Rugged Smartphones 2021 Archives

The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021

The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021 as many industries are now recognizing the array of benefits when using them. Almost every industry can benefit when using rugged smartphones. Today, rugged devices have come a long way from being just a sturdy tools for businesses. In fact, it has become one of the most in-demand tools for any type of operation. Moreover, Android is considered the top operating system in the world. As a result, rugged Android devices are an incredibly powerful tool when paired with the right software for any kind of operation.

In a published report by research leader Bullitt Group, 34% of consumers in Western Europe experience damage in their consumer phones. Furthermore, in the Intelligent Information Management Benchmark Report 2019, survey statistics shared that at least 60% of employees use personal devices to share and access company information. Unfortunately, these consumer devices can easily cause multiple problems for a company.

Is BYOD safe?

The rising need to constantly be connected has given rise to one of the most popular policies in any industry – BYOD. Bring Your Own Devices are said to improve employee productivity and employee morale. However, there are also dangerous risks with this practice such as data breach, information theft, malware infiltration and more. To reduce this problem, many companies have issued their own mobile devices that workers can use. To improve usability and connection, Android devices have become a popular choice.

Rugged Android Smartphones 2021

The ideal UK rugged android smartphone 2021 should withstand drops from any angle, impacts, or bumps. Furthermore, it should be sturdy enough to maintain its functionality even when constantly exposed to these common workplace hazards. These unique rugged features mean your device continues to work and downtime is effectively reduced. As a result, there is a continuous delivery of products and services.

The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021:

Conker ST60 – The Best Rugged Smartphone in the Market
Cat S61
Ulefone Armor 9
Blackview BV9900 Pro
Ulefone Armor 10
Ulefone Armor 7
Unihertz Atom XL
Doogee S95 Pro
Blackview BV9500 Pro
Doogee S90

Conker ST60 – Top Performing 6″ UK Rugged Android Smartphone

The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021 Available in the Market

Buy it here: weareconker.com

The Conker ST60 is a flagship product that first hit the rugged scene in 2021. Thanks to its dependable features and affordable price, it is our first choice when it comes to rugged Android devices. This smartphone not only boasts a rugged and durable exterior but also offers a highly reliable OS performance. Conker ST60 enjoys an IP68 rating – expect it to be waterproof up to 3 meters, dustproof, as well as, sand and dirt resistant.

ST60 comes with a bright 6.1-inch display with a waterdrop notch for the front camera and an 18:9 narrow bezel. This means even when used outdoors your team members will not have a hard time seeing the screen. Conker ST60 also comes with a dedicated button for its PPT or Push-to-Talk function. This feature allows workers to seamlessly communicate with other smartphone users just like a two-way radio. British rugged smartphone leader Tablet Technology ensured that this device is made to support businesses.

Cat S61 rugged Android smartphone 2021

Impressive Features in a Durable Smartphone

Cat S61

For some time, Cat S61 was the top choice for rugged smartphones in the industry. After all, CAT is known to build some of the most robust construction vehicles on the globe. However, since it is getting dated compared to the newer models in the market, it is not as recommended as before. CAT S61 comes with a powerful IP69 rating making it one of the sturdiest rugged devices in the market even in 2021.

Furthermore, it also comes with unique features including an indoor air quality sensor, thermal camera, laser-assisted distance measurement tool, robust polycarbonate, and rubber exterior. Unfortunately, there is some work that can be done with its software as it has a sluggish OS compared to the newer models today.

Ulefone Armor 9

Built for Explorers

Ulefone Armor 9

The Ulefone Armor 9 features a powerful FLIR camera and an endoscope. As a result, your workers will enjoy extreme versatility when it comes to specific tasks. Another remarkable feature is its big battery so workers can rely on its operation for longer hours and more tasks.

As for its design, FLIR adopted the well-loved design of Armor 9. That means you can expect a good combination of TPU and polycarbonate plastic to metal with glass. FLIR enjoys an IP68 rating so expect it to work even when the environment demands more.

