These Rugged Smartphones Make Extra Phone Cases Unnecessary

No matter the rigors of your days and nights, chances are that your phone stays by your side come rain or shine like a faithful ally. When things go south, though, it’s the phone that gets the short end of the stick all too often. Sometimes all it takes is one wrong move, and the phone starts trying its hand at skydiving or marine exploration. After all, some moments in our world can get just as dynamic as some of the top open-world games where many of us love to find refuge.

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Naturally, many active phone users have gone through the agony of the screen cracking or the buttons no longer responding. Opting for a decent case, like the Spigen Tough Armor MagFit iPhone Case, seems to be a go-to solution, and there are many sturdy and elegant phone cases that offer reasonable protection from occasional mishandling. Nevertheless, when it comes to more serious exposure to impact, wear and tear, and the elements, a phone case alone won’t safeguard the integrity of the device in the long run.

Choosing a phone with a rugged build can address the root of the problem. Only a phone devised with challenging conditions in mind can withstand them over the long haul. In case this peace of mind is something you could use in your life, the world of smartphones comes with its own breed of the fittest.

Let’s see if any one of these tough guys can be a good companion for your journey.

6 Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

From feature-loaded smartphones to many other cutting-edge gadgets, Samsung’s assortment is renowned around the world for its tasteful diversity. As a case in point, some of the top Samsung smartphones this year cater to a variety of needs and budgets alike. Despite the abundance of eye-catching models in the company’s product range, one rugged gem from this brand is particularly hard to overlook.

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro boasts an IP68-rated military-grade design that is built to stand a fighting chance at hostile interactions with the world. This rugged phone can fend off the elements as well as nasty dust and dirt particles in the environment. It has also been tested to survive occasional drops from heights of up to 5 feet and can resist immersion in water depths of up to 5 feet for up to half an hour. In fact, it would likely be fine even if it were thrown into the tactical grinder reality of the new Rainbow Six Siege evolution Siege X.

This good soldier for a phone has a few more pleasant surprises in stock. Tech-savvy phone users are bound to appreciate the phone’s removable and replaceable battery and handy push-to-talk buttons. The device also features readily available support for the mPOS and NFC fast payment systems. The only nuance is limited compatibility with phone carriers – the phone works exclusively with AT&T and Verizon.

Let’s take a look at this model’s key features

Screen Size: 6.3 inches
Screen Type: AMOLED
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: AMD Kabini A6-5200 Quad Core
RAM: 64 GB
Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Battery Capacity: 4,050 mAh
Operating System: Android 10
Cameras: Single Front-Facing (13 MP), Dual Rear-Facing (25 MP, 8 MP)
Headphones Jack: No

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5 DOOGEE Fire 6

Let’s face it. Not every manufacturer gets to nail the concept of a rugged phone. It’s not an easy task to pack a decent functionality into a device that won’t fail you at the slightest drop or contact with dust or water particles. DOOGEE is among the brands that understand this intricate balance with enough smartphones to keep many passionate gaming enthusiasts happy. While rich functionality allows using the smartphone for gaming, a rugged design keeps the device safe in case gaming sessions become heated.

Besides its sturdy build, the company’s Fire 6 model has what it takes to be a productive companion. Available in Black and Blue, the smartphone comes with a high-resolution 8 MP thermal camera, a 50 MP rear-facing camera, biometric authentication, and other powerful tools.

Here’s an overview of the phone’s main features

Screen Size: 6.56 inches
Screen Type: IPS LCD
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: Unisoc T606 Octa-Core Processor
RAM: 16 GB
Storage Capacity: 256 GB (2 TB Expandable Storage)
Battery Capacity: 10,400 mAh
Operating System: Android 14
Cameras: Single Front-Facing (8 MP), Triple Rear-Facing (50 MP, 8 MP, Thermal)
Headphones Jack: No

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4 OSCAL Pilot 1

From design to durability, the OSCAL brand has its own selection of high-performing smartphones to offer that seem to check a lot of boxes for active phone users. Erring on the side of toughness, the brand’s Pilot 1 model is definitely a good contender for tech users looking for peace of mind that they can afford.

