Best Rugged Smartphone in 2022
Many individuals have the perception that rugged smartphones are simply for those in physical professions like builders and lack the capabilities to compete with today’s tech. However, those people are wrong. With smartphones breaking pretty much after one drop, the demand for more rugged smartphones is on the rise, and with the advancements in technology, manufacturers have been able to create rugged smartphones that are powerful yet can survive a serious amount of abuse.
Products at a Glance
Best Rugged Smartphone in 2022
- Powerful internals
- Military grade durability
- 128GB of internal storage
- Impressive thermal imaging camera
- Military grade endurance
- Impressive thermal imaging camera
- Incredible battery life
- Air quality monitor
- Not the latest Android OS
- Android 10 OS
- Military grade durability
- Expandable storage
- Great value
- Only 2GB of RAM
- Impressive processor
- Top of the line camera quality
- 8GB of RAM
- No thermal imaging camera
- Compact
- GPS+GLONASS
- IP68 standard durability
- Screen may be too small for some
Our Verdict
So, which of these is the best rugged smartphone? Well, if we were to choose, we’d have to opt for the Blackview BV9800 Pro. We think that it details the best overall specs both in terms of performance and durability while also sporting dual 48MP + 5MP cameras which have built-in FLIR Lepton thermal imaging, fantastic for adventurers and those curious about material heat. The DOOGEE was a close second however as it has a P90 Octa-core processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage, while also having a military-grade body, making it a brilliant alternative if you don’t like the look of the Blackview. If you’re looking for a more budget rugged smartphone, the Ulefone Armor X7 is the way to go. It has an MT6761 Quad-core processor coupled with 2GB of RAM and military standard proofing which allow it to have enough power to get by as well as having the ability to take those bumps and drops. Unfortunately, it does only come with a 4000mAh battery, smaller than our other rugged smartphone picks but if you’re not going to be using it for hours on end on a daily basis, you should be able to make it last a good while before heading back to the charger.