Best rugged phones in 2023

When buying a smartphone of any kind, one of the most important things you want is for the device to last, especially considering the outrageous prices of smartphones these days. It can be frustrating and costly to constantly have to replace broken phones and cracked screens. And while there are many rugged cases on the market for the best Android phones, a case might not be enough for you. If you’re someone who might feel a bit odd bringing a $2,000 phone to a construction site, these rugged Android phones come packed with some crazy features.

The best rugged Android phones in 2023

This rugged, high-performance 5G smartphone is jam-packed with features and functions you never knew you wanted. The AGM Glory Pro has a design similar to the UleFone Power Armor 16 Pro with a large speaker on the back. This massive 3.5W rated speaker can produce up to 110db of loudness for the ultimate party no matter where you are, inside or out.

The AGM Glory Pro comes loaded with 8GB of RAM as well as 256GB of internal storage, and up to 512GB of expandable storage with a Micro SD card. The 6200mAh battery can last up to three days of regular usage or up to 22 hours in -16° F weather with the long-lasting cold-resistant battery. The battery isn’t the only thing about this phone that’s built to last. The tough design also meets all military-grade standards, including drop-proof, dust-proof, shock-proof, and waterproof — you can take this phone anywhere.

For capturing any adventure, big or small, you’ll get a couple of options for your camera: a high-quality Sony 48MP camera, a 20MP infrared night vision camera, a 16MP front camera, a 2MP macro camera, and an integrated thermal imaging camera. The thermal imaging camera is the most powerful, with 2X the resolution and half the reaction time, so no matter what hotspots you’re looking for, you’ll find them instantly. The AGM Glory Pro is compatible with GSM carriers and Lyca Mobile; however, it is incompatible with Consumer Cellular, Cricket, and Verizon.

Doogee V30 Rugged Smartphone

Best for recommending products

No charger, no problem

The Doogee V30 stays protected with its IP68/69K MIL-STD-810H certification. And with its 10,800mAh battery, it’s perfectly suited for those who can’t charge their phone on a daily basis. It has 5G onboard, along with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset and 15GB of RAM to give you all the performance you need.

Pros

• Android 12
• A battery that can last

Cons

• No rear-display of the V20
• Heavy at almost 270g

The Doogee V30 is equipped with a 2408 x 1080, 120Hz display that can hit 480 nits of brightness. You’ll also have access to the Dimensity 900 chipset, 15GB of RAM along with 256GB of internal storage, and up to 1TB expandable storage with a Micro SD. Plus, you’ll get to take advantage of the huge 10,800mAh battery that can last for days of normal use and up to 40 days on standby. For a quick recharge, fast charge is supported up to 66W.

The V30 comes with a multi-camera setup using a 32MP front camera, 108MP main camera, 16MP ultrawide camera, and 20MP night vision camera. As the phone runs on the dual-band 5G network, you’ll stay connected to the latest networks wherever you go. With the Doogee V30, you get the complete package of performance and protection.

UleFone Power Armor 16 Pro

Best alternative

Inexpensively awesome

The UleFone Power Armor 16 Pro is a high-powered rugged machine that runs on Android 12 — and it may have one of the largest speakers on a smartphone. With a massive 3.5W power rating and 122db speaker, the Power Armor 16 Pro can produce loud, Hi-Fi quality music for any kind of event. (For a little extra kick in the party, bump up the bass booster and enjoy the tunes.) And you’ll never miss a call with the super loud ringtone options.

Pros

• Runs on Android 12
• 122db speaker
• Huge battery

Cons

• Limited to only 4G
• Small main camera

The Power Armor 16 Pro offers 4GB of RAM along with 64GB of internal storage and up to 128GB expandable storage to easily store all your music, images, and programs. The extra large 9600mAh battery provides enough power for 528 hours of standby time and 52 hours of call time, so you can keep working hard while your phone stays charged. The main 16MP rear camera is accompanied by a 2MP macro lens to help you capture even the smallest details. Need to photograph something underwater? No problem. The underwater camera mode lets you do just that.

