Rugged smartphones are made to survive in harsh conditions. Companies that manufacture rugged smartphones generally focus on extreme durability, massive batteries, and many features that can help your phone to survive outdoors. Today, in this roundup, we are going to walk you through some of the best value for money rugged smartphones that you can buy in 2023. All these top rugged smartphones we will list here come with waterproof and dustproof ratings for superior protection when you’re trekking or hiking.
It should also be mentioned that these smartphones even undergo vigorous tests to ensure that they meet military-grade standards. Remember, military-grade certified smartphones can withstand extreme temperatures, heavy shocks, and much more. Not only do these rugged phones come up with solid exterior builds, but also sport features you’d want to see in a modern smartphone. The emergency call and impressive navigation features incorporated in these smartphones can help in rescue operations where people are lost in a forest or stranded in some extremely challenging area.
Now that you know what a rugged phone does, it is time to find which one is the right choice for you. Here, we have filtered out a list of the best rugged smartphones that can come in handy for you on different adventures. Before we move on to the list, let’s quickly focus on factors that you need to consider before buying the most durable phone in 2023.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Rugged Smartphone
Ruggedness
The first and foremost factor that you should consider is the ruggedness of the phone. If you are into adventures related to water, we recommend going with phones that come with IP68 and even IP69K certification. IP69K is the highest possible rating as it ensures protection from high-pressure water as well.
Smartphones with military-grade certifications are for those who are into adventure activities like mountaineering, or sports including mountain biking, skiing, etc. Overall, you should look for a rugged phone that ensures durability, and survivability in the harshest conditions.
After-sales Service/Warranty
Imagine dropping off your phone accidentally from a cliff, and worse, the phone is not backed by any warranty. I know it is hard to soak in, but a few pieces on the market do not clearly mention the warranty of the phone. For example, some smartphone warranties do not cover water damage. So, we recommend inspecting the warranty and replacement policy of the phone before purchasing one.
Pro tip: Always check the customer service experience from users’ reviews on the product page.
Battery life
Battery life remains another vital factor to look into while purchasing a rugged smartphone, especially for navigation. At present, most rugged smartphones come with a pretty good battery capacity of 7000-8000mAh, sometimes more than 10000mAh. This eventually is a treat for someone who is looking to trek or wants to get involved in outdoor adventures where there’s no source of electricity. Rugged smartphones allow you to use your phone the way you want without any worry of the battery running out early issues.
Processing Power & Security
Since rugged smartphones pack several features, it requires capable processors to work flawlessly. At present, you can find most the rugged smartphones running on Mediatek processors. So, it is best that you choose your rugged smartphone that comes with the latest and most powerful processor. This makes them future-proof as a modern processor ensures the longevity of hardware.
As far as security is concerned, many rugged smartphones also come with anti-theft, non-rootable, and disk encryption features. A perfect example of this would be
Camera
Outdoor adventures are incomplete without photos and videos. To capture these moments and preserve them as your memory, you’d need a rugged phone with a camera system that captures impeccable media. Modern smartphones have multiple cameras which offer different zoom levels. They ensure you can capture all your adventures in their full beauty. Most of these waterproof smartphones have rear camera sensors which shoot high-resolution pictures so you can leave behind your bulky digital camera.
Now that we know the factors to consider while buying a rugged smartphone, it is now time to explore the features of some of the best-selling ones in the market.
Note: We update our article from time to time to cover the latest products available in the market.
Our Top Picks of the Best Durable and Rugged Smartphones to Buy in 2023
1. Ulefone Armor 12 5G Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K Rating and Mil-STD-810G certification
Camera: 48MP+8MP+2MP+2MP rear camera and 16MP front camera
Battery: 5180mAh
Warranty: 1 year
The Ulefone Armor 5G Android phone comes with a 6.52-inch waterdrop display, which is fairly bigger as compared to the
Samsung Galaxy S21 launched last year. This sturdy phone from Ulefone comes with military-grade certification as well as dust and a waterproof rating to ensure that your outing stays enjoyable even if you drop your device accidentally. The brand claims that it can survive a drop of 1.2 meters height and can survive 30 minutes underwater for up to 1.5 meters depth. Besides, the Ulefone rugged 5G cell phone is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G processor, whereas it runs on the Android 11 released back in 2020.
