1. Blackview BV9500
Blackview offers a range of IP68-certified rugged Android phones that tend to be both tough and budget-friendly, albeit with a slight compromise on features. The Blackview BV9500 Pro weighs 365g with dimensions of 165 x 81.8 x 18.7mm and a 5.7-inch screen. The screen resolution is 2160x1080 pixels, offering bright and crisp images. The rear camera features a Sony IMX298 16Mp sensor. For high-quality selfie photos, the 13Mp front camera handles this role. The Blackview BV9500 Pro was released in May 2018. Blackview also highlights the device's technical specifications: 6GB RAM and 128GB internal memory, operating alongside the Mediatek Helio P23 processor. The Blackview BV9500 Pro will be an excellent choice for those accustomed to the Android 8.1 operating system.
The Blackview BV9500 Pro has dual SIM slots, allowing you to use services from different carriers and have 2 numbers. However, the Blackview BV9500 Pro does not support 5G; you can only use the Internet at standard speeds. The Blackview BV9500 Pro has an SD card slot to expand storage capacity. The headphone jack is standard, allowing you to connect any headphones via the 3.5mm port without needing an adapter. The Blackview BV9500 Pro has NFC, enabling you to make mobile payments via NFC. The 10000mAh battery in the Blackview BV9500 Pro will charge immediately, as it supports fast charging. The Blackview BV9500 Pro has wireless charging, elevating the device's usability to a new level.
In reality, you'll be hard-pressed to find another rugged smartphone that offers nearly as many features - and battery life - as the Blackview BV9500 Pro. The Blackview BV9500 Pro is built ruggedly, meaning it's a hefty device; however, what truly sets this phone apart from the rest of the rugged lineup is the comprehensive feature set that makes it ideal for outdoor use. The device's price starts at just $349.49.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 8.1
- Screen Size: 5.7 inches
- Resolution: 2160 x 1080 pixels
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 10000mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP
- Front Camera: 16MP

2. Oukitel WP8 Pro
Oukitel WP8 Pro is a low-cost rugged smartphone with a sturdy design and updated software at a low price point, with some features trimmed down to keep the price low. The features here include the presence of a microUSB port, leading to slower charging compared to the current standard USB-C, a low-grade processor for limited performance, and a screen with much lower resolution than competitors. If you can overlook these issues and are in the market for an ultra-durable low-end or mid-range device, this could be a good option.
Oukitel WP8 Pro weighs 260g with dimensions of 178 x 84.7 x 12.9mm and a 6.49-inch screen. The screen resolution is 1560 x 720 pixels, offering bright and clear images. The rear camera features a 16Mp sensor. For high-quality selfie photos, the 8Mp front camera handles its role. The release date of the Oukitel WP8 Pro is August 2020. This phone will be an excellent choice for those accustomed to the Android 10 operating system and is very worth buying, as the device's price starts at just $139.99.
The Oukitel WP8 Pro has dual SIM slots, allowing you to use services from different carriers and have 2 numbers. However, there is no 5G support; you can only use the Internet at standard speeds. The Oukitel WP8 Pro has an SD card slot to expand memory. The headphone jack is standard, allowing you to connect any headphones via the 3.5mm port without needing an adapter. Oukitel WP8 Pro has NFC, enabling you to make mobile payments with it. The battery capacity of the OUKITEL WP8 Pro is 5000mAh, with support for fast charging that doesn't take much time. The Oukitel WP8 Pro smartphone can safely resist water, and it is also not afraid of rain or snow.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 10
- Screen Size: 6.49 inches
- Resolution: 1560 x 720 pixels
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Rear Camera: 16MP
- Front Camera: 8MP

3. Doogee S90
Recently, Doogee introduced a new rugged smartphone named Doogee S90 in January 2019. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio P60 chipset. The dimensions of the Doogee S90 are 80.7 x 168.5 x 14.1 mm and it weighs 300 grams with the battery. The body of the phone is made of Titanium and rubber. The smartphone comes in two different colors, Black and Orange. Additionally, it supports dual Nano SIM cards along with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G certifications. This smartphone comes pre-installed with Android 8.1 Oreo, providing smooth performance for users and elevating the experience to a new level. The smartphone also features a pedometer and step counter.
The Doogee S90 will not be like any other rugged smartphone on the market, and fair to say, that's what sets the Doogee S90 apart. The Doogee S90 is much bulkier than many competing rivals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The technology used on the screen is IPS with a size of 6.18 inches (inch) for a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels. However, in tests, the Doogee S90 performed excellently. Doogee confirms that the price of the S90 after Kickstarter will be $369.99. The mouse pad and wireless charger will cost $29.99 each, while the battery will cost $39.99, the internal communication system will cost $49.99, and the night vision camera will cost $59.99.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 8.1
- Screen Size: 6.18 inches
- Resolution: 2246 x 1080 pixels
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5050mAh
- Rear Camera: 16 + 8MP
- Front Camera: 8MP

