The best rugged smartphones are designed to take risks, manage daily danger, and withstand serious outdoor usage. They typically boast drop and shock-proof designs, and high levels of dust and water resistance.
This guide will help you pick the best rugged phone for you. Whether you're an adventurer and thrill-seeker who climbs mountains and camps out each week, or you work in hazardous environments, you'll have the peace of mind that your phone is rugged enough to survive a fall or two.
To help you pick the right one, here's our list of the best rugged smartphones on offer right now. If some seem too pricey, though, check whether they include a feature you don’t need, such as thermal imaging.
Our top picks
Best with AI camera
The S96 GT can perform and capture images underwater, is dustproof, drop-proof from up to 1.8 meters, can be buried in concrete, and is MIL-STD-810H Compliant.
Read more below
Best budget model
With a thermoplastic frame, this phone is built to take a good deal of punishment, while managing to achieve a kind of hybrid look, and boasting a 48MP camera.
Read more below
Best for extreme cold
With a thermoplastic frame, this phone is built to take a good deal of punishment, while managing to achieve a kind of hybrid look, and boasting a 48MP camera.
Read more below
Best thermal camera
If you need to take a thermal imaging camera to work, this rugged 5G phone not only represents a well-equipped modern phone but one less thing to carry.
Read more below
Best with night vision
This phone has an exceptional battery life, night vision and thermal imaging cameras to help you see in the dark, and it's nearly indestructible.
Read more below
Best cheap
This is a middle-of-the-road device as far as general specs, but you can drop it 1.8m (5ft10) onto concrete without it breaking, and withstand being submerged in water.
Read more below
Best rugged phone in 2024
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best AI camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ High Camera Quality: 48MP AI Quad Camera with Sony sensors, including a 20MP Night Vision camera and a 32MP selfie camera.
✅ Handy Built-in Tools: Comes with a pre-installed toolkit that includes a compass, protractor, flashlight, and height meter, adding functional versatility.
❌ Similar to Previous Models: Design and build are quite similar to the Doogee S98 Pro, which may not be appealing for users seeking something new.
❌ Limited Appeal: Features like night vision, underwater use, and extreme durability might not be useful for casual users or people who don’t need a rugged phone.
A rugged phone that makes no compromise on the camera quality, the Doogee S96 GT is packed with power and is very similar in build and design to the Doogee S98 Pro (number 2 on this list).
The camera system includes a 48MP AI Quad Camera, with Sony sensors that include the Sony® IMX350 Ultra-light Sensitive Sensor on its 20MP Night Vision camera. Even the selfie camera is a tank, with 32MP power combined with a 90° ultra-wide angle f/2.0 field of view. The extraordinary Samsung® S5KGM1ST sensor allows this device to also capture super-high-resolution footage in 4k.
If this hasn't already sold you, the S96 GT can perform and capture images underwater, is dustproof, drop-proof from up to 1.8 meters, can be buried in concrete, and is MIL-STD-810H Compliant. The device is also pre-installed with a handy toolkit that includes a compass, protractor, flashlight, and height meter. For more details, read our full review of the Doogee S96 GT.
Best budget
2. Motorola Defy
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Partnership with Bullitt: Built in collaboration with Bullitt, known for durable phones like CAT's devices, adding credibility to its toughness.
✅ Hybrid Look: Combines a rugged design with some stylish elements, achieving a hybrid aesthetic.
❌ Outdated OS: Comes with Android 10, which is outdated for a recent handset, and while an update to Android 11 is promised, it’s not yet available.
❌ Basic Camera: The 48MP camera, while functional, may not meet the expectations of photographers looking for high-quality image capture.
With a thermoplastic frame, this phone is built to take a good deal of punishment, while managing to achieve a kind of hybrid look. The display is protected by the latest Victus Gorilla Glass, hence the higher drop test than some on the list. For such a recent handset, it is a little strange to see ‘Android 10’ in the spec – an update is promised – and the Snapdragon 622 chipset is certainly nothing special.
Equally the 48-megapixel camera that is the key to the main array will not impress photographers, but will certainly do the job and has been recessed in the case for protection. We like this phone, and it’s built in partnership with Bullitt who also work on CAT’s phones, but we’ll feel a lot more confident when that promised Android 11 update is shipping.
Best for extremes
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Cold-Resistant Battery: Battery designed to function in freezing temperatures, adding to its reliability in harsh conditions.
✅ High-Quality Thermal Camera: 48MP thermal-imaging camera with a high resolution and a fast 25fps frame rate, making it highly functional for specialized tasks.
