The best rugged phones need to be ready to stand up against almost anything, meaning they need to be both reliable and durable to withstand more than the usual smartphone. Whether you’re out adventuring in the wild, or working somewhere that isn’t a nice safe office, these sturdy smartphones can alleviate the worry of damaging your device, thanks to brands like Doogie, Oukitel, Samsung, and more. There are plenty of options available, each with its own perks, like satellite connectivity or extra-long battery life.
In this guide, we’ve picked out the most capable rugged phones around, with options for different needs and budgets. These devices might not be packed full of features like other big-name Android phones, but they’re specialists. Whether you’re looking for something with a capable camera like the Doogee S100 Pro, a no-frills sturdy phone such as the Nokia XR20, or something else entirely, we’ve got you covered in the list below.
Why you can trust our advice ✔ At Pocket Tactics, our experts spend days testing games, phones, tech, and services. We always share honest opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.
The best rugged smartphones in 2024:
Doogee S96 GT
The best rugged phone overall.
Doogee S96 GT specifications:
Display |
6.22-inch IPS LCD (1520 X 720 pixels) |
Cameras |
64MP Main, 20MP Night Vision, 8MP Front |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
256GB + MicroSDXC slot |
Rugged rating |
IP68/IP69K |
Battery |
6,350 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Great value
- Incredible durability
- Nice selfie camera
Reasons to avoid
- No 5G
- Uncomfortable form factor
The Doogee S96 GT is our pick for the best rugged phone overall for pure value alone. It costs less than $150, which means that if you were to suffer a phone casualty while working or enjoying the great outdoors, it isn’t going to break your bank to replace it, and you might not feel so bad about an accidental break at that price point.
Better yet, with a 6,350 mAh battery, you can be sure that this phone will last well while on your adventure, which is pretty handy considering that MediaTek Helio G95 chipset does make the phone capable of being a fairly decent gaming device. Combine that with the 256GB, and the Doogee S96 GT has plenty to offer.
We’ve seen plenty of affordable, durable devices over recent years, but few that marry a properly rugged build, including a Corning Gorilla Glass screen with surprisingly capable hardware like this. The best example is the S96 GT’s camera system. The quality of pictures taken using the selfie camera is up there with more expensive phones from bigger name brands, like the Nothing Phone (2a) and Poco X6, and the option of a specific night-vision lens is something you rarely see in such an inexpensive device.
For all the positive things about this device, there are some drawbacks to consider. For starters, you can’t get 5G, so if that’s a deal breaker for you, it’s the budget Motorola and Samsung devices (like the Moto G34 and A53) that are more suitable. Plus, as is the case with most rugged phones, the Doogee S96 GT is bulky, taking up a lot of room in your pocket. A phone this size can be uncomfortable with excessive use. Still, you just can’t argue with that value.
Samsung Galaxy Xcover6 Pro
The best rugged Samsung phone.
Samsung Galaxy Xcover6 Pro specifications:
Display |
6.6-inch PLS LCD (1080 x 2408 pixels) |
Camera |
50 MP wide, 8 MP ultrawide, 13 MP selfie |
RAM |
6GB |
Storage |
128GB |
Rugged rating |
IP68 dust/water resistant, drrop-to-concrete resistance up to 1.5m |
Battery |
4,050 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Excellent build quality
- Trusted brand
Granted, Samsung might be more well-known for having high entries on our picks for the best 5G phones and best mid-range phones, but the South Korean tech giant also has a respectable entry in this list for the best rugged phones. The Samsung Galaxy Xcover6 Pro pairs Samsung’s market-leading software with a sturdy rugged phone build to offer something a little different to the other options on this list. While most Samsung’s are IP68 rated, outside of the brand’s flip and foldable phones, this is the only series that features MIL-STD 810H-grade durability, which promises to go the extra distance in terms of dust, shock, moisture, and temperature resistance.
Outside of durability, the Xcover6 Pro impressed us with its solid everyday and gaming performance thanks to the combination of its high-refresh-rate 120Hz LCD screen and Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, which is more in line with your standard mid-range phone. It’s not quite up there with the S series, but in our experience, it holds its own with some of the Doogee and Fossibot options on this list, which is pretty impressive considering that rugged phones have never been Samsung’s wheelhouse while these other brands specialize in them.
The only substantial caveat to this option is that it’s a little more expensive than other entries. However, with the arrival of the Xcover7 Pro in 2024, the predecessor is a little cheaper than it was last year, with little change between the two generations. Its 4,400 mAh battery also isn’t anywhere near as significant as the Oukitel WP33 Pro’s 22,000 mAh battery or the Doogee S96 GT’s 6,350 mAh battery, but you can easily address that issue with a portable charging pack.
Cat S75
The best rugged phone for work.
