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The 8 Best rugged cell phones of 2024

Are you trying to find rugged cell phones among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling rugged cell phones on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 28 hours of research and did 39 rugged cell phones tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best rugged cell phones you can buy today

No. 1
OUKITEL WP5 Pro Rugged Cell Phone Unlocked, 4GB +64GB 8000mAh Android 10 Smartphone IP68 Waterproof 5.5" HD+ Triple Camera Global Version 4G LTE GSM AT&T T-Mobile Metro PCS Face ID Fingerprint
  • 🔔【4G Dual SIM Phone】 PLEASE NOTE: OUKITEL WP5 pro doesn't support new AT&T /CRICKET /Verizon/Sprint/ Boost Mobile/Straight Talk or U.S.Cellular! It can work with T-Mobile, MetroPCS, Mint Mobile etc, Supported Frequency bands2G: GSM B2/B3/B5/B8, 3G (WCDM):1/2/4/5/8, 4G (FDD):2/4/5/7/12/17/28a/28b. Please confirm the carrier before purchasing!
  • 🚀【4GB RAM +64GB ROM Android Phone】Come with pure Android 10.0 system and 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM memory capacity ( support expanding up to 256 GB), MediaTek MT6762D Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor, 5.5'' HD+ Display, Triple-lens Rear Camera, offering us incredibly remarkable operating experience.
  • 🔋【Rugged Phone with Big Battery】Works time longer than other brands, Go up to three days on a single charge thanks to a 8000 mAh battery, also you can use it charge your other devices by using an OTG cable and will be not worried about the battery power anymore.
  • 💧【Rugged Waterpfroof Smartphone 】It's a Military Protection Cell Phone, featured with 4 LED Flashes and many outdoor tools and passed the IP68&IP69 standards, works well under up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Corning Gorilla Glass and FPC+TPU+GF material through precision manufacturing process, making our phones super Drop & Shock resistance, resistant to 99% of Dust, works normally in the temperature range of -67°F to 158°F (-55°C to 70°C).
  • đŸ“±ă€Popular Latest Unlocked Rugged phone 】 Latest 10 system designed with many popular functions. The custom buttons of the WP5 pro unlocked phone allow you to quickly access flashlights, cameras, SOS emergency calls, making your life more easier. Cheaper price comparing with other brands, but great quality. A decent gift for our family, girl& boy friends, colleagues, or ourselves.
No. 2
OUKITEL WP8 Pro Rugged Smartphone 6.49 inch Android 10 Unlocked Cell Phones 5000mAh Battery 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM IP68 Waterproof Mobile Phone 4G Dual SIM 16MP Rear Triple Camera NFC Global Version
  • 【Dual SIM 4G Smartphone】OUKITEL WP8 PRO unlocked rugged smartphone is dual 4G LTE dual standby. WP8 PRO smartphone NOT SUPPORTED AT&T/CRICKET/Verizon/Xfinity Mobile/Total Wireless/Straight Talk or U.S. Cellular ! And compatible with T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile,Republic Wireless,UItra Mobile,Tello Mobile and Sprint. Please confirm the carrier before purchasing.
  • [IP68 Waterproof Dustproof Drop-proof rugged smartphone] OUKITEL WP8 Pro unlocked cell phone has all of waterproof performance, shock resistance, cold resistance and heat resistance that can withstand use in deserts and mountainous areas, operate smoothly even in harsh environments.
  • [Largest screen and thinnest body in rugged smartphone] among many rugged cellphone, OUKITEL WP8 Pro has 6.49 immense display and thinnest 12.7mm thickness body, the weight is 0.27kg, which is thinnest and lightest rugged smartphone.
  • [5000mAh large-capacity battery] OUKITEL WP8 Mobile phone equip with 5000mAh battery, long-lasting power, fully charging once can support 300 hours standby, 45 hours music, 40 hours phone call, 38 hours video.
  • [Android 10 4GB RAM+64GB ROM] the newest Android 10 operating system will protect your private and run application quickly. MediaTek MT6762D Octa-Core processor brings the ultra-efficient 12nm chip process for boosting battery life.