4. Cat S62 Pro
Cat S62 Pro is an excellent rugged smartphone from one of the most renowned companies in the field. Cat is built on its predecessors in some major aspects. In fact, this is arguably the best rugged smartphone named Cat that you can buy right now. If you buy the durable Cat S62 Pro smartphone, you'll get impressive specs on a standard smartphone like the Snapdragon 660 chipset, an FHD display, and 128GB of storage, and it also runs Android 10, which is not something you can say about many rugged smartphones.
Then there are useful features with durability like the FLIR sensor, rugged construction, and programmable side button. Cat S62 Pro has some exclusive improvements to help with location identification and diagnostics for moisture, air flow, leaks, signal strength, electrical issues, blockages, or increased temperatures. It's equipped with the highest resolution lepton FLIR currently available, the professional FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor, which quadruples the number of thermal pixels. Combined with FLIR's Vivid technology, Cat S62 Pro delivers enhanced image quality, sharper images, and higher thermal resolution.
S62 Pro is very sensitive to minute temperature differences and with significant improvements in image quality and sharpness. With a single rear camera with low resolution and the phone also lacks wireless charging like many competing rivals, but if you're not too concerned about these issues then this is certainly a rugged smartphone worth considering. With a modern, rugged design, the S62 Pro is protected by a premium aluminum body and the latest scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 10
- Screen Size: 5.6 inches
- Resolution: 2160 x 1080 pixels
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP
- Front Camera: 8MP

5. Ulefone Armor 10
Ulefone Armor 10 is the first rugged smartphone compatible with 5G, and while it may not be the best-protected handheld device, it still has the features to compete with its counterparts. You won't find wireless charging on many super-rugged smartphones as well as cameras that won't perform well or truly suit a 5G network. So if you want both a super rugged phone and the features of a camera, 5G network, this could be a great choice.
With other specs like quad rear cameras or a huge battery with wireless charging capability, this is the most complete model from this brand. Ulefone Armor 10 is slightly larger than what many would want for a rugged phone and the memory might be too low for some, but you may not be concerned about these shortcomings. And this new Ulefone phone has a MediaTek Dimensity 800 processor ensuring 5G connectivity. You'll have the fastest connection speed available today. Additionally, this processor comes with 8GB of RAM and has a storage capacity of 128GB. This capacity can be expanded with an SD card slot.
The body of Ulefone Armor 10 has a 6.67' display, with FullHD+ resolution so you can view all the content you're looking for at its best. With unique sharpness and capacity, this is also one of the most rugged devices you'll find, with IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810G military certification, ensuring it can withstand the harshest working or adventure conditions. Its 64MP quad rear camera, a Samsung brand camera, will allow you to capture the most beautiful photos.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 10
- Screen Size: 6.6 inches
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5,800mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP
- Front Camera: 16MP

6. Doogee S97 Pro
Doogee S97 Pro may have a lower screen resolution than the Doogee S95 Pro last year but the company has made up for this by including a laser distance measure to calculate volume, surface area, and angles as well as a whopping 8,500mAh battery. The S97 Pro is a rugged smartphone with a fashionable design and good specifications for the screen, camera, and even a very good battery and all this does not mean affirming the S97 Pro is perfect as it cannot view Netflix in HD resolution.
Doogee S97 Pro blends black plastic and gray metal with an intentional and practical design. It is also one of the heaviest rugged smartphones weighing 350g. Nevertheless, the S97 Pro handles quite well thanks to the curved edges and surprisingly bright display. There are also two customizable buttons, a fingerprint reader, and the back of the device has four camera sensors. Although the Doogee S97 Pro lacks 5G, it is one of the fastest rugged smartphones on the market.
Doogee S97 Pro achieved the highest PCMark score to date and delivers stable overall performance. If battery power, multiple cameras, and a laser distance measure are features you seek in a rugged smartphone, then the S97 Pro might be for you. If you're looking for a basic Android phone that can be used with gloves, performs well, and has a massive battery life, then the S97 pro might be for you.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 11
- Screen Size: 6.39 inches
- Resolution: 1560 x 720 pixels
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 8,500mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 16MP

7. Unihertz Atom XL
Unihertz is a company consistently having at least one device on the list of phones. The Unihertz Atom XL is a dual sim smartphone from 2020 running on Android 10 OS with a 48 MP main camera with flash and an 8MP front cam and 6GB RAM and 128BG memory with microSD card slot. The Atom phone is quite small and this version of the phone is still quite small with a 4-inch screen. So, it's impressive when such specs are integrated into a phone with a 4,300mAh battery, a 48MP camera, and 6GB RAM. These are typically specs seen on regular smartphones, not highly durable ones.
The Unihertz Atom XL phone has a DMR walkie-talkie up to 8KM walkie-talkie connection without relying on internet connection. Comfortable connection with other Atom XL users or walkie-talkies in many situations like terrains, landforms, forests, deserts, tropical forests, seas, or mountains. With upgraded IP68 waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof capabilities, meeting US Military Standard MIL-STD-810G certification, the Atom XL is always comfortable in many harsh environments and ready for any situation. Its casing is designed to provide comprehensive 360-degree protection for the phone.
The large 4300mAh battery capacity of Unihertz Atom XL allows you to operate for over a day with just one charge. Equipped with fast charging feature and capable of charging twice as fast as regular phones. Some limitations found on the phone are the slightly outdated processor (Mediatek has Helio P90 in some phones now) and it has a protection gap with the USB port and the headphone jack lacks a cover.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 10
- Screen Size: 4 inches
- Resolution: 1136 x 640 pixels
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4300mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 8MP

