Top 10 Rugged Smartphones 2023
| Rugged Smartphones |
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The Evolution and Importance of Rugged Smartphones in the Digital Age
In today’s fast-paced digital era, our reliance on smartphones is undeniable. From connecting with loved ones to managing work tasks, these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, as the demand for sleeker and more feature-rich smartphones grows, so does the need for devices that can withstand the challenges of our active lifestyles and demanding professions. Enter the rugged smartphone: a device designed to endure where others fail.
This article delves into the evolution, significance, and top contenders in the rugged smartphone market, offering insights into why these durable devices are making waves in 2023.
In the age of sleek designs and glass-covered aesthetics, the rugged smartphone stands out as a testament to durability and practicality. These devices, built to withstand the harshest of conditions, have carved a niche for themselves in the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. But how did we arrive at this point, and why are rugged smartphones more relevant now than ever before?
A Brief History of Mobile Phones
The journey of mobile phones began in the 1970s, with the introduction of the first commercially available mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. This bulky device, often referred to as the “brick phone,” was a far cry from the slim and sleek designs we’re accustomed to today. However, it set the stage for a revolution in communication.
As technology progressed, phones became smaller, more affordable, and more accessible to the general public. The 90s saw the rise of the Nokia 3310, a phone celebrated for its near-indestructible nature. This was perhaps the first inkling of the potential market for durable phones.
The Birth of the Rugged Smartphone
The early 2000s marked the beginning of the smartphone era. With the introduction of Apple’s iPhone in 2007, the emphasis shifted towards large touchscreens, internet connectivity, and a plethora of apps. However, this shift also brought about a vulnerability in design. Glass screens and slim bodies meant that these devices were susceptible to damage from drops, water, and dust.
Recognising the need for durable alternatives, manufacturers began producing rugged smartphones. These phones, built with durability in mind, were encased in tough shells, often rubberised for grip and shock absorption. They were designed to meet military specifications for toughness and were resistant to water, dust, and drops.
Why Rugged Smartphones Matter
- Occupational Necessity: For many professionals, especially those working in challenging environments like construction sites, mines, or oil rigs, a regular smartphone doesn’t cut it. They need a device that can withstand the rigours of their job. Rugged smartphones, with their reinforced designs and durability features, fit the bill perfectly.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Adventurers, hikers, and campers often expose their devices to elements that would quickly damage a regular phone. Whether it’s the pouring rain, dusty trails, or the occasional drop on rocky terrain, rugged smartphones can handle it all.
- Long-Term Savings: While rugged smartphones might come with a slightly higher price tag initially, long-term savings are evident. The cost of replacing or repairing a damaged regular phone can quickly add up, making rugged phones a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Top 10 Rugged Smartphones of 2023
In the expansive ocean of robust smartphones, a handful shine for their outstanding durability, advanced features, and user-friendly design. Here’s a glimpse of the top 10 rugged smartphones of 2023:
#1 Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Unlock the power of productivity with the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro, the rugged smartphone designed for professionals who demand the best. Crafted with precision from top-quality materials, this device is built to withstand the rigours of your workday.
The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro offers unrivalled durability and performance in any environment. With its military-grade durability, IP68 rating, and integrated barcode scanner, it’s a versatile choice for professionals. Stay connected, productive, and ahead of the game with this sleek and reliable device.
- Best for: Overall performance.
- Samsung DeX support
- MIL-STD 810G 1.5m drop test certification
- IP68 rating
- removable battery
- Pogo Pin support for accessories
#2 Conker SX50-2D
The Conker SX50 is a robust handheld barcode scanner designed to improve business operations by streamlining data collection and management in demanding environments. Its durability, advanced scanning capabilities, long-lasting battery life, and user-friendly design make it a valuable tool for industries that require efficiency and precision.
Upgrade your data collection process with the Conker SX50 Rugged Handheld Barcode Scanner and experience unmatched durability and performance. Don’t let inefficiencies slow you down; choose the SX50 and stay ahead of the curve in data management and logistics.
- Best for: Advanced data collection in rugged settings.
- Zebra SE4710 2D Barcode Scanner
- 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage
- Dockable with 4,000 mAh battery
- Fingerprint Sensor
#3 Conker SX55
In a world where sleek designs and delicate devices dominate, the Conker SX55 stands as a beacon of durability and practicality. Its ability to excel in challenging environments makes it a valuable tool for professionals and adventurers alike.
Upgrade to the Conker SX55 and experience a robust smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or durability. It’s time to embrace a device that can keep up with your active lifestyle and demanding profession.
- Best for: Versatility in tough environments.