  • [Outdoor features such as custom buttons] OUKITEL WP8Pro smartphone IP68's rugged mobile phone custom buttons give you quick access to flashlights, cameras, SOS emergency calls and more, making life and outdoor work easier. WP8 Pro has a versatile NFC that makes it convenient to use Google play and quick payments. It also includes a set of other outdoor features such as face recognition, fingerprint unlock, compass, GPS positioning and more.
No. 3
Blackview Rugged Smartphone Unlocked BV5200 Cell Phones 7GB+32GB SD 1TB, 6.1' HD+, 4G Dual Sim, 5180mAh, IP69K Waterproof, Dual 4G, Face Unlock, GPS, NFC, Glove ModeAndroid 12 Cellphone|Black
66 Consomer Reviews
Blackview Rugged Smartphone Unlocked BV5200 Cell Phones 7GB+32GB SD 1TB, 6.1" HD+, 4G Dual Sim, 5180mAh, IP69K Waterproof, Dual 4G, Face Unlock, GPS, NFC, Glove ModeAndroid 12 Cellphone|Black
  • 【7GB+32GB+1TB Expand & Three Card Slots/Dual 4G SIMă€‘ïŒšThe Blackview phone BV5200 has 4GB+3GB of virtual memory which is expandable up to 7GB of RAM for decent operating speed. Also, this rugged phone has 32GB ROM storage which is expandable up to 1TB via micro SD card and has a large memory to provide abundant storage for apps, eBooks, videos, etc. so that you can enjoy a good user experience. Meanwhile, this smartphones is also designed with 3 card slots, you can use 2 SIM cards and 1 sd card at the same time, you can mix and match as you like.
  • 【IP68 Waterproof & IP69K Dustproof & STD-MIL-810H Dropproofă€‘ïŒšThis rugged smartphone is designed to withstand any hazardous environment and can be used in challenging environments such as extremely cold and scorching heat, supporting the use in 1.5m water, dust protection, and 1.5m drop protection.Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, welder, construction worker, miner, adventurer or hiker, this waterproof smartphone has you covered.
  • 【5180mAh Large Battery + MTK Helio A22 Processors】:With a massive 5180mAh battery, this unlocked rugged smartphones has up to 29.5 days of standby time, 18 hours of calling, 25 hours of music playback and 9 hours of video playback on a single charge.In addition, this rugged phone unlocked is also equipped with MTK Helio A22 chip, a quad-core processor, to enjoy a silky smooth experience, play games, work and watch movies without any problem!
  • 【6.1 inch Incell Screen + 13MP Dual Camera】:The rugged cellphone with expansive screen allows you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite videos, photos, and games with stunning clarity and detail, while also providing more space to work on and multitask, boosting your productivity. Additionally, the 6.1-inch screen with good brightness and bright colors, provides good hand grip feeling and convenient single hand operation. 16MP dual rear camera and 5MP front camera gives you the freedom to capture the moment and beauty of the world.
  • 【Android 12 + 5G WiFiă€‘ïŒšThe blackview phones unlocked comes with Android 12 and supports for connecting to 5G WiFi. The system is more personalized and secure than ever before, and the WiFi connection is faster and more stable. Android 12 enhances privacy by allowing users to block apps from accessing the camera and microphone. Users can easily customize the look and feel of their devices. Improved performance and efficiency for faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Adaptive refresh rate technology is expected.
  • 【Face Unlock+Glove Mode+NFC/OTGă€‘ïŒšThis rugged phones also enable the face recognition function to unlock the smartphone quickly at a glance. Additionally, the phone supports NFC, bringing convenience, security, and efficiency to various aspects of your daily life. With glove mode, this rugged 4G moblie phone ensures that outdoor workers can operate the device with ease. Customized shortcut button makes the cell phone easier to use for no need to search for icons.Moreover, this rugged phone unlocked supports OTG function.
