The Toughest Smartphones of 2024

Professionals requiring ruggedized smartphones need something capable of withstanding extreme shock and the elements.

Rugged phones were explicitly created with this in mind, meeting specific criteria such as being drop-resistant or waterproof.

Sonim XP8

The Sonim XP8 smartphone was specifically designed to withstand field professionals. Boasting a military-grade MIL-STD-810G rating, this ultra-rugged phone can withstand extreme temperatures, dust and shocks without suffering damage or being submerged in liquids and chemicals. Furthermore, its dual 100dB+ front-facing speakers make it suitable for communicating in noisy or challenging conditions.

Sonim is an ultra-rugged device manufacturer that specializes in creating ultra-rugged devices like its XP8 flagship product, made to work with FirstNet (a secure mobile network designed for emergency communication between public safety agencies) and is equipped with features designed specifically to assist workers working in hazardous environments, including programmable keys and push-to-talk buttons; additionally, it comes equipped with waterproof technology as well as HD cameras to take photos during field operations.

While not as fast as other smartphones, the XP8 still delivers respectable performance. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset featuring two Arm Cortex-A76 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores for optimal functionality, this device easily handles work apps as well as media content without any difficulties.

The XP8 boasts more significant features than most competitor displays, such as a 5.5-inch display for better viewing angles and use with gloves. Plus, its Gorilla Glass 3 screen protects it against scratches and sharp contact.

The XP8 comes packed with helpful software features designed to improve fieldwork productivity, including SonimWare. This app allows businesses to remotely manage their devices from any location using solutions for application management, mobile device configuration and updates, security updates and security protections. SonimWare can be combined with other apps such as Microsoft EMS or iManage Work to increase productivity even further; additionally, it features sensors such as an accelerometer and barometer that may help monitor conditions on the go.

CAT S62 Pro

The CAT S62 Pro smartphone was explicitly created with work tasks in mind. It boasts numerous unique features that set it apart, such as its FLIR thermal imaging camera – making this phone an excellent option for construction workers, security guards, or anyone needing to monitor temperature conditions in their surroundings.

As with its predecessor, the S62 Pro was designed for harsh environments. Complying with MIL-SPEC-810H standards, it stands up against vibration, abrasion, extreme temperatures, UV radiation exposure and submersion into acidic liquids. Furthermore, its sturdy aluminium body houses an impact-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 6 screen; even if dropped from six feet onto steel or another hard surface, it should survive without structural integrity compromise being compromised on either end.

The S62 Pro offers reliable but uninspiring phone specs, including a 5.7-inch 1080p display and Snapdragon 660 processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage. Unfortunately, however, it does not support 5G connectivity and runs solely Android 10. However, Bullitt Group guarantees one upgrade to Android 11 during its three-year warranty period.

Energy Electronics can assist your team with finding a durable smartphone to get their work done efficiently, from the CAT S62 Pro or our other rugged devices. As certified CAT dealers, we possess the expertise needed to assist you in selecting the ideal device based on your company’s specific requirements. Complete our simple online form to request a quote – one of our experts will reach out shortly after that and discuss available solutions with you.

Kyocera DuraSport 5G UW

Kyocera DuraSport 5G UW is an impressively rugged smartphone. Designed to withstand drops into muddy water without damage and is slim enough to fit comfortably in tool belts or pockets. Packed with mission-critical features like an LCD touchscreen display with HD voice for both Wi-Fi and cellular calling; battery life for two days of usage; a two-year manufacturer warranty to help repair it in case it gets damaged during normal usage; it even comes equipped with a mission-critical mission features like programmable buttons and HD voice cellular and Wi-Fi calls!

Durability begins with its body, which is made of hard plastic that feels substantial. Though at 9.81 ounces, it weighs slightly more than other phones; most of this comes from metal bumpers and reinforcement designed to protect from drops. Certified MIL 810H-compliant as well as IP68 certified for dust, dirt, rain and snow protection, it also boasts a Gorilla Glass 6 display as well as support for Qi wireless charging – plus Gorilla Glass 6.

Internally, the DuraSport features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor with 4GB of RAM. Running Android 11 with some Verizon apps installed, it performed adequately during our tests, though gamers might need to consider its limited storage when pushing resources like Call of Duty mobile. I was able to run one session before needing to delete data — although its performance won’t rival that of flagship phones for most people.

The highlight of this phone is its 6.1-inch FHD IPS LCD with more than 400PPI pixel density and 500-nit brightness rating – ideal for direct sunlight usage and glove or wet finger use when outdoors. In addition, its software highlights include a custom action overlay, which shows information such as elapsed times, speed distance, altitude, and G-force information on photos and videos taken during usage.

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

Samsung is a significant player in the rugged phone market, and its XCover Pro model stands out as one of their more refined offerings. Rather than looking like something intended for use on an oil rig, this smartphone more closely resembles something you might use personally or for business. Furthermore, the IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance, and it has MIL-STD-810G compliance to withstand falls up to 1.5 meters or around 4.9 feet from being dropped onto its surface.

Rugged industrial settings and outdoor work environments can quickly bring down a smartphone, leaving its precious components vulnerable to dust, moisture and other environmental threats. The Galaxy XCover Pro was specifically created to meet these challenges while keeping workers productive.

The XCover Pro has successfully passed 22 MIL-STD-810G tests and earned an IP68 rating for dust, water and shock/vibration protection, making it suitable for even the most demanding work environments. This means it can withstand repeated exposure to solar radiation, four hours of blowing rain or 24 hours of salt spray exposure as well as submersion into freshwater for 30 minutes or immersion into ice for six hours without degradation of performance or malfunction.

The Samsung XCover Pro runs Android 14 with their proprietary OneUI 6.0 user interface, boasts an edge-to-edge high-resolution display, and boasts an advanced PLS LCD panel to deliver outstanding colour saturation and contrast, powered by an Exynos 9611 processor, which provides solid midrange performance without leaving you wanting. However, its 60Hz refresh rate limits its usefulness as a mobile device.

Nokia XR21

Nokia is well-known for its durability, and the XR21 appears to continue this legacy. Certified MIL-STD-810H and IP69K phones with long battery life that prioritizes sustainability have long been hallmarks of Nokia’s excellence. Furthermore, monthly security updates until 2027 and three-year manufacturer’s warranties make up part of this durable offering.

The XR21 frame is constructed of recycled diecast aluminium and polymer composite materials, which provide more excellent impact resistance than metal and have solid construction for maximum drop protection from heights of 1.5 meters or lower.

The Nokia XR21 rugged smartphone is an excellent option for users in environments exposed to dust, dirt and other elements that could damage a traditional phone. It’s also great for children who may be rough with their electronics – though it feels less lightweight compared to some of our top-rated rugged smartphones in our test, it definitely feels built to withstand everyday life!

Though designed with durability in mind, the Nokia XR21 provides all of the features expected from modern Android devices. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 5G processor with 6GB RAM for an excellent user experience that rivals higher-end phones with more expensive specs. Its 6.5″ display offers vivid images in most environments while its camera captures decent shots.

As it offers plenty of storage for apps and data, with 128GB available, there’s ample room available – although without a microSD slot, it may become an issue if users require offline music or videos or need their device as GPS for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.

William Lobley of What’s The Best put the XR21 through its paces as the Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor for What’s The Best, from its use in gym classes to dunking it in rivers as part of hikes and outdoor activities such as Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. It held up beautifully against all these rigorous tests, showing just how far mid-range phones have come in terms of performance and durability.

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