- Newland 2D barcode scanner
- IP68 and drop tested for road readiness
- Dockable with 4,000 mAh battery
- 12mm thickness and 250g
#4 Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 redefines what a rugged smartphone can be. It combines sleek design, powerful performance, and rugged durability to ensure you’re always ready for your next adventure or workday. Experience the perfect companion for rugged adventures. Don’t compromise on style or reliability when you can have it all.
- Best for: Sleek design with 5G support.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor
- 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage
- three rear cameras
- large capacity 4,500 mAh battery.
#5 Conker NS6-2D
In a data-reliant world, the Conker NS6 is your trusted companion for accurate barcode scanning and data collection. Whether you’re in warehousing, logistics, or any industry that calls for precision, this smartphone empowers you to excel.
Upgrade to the Conker NS6 and experience a rugged smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or durability. It’s time to elevate your data collection game and ensure that your business runs smoothly.
- Best for: Barcode scanning and data collection
- Smallest Full Windows 10 Enterprise Tablet
- Honeywell N3680 2D Barcode Scanner
- 5,000mAh Battery
- IP65 Rated
#5 Unihertz Tank
The Unihertz Tank is more than just a smartphone; it’s your intrepid companion for outdoor adventures. Its sizable battery, high-resolution camera, and powerful torch ensure you’re always prepared for whatever the wilderness throws your way.
Opt for the Unihertz Tank and set off on outdoor adventures with confidence. It’s time to explore the world without limits.
- Best for: Extended battery life.
- MediaTek MT6789 processor
- 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage
- massive 22,000 mAh battery
- 1200-lumen flashlight.
#7 Doogee S100 Pro
The Doogee S100 Pro is your lifeline. Its exceptional endurance, night vision capabilities, robust construction, and powerful performance make it the perfect choice for post-apocalyptic survival. Don’t leave your survival to chance; equip yourself with the S100 Pro and stay connected when it matters most.
Prepare for the unexpected and choose the Doogee S100 Pro as your ultimate post-apocalypse survival companion. Your future may be uncertain, but your smartphone doesn’t have to be.
- Best for: Apocalypse survival.
- 22,000 mAh internal battery
- 108MP AI camera
- 20MP night vision camera
- MediaTek Helio G99 processor.
#8 Cat S62 Pro
The Cat S62 Pro is your trusted companion when you need to see beyond what’s visible to the naked eye. Its thermal imaging capabilities provide a unique advantage in various industries, from construction and maintenance to emergency response. With its robust construction and reliable performance, it’s a tool you can depend on in the most demanding environments.
Choose the Cat S62 Pro for thermal imaging excellence in a rugged smartphone. See more, do more, and stay ahead of the curve with this exceptional device.
- Best for: Thermal imaging.
- FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal camera
- 5.7-inch display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor
- Android 10.
#9 Blackview BV9900 Pro
The Blackview BV9900 Pro is a robust mobile phone that caters to those who require durability without compromising their photography passion. Whether you’re utilising its thermal imaging camera for work or its underwater mode for leisure, this mobile phone is prepared to deliver.
Capture moments both above and beneath the surface with confidence, knowing that your BV9900 Pro is crafted to withstand the most challenging of conditions.
- Best for: Underwater photography.
- Thermal imaging camera
- underwater mode
- MediaTek Helio P90 processor
- 5.84-inch FHD+ screen.
#10 Ulefone Armor 9
The Ulefone Armor 9 is a durable mobile phone that caters to professionals who require endoscopic inspection capabilities. Whether you’re conducting inspections in confined spaces or need to identify thermal anomalies, this mobile phone is designed to assist you in your work.
- Best for: Endoscopic inspections.
- Endoscope support
- FLIR thermal imaging camera
- 64MP main camera
- MediaTek Helio P90 processor.
The Modern Rugged Smartphone
Today’s robust smartphones are not only about durability. They come packed with features that rival, and sometimes even surpass, those of mainstream smartphones. High-resolution cameras, powerful processors, ample storage, and long-lasting batteries are now standard in many robust devices.
Furthermore, manufacturers have realised the importance of aesthetics. Early robust phones were often bulky and unattractive. However, modern robust smartphones boast sleek designs that don’t compromise on toughness.
The Future of Robust Smartphones
With advancements in technology, the line between regular and robust smartphones is blurring. Features like water and dust resistance are becoming standard in many flagship phones. However, there will always be a need for devices that can handle extreme conditions.
In the future, we can expect robust smartphones with even more advanced features. Think solar charging for extended battery life in remote locations, satellite connectivity for areas without mobile coverage, and advanced sensors to detect environmental conditions.