❌ Bulky Design: 23mm thick frame makes it bulkier and less sleek than many other smartphones, which may affect portability and appeal for casual users.
❌ Basic Android 11: Though it comes with a clean version of Android 11, this may seem slightly dated, especially with newer Android versions available.
This 5G phone is built to handle temperature extremes and report back; it has an excellent 48MP thermal-imaging camera with an unusually high resolution and frame rate (25fps) as well as the ability to survive in Arctic temperatures (we tested one in the freezer). The G1 Pro’s styling makes no attempt to hide its rugged nature, using the 23mm thick protective frame to house a 33mm diameter 3.5-watt speaker which can put out 110db.
The 8-core system is nothing to write home about, but fast enough on the clean Android 11 supplied, while other useful tools – including fingerprint ID, NFC, Bluetooth 5, 18W wireless charging and a definable side key – are all there. Ruggedization hasn’t stopped microSD cards or 3.5mm headphones from being used if required, either.
Some key features of the AGM Glory G1 Pro include a cold-resistant battery, 20MP infrared night vision camera, booming loudspeaker with a 109dB loud sound, dual-torch design, and is drop-proof, dust-proof, and water-proof tested. For more details, read our full AGM Glory Pro review.
Best thermal camera
4. Ulefone Armor 11T 5G
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ 4K Video: Capable of capturing 4K video and 48MP images, making it suitable for those who need both ruggedness and good camera performance.
❌ Ruggedness is limited: Without an extra case, it may not be as durable in extreme environments compared to other fully rugged phones.
If you need to take a thermal imaging camera to work, this rugged 5G phone not only represents a well-equipped modern phone but one less thing to carry. The camera array isn’t just useful for assessing heat issues; there is a macro lens for examining close up flaws in visible light.
The slim profile, 7nm process and spec remains within touching distance of flagship phones which means you do get high end features like fingerprint ID, face unlock, and wireless charging. You can capture 4K video as well as 48-megapixel images, but you’ll need a case to beat some of the others in this list when it comes to the drop test.
Best night vision
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Ideal for trades: Features such as durability, thermal imaging, and battery life are particularly suited for professionals in hands-on, rugged environments.
✅ Multitasking and gaming: 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and the Helio G96 processor provide solid performance
❌ No 5G: Lacks 5G connectivity for faster network speeds.
❌ Niche appeal: Best suited for those who thermal imaging
If you're looking to save money on your electric bill this winter, then the Doogee S98 Pro is the phone for you. It has an exceptional battery life, night vision and thermal imaging cameras to help you see in the dark, and it's nearly indestructible - so you'll hopefully never have to get it repaired.
Other out-of-this-world specifications of this device include an impressive 8GB LPDDR4x RAM to support multitasking when combined with the very capable Helio G96 processor for uninterrupted mobile gaming.
High-level performance is also guaranteed with the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, and super long-lasting battery life. As long as you're not too bothered about 5G and having the best main camera, the Doogee's other features are outstanding, especially for those who work in a trade. For more details, read our full review of the Doogee S98 Pro.
Best cheap phone
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Zeiss Optics: The camera is equipped with Zeiss optics, which adds credibility to its photographic capabilities, even if the execution falls short.
✅ Long-Term Support: Nokia’s 3-3-3 promise includes three years of updates and a one-year screen replacement, providing good post-purchase support.
❌ Not for Power Users: This phone is built more for durability than high performance, so it may not satisfy users who need top-tier processing power or gaming capabilities.
❌ Average Performance: The phone is a middle-of-the-road device spec-wise, not designed for heavy tasks like gaming.
The XR20 is all about being an ordinary phone which just happens to be pretty tough; it’s designed not to look like a power tool and is even offered in ‘Ultra Blue’ as well as ‘Granite Grey.’ Like most rugged phones, the XR20 is a middle-of-the-road device as far as the spec sheet is concerned, but this is one you can drop 1.8m (5ft10) onto concrete without it breaking, and withstand being submerged in water.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this phone, when so many will just sell you the handset and move on, is Nokia’s three-year commitment to updates (and one year to screen replacements) as part of its 3-3-3 promise. Other modern treats like wireless charging make this a great phone.
Spec-wise this is certainly not a gaming powerhouse, but it hits all the rugged notes and does so in a new way, and it's 5G compatible too. We found the camera unit to be pretty underwhelming, despite being equipped with Zeiss optics and boasting a main 48MP camera sensor. See our full Nokia XR20 review.