Perhaps you contemplate turning your smartphone into a gamepad from time to time. You might also want your smartphone to have the guts to handle some harsh conditions along with you. Whichever the intended use, this model’s military-grade design is ready for all things not delicate. Adhering to the IP68 and IP69K certification ratings, this rugged phone boasts top-notch protection against regular exposure to not only dusty environments but also water immersion.

The model comes with its own fair share of nice-haves as well, including dual flashlights, a 138 dB stereo speaker, a 32 MP front-facing camera, and a 50 MP rear-facing camera. The gadget also features fast charging and doubles as a power bank, even though nothing beats a dedicated charging device like the recent power bank from CUKTECH.

Here’s a quick look at this model’s key features

Screen Size: 6.67 inches
Screen Type: LCD
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek Helio Processor
RAM: 18 GB
Storage Capacity: 256 GB (2 TB Expandable Storage)
Battery Capacity: 15,000 mAh
Operating System: Android 14
Cameras: Single Front-Facing (32 MP), Dual Rear-Facing (50 MP, 2 MP)
Headphones Jack: No

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3 DOOGEE S41T

The S41T model is another rugged gem in the choice of smartphones from DOOGEE. As an IP68-rated and IP69K-certified device, this tough fellow makes for a great little helper with exploring the great outdoors and other challenging pursuits. It makes for a smooth companion in the social world as well, thanks in no small part to its NFC and Google Pay support.

The phone also comes with a decent battery that lasts upwards of 560 hours in standby mode. It packs enough capacity to serve as a power bank for smaller devices such as wireless earbuds and smartwatches. This is plenty to dive into lengthy calls, music, and videos.

The phone’s main features

Screen Size: 5.45 inches
Screen Type: IPS
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: Spreadtrum T606 Octa-Core Processor
RAM: 8 GB
Storage Capacity: 64 GB (1 TB Expandable Storage)
Battery Capacity: 6,300 mAh
Operating System: Android 14
Cameras: Single Front-Facing (8 MP), Triple Rear-Facing (13 MP)
Headphones Jack: Yes

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2 Unihertz 8849 Tank 3 Pro

A lot more goes into increasing a smartphone’s lifespan than most people realize. Even the toughest phone build is no replacement for thorough and timely device maintenance. A robust phone design, however, does secure all the care that you put into your gadget. Like many durable smartphones out there, this IP68-certified model can handle dusty and humid environments as well as occasional impact.

With its capacity for fast charging, this model can act as a backup power bank for less power-hungry gadgets. The phone also functions as a projector, which might be a fun feature to have should one face a need for a bigger screen while camping or gaming. In addition, as is the case with other rugged smartphones, this model is conducive to the idea of using a smartphone as a game controller in certain video games.

Here’s a quick grasp of the phone’s key features

Screen Size: 6.79 inches
Screen Type: LCD
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Octa-Core 2.0 Processor
RAM: 32 GB (36 GB Option Also Available)
Storage Capacity: 512 GB (2 TB Expandable Storage)
Battery Capacity: 23,800 mAh
Operating System: Android 14
Cameras: Single Front-Facing (50 MP), Quad-Lens Rear-Facing (200 MP, 50 MP, 8 MP, 64 MP Night Vision)
Headphones Jack: Yes

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1 DOOGEE S200 X

The capacity to take amazing photos and a durable design don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and this rugged smartphone is here to prove it. This model packs a 100 MP main camera, a 20 MP night vision camera, and a 2 MP macro camera in the rear, as well as a 20 MP camera in the front.

Like many of its counterparts from the list, the phone boasts a military-grade design that keeps it safe from the elements, dust, and dropping. Available in Yellow, Black, and Green, this model also doubles as a power bank and has enough juice to share with smaller gadgets if needed.

One drawback is the phone’s limited compatibility with U.S. Cell phone carrier frequency bands – be sure to verify this with your service provider of choice.