While there are plenty of tough phone cases out there that can help protect your device from drops, or any types of damage, they're not always up to the job when dealing with people who are working in extreme environments. This is where a rugged phone comes in.

Rugged phones have been purpose-built to withstand as much as you can throw at them, allowing you to carry on with your day, without having to worry about accidentally breaking hundreds of dollars worth of tech.

Here are some of the best rugged phones available today.

Premium pick

1. Nokia XR20 5G

9.00 / 10
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The Nokia XR20 5G is an advanced rugged smartphone, designed to last through whatever you throw at it, while still retaining an elegant, modern smartphone with incredible technology and features built-in.

Aside from being durable, this rugged smartphone also sports 6GB RAM and upgradeable 128GB memory so you can still use all of your favorite apps and store plenty of photos and videos.

If you're trekking through difficult terrain, it's easy enough to access and unlock your phone since the Nokia XR20 features a side fingerprint sensor and face recognition. This means you can access calls and messages even when you're kitted out for an adventure. So, if you want one of the best rugged phones for all of your outdoor adventures, the Nokia XR20 is a great companion.

Key Features
  • MicroSD expansion slot
  • Android 11
  • IP68 dust and water resistance
Specifications
  • Brand: Nokia
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
  • Display: 6.67 inch, 1080x2400
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4630mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x 3.5mm jack
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 2x 48MP + 13MP (Rear), 1x 8MP (Front)
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, 5G Wi-Fi, NFC, USB C
  • Dimensions: 6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 inches
  • Colors: Ultra Blue, Granite Gray
  • Display type: IPS LCD
  • Weight: 8.75 oz
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Good camera
  • Four years of security updates
Cons
  • Quite expensive
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Nokia XR20 5G
Editors choice

2. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

7.80 / 10
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The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro isn't just a tough, rugged phone, it's sleek design also looks incredible, showing you that a rugged phone doesn't have to look bad. The stylish 6.3-inch display on the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro looks incredible, and with advanced touch capabilities, you don't need to take your gloves off, even in wet conditions.

With a large 4,050mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro will keep on going all day, allowing you to continue being productive, without needing to worry about your battery running out. It is replaceable too, allowing you to keep your phone even when the battery does reach the end of its life.

While it may not be as powerful as some of the latest smartphones on the market, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro does suit adventurers or those who travel frequently and need a reliable, yet stylish smartphone.

Key Features
  • Military-grade design
  • Edge-to-edge display
  • Gorilla glass
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • SoC: 2.3GHz
  • Display: 6.3"
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Battery: 4050mAh Replaceable
  • Rear camera: 25MP, 8MP
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.02 x 0.39 inches
  • Weight: 6.2oz
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • 2021 and 2022 versions available
  • Long lasting battery
  • Sleek design
Cons
  • Weak processor
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Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Best value

3. Blackview BV4900Pro

8.40 / 10
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The Blackview BV4900Pro has been created to withstand drops, no matter which angle the device lands at, with its 360-degree protection, no matter where it lands your device will be safe.

The enormous 5580mAh battery on the Blackview BV4900Pro is enough to keep your device alive all day, allowing you to remain productive, without needing to worry about it running out of battery. You can even use the large battery as a power bank to charge your other devices too.

With an IP68 rating, corning Gorilla glass 3, and military-grade components, the Blackview BV4900Pro really is one of the most durable rugged smartphones on the market.

Key Features
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • 360-degree drop-proof
  • Expandable storage
Specifications
  • Brand: Blackview
  • SoC: Helio P22 octa-core
  • Display: 5.7"
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Battery: 5580mAh
  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Rear camera: 13MP
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi
  • Dimensions: 5.89 x 2.99 x 0.55 inches
  • Weight: 15.8oz
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Great battery life
  • Solid build
  • Dual SIM
Cons
  • Lower resolution camera
Buy This Product
Blackview BV4900Pro

The OUKITEL WP16 isn't just one of the most durable smartphones out there, it also has one of the largest batteries on a rugged smartphone, as well as an incredible night vision camera too.

You might think that the large 10600mAh would take too long to charge, but thanks to the OUKITEL WP16's 18W fast-charging capabilities, your device will be charged in no time, giving you less time to wait and more time being productive.

If you love your phone for its camera, you will appreciate the night vision camera mode on the OUKITEL WP16, which takes stunning images no matter how dark it is. So, whether you're adventuring at night or working during the day, this rugged phone will meet your needs, and won't break easily.

Key Features
  • IP68/IP69K water, shock and dustproof
  • Gorilla corning glass
  • Infrared night vision camera
Specifications
  • Brand: OUKITEL
  • SoC: Helio P60 octa-core
  • Display: 6.39’
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 10600mAh
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Front camera: 20MP
  • Rear camera: 20MP, 12MP
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 5
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Great night vision photos
  • Massive battery
  • 18W fast charging
Cons
  • No 3.5mm audio
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OUKITEL WP16

The Doogee S96 GT is one of the most stylish rugged smartphones around. While it's a hefty device, it still feels comfortable to hold, and its smoother back means it supports wireless charging. With 8GB of RAM, a MediaTek G95 SoC, and plenty of storage, this smartphone could be mistaken for a higher-end model than it actually is.

The five cameras allow for wide-angle, macro, and night vision features, offering some seriously good images considering the phone's price. In fact, it can even capture 4K videos, so when you're out adventuring, you can capture those breathtaking moments on a single device.

