugged Cell Phone is a dependable and durable choice for those in need of a rugged smartphone that can handle the toughest conditions.

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#5. AGM H5 Pro Rugged Smartphone

I recently got my hands on the AGM H5 Pro Rugged Smartphone and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed! As someone who’s always been clumsy with their phone, the rugged design is a godsend. It can withstand a fair bit of rough usage and even a few accidental drops without breaking a sweat.

The battery life is pretty impressive too and lasts me almost an entire day of moderate usage. The camera quality is decent and does the job well, although it’s not exactly the best in the market. Overall, I’d say it’s a great investment for anyone who wants a sturdy phone that can keep up with their adventurous lifestyle.

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#4. Samsung Galaxy S5 Active

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand extreme conditions. It features a 5.1 inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor and comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 128GB via a microSD card.

The Samsung S5 phone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat and features a 16MP rear camera with LED flash, as well as a 2MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The device is IP67 certified for dust and water resistance and MIL-STD-810G certified for ruggedness and durability. It is equipped with a 2,800mAh battery and supports fast charging and wireless charging. Other features include 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, and a fingerprint sensor for added security.

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#3 OUKITEL WP22

The OUKITEL WP22 Rugged Smartphone emerges as an indispensable companion for military and tactical professionals, boasting an impressive array of features tailored to endure demanding conditions. With a substantial 13GB RAM and 256GB ROM, powered by a robust Helio P90 Octa-Core CPU, this device ensures enhanced processing power and ample storage capacity. Its 1TB extended memory capability accommodates a vast range of files, offering seamless multitasking for tasks requiring superior performance, be it field operations or resource-intensive applications.

This smartphone’s 10000mAh battery with OTG function provides exceptional endurance, offering extensive standby and talk times, making it an ideal choice for extended outdoor activities or missions. Moreover, the WP22’s 6.58-inch FHD+ display with a sharp pixel density of 396 PPI ensures clear and vibrant visuals, vital for accessing critical information, maps, and visuals in various environments. The WP22 also excels in capturing vital moments with its robust camera setup, including a 48MP rear camera, 16MP front camera, and an innovative 20MP night vision camera, empowering users with remarkable photography capabilities, even in low-light conditions.

Furthermore, the WP22’s durability credentials stand strong, boasting MIL-STD-810G drop-proof and IP68 waterproof ratings. Capable of withstanding 5-foot drops, 2-hour immersion in 5-feet of water, and resisting 99% of dust, this rugged smartphone is built to endure harsh conditions encountered during military operations or outdoor pursuits. With the latest Android 13 OS, offering faster performance, enhanced privacy features, and improved security, the WP22 emerges as a reliable and robust communication device tailored for military, tactical, and rugged outdoor use, ensuring efficiency and reliability in diverse and challenging environments.

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#2. CAT 262

The CAT 262 rugged smartphone is an absolute workhorse that has exceeded my expectations in every way. Its robust build is truly impressive; it’s been dropped, exposed to harsh weather, and even submerged, yet it soldiers on without a hiccup. The device’s performance is stellar, thanks to its powerful hardware, making it ideal for demanding tasks and multitasking.

The camera quality is surprisingly good for a rugged phone, capturing clear photos even in challenging conditions. What truly stands out is the exceptional battery life, which has consistently lasted me through long days in the field.

The physical buttons and programmable shortcut key are a welcome touch for easy navigation and quick access to essential tools. In summary, the CAT 262 rugged smartphone is a dependable, ultra-durable device that’s perfectly tailored for outdoor and industrial use, making it an excellent choice for those who demand both toughness and performance from their smartphone.

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#1. Blackview BV5200 Pro

The Blackview BV5200 Pro rugged smartphone is a true workhorse for those who demand durability and reliability from their mobile device. With its robust build and IP68/IP69K certification, it can withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, or anyone who needs a tough phone.

Its powerful hardware, including a fast processor and ample RAM, ensures smooth performance, while the long-lasting battery keeps you connected throughout the day. The Blackview BV5200 Pro‘s camera may not compete with flagship models, but it captures decent photos for everyday use. Overall, if you’re looking for a dependable rugged phone that won’t break the bank, the Blackview BV5200 Pro is a solid choice.

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Runner UPs

1. CAT S40
2. Sonim XP6
3. Plum Gator Plus
4. Sonim XP8: Known for its military-grade durability and long battery life, the Sonim XP8 is a popular choice among professionals.
5. DOOGEE S88 Pro: Known for its long-lasting battery and durable design, the DOOGEE S88 Pro is suitable for outdoor adventures.
6. Unihertz Atom: While small in size, the Unihertz Atom is a rugged phone with an IP68 rating and exceptional durability.
7. Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Though not explicitly a rugged phone, it offers water-repellent design and a long-lasting battery.
8. CASIO G’zOne Commando 4G LTE: Temporarily unavailable.
9. Unihertz Tank 4G Rugged Smartphone

Are rugged smart phones worth the investment?

Whether rugged smartphones are worth the investment depends on your specific needs and usage scenarios. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Durability Requirements: If you work in demanding environments, such as construction sites, outdoor adventures, or industrial settings, a rugged smartphone can be a valuable investment. They are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including drops, water, dust, and extreme temperatures, which standard smartphones may not endure.

2. Longevity: Rugged smartphones often have a longer lifespan due to their robust build quality. If you’re looking for a device that can last several years without frequent replacements, a rugged phone might be a cost-effective choice in the long run.

3. Specialized Features: Rugged smartphones often come with features tailored to specific industries or activities, such as thermal imaging cameras, dedicated programmable buttons, or outdoor toolkits. If these features align with your needs, the investment can be worthwhile.

4. Reduced Repair Costs: While rugged smartphones can be more expensive upfront, they can save you money in the long term by reducing repair and replacement costs. The rugged design minimizes the chances of damage from accidents and environmental factors.

5. Peace of Mind: Rugged smartphones offer peace of mind, knowing that your device can handle rough conditions. This can be particularly important for those who rely on their phones for work or emergencies.

6. Trade-Offs: On the flip side, rugged smartphones may have some trade-offs. They tend to be bulkier and heavier than regular smartphones. Additionally, they may not offer the same level of cutting-edge features or camera quality that flagship models do.

7. Cost Considerations: Rugged smartphones can be more expensive than standard models with similar specifications. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in a rugged device.

The bottom line is that rugged smartphones are worth the investment if your lifestyle or work demands a phone that can withstand harsh conditions and offer extended durability. However, if you primarily use your phone in typical, indoor settings and don’t require the extra durability, a standard smartphone might be a more cost-effective choice. It’s important to assess your specific needs and priorities before making a decision.

Question: What about military grade satellite phones that can communicate anywhere in the world?

Check out the Iridium 9555 Satellite-Phone as this is a great choice for emergency calls, quick check ins and you can even send text messages via the internet.

The cost is $975 but you will always be able to call if you can get a line on satellites.

Question: Where can I find out more info about the US Army Special Forces? Check out the website here:

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