8. Ulefone Armor 9 FLIR
As one of the most prominent rugged smartphone providers, Ulefone stands out alongside Blackview and Doogee over the past four years. Ulefone Armor 9 FLIR is the best rugged smartphone you can find right now, boasting some top-notch tools that you'll hardly find on its competitors. The phone comes with both an endoscope and FLIR camera, providing you with versatility in many tasks, as well as a large battery to ensure longer phone operation and enough processing power for most tasks.
Ulefone Armor 9 FLIR is a prime example of a rugged smartphone, combining plastic (TPU and polycarbonate) and metal with glass. The resulting product is a behemoth; it's a relatively bulky smartphone with dimensions of 168.2x82x15mm weighing 320g. Moreover, the Ulefone Armor 9 FLIR is not excessively priced, with the Ulefone Armor 9 coming with the endoscope module sold for around $581 from Gearbest. If you need something tough and durable, this is our pick for the best rugged phone currently available.
On the back of the Ulefone Armor 9 FLIR, you can find four camera sensors - including the FLIR Lepton sensor - and a four-LED flash situated above the Ulefone logo. The front is a standard Corning Gorilla protective glass with a waterdrop selfie camera. The four edges of the smartphone have been cut at 45 degrees to the longer edges to improve drop resistance. The Armor 9 runs on Android 10. The overall performance of the device is on par with Ulefone Armor 7E-based smartphones, Blackview BV 9900 Pro, Ulefone Armor 7, or Doogee S95.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 10
- Screen Size: 6.3 inches
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 6,600mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP
- Front Camera: 8MP

9. Blackview BV9900 Pro
Blackview BV 9900 Pro earns its title as one of the most rugged smartphones worth buying. The Blackview BV 9900 Pro features a FLIR thermal imaging camera, a rarity among other rugged smartphones although how useful it can be. This thermal imaging smartphone can still perform the 4 basic functions of a phone at temperatures as low as -30 ℃. When the temperature drops to -15 ℃, users will be notified to start Ice Mode so that you can still use the phone, Messages, Contacts, 4 basic phone functions at temperatures ranging from -15 ℃ to -30 ℃.
Blackview BV 9900 Pro is a super rugged smartphone with a super durable thermal imaging camera, super reliable designed for extensive outdoor and harshest environments. It particularly excels in resisting damage from drops, water immersion and drainage, shock, and impact. This is combined with a range of 'standard' cameras led by a 48MP camera, useful for a variety of photographic needs. The phone operates smoothly with the MediaTek Helio G90 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and effortlessly handles multiple tasks. It is also reasonably well-protected for a rugged phone.
Impress with the artistic waterdrop FHD+ display but no less impressive. When you unlock the screen, you immediately enjoy superior clarity and vibrant colors. Blackview BV 9900 Pro supports 38 global bands, wherever you are in the world, you can connect the Blackview BV 9900 Pro to local mobile networks. Blackview BV 9900 Pro is the best rugged smartphone you can have right now.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 10
- Screen Size: 5.84 inches
- Resolution: 2280 x 1080 pixels
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,380mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 16MP

10. Nokia XR20
Nokia XR20 is the first rugged smartphone released under the Nokia name with the assistance of HMD Global, the company currently owning the brand. Unlike other rugged smartphones that stand out for their rugged design, the Nokia XR20 is designed to combine slim profile and sleek styling. The XR20 is designed to endure with Gorilla Glass display and military standard casing. Live life spontaneously with this phone's 2-day battery life and fast charging capability.
XR20 is designed for adventure and can capture action with its 48 MP sensor and 13MP ultra-wide sensor cameras, featuring premium features like super steady and OZO spatial audio recording with wind noise reduction. In terms of durability, the XR20 is IP68 certified, MIL-STD-810 rated, and the first rugged smartphone with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The device also features a red emergency button along with a dedicated Google Assistant button, non-customizable. However, what truly sets the XR20 apart from the pack is the fact that HMD Global has ensured that the device will receive four years of security updates with three years of OS updates. The company also includes free screen replacements for one year.
Specifications:
- Operating System: Android 11
- Screen Size: 6.67 inches
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB
- Battery: 4,630mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
