5 Most Rugged Phones

If you are in construction, the military, maintenance, or if you are just plain outdoorsy, then you need a rugged phone. While most jobs take place in a climate controlled office these days, you might be a Police Officer or a Fire Fighter, regularly facing the elements, which means you need a phone to hold up to the elements, too. Whether you’re interested in a smart phone, a flip phone, or something in between, we’ve compiled the most rugged phones on the market.

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 Active

If you’re looking for a durable phone that has all of the bells and whistles of a smart phone, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active. With a shatter-proof screen and dust-proof features, the S7 Active is also water resistant, so it can be fully submerged in five feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The phone is also shock resistant, thanks to the rubber bumper surrounding the device. Yet, you’re not trading features for ruggedness with this phone. It has a similar make to the Galaxy S7 with a nice display, huge battery size, and a finger print sensor. However, the S7 Active has one specific feature of it’s own, the Active Key. This button is on the side of the phone and allows you to launch shortcuts to apps of your choosing. Mashable labeled the S7 Active “the best rugged phone except for one thing”. What is the one thing? It is an at&t exclusive phone (lame). So if you’re an at&t customer, it looks like you’re in luck. All of the rest of us will just have to keep looking.

2. Sonim XP7

With industrial strength durability, the Sonim XP7 is widely considered one of the most rugged devices available on the market today. This device is not only resistant to water, but it is also resistant to solvents, petroleum oils, ice, and salt water. With super loud speakers, you can use this in some of the loudest of conditions. Are you often wearing gloves on the job? The touch screen on the XP7 can be used with gloves on or off, which is a nice feature. Lastly, a great component of the XP7 is the massive battery on this device, which means it can hold a charge for days. The Sonim XP7 is available unlocked and usable on most cellular networks. According to Tough Gadget, if cost is not an issue and a rugged device is your first priority, then this is the phone for you. Great news: Turtleback offers even more durability for the Sonim XP7 with fitted cases and holsters available for the device.

3. Brigadier

The Kyocera Brigadier is a military inspired device that actually meets the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Military Standards 810G durability standards against dust, vibration, rain, pressure, salt water, shock, humidity, water immersion, and extreme temperatures. So basically, this phone is a pocket-sized tank. Part of meeting the military standards entails that the Brigadier can be fully submersed in up to 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Not to mention, the screen on this bad boy is literally meant to withstand direct hits to rocks, so it is virtually shatterproof. The Brigadier runs on Android, supports 4G LTE, and is pretty affordable, compared to some of the other top devices on our list. The best part is that we’ve got fitted cases for the Brigadier, featuring belt clips so you can keep the device close, no matter where you take it.

4. DuraXV+

Similar to the Brigadier, the DuraXV+ meets the DoD Military durability standards in many areas such as harsh environments and extreme temperatures. While Verizon classifies this device as a “basic phone”, it sports all of the essential features that you truly need in a phone, plus a few added features for good measure. One great thing about the DuraXV+ is that it uses a Smart Sonic Receiver, which means clearer and louder call quality in the areas where you need it most. Also, due to the specs of the keypad, this is a great device for use with gloves. If you’re looking for a device that is particularly affordable, simple, yet extra durable, the DuraXV+ is likely the phone for you. Turtleback has a selection of fitted cases to choose from for your new DuraXV+

5. Casio G’Zone Commando 4G LTE

According to the Droid Guy, the Casio G’Zone Commando 4G LTE is not only one of the best rugged phones on the market, but it comes pretty close to perfection, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. This device is considered essentially indestructible, with Casio claiming that it can be dropped up to 26 times from as high as 4ft without noticeable damage. It is also radiation, water, extreme temperature, and low-pressure resistant. It has 4G LTE speeds and comes already loaded with some useful apps for adventure, such as a home screen compass and a barometric pressure reader. It is a heavy phone, weighing in at a little over 6 ounces, and half an inch thick, but it should also hold up in some of the most extreme conditions. Grab one of these fitted cases with belt clips for the G’Zone Commando and you will be all set for your next outdoor adventure.

Still Looking for a Rugged Phone?

At Turtleback, we are all about durability. With our holsters and fitted cases, any device can become instantly rugged. Products are available in premium leather and water resistant nylon, and each one is proudly cut, sewn and finished in the USA, so quality is never a question. Want help choosing the right holster or fitted case? We would love to help you.