Most Durable Smartphones in 2024

A rugged phone is most durable as it has a sturdy shell that can withstand shocks, vibrations, knocks, or drops. They are not easily cracked or damaged. They are also Water, dust, and weather resistant to extreme temperatures.

Many of them are IP68-rated, which proves their durability. It is an ideal smartphone for various outdoor tasks and activities such as hiking, climbing, biking, trekking, and more.

If you want more than just water resistance, the best-rugged smartphones could be just what you’re looking for.

Top Most Durable Smartphones in 2024

Most smartphones aren’t built to be rugged. However, some brands are more focused on making tough and durable smartphones. Besides being solid, the smartphones featured here do more than just ruggedness. Here are some of the best-rugged smartphones of the year 2024.

1. CAT S62 Pro

The CAT S62 Pro is one of the best and most durable rugged smartphones you can choose for your business. The device is rated IP68 and is Water and dust-resistant. Additionally, this unit is made by CAT, one of the most popular brands in its field.

This phone promises to provide the best solution for your task. The CAT S62 Pro can withstand a drop of up to 1.8 meters. The CAT S62 Pro is your team’s best-rugged smartphone with a high-quality thermal camera.

Best suited for industries that require additional thermal capabilities that allow cameras to go farther into tight areas. The CAT S62 earned the best spot because of its slim features, allowing users to operate it efficiently with one hand.

Full Android 11 rugged phone with IP68-69 rating. It also has workplace-ready features like a FLIR sensor, robust construction, and additional programmable buttons on the side.

2. Nokia XR20

The Nokia XR20 is a rugged mobile phone that is both rugged and easy to use. It comes with a decent camera and bright display, making it an excellent choice for those looking for form and function with durability.

The design of the XR20 is modest, with an industrial-inspired metal body and sky blue shade. Nokia provides excellent after-sales service for this phone with 1-year free screen replacement, extended warranty, and long-term software updates.

The Nokia XR20 is the first to feature durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It has IP68 and MIL-STD-810 ratings, an emergency button, and a dedicated Google Assistant button.

This phone makes good use of the strengths of a rugged phone. Sturdy and durable, but inexpensive.

3. Doogee S97 Pro

The Doogee S90 is modular and offers features that can easily fit your needs. Unfortunately, due to its modular design, it can be bulkier than other rugged units.

Nonetheless, it can help you quickly improve your business operations. This device promises excellent value for money, especially if you need a device that guarantees good performance while fulfilling its purpose.

4. CAT S61 Rugged Smartphone

The powerful CAT S61 phone is built for absolute durability and ruggedness. It can cope with environmental challenges, dust, Water, heat, shock, and more. It has the MIL-SPEC 810G, IP68, and IP69 credentials.

The phone is resistant to salt, sand, pressure, vibration, dust, and mist and is waterproof up to 3 meters for 60 minutes. It is also drop-resistant up to 1.8m, so it won’t easily crack or get damaged if dropped on concrete or other hard surfaces.

The smartphone also uses an integrated thermal imaging camera to read and detect temperatures up to 400°C. Also, air quality sensors measure the room’s humidity, temperature, and organic compounds.

5. Conker SX50

The Conker SX50 will serve you and your team as the most solid and durable phone. Rated for IP67, the Conker SX50 can withstand wet environments, dust, shocks, and drops.

One of the best, this unit is built to withstand and support your team. A robust operating system helps your team and streamlines business operations.

Despite its small size, the Conker SX50 is powerful. This device is ideal for all industries. Additionally, the device is lightweight and a great addition to your team’s toolset.

Moreover, you can use the Conker SX50’s 2D barcode scanner. If you’ve never heard of Conker, it’s a UK-based brand offering various rugged devices suitable for multiple industries. What makes Conker stand out from the rest is its excellent unit warranty.

• A5-point capacitive touch screen with tempered glass
• Zebra SE4710 2D Barcode Scanner
• A 5-inch screen makes it easy to carry
• Android 10.0 operating system.

6. Samsung Xcover Pro

The Galaxy XCover Pro uses a slightly smaller plastic case than previous models but still has a modern look. It has a rubber-like frame that fits the device and is designed to provide a firm grip. The back of the Galaxy XCover Pro has a unique texture to prevent slipping while holding the device.