Blackview BV9900 Pro rugged Android smartphone

Made to Perform

Blackview BV9900 Pro

Blackview is considered one of the leaders when it comes to creating excellent rugged devices. The Blackview BV9900 Pro has been one of the crowd favorites in 2020. Featuring its main feature, the FLIR infrared camera sensor, this rugged Android smartphone was well received because of its low-price tag.

Compared to other rugged devices, this smartphone feels compact and solid. Furthermore, it is also smaller and weighs less. Having a FLIR thermal imaging camera, workers will love its excellent capabilities. This phone also comes with a MediaTek Helio G90 chipset and 8GB RAM which can easily take multiple tasks without any issues.

Ulefone Armor 10 rugged smartphone

5G Features

Ulefone Armor 10

Probably the top reason why we recommend The Ulefone Armor 10 is due to its 5G capabilities. Even when this phone is not the most protected or rugged phone out in the market, its 5G features mean it can future proof your operations. The Armor 10 follows the design of previous Ulefone smartphones. It comes with reinforced rubber corners, a larger bezel, and a metal frame. Featuring a 6.7-inch display, it looks and feels more like a phablet than a usual phone.

Armor 10 is powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 800 processor. Other notable hardware features are Cortex A76 cores with four A55 ones and an Arm Mali-G57 GPU set. If your team is looking for a phone that has a reliable 5G this is a perfect choice. Sure it may be a little bigger than your regular rugged smartphone, but its notable features clearly cover this imperfection.

Ulefone Armor 7

Competitive price tag

Ulefone Armor 7

The Ulefone Armor 7 rugged smartphone features a rugged smartphone at a very affordable price. This is a flagship smartphone-based by Ulefone that is built on MediaTek's P90 chipset. Furthermore, it also comes with a 48-megapixel rear camera. This device is compliant with IP68/IP69K requirements. In addition, it has been MIL-STD-810G certified under laboratory conditions.

Although its features are impressive, some review-shared users have also encountered issues with the design. For example, the camera bump at the rear extends too far which may easily become damaged when dropped.

Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone

Excellent UK Robust Android Smartphones 2021

The Doogee S95 Pro is a top of the range smartphone from rugged device manufacturer Doogee. This rugged smartphone weighs 284g without any accessories. However, with the additional battery pack, expect it to be at least 390g. This rugged smartphone is robustly built with a combination of materials like rubber and metal. The S95 Pro uses the ever-reliable Mediatek Helio P90 chipset

It also features three rear cameras and an SOS button for emergency cases.

With its massive battery of 5150 mAH, you can expect the Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone to last you a day while you're outdoors. Other notable features include NFC, a fingerprint sensor, a 5150mAh battery, 3 rear cameras, a 6.3-inch screen with a 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution, as well as, a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 overlay.

Unihertz Atom XL rugged smartphone

Best Price to Performance Ratio

Unihertz Atom XL

Unihertz Atom XL is by far one of the best from this brand. This rugged smartphone manufacturer is known to build small compact phones. That makes the ATOM XL true to its name – it is “extra-large” compared to other versions of this brand. Nevertheless, the screen on this smartphone is actually tiny, coming at only 4 inches. Still, your team can expect long battery life with its massive 4300 mAH battery and outstanding 48MP rear camera.

While this rugged smartphone is highly reliable it also comes with some drawbacks. For example, it has an outdated CPU, the Mediatek Helio P90. That means it may not be as best performing as its competitors. It also does not come with a headphone jack and USB port cover which may make it more vulnerable to damage.

Oukitel UK Rugged Android Phablet 2021

Your rugged Android Phablet

Oukitel UK Rugged Android Phablet 2021

Some may consider the Oukitel WP8 Pro a low-end rugged smartphone. But its excellent features and affordable price tag make it a great choice if you want to save on cost. This is a waterproof phablet designed for busy workers or even for outdoor adventures. This phone boasts of being a thin rugged phablet despite its large surface area. This means your workers can still use the phone one hand, but with some level of difficulty.