If you find yourself in the dark, the high-brightness flashlight built into the top of the phone produces no flickers and can light up any area that you may need to work in safely. This phone also meets waterproof, dustproof, and drop protection certification standards and is military-grade tested and approved. Your phone can resist up to 1.5m underwater, extreme temperatures of -4° and 131 °F, as well as high pressure, dust, drops, and crashes. For any construction worker or outdoor adventurer, this phone can withstand all your rugged activities.

The UleFone Power Armor 16 Pro is compatible with GSM, WCDMA, and LTE networks with most carriers such as T-mobile, Metro PCS, etc. However, this smartphone is not compatible with AT&T, Cricket, and CDMA carriers.

Doogee S99

A lighter, rugged phone

Like the V30 but less

The S99 has a military-grade rugged standard and an IP68/IP69K rating, making it fully waterproof, dust-proof, pressure-resistant, and shock-proof. As far as materials, it has a lightweight combination of titanium, aluminum, copper, and gold. The S99 also did away with the mini display on the back of the V20 and chose to integrate a beautiful galactic ring light instead.

Pros

• Runs on Android 12
• Ring light

Cons

• 4G
• Only supports 15W wireless charging

One of the best things about Doogee is the extensive list of rugged smartphones available with varying functions and strengths. If you like the idea of the Doogee V20, then the newest 2023 Doogee S99 will be sure to get you excited. The Doogee S99 comes with a MediaTek Helio G96 processor, 15GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, but makes up for it with up to 1TB of expandable storage with a Micro SD. The battery life remains relatively the same, with 6000mAh lasting you around three days of normal use and 18 days on standby. Unfortunately, the S99 only supports 15W wireless charging.

When it comes to cameras, the S99 has gone with a 32MP Sony selfie camera giving you higher-quality and cleaner-looking selfie photos. The main rear camera gets a massive upgrade from the 64MP in the V20 version to a 108MP main camera. The S99 also has a 16MP wide-angle and macro lens upgrade, plus dual-infrared night vision lights combined with a 64MP night vision camera.

UleFone Armor 12

Best midrange

Built like a tank

The UleFone Armor 12 proves you can have a rugged phone without all the bulk. This phone is designed to look great while also doing the job you need it to do. The device runs on Android 11 but makes up for it by joining the latest 5G networks. Keeping in line with the UleFone Power Armor 16 Pro, the speaker on this smartphone is huge. With 106db loudness, the dual speakers can pump out some seriously powerful

beats

.

Cons

• Android 11
• Older MediaTek Dimensity 700

The Armor 12 gives you 8GB of RAM along with 128GB of internal storage and up to 1TB of expandable storage, so you will never run out of room on your phone. The 5180mAh battery is built to last you all day and can support 15W wireless charging and 18W fast charging to get your device back up and charged in no time. The 48MP quad-camera on the back of the camera gives you several options for capturing all types of images, from large building projects to minuscule rocks on the ground.

The durability of this phone has been heavily tested to ensure it can handle just about everything. The Armor 12 can withstand harsh environments, extreme temperatures, high pressure, drops, falls, and even water. This phone’s dust-proof, shock-proof, and waterproof design passes all durability tests and is military-grade approved. (Just because the Armor 12 is rugged doesn’t mean it can’t be clean!) The silver ion composite design looks great, it is antibacterial, and it can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs, so you can stay clean while getting dirty.

The UleFone Armor 12 is compatible with GSM, WCDMA, CDMA, and LTE networks with most carriers. 5G is supported by T-Mobile in the United States and by Rogers Wireless in Canada.

Samsung

Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Best rugged Samsung

A tough-as-nails Galaxy

This elegantly designed smartphone seamlessly rides the line between strength and sophistication. Not only does the Galaxy XCover6 Pro run on the latest 5G network, but it is also compatible with the emerging Wi-Fi 6E band. This phone pairs 6GB of RAM along with 128GB of internal storage and up to 1TB of expandable storage with a Micro SD card for unlimited storage possibilities. The 4050mAh battery is removable for easy replacement, and in addition to the standard USB Type-C charging, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro also includes POGO pin charging.