On top of that, this rugged smartphone is compatible with 18W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and OTG reverse charging, which can be useful to power up other smartphones when you’re out in the wild or in a place without electricity. Do you love listening to FM radios? This 5G rugged smartphone features a headset-free FM radio feature that is suitable for people who are always on the go. Further, this device is compatible with Sprint(n41), and T-Mobile(n41) 5G networks. That’s not all, Ulefone packs various payment, navigation, and security features such as NFC, Google Pay, Galileo, Beidou, GPS, Glonass, as well as face & fingerprint unlock, making it one of the best rugged smartphones with 5G support.
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2. Motorola Defy Rugged Smartphone (Best Value for Money)
Rugged features: IP68 certification and MIL-SPEC 810H
Camera: 48 MP+2 MP+2 MP (Rear) and 8 MP (Front)
Battery: 5000mAh
Warranty: 2 years
A few years back, Motorola Defy was one of the best waterproof and shockproof smartphones you could buy. Motorola has revived its best rugged smartphone back to life with the
2021 Motorola Defy. This mid-range rugged phone comes with Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP68 rating. If you’d ask me, it is one of the best rugged smartphones for underwater activities and for users who work in a heavy machinery workplace. The Motorola Defy runs on Android 10 and packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor to offer best-in-class performance for the users hooked on gaming and social media apps.
The company claims that a 5000mAh battery can last for 2-days on a single charge. Not to forget the waterproof rating allows you to submerge this phone at a depth of 1.5m for almost 35 minutes. Did we mention the 48 MP camera can take some amazing photos of your adventurous water activities? All in all, it is a durable smartphone that is very much affordable as compared to other rugged phones out there.
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3. DOOGEE S88 Plus Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K Rating and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 48MP+8MP+8MP Triple Camera, 16MP AI Selfie Camera
Battery: 10000mAh
Warranty: 2 years
Next, we bring to you one of the best rugged smartphones with long battery life, we recommend you check out the DOOGEE S88 Plus. This rugged smartphone is shipped with a 6.3-inch FHD+ that comes with a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels. The display on this rugged smartphone comes with the protection of corning gorilla glass. As far as performance is concerned, this DOOGEE rugged cell phone is powered by the MediaTek Helio P70 processor for the best mobile experience. Please note that it runs on Android 10.
Talking about the protection, this rugged smartphone from DOOGEE can withstand a drop from a height of 1.5 meters, even if it is dropped on a rough concrete surface. Plus, the military-grade certification makes sure that the rugged cell phone survives in the harshest environment. It is one of the best rugged phones for T-mobile users who like to enjoy adventure sports such as hiking, dirt biking, etc. Also, it is important to mention that this rugged smartphone doesn’t support parts for CDMA network carriers such as Sprint, Xfinity, Verizon, and TracFone. All in all, it’s a great rugged smartphone that comes with an attractive price tag.
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4. OUKITEL WP5 Pro (2021) Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 13 MP+2 MP+2 MP (Rear) and 5 MP (Front)
Battery: 8,000mAh
Warranty: 1 year
The OUKITEL WP5 Pro is one of the budget-friendly rugged smartphones you can get for under $200. It comes with a 5.5″ LCD IPS display with a resolution of 720×1440 pixels. Let’s not forget this smartphone comes with various security features including a Global Version Face ID and a fingerprint sensor. The big 8000mAh battery makes it suitable for adventurers and travelers around the globe. Similar to the previously mentioned rugged phone, this one also packs a MediaTek Helio P22 chipset for a smooth user and gaming experience. This tough phone features an IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810G certification, making it one of the best rugged smartphones for hiking and underwater use.
All thanks to the big battery, it is one of the best rugged smartphones for gaming. The triple rear camera can take decent pictures and videos from your recent adventures. All in all, it is a superb and affordable phone that comes with
support for SOS emergency calls to inform the rescue unit when you’re in some kind of trouble. Let’s not forget that this budget-friendly rugged cell phone comes with dual-4G sim support.