This phone also offers notable features including an eight-core Mediatek Helio P22 processor, 4GB of LPDDR4x memory, as well as, 64GB onboard storage. Unfortunately, it comes with only a micro USB port, which means slower charging compared to a standard USB-C.

Doogee S90 rugged smartphone

Competitive Specifications

Doogee S90

The Doogee S90 easily ranks as one of the best rugged smartphones since it launched. Today, even with hundreds of other smartphones launched in the market, it continues to assert its dominance.

The Doogee S90 features a modular design. Out of the box, this phone is at 170 x 80 x 15mm, and weighing 302g. This is easily one of the more massive Android devices in the market but its reliable features make up for its size easily. This device comes with a Mediatek Helio P60 processor. In addition, it comes with four Cortex-A53 little cores and four Cortex-A73 cores. So your team can easily trust that this device will work even when doing tasks simultaneously.

For more top rugged android smartphones, read about it here.

by James

10 Best Rugged Android Smartphones of 2020 Comparison

10 Best Rugged Android Smartphones

Rugged Android phones are creating a revolutionary change in the rugged arena. According to a report published by Bullitt Group Research, “Up to 34% of consumers in Western Europe experience damage to their phones.” This means that a lot of people have a poor product experience because of damage.

To reduce costs and improve the quality of services, many businesses that require workers in the field are using Rugged Phones. In this article, we have put together a wide list of devices that offer superior functions but also extreme durability. So which is the best rugged phone?

Understanding Rugged Android

Rugged devices are designed to withstand harsh environments and rugged usage. These tablets are built with reinforced exteriors and durable materials, making them resistant to water, dust, drops, and other types of damage. They also typically have longer battery life and brighter screens than consumer-grade tablets, allowing them to be used in bright sunlight and outdoor environments. These features make the best rugged phones popular in industries such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, and field service, where employees need reliable and durable devices that can withstand daily wear and tear. The best rugged phones come in a variety of sizes and styles, including those with detachable keyboards or integrated barcode scanners, allowing them to be customized to specific industry needs.

What To Look For in Rugged Phones

When searching for the best rugged phone, it is important to look for features that ensure an extremely durable design. For instance, you want a device that can withstand accidental water damage, dust resistance, and accidental drops. Drop protection testing is also an important consideration since it indicates how well the phone can withstand impact and bumps. You should also check if the phone has a huge battery that can last for an extended period, allowing you to remain connected even when working remotely.

Another key factor to consider when choosing for the best rugged phone is the availability of expandable storage. This feature allows you to store more data, including documents, photos, and videos, without worrying about running out of space. High IP ratings are also crucial in rugged smartphones. These ratings indicate the degree of protection that the device offers against water and dust. Therefore, it is essential to choose a phone with a high IP rating to ensure its durability and longevity in harsh environments. Some phones with carry the Mil Std 810h further assuring its durability. By considering these features, you can choose a rugged phone that meets your needs and can withstand tough conditions.

Industries that Can Benefit from A Rugged Smartphone

Almost every industry can benefit when using rugged phones. Android is considered the top operating system in the world. When combined with rugged hardware, it can support a variety of tasks from the most demanding industries like mining, construction, warehouse management, delivery, healthcare, and more.

Thanks to the flexibility and user-friendliness of an Android operating system, it allows any team member to seamlessly use it while at work.

The list that we put together is some of the best rugged phones in the market this 2020 that run on Android.

