What’s your bet on the best rugged smartphones of 2015? There are a lot of new smarter phones today but do you know which one of them is the tough enough for the long run? The use of rugged smartphones varies from one person to another. It’s the type of hand-held device recommended for the individuals who spend their time mostly outdoors such as field technicians, construction workers, military applications, or even the ‘play safe’ ones who value their money so much for a new phone. Just so you know, there are different types of rugged smartphones: semi-rugged, rugged, and the hardcore rugged that we will discuss later on, eventually.
First, let me ask you if you have an idea about the price of these best rugged smartphones? You may be familiar to some such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active (Oops, spoiler alert!) but you will be surprised that most of the sturdy smartphones we have on the list are only around $400 off the contract! Don’t panic okay, these 6 rugged smartphones that we have for you are not only the toughest in the market today but also the cheapest because, practicality first. Second, how rugged is the phone you are looking for? The things that you actually need to consider when buying a stronger phone is its battery life, casing durability, and the phone’s capabilities: waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof.
Are you ready to beat these smartphones up? Bet you are! Our post today is an updated version of the 10 most durable cell phones you’ll find anywhere! Now let’s review the best rugged smartphones of 2015 that should not cost you at least 500 bucks!
6. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Device Price: $399
Level of ruggedness: Semi-rugged
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact gives us an impression that not all tough smartphones should get that bulky physical design to prove its worth. Sony made its way to balance a slim and handy phone with a power that keeps competitors away! Sony Xperia Z1 Compact has a built-in memory of 16GB which is abundant enough to know that the memory of this phone is still expandable. It runs a 2 GB of RAM in it which promises you a fast multi-tasking. It is powered by a 2300mAh Li-Ion battery that can stand up to 18 hours of talk time. This smartphone is one of the best in the market for its affordable price and its incredible specs. Tip: A semi-rugged phone can stay immersed under water of about 1m deep however it’s only protected limitedly against dust.
5. Runbo X6
Device Price: $540
Level of Ruggedness: Average Rugged Smartphone
An average rugged smartphone is not so average nowadays. The reason why it’s still one of the best rugged smartphones out there is because it packs a 32 GB of memory and 2 GB of decent RAM. It’s fast enough to withstand its opponents in the market. This super tough stud-like phone has a 4200 mAh Li-Ion battery which makes it running up to 25 hours of talk time. You can never go outdated with this phone for it has a 13 MP rear camera with auto-focus which is perfect for barcode scanning as well. It’s not your average little smartphone anymore for it is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. It even passed the Military Standard ranking which makes this smartphone of the bests!
4. Kyocera Brigadier
Device Price: $449
Level of Ruggedness: Hardcore Rugged Smartphone
This hardcore rugged smartphone is designed for intense activities such as field works and military applications. It is surprisingly cheap for it has a durable power that runs up to 26 hours of talk time. It has an HD display which means you can enjoy watching a crisp picture in that movie playing on your phone while you’re in the bathroom (taking a shower or you know, that thing). It has a built-in 16 GB of memory and 2 GB of RAM which runs multiple apps at the same time at a smooth phase.
3. CAT B15
Device Price: $395
Level of Ruggedness: Average Rugged Smartphone
The factor that makes CAT B15 one of the best rugged smartphone in the market is that it’s an ideal phone for military application and for construction workers. Simply knowing that it’s a phone made by a construction tool manufacturer, CAT will make you forget all the doubts you have for this phone. It has a beautiful display of 3456 x 4608 pixels, has an auto-focus 16 MP rear camera with a LED flashlight. This phone can endure a water drop for a maximum of 30 minutes up to 1m water deep, and when you get it out of the water, it will be working perfectly fine.
2. Sonim XP7
Device Price: $750
Level of Ruggedness: Hardcore rugged smartphone
Sonim XP7 is one of the greatest rugged smartphones because it can stay up to 40 hours of talk time which is unbelievable but is true! It is designed for long field works, construction, and military application. Its price is a bit expensive for a 16 GB ready of memory and 1 GB of RAM. But overall, its still offers a great deal when it comes to its longer power life.
1. Samsung Galaxy S5 Active
Device Price: $650
Level of Ruggedness: Average Rugged Smartphone
The best rugged smartphone of 2015 is the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active caught our hearts thru its exquisite design and excellent phone performance. It comes perfectly with a 16 GB of memory which is expandable with the use of a Micro SD card. It owns a 2 GB of RAM which makes the performance of the phone smooth as possible. It can withstand dust, dirt, water, and is shockproof as well. So if you’re looking for a sturdy, tough, and incredibly rugged smartphone, we suggest that you pick the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active which offers you a great performance, wonderful design, and extra-strong durability.