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5. AGM Glory Pro 5G Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification
Camera: 48MP Camera + 20MP Infrared Night +16MP Front + 2MP Macro Camera
Battery: 6200mAh
Warranty: 12-month warranty
Here we have one of the latest rugged smartphones that come with numerous features and a solid design, the AGM Glory Pro 5G. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 480 5G chipset included in this rugged phone delivers best-in-class performance and claims to deliver over 70% improvement in AI processing. The AGM Glory Pro 5G rugged smartphone features a 48 MP camera from Sony as its main camera, whereas the 20MP Infrared Night Camera gives you clean images even in very low light environments. Additionally, the camera of this 5G rugged smartphone offers unmatchable Thermal Imaging which claims to deliver 2x resolutions and half the reaction time than most of the smartphones in the market. As far as protection is concerned, the IP68 (suggests deep immersion underwater of up to 3 meters in depth) and IP69K rating (suggests complete protection from dust and steam-jet cleaning). Whereas, the MIL-STD-810H certification ensures that the AGM Pro 5G rugged cell phone can withstand harsh environmental conditions that you may face when you’re hill climbing, dirt biking, or involved in any kind of water sports.
It is not the lightest rugged phone in the market, but it can certainly qualify for one of the most durable ones. All thanks to the 380 grams of solid build design and beast look, this 5G rugged smartphone assures durability and strength from the very first glance. Besides, it supports 5G connectivity. Let’s not forget that this rugged smartphone offers 8GB RAM and 256 GB storage (expandable up to 512 GB) which is handy for smartphone vloggers to store videos and photos of their adventure experience. Moreover, the company has incorporated a 6200mAh big battery that keeps you going for up to 22 hours of usage under harshest conditions of -27°C/-16.6°F as well. Further, the NFC support ensures easy and secure wireless payments and is compatible with most of the wireless chargers out there in the market.
6. Ulefone Armor 8 Durable 4G Phone
Rugged features: IP68 & IP69K Waterproof Rating and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 16 MP+5 MP+2 MP (Primary) and 5 MP (Secondary)
Battery: 5580mAh
Warranty: 1 year
The Ulefone Armor 8 is a tough and durable smartphone that comes with IP68 and IP69K ratings that ensures extreme durability underwater. The MIL-STD-810G certification ensures superior protection against dust, shock, water, humidity, solar radiation, and extreme temperatures. It won’t be wrong to say that it is one of the best rugged smartphones for skiing or surfing or working in extreme conditions. This tough armor phone from Ulefone runs on Android 10 and packs a Mediatek Helio P60 AI processor for optimum performance.
Remember, it is the most durable phone meant for heavy gaming as well as multi-tasking across different apps. You’ll find a triple camera setup on the rear and a 5MP front camera. Gloves mode is a treat for all-mountain bikers as it allows using the mounted phone without removing the gloves. All thanks to the GPS, Glonass, and Galileo navigations, you can plan a route to reach your preferred destination hassle-free. Let’s not forget that the 5580mAh will keep your phone alive for a significant amount of time.
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7. Ulefone Armor 9 Rugged Phone with a thermal camera (Best Overall)
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K rating, and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 64 MP (Rear) and 8 MP (Front) + Thermal Imaging Camera
Battery: 6600mAh
Warranty: 12-month warranty (as per the official website)
Here we have for you one of the best-rugged smartphones with a thermal camera. The thermal FLIR camera used in this phone captures and creates an image of an object by using infrared radiation emitted from the image. This IP68/IP69K-rated, and MIL-STD-810G certified outdoor smartphone features a sturdy design that looks and feels brilliant in hand.
It comes with a big 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels. This Ulefone Armor phone packs a Mediatek Helio P90 chipset that is good performance-wise and offers a flawless multitasking experience.
As far as the camera is concerned, you’ll find a 64 MP primary camera for shooting amazing photos from your adventure trip and a front-facing camera of 8 MP. It comes with 8GB RAM and a 128GB storage capacity. Yes, it is expensive but the features offered in this waterproof and dustproof smartphone are worth the investment.
If you are willing to upgrade to the latest 5G model, make sure to get your hands on the Ulefone Armor 10 5G rugged smartphone. Other than a bigger display, 5G connectivity, upgraded processor (MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G), and 15W wireless charging, there’s not much difference between the Armor 9 and Armor 10 rugged phone from Ulefone.
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8. CUBOT Kingkong 5 Pro Rugged Phone with Android 11
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K rating and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 48 MP+5 MP+0.5 MP (Rear) and 25 MP (Front)
Battery: 8000mAh
Warranty: 12-month warranty (as per the official website)
Cubot KingKong 5 Pro is one of the special and best rugged phones with long batteries from the KingKong series. It comes with a massive 8000mAh battery that can last up to 3 to 4 days on a single charge with a normal charge.