Quick Peek At The Best Rugged Smartphones of 2020:

Cat S61 rugged smartphone
Conker ST60 - 6″ Rugged Android Smartphone
Land Rover Explore rugged smartphone
Ulefone Armor 7 rugged smartphone
Unihertz Atom XL rugged smartphone
Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone
Blackview BV9500 Pro rugged smartphone
Doogee S90 rugged smartphone
AGM X3 rugged smartphone
Elephone Soldier rugged smartphone

1. Cat S61 rugged smartphone

➕ The only smartphone with an IP69 rating on our list

➕ Dual SIM

➖ More on the expensive side

➖ Only Android 8.0

Cat S61

For quite a while, the Cat S61 rugged smartphone held the title of being the best-rugged smartphone that you can buy. Don't get us wrong, we still highly recommend this rugged smartphone even if it is already getting dated.

By being the only rugged smartphone with an IP69 rating on our list, it surely can take on the rest of the competition.

Combined with its unique features such as its laser-assisted distance measurement tool, indoor air quality sensor, and its surprisingly robust polycarbonate and rubber exterior, it is no wonder that it has been previously regarded as one of the best rugged Android smartphones.

2. Conker SX50 – 5″ Rugged Smartphone

➕ Latest Android 10 OS & security update

➕ Just the right 5 Inch Display

➕ Push-to-talk button

➖ No Front Camera

Conker SX50 your best rugged option

Second, on our list of the Best Rugged Android Smartphones of 2020, we proudly listed the Conker SX50. This smartphone not only boasts a rugged and durable exterior but also offers an outstanding set of features.

The flagship rugged device from Conker offers a bright and clear display. Having a clear and bright display is very important as it improves the way you see your screen in daylight. The Conker Sx50 comes has an IP67 rating which means it is waterproof up to 3 meters, dustproof, sand, and dirt resistant.

Another notable feature of the Conker Sx50 is its dedicated button for its PPT or Push-to-Talk function allows you to seamlessly communicate with other smartphone users just like two-way radio or commonly known as a walkie-talkie. It is made mainly with the operations of a business in mind, making it the top rugged Android phone on this list.

In 2023, Conker also launched the Conker SX5L. This is for businesses who requires long range barcode scanning with their rugged android phone. The SX5L is one of the best rugged android phones in the industry as it gives the ultimate flexibility for your employees.

3. Land Rover Explore

➕ Screen Resolution

➕ Decacore Processor

➖ Low Storage

➖ Outdated Android OS

➖ Small Screen

Land Rover Explore

Yes, the Land Rover Explore comes from the same company that manufactures cars and SUVs. The brand manufactured their first Land Rover smartphone way back in 2009 and has slowly improved their smartphone lineup.

The Land Rover Explore has been proven to survive drops up to 1.8m and is IP68 certified. It can be submerged up to 1.5m for 30 minutes on fresh and saltwater. The screen on this rugged smartphone takes on a more conventional style with a 5-inch TFT display. People who love their Land Rover cars will also love this rugged smartphone as its overall design is reminiscent of its vehicle counterpart.

4. Ulefone Armor 7 rugged smartphone

➕ Affordable Price

➕ Wireless Charging

➖ Inappropriate Lanyard Placement

➖ Camera Positioning

Ulefone Armor 7

Making it to the fourth spot of our Best Rugged Smartphones of 2020 is the Ulefone Armor 7 rugged smartphone. This entry features a greatly built rugged smartphone at a very keen price for individuals who are on a budget. This rugged smartphone offers admirable features for its price and can be considered as an entry smartphone.

Although its features are impressive, we had encountered some problems with the design of the smartphone. The camera bump at the back extends too far that it is at risk of getting severely damaged if dropped and we're also not a fan of the placement of the lanyard.

5. Unihertz Atom XL rugged smartphone

➕ Screen has Oleophobic Coating

➕ 48MP Rear Camera

➖ Outdated CPU

➖ Absence of covers on the ports

Unihertz Atom XL

Fifth on our list is this tiny phone from Unihertz. Atom XL is by far one of the best from this brand. Although the Atom XL is the "extra-large" version of its predecessor, the screen on this device is actually really tiny coming at 4 inches. However, it does pay back with its massive 4300 mAH battery and its outstanding 48MP rear camera.