Pros

• 5G and Wi-Fi6E
• Up to 1TB of expandable storage
• Removeable battery

Cons

• Average battery size
• Small front camera

The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is military-grade tested and approved with a focus on environmental conditions. The solid frame and reinforced edges provide better shock absorption and drop protection, while the Gorilla Glass display contains a rubber bumper to protect your screen from shattering. The screen is also integrated with touch sensitivity

technology

so you can use this phone with gloves on or in the rain. Dust-proof and water-resistant ratings let the Galaxy XCover6 Pro thrive in any environment, from the factory floor to the field.

In addition to handling all the action, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro is also ready to capture all the action. The 50MP main camera and 8MP ultra-wide camera have you covered from all angles, while the 13MP front camera covers you for any impromptu face time meetings. To track all of your actions, the XCover6 Pro has got your back with a handy virtual toolkit, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and more. The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is compatible with GSM, WCDMA, and CDMA networks.

AGM H5 Pro

Awesome sound

Can double as a Bluetooth speaker

The AGM H5 Pro comes at a fraction of the price of the AGM Glory Pro, but it still has a whole ton of desired features. Arguably the biggest and best

feature

carried over to the H5 Pro is the massive 3.5W rated speaker that can produce up to 109db, so you can start a party anywhere you go. Another factor that wasn’t compromised is the durability of this device, keeping with the IP68/IP69K rating, making it fully waterproof, dust-proof, shock-proof, and more.

Pros

• Runs on Android 12
• Huge battery

Cons

• 4G
• No Micro SD card support
• Minimal internal storage

The internal components of the AGM H5 Pro vary quite a bit from the Glory Pro. While this model is only 4G compatible, it runs on Android 12, so there is a little bonus there. You get the same 8GB of RAM, but the similarities end there. With the H5 Pro, you have a lot less internal memory of 128GB and no expandable storage with an SD card. This is probably the biggest downfall of this device, as you’re very limited in your available storage.

Oddly enough, with the AGM H5 Pro, you get almost the same camera specs, including the infrared night vision camera. Still, this model omits its very cool thermal imaging camera, which is quite desirable for many outdoorsy people. While the camera specs are pretty great, you won’t have a ton of space to save photos and videos, so the storage factor alone might make you reconsider. However, if storage isn’t much of a barrier, the price difference between the H5 Pro and the Glory Pro might have you thinking.

Blackview BL8800 Pro

Dependable

Strong and durable

With the Blackview BL8800 Pro, you’ll get 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, this device does not support Micro SD expandable storage, so you are rather limited with your storage options. However, it comes with a large 8380mAh battery supported by a 33W fast charge. The Blackview BL8800 Pro is also integrated with a copper pipe liquid cooling system to maintain its temperature and prevent overheating.

Pros

• Huge battery
• Thermal imaging camera
• Liquid cooling system

Cons

• No Micro SD card support
• Minimal internal storage

The BL8800 Pro is built-to-last with a metal frame fixed with thickened rubber and double-shot TPU moldings. The durability of this device has been put through rigorous tests to prove it meets all military grade and protection standards. From shocks to vibrations and high elevations to submerged underwater, this phone can handle anything it’s put through. And while your phone can withstand extreme weather, your hands might not be able to. Luckily, this phone’s screen is fully functional even when you’re wearing gloves to protect your hands from the elements.

In close competition with the AGM Glory Pro, the Blackview BL8800 Pro is equipped with a FLIR thermal imaging camera, a Tetrapixel 16MB front camera, and a 50MB rear main camera with multiple shooting options. A thermal imaging camera can detect hotspots to troubleshoot electrical, plumbing, or heating issues within your home. They can also detect dangers outside the home, from missing persons in the dark to lurking animals. For additional camera options, take advantage of underwater mode to fully immerse yourself in the water, or you can even record high-quality 2K video.

CAT S62 Pro

Deceptively durable

Built like a CAT

We all know that CAT is a company well known for creating quality heavy-duty machinery, so why not check out what they can do with smartphones? The CAT S62 Pro is the ultimate work phone bringing you all the necessary features without all the tacky extras.

Pros

• Thermal imaging camera
• Construction site approved

The CAT S62 Pro gives you 6GB of RAM as well as 128GB internal storage and an additional 256GB with an SD card. With the 4000mAh battery, the CAT S62 can last up to two full work days. In addition, the high-grade aluminum body and Gorilla Glass display also provide all-around coverage for your device. From drop protection to shocks, vibration, water, and any extreme environments, the CAT S62 Pro can handle it.