  • 【Kind Reminders】:The BV5200 rugged phone works with GSM network operators such as T-Mobile, BTC, MetroPCS, H2O, Movistar, Telcel, Tigo, Claro, Vivacom, Ultra Mobile, lycamobile, Tello Mobile, Bell Wireless, Rogers Wireless, Chatr, Luck Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Telus, Fido, FIZZ, Shaw Mobile and others. It works with GSM network operators such as Rogers Wireless, Chatr, Luck Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Telus, Fido, FIZZ, Shaw Mobile and others. ATT, Version and other carriers are not supported.
No. 4
AGM M6 4G Rugged Phone, Cell Phone for Seniors & Kids, Dual SIM IP68/IP69K Waterproof Phone, MIL-STD-810H, T-Mobile, 2.4" Screen, 48+128MB, 2500mAh Battery, Black, Big Button | Big Font | Big Speaker
  • 【T-Mobile Carriers ONLY】This rugged phone supports Dual SIM Cards, Micro SIM *2 (SIM 1 for 4G, SIM 2 for 2G), Only 1 SIM can have 4G when insert 2 SIM cards. AGM M6 is designed with some senior friendly features, and it is a cell for seniors. Compatible with T-Mobile carrier, not including Straight Talk, etc. T-Mobile only not compatible with CDMA carriers. Please have a check with your carrier before purchase. If you have any question about carriers, feel free to contact with us.
  • 【35mm Super Loud Speaker】AGM M6 rugged phone, senior phone equip a 3.5w 35mm 109db speaker, louder than 100 dB average house Alarm. You will never miss a call anywhere in a house. The LED RGB Ring decorated around the speaker shines when you play music, call and listen to the Radio. Great for seniors use and kids use.
  • 【No GPS, No APPs Interrupt】AGM M6 rugged phone is super easy to use, no GPS, no APPs, no Androids and no games. Only the most basic features including Calls, Text Message, Music and Video play, 0.3M camera, FM radio and LED torch on top, making daily life simple and convenient. It is a rugged phone with senior-friendly features.
  • 【Rugged Phone with IP68 & IP69K Waterproof and MIL-STD-810H】AGM M6 has passed the international IP68 & IP69K Waterproof, Dustproof and Shockproof, High-Temperature resistance and MIL-STD-810H torment tests outstandingly, it can withstand extreme temperature ranging from -20℃ to 60℃, drop from up to 2m on concrete and survive under 1.5m of water for 30 minutes.
  • 【Simplified Charging and Long Standby】The USB Type-C port is reversible, never worry about plugging in upside down. Built with a 2500mAh removable battery to keep you working for longer. It also supports charge with a desk charging dock. Note: The desk charging dock is not included, need to buy it separately.
SaleNo. 5
CAT S42 Rugged Smartphone – North America Variant – 2 Year Warranty Service in U.S. and Canada. (Optimized for North America Carriers- Will not Work on Verizon)
  • Drop Tested up to 1.8m (6ft) onto steel
  • Super Bright 5.5" HD+ Display Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 4200 mAh Battery and 1.8GHz Quadcore Processor for all day power
  • Google Android 10 ( with upgrade to 11) and 90 day security patch
No. 6
Plum Ram 10 4G LTE Unlocked Rugged Phone 2022 Model - ATT, Tmobile - Black
  • 2022 Model - Plum RAM 10 VoLTE Latest Technology. Compatible with, AT&T, Tmobile, Consumer cellular, Speed Talk, Mint, Ting - NOT COMPATIBLE WITH Verizon, Straight Talk, Xfiniti
  • Water, Shock and Dust Resistant, Military Grade, IP68 Tough and Durable
  • Dual Camera, Poweful Battery, Fm Radio, 2.4" Display, FlashLight
  • Comes Ready out of the Box, remove the sim from your old phone, insert into this phone. All set.
