For those of you looking for a durable and reliable smartphone, our list of 7 best rugged smartphones of 2016 is surely something to consider.
Most of the smartphones on the market are made to look good and have good performances. These two things are what appeals to the mass and companies make sure their products fit these standards. The problem is that these kinds of smartphones are not reliable and durable. Most of them are prone to cracking when dropped onto the ground, or become unusable if they are to get wet. And don’t get us started on the battery life. As soon as you turn around, your smartphone is begging for a recharge.
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Most of the smartphone users don’t mind these flaws. If their smartphone gets broken, they will get a new one, or they will get a new model when their old smartphone gets outdated. If you want to know about last year’s models, check out our list of 6 best rugged smartphones of 2015. On the other side, there are a handful of users who want more from their smartphones. They want the functionality and not the looks. Luckily for them, smartphone manufacturers responded with the production of rugged smartphones. These smartphones usually have “triple protection: waterproof, dustproof and shockproof”. They are made for people who lead an active lifestyle, spend most of their time outdoors and don’t care if their smartphone is thin, has a 6.0-inch screen or comes in pink color.
To find out the 7 best rugged smartphones of 2016 we looked at the suggestions from Phone Arena, Tough Gadget, Mobile Scope and Best Smartphones 2016. We took 10 models that were released in 2016 and then ranked them based on their durability (time and depth in water, drop height), battery life, RAM, and storage. We assigned from 1 to 3 (or 1 to 2, depending on the category) for each of these elements and formed our definitive list after summing up the scores.
7. V Phone X3
Price: $169.99
Score: 7
For this price, surely you won’t find a better rugged smartphone. Its durability is similar if not the same like the most other smartphones on the list and the characteristics are also impressive. V Phone X3 comes with 13 MP camera, 5.5 HD screen, 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable storage. If you don’t want to spend big, this is your choice.
6. AGM X1
Price: $399.99
Score: 8
When you look at the overall picture, AGM X1 is a really good smartphone, although, like most Chinese manufacturers, little known. For a price of $399.99, you will get 5.5 inches rugged smartphone with 3GB or Ram and 32 GB storage. Battery life in active use is 10 hours, and you will get the standard IP68 protection of 5 feet in the water for 30 minutes, and 5 feet drop height.
5. Rugtel X16
Price: $217.65
Score: 8
Rugtel X16 can be submerged in 5 feet of water for 30 minutes and can survive a drop from 5 feet as the most smartphones on this list. The battery life is also impressive, and can last up to 16 hours of talking time. It comes with 5.0 inch screen, 2GB of RAM, 16GB storage, and 13MP camera.
4. Samsung Galaxy S7 Active
Price: $749.98
Score: 9
We are sure that you didn’t expect Samsung on our list of 7 best rugged smartphones of 2016 since their smartphones are not well known for their durability. Well, with their model S7 Active, they have decided to change that. It isn’t as tough as some other entries, but it represents a perfect combination of ruggedness and performance with an attractive appearance. It comes with a 5.1 inch screen, 12MP camera, 4GB of RAM and expandable 32GB of storage. It can stand being 5 feet in water for 30 minutes and has a battery life of 10 hours when in active use. It can also survive a fall from 5 feet.
3. RugGear RG730
Price: $579.75
Score: 9
When it comes to durability, RugGear RG730 shows some impressive performances. It can be submerged in water 6,5 feet deep and withstand 30 minutes. If dropped from 6 feet to concrete, it will be unscratched. The battery life is satisfying and it will last the whole day, no matter the use. The other qualities of RG730 are 2 GB of RAM, 16GB storage, and 8MP camera.
2. Blackview BV600
Price: $219.99
Score: 10
Blackview BV600 presents a cheaper option for those who don’t want to spend much money, but still want all the good qualities that rugged smartphones offer. It has a standard 5 feet – 30 minutes in water resistance, 5 feet drop height and a quality battery life that can hold up the whole day of active use. The characteristics are in line with midrange smartphones with 4.7 inch screen, 13MP camera, 3GB of RAM, 32GB storage, and dual SIM.
1. Caterpillar CAT S60
Price: $599
Score: 13
Pricey phone, but surely the best on our list of 7 best rugged smartphones of 2016 and well worth the money. Coming from the company that produces bulldozers, you know you have something special on your hands. It comes with 4.7 inch screen, 13MP camera, 3GB of RAM and expandable 32GB storage. The true power of CAT S60 lies in its capability to withstand water depth of 16 feet for 60 minutes, 6 feet fall and a battery life that lasts from 12 to 24 hours.