While the CAT S62 Pro isn’t running on the latest 5G networks quite yet, this powerful, rugged smartphone brings some cool features to the table. Generally, all smartphones these days have some front and rear-facing cameras, but what’s extra cool about this phone is that it also comes with an integrated FLIR thermal camera. This highly sensitive professional-grade sensor provides in-depth thermal imaging to help locate and deal with potential leaks, hotspots, electrical shorts, blockages, and hazards. With a 4x increase in the number of thermal pixels used, you get a higher thermal resolution and better image quality. The thermal imaging sensor is so powerful it can detect temperatures ranging from -4 °F to 392 °F.

Nokia XR20

Best rugged Nokia

Thin and durable

The Nokia XR20 meets and surpasses all military-grade durability tests with the toughest Gorilla Glass display and an ultra-solid and durable body. The phone is scratch-resistant, drop-resistant, water and temperature-resistant, and even kid and pet-resistant, so nothing can stop this rugged beast. The display is also 100% functional with wet hands and gloves — so even when your hands aren’t ready, your phone is.

Cons

• Average battery
• No wall charger included

Nokia has been a manufacturer of heavy-duty phones from the very beginning, so there’s no doubt this Nokia XR20 is designed to handle anything life throws at it. It also runs on speedy 5G networks for the fastest and most dependable connection. With this phone, you’ll get 6GB of RAM along with 128GB of internal storage and the option to use the expandable 512GB Micro SD slot for tons of extra space. In addition, the 4630mAh battery is made to last you up to two days of usage between charges. However, in keeping with their environmental profile, the Nokia XR20 does not include a wall charger in the box, so you will need to purchase one separately if required.

This smartphone comes with a dual rear camera setup combining a 48MP main camera with an ultra-wide 13MP lens with its own dedicated flash to capture the most details. With the SpeedWarp super-stabilization mode, you can fast-forward to the moments that matter. In addition, the OZO audio technology cancels out wind and excess background sounds and only records the sounds you want.

Find the right rugged Android phone to fit your lifestyle

When it comes to shopping for a phone, a lot of research and consideration goes into making that kind of purchase — you’re looking for that perfect phone to fit your lifestyle. Even though top brands such as Samsung and

Apple

have dominated the playing field for decades, that doesn’t mean some of these other brands don’t stand a chance. If you can put aside the fact that you’re largely paying for a brand-name device, you can find some really amazing devices with even higher durability ratings. These rugged Android phones all have different and unique features to fit various lifestyles, so the only thing left to do is find the right one to fit yours.

AGM may be a brand you’ve only heard of a handful of times but let me tell you, their phones are nothing to overlook. The AGM Glory Pro may be the most expensive on this list, but it’s still more affordable than any mainstream device you’ll find. The massive 110db speaker on both the Glory Pro and the H5 Pro lets you bring the party with you wherever you go, and with an IP68/IP69K rating, you can even bring the party underwater. With the Glory Pro, you also get an insane combination of cameras and ample internal and expandable storage options.

Of course, such a device does come with a price tag of roughly three times more than the rest of these, so if you’re looking for something more mid-range but still bursting with features, you’ll definitely want to check out the Doogee V30. With a large battery, multiple camera options, and plenty of storage, the V30 perfectly combines performance with protection. Without a doubt, protection for this device has no compromises at all, combining a Gorilla Glass display and military aerospace-grade carbon fiber materials for full-blown protection.

Finally, if you’re looking for a rugged Android phone on a budget, the UleFone Power Armor 16 Pro boasts the largest speaker and battery for a total powerhouse of a device. This phone’s durability and design are two major focus points, making it unique and appealing. However, you will have to decide if the bonus of Android 12 is worth using the 4G network this phone has. No matter the endless factors you face when looking for a rugged Android device, make sure you choose one that fits your lifestyle.

AGM Glory Pro

Best overall

Best rugged phone overall

The AGM Glory Pro can effortlessly handle the most extreme situations. Whether you enjoy hiking in the snow-covered mountains or trekking across a scorching desert, you can be sure the Glory Pro can handle it. When you aren’t in an extreme situation, the built-in speaker will let you relax and enjoy your favorite content.