  • Factory Unlocked to be used with any service provider worldwide EXCEPT Boost/Verizon
  • Includes, 1700 mAh Battery, Charger, Cable, Sim tool, Quick Guide
No. 7
Blackview Rugged Smartphone BV5200 Pro Rugged Cell Phones 7GB+64GB SD 1TB, 6.1" HD+, 4G Dual Sim, 5180mAh, IP69K Waterproof, Face Unlock, GPS, NFC, Glove Mode, Android 12 Unlocked Phone|Black
  • 【More Stronger But Thinner Rugged Smartphone】Blackview Phone BV5200 Pro shifts the military-grade rating from MIL-STD-810G to the latest revision, MIL-STD-810H, which concentrates on more rigorous testing requirements in demanding environments of various kinds for guaranteed durability and endurance. So that BV5200 Pro is a rugged phone featuring DROPPROOF up to 1.5m meters, 360°DUSTPROOF, WATERPROOF up to 1.5m deep for 30mins. But what is even more surprising is that this rugged mobile phone is specially designed to be very LIGHT and THIN(268g/13.65mm). Compared with the bulky unlocked cell phones on the market, it is more convenient for people to carry and the design is more intimate.
  • 【7GB + 64GB + 1TB Expandable+Octa core】BV5200Pro rugged smartphone unlocked is equipped with MediaTek Helio G35 processor so that this rugged cell phones unlocked gives a strong boost for work and entertainment performance. With the 4GB RAM can be expanded to 7GB RAM, and the 64GB ROM can be expandable up to 1TB with a TF card, this rugged phone effortlessly handles multitasking, allowing you to run more apps simultaneously. Additionally, you can store your favorite photos and music directly on your phone, ensuring easy access anytime, anywhere.
  • 【5180mAh + 10W Charge + OTG】The rugged android phone unlocke is equipped with a powerful 5180mAh battery that provides extended usage time, delivering up to 642 hrs of standby time, 26.5 hrs of calling, 20 hrs of music playback and 8.8 hours of video playback on a single charge. With 10W charging support, you can quickly recharge your phone and stay connected throughout the day. Additionally, the OTG feature allows you to use your rugged smart phone unlocked as a power bank to charge other devices.
  • 【6.1-inch HD+ Large Screen Cell Phone】BV5200 Pro rugged smartphone unlocked have you enjoy an immersive visual experience with the 6.1-inch HD+ display, offering a high resolution of 720*1560 and an impressive 83% screen-to-body ratio. And this rugged cell phone unlocked with the 500 cd/m2 brightness ensures clear and vibrant visuals even in bright lighting conditions. Whether you're an ardent gamer or video enthusiast, you'll be delighted with vibrant colors and crisp details of this rugged phones, enjoying unrivaled clarity and realism.
  • 【High-Quality Camera and Rich Camera Modes】 Blackview rugged smartphones featuring the 8MP Samsung5K4H7 front camera, the 13MP Sony IMX258 rear camera and designed with ArcSoft technology to enhance the photos with professional-looking effects. There are many camera modes and functions for you to choose from, such as 360°Panorama Capture, Night Mode, Improved HDR, Portrait Mode, Face Fill Light, Beauty Mode. It is worth mentioning that the the lightning-fast 0.1s Ultra-fast PDAF make you never miss a moment, ensuring your shots are always sharp and focused.
  • 【Doke OS 3.0 Based on Android 12 + Dual 4G LTE】This unlocked cell phone, powered by Android 12, boasts a plethora of useful tweaks and additions. For instance, it offers a wider range of intuitive operation gestures, a customizable DIY desktop, an array of new themes, and enhanced privacy-protected notebooks. Most importantly, it significantly enhances mobile phone performance, ensuring smoother operations and faster slide transitions. Furthermore, this unlocked rugged phone offers dual 4G LTE support, enabling you to enjoy fast and reliable connectivity. Additionally, it accommodates dual SIM cards along with a TF card, providing expanded storage options for your convenience.