As far as endurance and durability are concerned, this rugged phone comes with IP68 and IP69K and MIL-STD-810G certification. All of this collectively indicates top-notch protection against water, dust, sand, and drops. The CUBOT Kingkong rugged smartphone can survive underwater for 30 minutes if submerged up to 1.5 meters. It should be also noted that this rugged phone runs
All thanks to the top-notch navigation system, the CUBOT Kingkong 5 Pro is considered the best rugged smartphone for navigation among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Features such as GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou positioning systems make it a perfect choice among hikers, trekkers, sportsmen, and people working in extreme/harsh surroundings.
For all the music lovers, CUBOT has worked on building the best speaker to offer a realistic and immersive audio experience in a shockproof smartphone. You’ll also find a triple rear camera with a 48 MP main AI-powered camera, while the 25 MP front camera is good enough for crispy selfies. Let’s not forget, there’s also a 20MP Sony Night vision camera that can be used to take night-vision shots of your surroundings at night camp.
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9. Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Rugged features: IP68 rating, and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 50 MP (Rear) and 8 MP (Front)
Battery: 4050mAh
Warranty: 12-month warranty (as per the official website)
If you are eyeing a rugged smartphone from a reliable brand, grab the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro from Samsung without any second thoughts. This rugged smartphone features a 6.6-inch TFT display that comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and protection of Gorilla Glass Victus+. Even though the screen features chunkier bezels that you generally don’t see in Samsung phones these days, the actual panel is pretty solid. Let’s not forget that the Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro rugged smartphone packs Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor for solid performance, while it runs on Android 12, out-of-the-box.
As we all know rugged phones are surrounded by protective features and the XCover 6 Pro is no less. This rugged cell phone for trekkers is backed by an IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, and MIL-STD-810H certification. Considering these features, it is fair to say that this rugged phone can withstand any sort of physical damage.
Moving further, you’d be happy to know that the Samsung XCover 6 Pro comes with 15W fast charging compatibility and a removable 4050mAh battery. Yes, you read that correct, the ribbed plastic back on the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro holds a removable battery. That’s not all, it comes with POGO charging capabilities that let users power up the phone without interrupting productivity. Moreover, the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro has Samsung DeX.6, which is a handy addition for users who are remotely working these days. This allows users to extend an external display, and connect the mouse, and keyboard to set up a mini workstation.
What’s more? You’ll find a dual camera setup on the back with a 50MP main sensor which can be handy to grab some great photos and videos from your adventure trials. Whereas, the 8MP front camera can be handy for taking decent group selfies.
10. DOOGEE S59 Pro Unlocked Rugged Smartphone (Big Battery)
Rugged features: IP68 & IP69K rating and MIL-STD-810G
Camera: 16 MP+8 MP+8MP+2 MP (Rear) and 16 MP (Front)
Battery: 10,050mAh
Warranty: 2 years
If you are looking for a rough and tough smartphone with a big battery, here it is. The DOOFEE S59 Pro packs a massive 10,050mAh Li-ion battery for several days of backup. It should be the perfect option for people who go out on a mountain trail or trekking without any access to electricity.
As mentioned, it comes with the highest waterproof rating to protect your device from high-pressurized water force. Also, the company claims that it can survive 5ft. underwater for 30 minutes, making it one of the contenders for the best rugged smartphones for underwater activities. Also, the military-grade protection can help it survive in extreme temperatures ranging from -67°F to 158°F.
This tough phone from DOOGEE packs the popular MediaTek Helio P22 processor that allows adventurers to enjoy a seamless user experience. Did we mention that the company backs this device with 2 years of warranty?
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11. CAT S42 4G Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68 rating and MIL-SPEC 810H certification
Camera: 13 MP (Rear) and 5 MP (Front)
Battery: 4200mAh
Warranty: 24-months warranty (as per the official website)
Here we have a pocket-friendly rugged smartphone that comes in adequate size. It features a 5.5 IPS LCD display with the protection of Gorilla Glass 5. The CAT S42 packs a Mediatek Helio A20 processor for overall solid performance, while it runs on Android 10. It features a 13 MP primary camera and a 5 MP front camera. Won’t say good, but they can capture decent photos and videos. As far as the battery is concerned, you will find a 4200mAh Li-ion non-removable battery in it.
This protection-centric rugged and durable smartphone can survive underwater for 35 minutes (up to a depth of 1.35 meters), whereas military-grade certification ensures that it can withstand a 1.8-meter drop on concrete flooring or hard surface. This dustproof rugged smartphone for T-mobile is offered in 3GB RAM and 32GB storage variants. If you’re looking for a small 4G rugged phone under $250, this one is perfect for you.