Cat S75 specifications:
Display |
6.6-inch IPS LCD (1080 x 2408 pixels) |
Cameras |
50MP rear, 8MP superwide, 2MP macro with underwater mode, 8MP front camera |
RAM |
6GB |
Storage |
128GB |
Rugged rating |
1P68/IP69K, 1.8m on steel |
Battery |
5,000 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Two-way satellite texting
- Mediatek Dimensity processor
- Discrete design
Reasons to avoid
- Not the best cameras
- Limited storage
- Pricey
Should you need a rugged phone for work more than you do hiking or camping, the Cat S75 is our pick. Its satellite capability means you can communicate whether you’re way out in the sticks or at sea, and its form factor lends itself to pocketability more than a lot of the other entries on this list. If anyone I know who works a grueling job asks me for a phone recommendation, this is the one I point them in the direction of.
The big difference between this device and the other rugged alternatives is the weight. The Cat S75 is just 268g. That’s significantly less than most rugged phones and within 100g of the likes of high-end devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24. This lightness makes it one of the more practical options here, combined with fantastic water resistance of up to 5m for 35 minutes.
There are a couple of drawbacks, though. For starters, the 128GB of storage is fairly limited compared to others on this list. We also expected better cameras considering the fairly high price point of the Cat S75, with significantly cheaper options on this list like the Fossibot F102 and Doogee S100 Pro impressing us more when it comes to photography.
The best heavy duty rugged phone.
Oukitel WP33 Pro specifications:
Display |
6.6-inch IPS LCD (1080 x 2408 pixels) |
Cameras |
64 MP wide primary, 20 MP night vision, 2 MP macro, 32 MP selfie |
RAM |
8GB (up to 24GB extended) |
Storage |
256GB |
Rugged rating |
IP68/IP69K & MIL-STD-810H certified |
Battery |
22,000 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Incredible battery life
- Useful tools
- Decent display
Reasons to avoid
- Very heavy
- Mediocre cameras
The Oukitel WP33 Pro is an absolute tank. It’s the heaviest phone on this list by some margin, weighing in at over 570g, and it feels incredibly sturdy in your hand. That hefty nature is largely due to the mammoth 22,000 mAh battery inside, which is almost four times the size of that of a standard smartphone like the Google Pixel 8 or Samsung Galaxy S24.
This battery goes for over a week without extensive use, making it quite tricky to figure out charging speeds during our testing. Fortunately, we worked it out, and the 33W charging speeds are mighty impressive, as are the reverse charging capabilities that can juice your other devices when you’re away from home. Add to the mix the WP33 Pro’s 136db speaker, loud enough to play your tunes for the whole camp or work site, and a selection of helpful software tools for work and play, and it’s clear to see why we’ve included this handset.
While the heavy-duty nature of the Oukitel WP33 Pro is welcome due to making it incredibly hard to break, it does mean that it’s not the most comfortable device for everyday use. We found it quite cumbersome in testing, and unlike most phones, there’s never a moment where you don’t notice it weighing you down. The cameras are also a little lackluster, not matching up to other similarly priced devices we’ve seen from Oukitel and other rugged brands.
Nokia XR20
The best discrete rugged phone.
Nokia XR20 specifications:
Display |
6.67-inch IPS (1080 x 2400 pixels) |
Cameras |
48 MP wide, 13 MP ultrawide, 8 MP front |
RAM |
4GB/6GB |
Storage |
64GB (exp. with MicroSDXC slot) |
Rugged rating |
IP68 dust/water resistant |
Battery |
4,630 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Software support
- 5G connectivity
Reasons to avoid
- Slightly underpowered
- Lacks storage
We’d be remiss not to include Nokia on this list of the best rugged phones. All the way back to the 3310, Nokia has been always been known for the sturdiness of its devices, and the Nokia XR20 is no different. This rugged phone pairs a solid IP-68 and MIL-STD-810H military-rated build with some understated aesthetics, making for a discreet rugged phone that comes in pretty high in our rankings.
To go along with its discreet design, the XR20 is one of the more affordable rugged phone options, and there’s some serious value on offer considering it’s 5G ready, unlike the similarly reasonably priced Doogee S96 GT. For less than $300, you’re getting a vivid LCD display, a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, and four years of updates. There is a newer Nokia XR21, but the difference between the two isn’t enough for us to opt for slightly better performance over all-round value.
While the XR20 is considerably more discrete than other rugged phones, it’s also a little less generous when it comes to RAM, storage, and battery size. The base model’s 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is underwhelming. This is especially true if you’re planning on doing some smartphone photography, with little room left over for apps and games, though you can expand storage thanks to the microSD slot. The battery is also on the smaller side compared to other rugged phones, but it lasts longer than you might think if you use the phone efficiently.
The best rugged phone for outdoor adventures.
Doogee S100 Pro specifications:
Display |
6.58″ FHD+ 120hz IPS Waterdrop screen (1080 x 2408 pixels) |
Cameras |
108MP wide, 20MP night vision, 16MP ultrawide, 32MP front camera |
RAM |
20GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Rugged rating |
IP68 / IP69K / MIL-STD-810H |
Battery |
22,000 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Impressive build and screen quality
- Bright camping lights
- Capablecameras
If you’re an intrepid adventurer who gets a kick from braving the elements, the Doogee S100 is the perfect companion for your travels. Boasting IP68 / IP69K and MIL-STD-810H rating for certified protection, this thing can face all sorts of extreme weather conditions without an issue. It’s not a bad regular old smartphone either, packing a Helio G99 processor, a triple camera system, and even a gaming mode for your adventuring downtime.