  • 【Various Useful Functions】This rugged unlocked smartphone designed with NFC for contactless payments and other convenient functions, FACE ID for convenient and secure unlocking, GLOVE MODE for seamless touchscreen operation,CUSTOMIZED FUNCTION BUTTON for quick access to 5 essential functions and your favorite apps, GPS & GLONASS & Beidou & Galileo for accurate position. And this unlocked phone also have useful toolkit including a bunch of professional apps helps you get the job done,such as Compass, Gradienter,Barometer,Protractor, SoundMeter, FM and more.
  • 【Kind Reminder】Blackview BV5200 Pro rugged phone can work with GSM network carriers like T-Mobile, BTC, MetroPCS, H2O, Movistar, Telcel, Tigo, Claro, Vivacom, Ultra Mobile, lycamobile, Tello Mobile, Bell Wireless, Rogers Wireless, Chatr, Luck Mobile, Virgin Mobile,Telus,Fido,FIZZ,Shaw Mobile,etc. BUT IT CAN NOT WORK WITH AT&T AND CRICKET WIRELESS SIM CARDS.(Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 5.0; GSM: B2/B3/B5/B8; 3G: B2/B3/B4/B5; 4G: FDD:B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B12/B13/B17/B25/B26/B66) Enjoy a 2-year warranty on all Blackview cell phones purchased from our shop. Our 24/7 customer service is here to assist you with any issues. Your satisfaction is our priority. Contact us for reliable support.
No. 8
Ulefone Armor X12 Rugged Smartphone, Waterproof Phones Unlocked, Octa-core Android 13, 6GB+32GB, Dual SIM Global 4G LTE, 4860mAh Battery, Face Recognition, Bluetooth, NFC, Compass - Black
  • IP68, IP69K & MIL-STD-810H - The Armor X12 Pro rugged phone is designed to withstand various challenging conditions, including dust, drops, water, extreme temperatures, and humidity. It is built to survive in harsh environments, making it suitable for construction sites, surfing, climbing, and forest hiking(❌Not compatible with Cricket activations New AT&T or with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile).
  • Good Performance, Smooth Operation - Armor X12 rugged phone comes with 6GB of RAM(3GB RAM + 3GB virtual RAM) and 32GB of internal storage, while also supporting a 256GB microSD card for more possibilities.
  • 13MP SONY Main Camera - Features a 13MP main camera with the Sony IMX214 sensor, 8MP Selfie Camera, and Various Camera Modes that will ignite your creativity.
  • 4860mAh Reliable Battery - 4860mAh power source for 264 Hours standby time, 20 Hours talk time, 8 Hours video time.
  • 5.45" Full Screen - Boasts a 5.45" screen, making it the perfect fit for your hand and pocket. It is specifically designed for users who prioritize compactness and portability in their phones.
  • Android 13 Go - The new permission system creates a safer and more private environment.
  • More Features - NFC, Glove Mode, Outdoor Tools, 3-Card Slot, GPS+Glonass+Galileo+Beidou, Headset-free FM Radio, Custom Key, Face Unlock.
SaleNo. 9
CAT S62 T-Mobile - 4G Rugged Smartphone (IP68, MIL SPEC 810H, Super Bright 5.7" FHD+ Display, 4000mAh Battery, 4GB RAM / 128 GB ROM) - Black
  • 5.7", 1080x2160px, 18:9 ratio (~424ppi density), 4000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.0, Fingerprint (rear-mounted)
  • 128GB ROM, 4GB RAM, Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm), Octa-core, Adreno 512 GPU
  • Rear Camera: 48MP, (wide), PDAF + 2MP, Front Camera: 8MP, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11
  • 2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G UMTS: 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE:1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/38/39/40/41/66/71 - Single SIM
  • T-Mobile Unlocked Version. US model with Limited Warranty. The device is shipped with Unlock Instructions. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, Sprint, etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, and Boost.

How to choose a good rugged cell phones

Does the idea of finding a fantastic rugged cell phones make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in rugged cell phones. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top rugged cell phones products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top rugged cell phones on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top rugged cell phones brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top rugged cell phones based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the rugged cell phones were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good rugged cell phones, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your rugged cell phones.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting rugged cell phones for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our rugged cell phones. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what rugged cell phones should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on rugged cell phones.