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12. Unihertz Titan Rugged QWERTY Smartphone
Rugged features: IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
Camera: 16 MP (Rear) and 8 MP (Front)
Battery: 6,000mAh
Warranty: 1 year
For all those who are in search of the best rugged QWERTY phone, here we have one from Unihertz. It is a durable smartphone that comes with an IP67 waterproof rating to keep your phone safe when you’re under heavy rain. Also, the fact that it can survive a dust storm makes it one of the best dustproof smartphones.
The minimalist and sleek QWERTY design allows sending a text or writing long work emails easily from your phone when you’re out on an adventure. It comes with a big 6000mAh battery as well as support for fast and wireless charging.
The Unihertz Titan is powered by the MediaTek Helio P60 chipset and runs on Android Pie 9.0. As far as storage is concerned, it comes in 6GB RAM and a 128GB storage option. Other features include a fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and NFC support.
Just in case you’re looking to buy the smallest 4G rugged smartphone, we recommend the Unihertz Atom. It features a tiny 2.45-inch screen with a resolution of 432×240 pixels. This pocket-size dynamite comes with a 2,000mAh battery, while it packs an Helio P23 processor and runs on Android 8.1 Oreo. It is offered in a single storage variant of 64GB complemented with 4GB RAM for good speed. Additionally, it comes with NFC and fingerprint features.
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13. Kyocera DuraForce Ultra 5G Ultra Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 24 MP with dual-LED flash (Rear), 16 MP wide-angle, and 8 MP (Front)
Battery: 4500mAh
Warranty: 2 years
The Kyocera Duraforce Ultra 5G is a perfect blend of ruggedness and modern features including 5G, wireless charging, dual-rear cameras, and high-end processors. Yes, it is expensive. At this price point, you can buy premium flagship phones like
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and many others. Remember, it is one of the best rugged smartphones that work on the Verizon Ultra Wideband Network. As far as specs are concerned, this rugged phone features a 5.45-inch 1080p LCD display. This 5G rugged phone packs Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G to offer extremely good performance for adventure lovers.
This rugged cell phone from Kyocera can survive heavy drops from a height of 1.5 meters. This feature certainly comes in handy to protect the smartphones of people involved in construction works. The Duraforce Ultra 5G comes with a scratch-resistant display along with angled corner bumpers for extra durability. You’ll also find textured edges and tactile buttons that give better accessibility even if you’re using it with a wet hand.
In case you’re looking for a budget-rugged smartphone from Kyocera, you can check DuraForce Pro 2 4G. It is half the price of the Kyocera DuraForce Ultra 5G.
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14. OUKITEL F150 Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68 Rating and MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 13MP Quad Rear Camera, 8MP Front Camera
Battery: 8000mAh
If you’re looking for a 4G rugged cell phone that comes with good camera quality and decent battery life, get yourself the OUKITEL F150 rugged smartphone. Performance-wise, the Mediatek G25 Octa-Core Processor does the trick by offering superb power efficiency and offers fast gameplay experience making it one of the best budget rugged phones for gaming. This rugged 4G phone features a 5.86″ HD+ U-Notch display protected with corning gorilla glass that keeps away annoying scratches that may ruin the beauty of this phone.
Besides, the sturdy and reliable design under $200 makes it one of the budget rugged smartphones for industrial workers or anyone who is into adventure sports. Also, there are several tracking features that can help this smartphone qualify as the best rugged phone for navigation among trekkers, hill climbers, mountain bikers, etc. Did we mention that this rugged Android phone is compatible with NFC, Google Pay, and ONE OS?
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15. UMIDIGI Bison X10 Rugged Unlocked Smartphones
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K & MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 20MP+8MP+5MP Triple-rear Camera, 8MP AI Selfie Camera
Battery: 6150mAh
Warranty: 1 year
Lastly, we bring to you another affordable rugged smartphone from UMIDIGI that is priced at under $250. This rugged smartphone features a 6.53″ FHD+ display and 20MP main camera combined with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle and 5MP macro lens for awesome photos and videos and has an 8MP front-facing camera to snap selfies.
This rugged smartphone is powered by the Helio P60 Octa-core chipset, whereas safety features include IP68 and IP69K ratings for all-around protection against water, and dust. The brand claims that this durable smartphone can be submerged in 1.8m of water for up to 30 minutes. On top of that, this rugged phone is packed with military-grade standards to ensure top-notch protection against drops, shocks, and bumps.