The phone has a 24-megapixel rear camera that can capture HD videos at 30 frames per second. It also comes with a 13-megapixel secondary camera on the front. The rear camera on the Galaxy XCover Pro is slightly better than its predecessor.

It lacks sharpness but does an excellent job of capturing vibrant colors in low light. Despite this, the overall picture quality is still good. Samsung also made the right choice by equipping the Galaxy XCover Pro with a removable battery that can provide over 11 hours of screen time.

The Galaxy XCover Pro is a good choice for those looking for a good-looking and durable smartphone. It looks like a standard smartphone while protecting itself from dust and drops. The Galaxy XCover Pro is perfect for active individuals compared to other devices. However, it may not perform well in harsh conditions.

7. Ulefon Power Armor 13

Another great rugged smartphone for 2024 is the trusty Ulefone Power Armor 13. Not only is the device certified for IP68 and IP69K, but the device is also equipped with a large-capacity battery that ensures extended usage time.

As a result, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 has virtually no downtime. The device also supports wireless charging and wireless reverse charging.

The new most durable phone comes with IP68 dust and is waterproof for up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes. Its concrete drop resistance from a height of up to 1.2 m.

The Ulefone Power Armor 13 also includes many additional features. For example, rugged smartphones also contain infrared lasers to measure distance.

8. AGM X3

The AGM X3 is a combination of robustness and performance. There aren’t many rugged phones with great cameras and sound quality. This is an exception. You can enjoy the features of a sleek and slim smartphone and the durability of a rugged phone simultaneously.

Certified to MIL 810G and IP68, this smartphone has been tested for durability. It is waterproof (up to 1.2m) and dustproof. It operates in a wide temperature range of -25 to 55°C and can handle vibration, shock, and salt mist. It can survive a drop from a height of 1.21 m.

Besides these durability features, the phone also has excellent features for entertainment. Enjoy realistic 3D sound with JBL speakers and a high-resolution camera.

• Certified to IP68 and MIL-STD 810G
• 12MP primary camera + 24MP secondary came
• 20MP front camera
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
• 3D Sound Effects with JBL speakers.

9. CAT S41

If you want an affordable CAT smartphone, check out the CAT S41. The phone is rugged and built to handle extreme conditions.

This smartphone is MIL-SPEC 810G and IP68 certified. It is Water resistant up to 2 meters for 60 minutes. It can also handle salt, mist, dust, and thermal shock. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen is also scratch-free.

Moreover, it has a fall protection function of up to 1.8m. It may not have the other features the CAT S62 offers, but it has a powerful battery that can charge other devices via battery sharing.

10. Motorola Moto Z2 Force

The main problem with rugged smartphones is their appearance. And they are made that way because of their function and built to look sturdy and durable. That’s why most of them look bulky, like a gloved phone.

If you want a rugged phone with the sleek design of most smartphones, check out Motorola’s Moto Z2 Force. This smartphone guarantees a shatterproof display.

The 5.5-inch Quad HD 1440p Super AMOLED display is designed not to crack or break. The 7000 series aluminum unibody also adds protection against a variety of conditions.

11. Sonim XP8

Sonim XP8 is built to last. The rugged smartphone offers military-grade design and intelligent communications. The OneTouch Push-to-Talk feature allows users to make quick emergency communications, making it the perfect companion when out in the wild or engaging in extreme outdoor activities.

This smartphone boasts MIL 810G, IP69, IP68, and non-incendive ratings to ensure durability. It is built to survive hazardous environments and conditions. Besides robustness, this phone focuses on providing efficient and intelligent communication.

This phone is equipped with FirstNet Ready certification to ensure first responders can quickly and safely process data sent and received.

Its square shape and antenna are designed to withstand the elements and be used in harsh environments. Other features like the front and top-mounted PTT buttons make the XP8 stand out. It has various connectivity options, such as a laser barcode scanner, channel select module, and SecureAudio connector.

Despite its improved look and performance, this phone is suitable for working in harsh conditions and worth it for those passionate about outdoor sports.

12. Ulefone Armor 3T

If you’re looking for a smartphone with a long-lasting battery and walkie-talkie capabilities, the Ulefone Armor 3T is all you need. It has a 10300mAh battery that lasts at least four to five days.

There is also a power-saving management feature. Turn this phone into a walkie-talkie with an intelligent intercom and dual speakers.