Conclusion
The digital age has brought about a plethora of devices designed to make our lives easier. However, the robust smartphone stands out as a device that doesn’t just add convenience but also ensures reliability in the toughest conditions. As technology continues to evolve, the robust smartphone will undoubtedly adapt, ensuring that no matter where we are or what we’re doing, we’ll always stay connected.
Get to know the top rugged Android smartphones here.
Top Best 10 Rugged Smartphones 2022
| Rugged Smartphones |
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The top rugged smartphone 2022 comes with features that will meet demands of today’s industries. Our choice of the best rugged smartphones comes with massive batteries, reliable operating systems, and a wealth of other features that helps improve work even in demanding environments.
In 2022, we look into the rugged devices industry in a completely new way. The world has completely changed after more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses operate in a way that it has never before. At the forefront of these changes are the retail operations, warehouses, supply chain, logistics and so much more. As a result, the demand for devices to support these unprecedented changes has risen.
Rugged smartphone devices have become necessary to help workers in the most demanding environments. The best 2022 rugged smartphone are not just water and dust-resistant. They should also be slimmer, have excellent screen quality display, and have a reliable operating system. These devices should be rugged enough to survive impacts, shocks, drops, and bumps without affecting operational capacity.
In this article we took our pick at the best rugged smartphone 2022 has to offer. These devices fits perfectly into your operations no matter what industry you are in.
What Are Rugged Devices?
Rugged devices are hardware designed to withstand any type of environment and can take a significant amount of beating. For example, many industrial businesses have to deal with heat, cold, or significant extreme temperatures. Or, your working environment requires your employees to go out into the field where there’s dust.
Commercial devices won’t be able to survive in those conditions. Therefore, device failure is a common issue in such working environments. Thus, rugged devices come in. They’re built to endure and they last a significant number of years.
With rugged devices, you won’t have to spend so much money on repairs and the like. Rugged devices improve your total cost of ownership and overall supports your entire team by providing a ton of different benefits and features as well. Read more on the benefits of rugged devices here, and read more about rugged devices themselves here.
#1 Conker SX50
At one of the top spots in our lists, the Conker SX50 is sure to serve you and your team. The device is strong and durable. Rated IP67, the Conker SX50 can endure moist environments, dust, shocks, and falls. As one of the best products out there, the device is built to not only withstand but also support your team. Its powerful operating system is sure to serve your team and streamline the operations of your business.
Despite its tiny size, the Conker SX50 is powerful. The device is ideal for every industry out there. Moreover, the device is lightweight and is a great addition to your team’s set of tools. Not only that, if you choose to, you can avail the Conker SX50’s 2D barcode scanner. Read more about the Conker SX50 here.
If you haven’t heard of Conker, it is a brand based in the UK that offers wide range rugged devices suited for various industries. What makes Conker stand out above the rest is its excellent device warranty. Read more about it here.
- Android 10.0
- A5-Point Capacitive Touch Screen with toughened glass
- IP67
- Zebra SE4710 2D Barcode Scanner
- 5 inch screen might be too small for some industries
#2 CAT S62 Pro
The CAT S62 Pro is one of the best rugged devices that you can choose for your business out there. The device is rated IP68 and is sure to be both waterproof and dustproof. In addition, the device is made by one of the most popular brands in the field – CAT. This phone promises to provide the best solutions for you operations.
The CAT S62 Pro is also durable against drops as high as 1.8 metres. Moreover, the CAT S62 Pro is equipped with a high-quality thermal camera for your team. It is best suited for industries needing an extra thermal feature that allows cameras to go further into otherwise impenetrable areas.
What makes the CAT S62 deserving of the top spot is because of it slim feature which makes it easier for users to work with even with just one hand. It is a full Android 11 toughphone that is rated IP68-69. It also comes with features that are great for workplaces such as a FLIR sensor, a hardy build and a programmable extra button on the side.
- Android 11
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Octo Core 2.0GHz
- IP68 - 69
- Lepton 3.5 professional-grade camera
- No wireless charging
#3 Nokia XR20
Known for its many memes on the strength of its devices, the Nokie XR20 is one of the top spots on this list. The Nokia XR20 is resistant to different types of conditions it may be subjected to be it falls, scratches, moisture, dust, and many more. In addition, the device can detect touches despite having wet hands or being separated by a glove.
As one of the best devices of 2022, the Nokia XR20 is one of the best options for rugged devices out there. The smartphone is beautiful, featuring a sleek and smooth design that makes it look like your everyday commercial device but with the strength of a bulky rugged device.