This military-grade smartphone packs a 6150mAh battery that ensures 550 hours of standby, 52 hours of calling, 28 hours of video playback, or 15 hours of gaming. With this durable cell phone, adventurers like you don’t have to worry about running out of power when exploring the wild. Other useful features incorporated in this rugged cell phone include customization features for quick access to SOS emergency, camera, PTT button, flashlight, recording, etc. Overall, it is one of the best budget rugged phones for adventurers can buy
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16. Blackview BV9700 Pro Rugged Gaming Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68-rated and MIL-STD-810G-certified
Camera: 16MP+8MP (Rear) and 8MP (Front)
Battery: 4380mAh
Warranty: 1 year
The Blackview BV9700 Pro is suitable for someone who likes to game when they’re out in the wild. This budget-rugged smartphone features a 5.84″ FHD IPS display that offers an immersive gaming experience. This rugged gaming phone is equipped with a Mediatek Helio P70 Octa-core processor for lag-free gaming performance. The Blackview BV9700 Pro durable phone runs on Android 9 and comes with an IP69 rating ensuring that the phone can withstand immersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters. You can also find rubber bumpers on the corner of this rugged smartphone which give it a sturdy look. The company offers it in 6GB RAM and 128GB storage capacity.
Other than this, the device has three useful sensors: Heart rate, Air Quality, and Barometric Altimeter. All these can come in handy when you are hiking at a high altitude. The Gorilla Glass 3 offers significant impact protection to the display. Given all the features and sensors, it is one of the best contenders for being the best rugged smartphone for hikers or mountaineers. Not to forget, it comes with a 4380mAh battery with support for 10W fast wireless charging as well as fingerprint and Faces ID features.
In case you are looking for a budget-friendly rugged smartphone from Blackview, we recommend checking the Blackview BV5500 Plus. It has everything you’d ask for in an affordable rugged phone.
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17. Ulefone Armor 13 Rugged Smartphone with Big Battery Life
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K & MIL-STD-810G certification
Camera: 48MP+8MP+2MP+2MP Quad Camera, 16MP AI Selfie Camera
Battery: 13200mAh
Warranty: 1 year
If you are looking for a rugged smartphone with big battery life, we recommend getting the Ulefone Armor 13. It is a powered packed and budget-friendly 4G rugged smartphone. It packs a 13200mAh battery making it one of the best rugged phones for hikers and trekkers out there. Ulefone Power Armor 13 comes with 33W wired fast speed charging which ensures a full charge in 3 hours. Besides, it also supports 15W wireless charging and OTG function which can be used to enable 5W wireless reverse charging to power smartphones of your friends or loved ones accompanying you on adventures.
Plus, the infrared distance measurement function can be handy in figuring out the distance of your next stop while trekking up the hills.
Talking about its specs, the Ulefone Armor 13 waterproof phone features a large 6.81” FHD+ display, whereas it is equipped with advanced safety features. Thanks to the IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G certifications, this durable smartphone for trekkers ensures water resistance, dust resistance, and drop protection. As far as the processor is concerned, this rugged 4G smartphone is powered by MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, while it runs on the Android 11.
Further, the quad-camera system does a good enough job to grab some amazing shots while you are out on your adventures with your friends and family. Also, the 16MP front camera is pretty good for selfies. In short, it is one of the best budget-friendly rugged smartphones that one can buy if they love outdoor adventure activities.
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18. AGM H5 Pro 4G Rugged Smartphone
Rugged features: IP68/IP69K rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification
Camera: 48MP Main Camera + 20MP Infrared Night + 2MP Macro Camera
Battery: 7000mAh
Warranty: 12-months warranty
If you are looking for a rugged smartphone for anyone with less hearing capability, or if you work in a super loud environment, the AGM H5 Pro is the perfect pick. Thanks to the
109dB loudspeaker, this rugged cell phone stands out as one of the loudest Android rugged phones at a reasonable price. To be very honest, it is relatively more affordable than most of the rugged phones we have covered in this article. As far as design is concerned, it rocks a chunky look built around hard plastic material for solid durability and strength. This rugged smartphone from AGM comes with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H ratings which suggest top-notch protection even in harsh environments. For reference, this rugged Android phone can withstand drops from up to 4.92ft (1.5m) ensuring it survives accidental drops when you are out in the wild. You shouldn’t worry a little if you drop it during your water adventure, it can survive for up to 30 minutes in a water depth of up to 4.92ft (1.5m).