Best for medical
7. CAT S42 H+
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Antibacterial coating: Biomaster antimicrobial silver-ion technology inhibits bacterial replication and remains effective even after cleaning with bleach
✅ Long battery life: 4,200mAh battery lasts longer due to the phone’s lower power demands
❌ Basic Camera: The single 13-megapixel camera is unlikely to impress users who prioritize photography, offering only basic imaging capabilities.
❌ Outdated Gorilla Glass: The phone uses Gorilla Glass 5, which is not the latest version, so it may offer less screen protection compared to newer rugged phones with more advanced glass.
There’s no arguing with CAT’s reputation in the trades, but in this post-pandemic world, the obvious benefit of a handset with permanent anti-bacterial technology is clear.
Every component is blended with Biomaster, an antimicrobial silver-ion technology which can inhibit bacteria replicating, and won’t be removed from the handset, even with bleach. It’s clear this phone isn’t built for speed, and nor will a single 13-megapixel camera impress photographers, but the 4,200mAh battery will last a little longer that way and this is a handset with a very specific purpose.
It’s also worth noting that, the Gorilla Glass is only version 5. Nevertheless this broadly equals its siblings on the ruggedness score, and beats anything on hygiene.
Best lightweight
8. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Business-oriented: Built for both durability and business use, combining rugged features with practical business tools.
✅ mPOS and NFC Ready: The device is equipped to take card payments
❌ Mid-Range ruggedness: While durable, it may not be as tough as some other rugged phones due to its more business-focused design and reliance on Gorilla Glass 5, which is not the latest version.
Samsung’s XCover PRO is rugged, sure, but it’s built with business in mind too, which means a removable 4050mAh battery (so you, or your staff, can go on indefinitely). Swapping batteries is achieved by sliding down a back cover to make the swap, but despite having a built-in case the handset’s Gorilla Glass 5 screen manages to cover a good amount of the handset’s surface and the device achieves the level of slickness associated with Samsung.
More practically the handset is mPOS and NFC ready, making it capable of taking card payments without additional gear. Samsung also speak proudly of their high-quality anti-hacking system, Knox, which should suit those running transactions nicely.
Best high-res display
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ FLIR thermal imaging: Equipped with the Lepton 3.5 sensor (160 x 120), making it highly useful for professionals who require thermal imaging capabilities in their work.
❌ Outdated operating system: Runs on Android 10, which seriously limits access to newer features and security updates.
FLIR’s tech is essential for many professionals, and the Lepton 3.5 sensor (160 x 120) is useful. It’s a shame that CAT don’t seem to be keeping pace with flagship handsets; Android 10 is now five years out of date and the single rear camera (except the thermal one) is a relatively paltry 12 megapixels.
Nevertheless CAT is a respected brand for a reason and the rugged handset does boast a programmable side button so this handset can easily become part of a workflow, surviving a good few tough days. In fact hitting the IP69 standard puts it ahead of plenty of rugged handsets, no mean achievement, and the casing’s mix of aluminum and non-slip rubber means you probably won’t be drop-testing it too often anyway!
Read our full Cat S62 Pro review.
FAQs
What is a rugged phone?
A rugged phone is a smartphone built to withstand tougher conditions than a standard phone. They're typically more resistant to drops, shocks, dust, water, and extreme temperatures.
Why should I buy a rugged phone?
Rugged phones are ideal for people who work in harsh environments, like construction, trades, or outdoor professions. They're also great for anyone who's clumsy with their phone or spends a lot of time outdoors in the elements.
What do military standards for rugged phones cover?
The US military has developed a series of standards in which devices are tested in appropriate and extreme weather environments. These cover acceleration, temperature (including rapid changes), shock, solar radiation, rain, fungus, vibration, and more. MIL-STD-810H is a newer version of the same set of standards, released in 2014, but that doesn't make it better than 810G per se, just a bit more recent.
How to choose the best rugged phone
Pick a phone that can handle your environment. Look for an IP rating that fits your needs (IP68 for dust and deep water). Consider how much shock protection you need (military standard ratings are helpful). Think about battery life: rugged phones often excel here. And don't forget about basic features like processor, camera, and software.
How we test smartphones
At our photography-focused website, we meticulously evaluate the image and video capabilities of smartphone cameras. We assess resolution, noise levels, and color accuracy, benchmarking them against competing camera models. When unique features like night modes or portrait modes are present, we rigorously test their real-world performance against the manufacturers' claims. However, camera phones serve as versatile digital companions, so our reviews extend beyond photographic aspects. We also scrutinize general handling, user-friendliness, and practical considerations like battery life to provide a comprehensive analysis.