- Android 11, upgradable to Android 12
- AOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
- Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8 m
- IP68 rating
- low storage
#4 Ulefone Power Armor 13
Another great rugged smartphone 2022 is the reliable Ulefone Power Armor 13. Not only is the device IP68 and IP69K certified, but the device is also equipped with a large battery guaranteed to lengthen the usage time. Thus, there is barely any downtime with the Ulefone Power Armor 13.
The device supports wireless charging (and wireless reverse charging) as well. As one of the best devices of 2022, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 contains a lot of extra features as well. For example, the rugged smartphone also contains an infrared laser that measures distance.
- Android 11
- IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
- Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2 m
- Bit bulky compared to others
#5 Blackview BV9900 Pro
Next on this list is the Blackview BV990 Pro. The device is slim and lightweight, having a great feel to it as well. Moreover, the rugged device is both IP68 and IP69K certified. Thus, it can withstand different types of environmental conditions. Be it rain, dust, drops, or the like, the Blackview BV9900 Pro can withstand it all.
Moreover, the device is built with a metal frame to ensure its strength. The device works even in the most extreme of temperatures- there is no such thing as too cold or too hot with this device. Moreover, the device runs extremely smoothly, making it a part of the top 5 best-rugged smartphones of 2022.
- Android 10.0
- Helio P90 Octa-core Processor & 8GB + 128GB
- IP68/IP69K Rugged Smartphone
- Sony 48MP Triple Rear Camera + Thermal Imaging Camera
- Smaller battery capacity
#5 Conker NS6
The Conker NS6 is known for being the smallest full Windows 10 robust smartphone. It is also the only Windows smartphone on this list. With an IP65 Rating, you this device promises continuous performance anytime and anywhere.
This device is one of the smallest full Windows 10 rugged device in the market. It is waterproof, dustproof, and can easily withstand drops and shocks. This makes it a perfect choice for the most demanding workplaces. Moreover, the Windows operating system is powerful and Honeywell N3680 2D barcode scanner for your team. Read more about the Conker NS6 rugged smartphone 2022 here.
- Smallest Full Windows 10 Enterprise Tablet
- 6” Toughened Glass Touchscreen
- IP65 rating
- Honeywell N3680 2D Barcode Scanner
- Only IP65 Rated
#7 Blackview BV8800
The Blackview BV8800 boasts of an IP68 and an IP69K certification. Like the BV9900, this device can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions as well. For example, high drops, dust, rain, snow, and the like.
While this rugged device runs on a higher version of android than its BV9900 counterpart, it is bulkier and heavier- thus, making it lower on this list. However, the device is still as strong and durable which still cuts as one of the best rugged smartphone 2022.
- Android 11
- MT6781 Octa Core
- RAM 8GB & Storage 128GB
- IP68 + IP69K rating
- Heavier than other rugged smartpohnes
#8 Oukitel WP8 Pro
The Oukitel WP8 Pro is a rugged smartphone offering new software and cool design. It also comes with a lower price versus other items on this list. Whether it comes across dust, moisture, extreme temperature, the Oukitel WP8 Pro comes out strong, which makes it a part of the best rugged smartphone 2022 list.
The device is long-lasting and is one of the biggest devices in Oukitel’s device lineup. Nevertheless, the device boasts of a slimmer body making it still a great device to use for your workplace.
- Android 10
- 5000mAh Huge Battery
- IP68 + IP69K rating
- Larger device versus others
#9 Doogee S90
Part of the list of the best rugged smartphone 2022 is the Doogee S90. Unlike any other rugged smartphones on this list. It comes with a modular design and offers features that will easily suit your needs. Unfortunately, due to its modular design, it may be bulkier than other rugged devices. Nevertheless, it can help you improve your business operation fast.
This device promises to be an excellent value for your money. Especially if you need a device that does its purpose but still ensures good performance.
- Android 8.1
- 5050 mAh
- MT6771 (P60) 4*Cortex-A73 2.0GHz +
- 5050mAh
- Bulky design
#10 Jesy J20
Jesy is an up and coming Chinese brand that promises users the best rugged smartphone 2022 features. This year, it recently launched the J20 which is an excellent choice for users who are looking for an Android solution making it one of the top rugged smartphone 2022 It comes with wireless charging, 48MP camera, and night vision mode.
It is a convenient product if your team is looking for an affordable but reliable Android rugged device. If your team needs a simple yet working device, this rugged smartphone will definitely deliver as expected.
- Android 11
- 6.3 inch
- MT6833 Octa Core
- 5700mAh
- Heavier than other devices
Get to know the top rugged Android smartphones here.
