These are the best rugged Android phones
More and more often, phones are being released with shiny glass backs, smooth metal frames, and other design elements to make them as attractive as can be. That's great if you prefer form over function, but what about if you're in the market for a smartphone that doesn't need to be babied nonstop? Here are the best rugged Android phones we could find!
A name you know
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
Staff pick
The Galaxy S8 Active certainly isn't the newest phone on our list, but it still powers through as one of the best rugged phones on the market. The 5.8-inch AMOLED display is simply amazing, a 4,000 mAh battery offers excellent battery life, and the 12-megapixel camera is capable of some really great photos. Most importantly, it's shatter, water, and dust resistant.
Does it all
CAT S61
Do you know the Caterpillar brand that makes construction equipment? That same company also makes Android phones, and the CAT S61 is its best yet. The S61 can be submerged in water up to 3 meters for 30 minutes, is protected against salt and sand, and is pressure resistant. It also comes with a thermal camera, laser-assisted distance measuring, and an indoor air quality monitor.
Ready for anything
DOOGEE S60
DOOGEE's recently been catching the attention of folks that want quality phones on a budget, and the S60 is currently its best rugged option. It's outfitted with IP68 dust/water resistance, a military-grade body, NFC for Google Pay, and even wireless charging. Plus, there's a monstrous 5,580 mAh battery and rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Shatterproof screen
Moto Z2 Force
Similar to the Galaxy S8 Active, the Moto Z2 Force is another older phone that's still a solid choice if durability is your top priority. The Z2 Force definitely has the most traditional-looking body, but don't let that fool you. It has a special kind of screen that's completely shatterproof, meaning that it won't break.
Never dies
Blackview BV9500
If you've never heard of Blackview before, you'll definitely want to start paying attention to it. The company's BV9500 is one of its latest phones, and boy, is it something. The BV9500 runs Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, has a 5.7-inch 18:9 display, and a rugged body that's ready for anything. The best part? Its 10,000 mAh battery is one of the largest we've ever seen.
Easier on the wallet
CAT S41
Want a Caterpillar phone but don't have the cash for the S61? The S41 is another great pick that drops a few features in favor of a much smaller price tag. The CAT S41 is equipped with waterproofing up to two meters for 60 minutes, shock and drop-proofing up to six feet, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 that's resistant to even the worst of scratches.
If we had to make a choice
Now that you know which rugged phones we recommend, which one is right for you? Although it's definitely not the newest phone on this list, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active is still a great choice, especially if durability is your top priority.
A lot of the phones on this list are probably from companies you haven't heard of before. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but there's something comforting about buying from a brand you know and trust. If you are willing to expand your smartphone horizons, the Blackview BV9500 is seriously impressive thanks to its rugged design, insanely huge battery, and affordable price.
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