Some of the drawbacks that we found on the Unihertz Atom XL rugged smartphone are its outdated CPU which is an old Mediatek Helio P90 and the absence of a cover on its headphone jack and USB Port. It is a great Android rugged phone but its limited screen size may not be convenient for most companies.

6. Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone

➕ Triple camera setup

➕ Massive battery

➖ Older Android OS

➖ User reports of HW failures

Doogee S95 Pro

The Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone may not be at the top 3 of our lists but it doesn't mean it's not a great rugged smartphone. This rugged smartphone is well built with combined protection from its rubber and metal frame, it can surely take a beating. It also features a fingerprint sensor, three rear cameras, and an SOS button for emergency cases.

With its massive battery of 5150 mAH, you can expect the Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone to last you a day while you're outdoors.

7. Blackview BV9500 Pro rugged smartphone

➕ Massive battery life

➕ Wireless charging

➖ Bulky and heavy

➖ Outdated Android OS

Blackview BV9500 Pro

Blackview is a brand that has been offering a range of rugged smartphones. The Blackview BV9500 Pro rugged smartphone has the most massive battery life in our list. You are looking at maybe using this device for over a day with a single charge.

This solidly built rugged smartphone is more expensive compared to other products on this list. However, it comes with unique features that does not come with others in our list such as a PTT or Push-to-talk feature. While the specs are solid, it is fast becoming outdated in features and design.

8. Doogee S90 rugged smartphone

➕ Bang for the buck

➕ Large display

➖ The screen has a very large notch

➖ Design is bulky

➖ Older Android SW version

Doogee S90

With the launch of the Doogee S90, the company has also made it clear that it will be different from other rugged smartphones on the market. Well, they have certainly delivered.

The Doogee S90 comes with a modular design that lets it users build their own handset that is best suitable for their needs. It comes with several mods that you can attach to the device such as the Game Mod, Walkie-Talkie Mod, Night Vision Camera Mod and the Power Mod.

Due to its modularity, the Doogee S90 sits on the bulkier side of our list as it needs to cram up all the necessary components to run all the mods.

9. AGM X3 rugged smartphone

➕ Great HW spec

➕ Triple Camera Sensors

➖ Pricey

➖ Battery Life

➖ Android version is outdated

AGM X3

AGM X3 is the third rugged phone released by its Chinese maker. At one point, it was also considered one of the best rugged smartphone in the market. AGM X3 is the brand's attempt to break away from its usual market in East Asia. According to the company, this is the most rugged smartphone available on the market.

Looking into the specs, you can expect IP68 certification and tested with MIL_STD 810G standards. This smartphone is also light and thinner compared to other competitors.

Aside from being light, it also comes with a long list of features that will want to make you try this phone. Price is a major consideration to be had for this brand and model, as it is pricier than other brands.

10. Elephone Soldier rugged smartphone

➕ Very Affordable Price

➕ Offers Unique Features

➖ MicroUSB Port

➖ Outdated Processor

➖ User reports poor battery performance

➖ No NFC

➖ Android version is outdated

Elephone Soldier

The Elephone Soldier rugged smartphone is at the last of our list but it's certainly not the least. This rugged smartphone comes with unique features that you can compare it to a Swiss Army Knife.

This device comes with a physical compass, a flashlight, a Pogo connector (without documentation or clear purpose?!) and a lot more.

The Elephone Soldier is kind of outdated with the use of an old CPU Chipset, screw proliferation, microUSB port, and the phone can get hot when used continuously.

by James

Complimentary Products

Rugged Smartphones 2021

Conker ST60 – Top Performing 6″ UK Rugged Android Smartphone

Cat S61 rugged Android smartphone 2021

Ulefone Armor 9

Blackview BV9900 Pro rugged Android smartphone

Ulefone Armor 10 rugged smartphone

Ulefone Armor 7

Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone

Unihertz Atom XL rugged smartphone

Oukitel UK Rugged Android Phablet 2021

Doogee S90 rugged smartphone

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Android Tablets

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