5+ Best Rugged Phones You Should Buy in 2021

If you’re a tradie, a miner, a farmer who’s working in harsh environments, or someone who simply grew tired of fragile handsets that break easily, a rugged phone is what you need this 2021.

There’s no doubt about it. Some rugged phones, although not as advanced as today’s smartphones, are indestructible enough to get you going in a labor-heavy environment. These heavy-duty phones are made strong with military-grade materials and functional with their distinct apps and powerful chipsets.

To narrow down your options, we teamed up with the guys from Auditech and weeded out the regular rugged phones from the real best ones. These models will surely survive the mobile phones’ arch enemies: fall, dust, and water.

1. AGM Glory Pro

With thermal and night cameras, the AGM Glory Pro is a rugged phone which offers a host of functionality – including a top-notch thermal camera. It’ll suit not just the typical tradesperson but campers, hunters, and all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, and is backed up with a decent if unexciting chipset, pleasingly bloatware-free Android 11 installation and 5G radio. Size and weight are noticeable, styling isn’t for everyone, but it means business and can survive a lot more than just taking a few tumbles on site.

Here are some features that make this smartphone the best option:

1. -40℃ Low-Temperature Working (one day power under -27℃, 10 hours power under -30℃, and 1 hour power under -40℃)
2. Qualcomm Snapdragon 480
3. 8GB Ram + 256GB Rom, expandable to 512GB
4. 5G Frequency Bands
5. Android 11
6. Spacecraft Design
7. Thermal Imaging Camera
8. Sony 48MP Main Camera
9. 20MP Infrared Night Camera
10. IP68, IP69K & MIL-STD-810H
11. 3.5w World’s Biggest Phone Speaker
12. Dual Mic Noise Cancellation
13. Desk Charging Dock and Wireless Charging Available
14. 6200mAh Long Lasting Battery
15. NFC
16. and more!

2. Caterpillar Cat S62 Pro

Caterpillar is known for their massive construction equipment. Little did everyone know that they can build handy techs that are as sturdy as their huge machineries. One of the latest in their arsenal is the Caterpillar Cat S62 Pro.

CAT stripped down the usual curves and bulk in bodies of the usual rugged phones and came up with this one. Although it looks relatively the same with the regular mobile phones, make no mistake. It exhibits reliable construction in and out with features like advanced thermal imaging.

It can also keep massive data with its 128GB storage and perform well with its powerful system.

Specifications

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660

GPU: Adreno 512

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB

Screen size: 5.6-inch

Resolution: 1080 x 2160

Weight: 248g

Dimensions: 158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm

Rear camera: 12MP

Front camera: 8MP

OS: Android 10

Battery: 4000mAh

3. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

Like the frontrunner on this list, Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro also feels like a regular but acts like a true heavy-duty rugged phone. This is perfect for those who need a dust and shock-proof and water-resistant phone which they can still show off to their friends.

It’s sleek design is as smooth as its performance. It can last six to eight hours of non-stop heavy usage. Yes, without skipping a beat. That’s thanks to its 4050 mAh battery.  

Specifications

CPU: Samsung Exynos 9611

GPU: ARM Mali-G72 MP3

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB

Screen size: 6.30-inch

Resolution: 2340x1080

Weight: 218g

Dimensions: 9.94 x 159.9 x 76.7mm

Camera: 25 MP, 8MP, 13 MP

OS: Android 10

Battery: 4050 mAh

4. Ulefone Armor 7

With its military-grade build and shock-proof and water-resistant qualities, you knowUlefone Armor 7 earned its name. By design, it stays true to its ruggedness but it feels lighter than it looks. But what surprises us the most is its 5,500mAh battery, and it’s rechargeable using wireless docks! It’s not something you usually see in rugged phones, right?

Specifications

CPU: Helio P90

GPU: IMG PowerVR GM 9446

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB

Screen size: 6.3-inch

Resolution: 1080 x 2340

Weight: 290g

Dimensions: 81 mm x 165.86 mm x 13.55 mm

Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 8MP

Front camera: 16MP

OS: Android 9

Battery: 5500 mAh

5. Aspera R9

Just like everything on this list, Aspera R9 can take heavy knocks and drops. It’s tougher than the environment where you’ll mostly use it. It can withstand a blast from a high pressure hot steam jet, and will survive a drop into 2-meter deep water for 30 minutes.

It also boasts a facial recognition so you’re assured that your Aspera R9 is secured, as it is indestructible.

Specifications

CPU: MediaTek Helio A22

RAM: 3GB

Storage: 32GB (up to 128GB)

Screen size: 5.45-inch

Resolution: 1440 x 720

Rear camera: 13MP + 5MP

Front camera: 16MP

OS: Android 10

Battery: 5000 mAh

6. Telstra Tough Max 3

Last and definitely not the least. Durability is the name of the game. And this Telstra Tough Max 3 lives up to the hype and its name. This Telstra-branded rugged phone is manufactured by ZTE to cater the needs of their consumers: the tradies, miners, farmers and construction workers.

Aside from its ruggedness, its GPU and battery power also allow it to be game-capable. Hard workers deserve some break don’t they?

Specifications

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665

GPU: Adreno 610

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB

Screen size: 5.65-inch

Resolution: 2160 x 1080

Weight: 185g

Dimensions: 157.8 x 77.2 x 11.6mm

Rear camera: 16MP + 5MP

Front camera: 8MP

OS: Android 9

Battery: 3920 mAh

Phones are really not created equal. If you work in a tough environment, you probably need one of these models. If you’re ready to score your next rugged phone and accessories, just shop around Auditech and for sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.