Although the battery capacity isn't as good as other Doogee models, it can still reach up to two days before needing to be charged. It might not be suitable for longer stays away from home without power, but it's certainly decent enough for day-to-day use.

Key Features
  • Can be immersed in water up to 30 minutes
  • Dual SIM
  • Battery lasts up to 2 days
  • MIL-STD-810H compliant
Specifications
  • Brand: DOOGEE
  • SoC: Mediatek Helio G95
  • Display: 6.22-inch, 720x1520
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 6350mAh
  • Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Rear camera: 48MP (wide), 8MP (ultrawide), 20MP (night vision), 2MP (depth)
  • Connectivity: GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE
  • Dimensions: 6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 inches
  • Display type: IPS LCD
  • Weight: 10.93oz
  • Charge speed: 24W (wired), 15W (wireless)
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • 4K camera capture
  • Affordable
  • Wireless charging
  • Extremely robus
Cons
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Bulky
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Doogee S96 GT

The DOOGEE S97 Pro comes with five cameras; the main camera, a stunning 48MP camera with 4K recording, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP portrait camera, and a 16MP selfie camera. Perfect for capturing any moment, in any conditions.

The large 8500mAh battery can be charged in no time with the DOOGEE S97 Pro's 33W fast charging and can even be charged wirelessly with 10W wireless charging, making it ideal for those that need power in a rush.

If all that isn't enough to impress you, the built-in laser rangefinder is perfect for those who need to measure objects or rooms regularly. With four measurement modes, you won't need to carry around as many tools when you have the DOOGEE S97 Pro by your side.

Key Features
  • Dual SIM
  • 33W fast charging
  • Laser Rangefinder
  • 10W wireless charging
Specifications
  • Brand: DOOGEE
  • SoC: MTK G95 Octa-core
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 8500mAh
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Rear camera: 48MP, 8MP, 2MP, 2MP
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 5
  • Dimensions: 7.83 x 7.2 x 1.46 inches
  • Weight: 10.9oz
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Long battery life
  • Fast and wireless charging options
  • Can be expanded with microSD
Cons
  • The fingerprint reader is not well positioned
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DOOGEE S97 Pro

The OUKITEL WP5 Pro is the perfect rugged smartphone for people who love to be outside, and thanks to the outdoors digital toolkit there are tons of tools to make your adventures even better.

With 360 degrees protection, the OUKITEL WP5 Pro is safe from drops, no matter how the device lands, keeping you safe in the knowledge that even after an accident, your device will work just as well as before. And with an IP68 rating, even water won't bring this device down.

The OUKITEL WP5 Pro also features reverse charging, allowing you to share the device's large 8000mAh power with other devices, such as your headphones, or wearable.

Key Features
  • 360-degree protection
  • 10W fast charging
  • Outdoors digital toolkit
Specifications
  • Brand: OUKITEL
  • SoC: MediaTek Helio MT6762D
  • Display: 5.5"
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Battery: 8000mAh
  • Operating System: Android 10
  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Rear camera: 13MP, 2MP
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 5
Pros
  • Five foot drop protection
  • Large battery
  • Power share feature
Cons
  • Older version of Android
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OUKITEL WP5 Pro

Just holding the Ulefone Power Armor 13 you can feel the strength of the build and the phone's overall durability. While it does feel a little heavier than other rugged smartphones, there is no denying the quality that makes this a truly rugged phone, designed to last.

As well as being durable, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 comes with tons of modern features, such as a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, 4K video recording, fast and wireless charging, and compatibility with apps such as Google Pay, allowing you to use your phone to make quick and easy payments.

The Ulefone Power Armor 13 boasts a massive 13200mAh battery that will give you enough power to see you through the day, and with the built-in power-sharing feature, you can even use it to power your other devices too.

Key Features
  • Fast charging and wireless charging
  • Reverse charging
  • Fingerprint sensor and face ID
Specifications
  • Brand: Ulefone
  • SoC: Helio G95/Mali G76-MC4
  • Display: 6.8-inches, 2040x1080px
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 13200mAh
  • Ports: USB-C, headphone, accessory
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Rear camera: 48MP main, 8MP wide-angle, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 5
  • Dimensions: 7.24x3.35x0.79 inches
  • Colors: Black
  • Weight: 10.3oz
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Power sharing
  • 3.5mm jack
  • Huge battery
Cons
  • Big and heavy
Buy This Product
Ulefone Power Armor 13

FAQ

Q: What Does Rugged Phone Mean?

A rugged phone has been purposely designed to withstand damage from various sources, such as water, shock, dust, and vibration, among others.

Rugged phones are ideal for those that often do outdoor activities, extreme sports, or work in hazardous roles.

Q: What Phone Is Unbreakable?

No phone is truly unbreakable, however, there are several high-quality components that can be added to ensure a much more durable device and reduce the chances of your rugged phone being broken.

Many rugged phones will have an IP68 rating and will use corning gorilla glass to make sure that the screen is less likely to become damaged. There are also several design options many manufacturers choose to reduce the chances of damage.

Q: Can Gorilla Glass Be Broken?

Gorilla glass can break, but unlike normal glass, it has been designed to withstand everyday life, and should even be able to survive everyday drops.

As long as you don't go out of your way to try and break the glass, Gorilla glass should be more than enough to ensure your screen remains undamaged.