Supporting 1W/2W hardware intercom at 400-470MHz, this mobile phone is the perfect companion no matter where you are, even in areas with no signal or in remote areas with weak signals.

• 10300mAh larger battery
• Helio P23 processor
• 5.7-inch display
• 21MP of great rear camera

13. Blackview BV9900 Pro

The Blackview BV990 Pro is thin, light, and pleasant. Additionally, the rugged units are both IP68 and IP69K certified. Therefore, it can withstand various types of environmental conditions. Whether it’s rain, dust, or drops, the Blackview BV9900 Pro can fight it all.

Additionally, the device is built with a metal frame to ensure strength. The device works even in extreme temperatures. It’s neither too cold nor too hot for this unit.

14. Blackview BV5500

If you are looking for the cheapest rugged mobile phone, the Blackview BV500 is for you. It is affordable, especially compared to other powerful phones on the market. Despite its price, it is packed with great features.

Built for outdoor enthusiasts, this smartphone features IP68 waterproof certification and military-grade drop protection. It can be underwater (up to 2 meters) for up to 2 hours and withstand operating temperatures from –30°C to 50°C. It can also survive drops up to 6m onto hard surfaces such as concrete.

However, the cameras are lower specs than the pricier model, with an 8MP + 0.3MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera.

There is also a Face ID recognition feature. Overall, it’s still a good choice if you’re looking for a durable outdoor smartphone with good value for money.

• 5.5-inch HD screen
• Corning Gorilla 3 Glass Screen
• IP68 waterproof and dustproof
• 1.3GHz octa-core processor
• Face recognition

15. Ulefone Armor X6 Mobile Phone

Like the AGM X3, the Ulefone Armor X6 is a solid smartphone with great specs and features. It’s the most feature-packed rugged phone on the list.

This smartphone can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions. It can handle solar radiation, humidity, Water, shock, and dust and has met military-grade standards. It also has IP68 and IP69K certifications, making it a rugged smartphone. It usually works even in extreme temperatures from -20℃ to 60℃.

True to its name, the Armor 6 is armed with a hardened die-cast to withstand drops from any angle. On top of this ruggedness, it has outstanding features such as a super-large screen, an Helio P60 AI chipset, and wireless charging.

• NFC+ Google Pay
• 6.2-inch FH Super Ultra Screen
• 21MP main camera + 13MP secondary camera
• IP68/IP69 protection

16. Oukitel WP8 Pro

Oukitel WP8 Pro is a solid smartphone with new software and an excellent design. It also comes at a lower price than other items on this list.

Whether it’s dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures, the Oukitel WP8 Pro comes out strong, making it part of our list of the best-rugged smartphones of 2024.

This device lasts long and is one of the largest in Oukitel’s device lineup. Nonetheless, the device boasts a slimmer body, so it’s still a great device to use at work.

17. Blackview BV8800

The Blackview BV8800 boasts IP68 and IP69K certifications. This device can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions—for example, high drops, dust, rain, snow, etc.

This rugged device runs on a higher version of Android than the BV9900, but it’s bulkier and heavier, so it’s lower on the list. However, the device is still solid and durable, making it one of the most durable smartphones of 202.

18. Jesy J20

Jesy is an emerging Chinese brand that promises users the best-rugged smartphone features. This year it launched the J20, an excellent choice for users looking for a recent Android solution, making it one of the most durable cell phones of 2024.

It has wireless charging, a 48MP camera, and night vision mode. This is a handy device if your team wants an affordable yet reliable Android Rugged device.

If your team needs a simple yet functional device, this rugged smartphone will deliver what you expect.

• 6.3 inches larger screen
• MT6833 Octa Core
• 5700mAh of battery
• Android 11 OS

FAQs

Which smartphone is the most rugged?

Regarding toughness and durability, the CAT S62 is the most rugged smartphone so far.

Which rugged smartphone has the best camera?

In our rating, the Doogee S97 Pro has 108MP best high-end camera among rugged smartphones.

Which rugged smartphone comes with a thermal camera?

Blackview BV9900 Pro has a 48MP triple rear camera + thermal imaging camera.

Which Samsung phone is best for durability?

The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is Samsung’s most rugged and capable phone as of 2024.

What brand of phone is the most reliable?

Samsung dominates the smartphone market and is the only brand with top marks for expected durability, reliability, and user satisfaction.