Talking of features, we can’t deny the fact that the IR sensor integrated into the amazing triple rear camera lets you capture night photos and videos without compromising the quality. Though it is not the best camera you’d get in rugged smartphones, surely does the job. Further, the integration of
MediaTek Helio G85 processor offers decent performance for the price this Android rugged phone is being offered. The AGM H5 rugged phone comes in a single storage variant of 128GB which can be extended by adding a microSD card. If you are planning to go on an adventure ride where the availability of a power source is unknown, the 7000mAh battery acts as your power backup to keep your device running for a long time. Let’s not forget that AGM H5 Pro comes with stock Android 12, out of the box. The sad part of having this rugged cell phone is that it won’t be getting any OS upgrade down the line. And, it is not compatible with any other network carrier than ATT & T-Mobile.
19. Nokia XR20
Rugged features: IP68 rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification
Camera: 48MP Dual Camera + 13MP Ultrawide Lens + 8MP Front-facing Camera
Battery: 4630mAh
Warranty: 2-year warranty
If you are looking for a durable rugged phone that gives you the company in long run, the Nokia XR20 would be the best choice. It flaunts an ultra-rugged design to help it survive any tough conditions and environment. This durable phone comes with an
IP68 rating, and military-grade water and dust resistance suggesting that it will cater to the needs of adventurers out there. You’d be happy to know that Nokia also offers a headphone jack and SD card slot to help you listen to your favorite tracks and store files without worrying about space. In addition, the phone offers dual biometric unlocking features and will be supported until 2024 with major Android OS updates. Since most rugged phones restrict upgrades, the Nokia XR20 leaps above all other brands by offering 3 years of platform and 4 years of security updates. The good thing about this rugged cell brand is that it offers 15W wireless charging, and a reliable primary camera sensor to shoot decent images and videos. Unlike most rugged phones, the XR20 doesn’t embrace a chunky design and aesthetics but looks like a conventional Android phone. We understand the fact that this rugged phone packs the
Snapdragon 480 chipset, but honestly, it is a little underwhelming. But, the fact that it brings 5G on the plate, we think it’s a pretty good deal. In short, it is one of the best-rugged phones from Nokia that you can get.
FAQs related to best-rugged smartphones in 2023
a) Which is the most durable smartphone?
Before we mention some of the best durable smartphones to buy in 2023, we want you to know what a durable/rugged smartphone exactly is. A rugged smartphone is a specific type of smartphone, which is different in terms of durability from the regular smartphone available in the market. These tough phones are designed specially to offer protection against water, shock, dust, drops, and vibration. Rugged smartphones from reliable manufacturers such as DOOGEE, Ulefone, BlackView, CAT, and more, can also survive extreme weather and temperatures, accidental damage, and rough handling; making them ideal for working outdoors, or in harsh environments. Let’s not forget that durable smartphones can be used for extreme sports, such as sailing, rock climbing, dirt biking, etc.
Our top picks are listed below:
- Ulefone Armor 12 (Best 5G Rugged Smartphone)
- Unihertz Titan (Best Rugged phone with QWERTY keypad)
- Ulefone Armor 13 (Best big battery rugged phone)
- Kyocera DuraForce Ultra 5G (Rugged phone with comfortable handling) and more.
b) How to choose the right rugged smartphone in 2023?
There are several factors that you need to consider while buying a rugged smartphone in 2023. Some vital factors are listed below, check them out.
- Ruggedness (You should look for certifications that ensure water/dust resistance, and military-grade standards)
- After-sales service/warranty
- Battery life
- Camera quality
- Processor and security features
- Budget
With that, we have come to the end of this roundup of the best rugged smartphones that you can buy in 2023. Do let us know if you choose one for yourself. Also, make sure to read our roundup on the
best Wi-Fi 6 compatible smartphones.
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Our top picks are listed below:
Ulefone Armor 12 (Best 5G Rugged Smartphone)
Unihertz Titan (Best Rugged phone with QWERTY keypad)
Ulefone Armor 13 (Best big battery rugged phone)
Kyocera DuraForce Ultra 5G (Rugged phone with comfortable handling) and more.”
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After-sales service/warranty
Battery life
Camera quality
Processor and security features
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