The S100 Pro feels sturdy in your hands, and pretty heavy too, weighing in at 400g. It’s by no means a brick with a call function, though, with a long list of features including a 22000mAh battery, 130-lumen camping light, and a fantastic night vision camera. Add in the 960-hour standby battery, and this device is sure to help you go the distance during any outdoor pursuit.
The Doogee S100 Pro is the best rugged phone if you value having a decent camera and media features, as well as a hardy casing. For more details, check out our Doogee S100 Pro review.
Ulefone Power Armor 20WT
The best hardcore rugged phone.
Ulefone Power Armor 20WT specifications:
Display |
5.65-inch IPS LCD (1080 x 2160 pixels) |
Cameras |
50 MP wide, 16 MP front camera |
RAM |
12GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Rugged rating |
IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant, drop-to-concrete resistance up to 1.5m |
Battery |
10,850 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Excellent battery life
- MediaTek Helio processor
Reasons to avoid
- Very bulky
- Might be overkill for most
If you’re looking for something truly hardcore, the Ulefone Power Armor 20WT is the ultimate survival phone. For a start, it’s one of the few devices on this list that is IP69K rated. That’s the highest IP rating you can get, offering a level of dust and waterproofing that is second to none. Combine that with 20WT’s MIL-STD-810H compliance, which makes it military standard, and you’ve got a practically indestructible smartphone.
Outside of its durability, the 20WT is a pretty impressive smartphone in its own right, with a generous 256GB of storage for apps and images, plus a 10,850 mAh battery that can keep you going for a few days without extensive use. While we couldn’t make much use of it in testing, the 20WT also includes a walkie-talkie attachment. If you’re exploring or working remotely in a small team, you could pick up a couple of these for less than $700 and rely on them for instant communication if you’re going somewhere without a reliable phone signal.
Unfortunately, you have to sacrifice a level of comfort with this phone to get the durable build. It’s on the heavier side at just under 400g and its form factor isn’t suited to gaming or constant use unless you’re willing to deal with some serious hand cramping. The screen is a little on the small side, too, at just 5.5 inches, which could be a problem if you’re relying on mapping or location apps.
Fossibot F102
The best rugged phone for photography.
Fossibot F102 specifications:
Display |
6.58-inch IPS (1080×2408 pixels) |
Cameras |
108MP primary, 5MP macro, 20MP night vision, 32MP front camera |
RAM |
12GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Rugged rating |
IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810G, drop resistance up to 1.5m |
Battery |
16,500 mAh |
Reasons to buy
- Powerful flashlight
- Long-lasting battery
- Great cameras
Reasons to avoid
- No 4k video
- Sub-par performance
If you’re looking for a rugged phone that doubles as a durable camera, the Fossibot F102 is your best option. With a fantastic 108MP camera that’s up there with mid-rangers like the Google Pixel 7a and OnePlus 12R, plus specialist 5MP macro and 20MP night vision lenses and a capable 32MP front camera for on-site and off-the-beaten-track selfies, there’s no scenario this pick isn’t ready for.
The F102 is an attractive option for anyone who enjoys outdoor excursions or needs a secondary work phone, thanks to its stellar 16,500 mAh battery life and a dazzlingly bright flashlight that saves you from taking a torch on your travels. Even when the battery eventually runs low, you don’t have to stop and charge for long, with 33w superfast charging juicing this powerhouse device back up to 50% in less than 90 minutes.
There are barely any noticeable caveats with this device. All we can think to point out is that it lacks 4k video recording, and it’s not as smooth a performer as some of the more expensive options on this list. Still, as far as the best rugged phones go, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck here.
How did we choose the best rugged smartphones?
Durability is the first thing we think about when looking at the best rugged phones, as that’s basically the main draw of them. They need to be dustproof, waterproof, and capable of surviving drops for those of you who like the great outdoors or work in a trade such as construction. To make sure we bring you the best rugged phones, we extensively test the durability of the phones here for ourselves. We don’t exactly go around dunking the phones and throwing them on concrete, but we put them through their paces nonetheless.
Once we had a long list of durable devices, we picked out some with specialisms, like the Oukitel WP33 Pro’s incredible battery life or the Fossibot F102’s fantastic cameras. While most of our options cover both phones for work and for exploring, we’ve also got specialist options for both, like the CAT S75 for rural for on-site workers or the Doogee S100 Pro for outdoor adventures.
Outside of those factors, the other most important thing is value. While the devices on this list differ in price, we think that they all offer the best value for their respective prices. If you pick any of them up, you can be certain you’re getting the best for your money’s worth, and that’s all you can really ask for.
What is an IP rating?
The IP rating of a phone determines how protected it is from dust and water. The first number of an IP rating relates to dustproofing, with a scale of one to six. The second number is for waterproofing, and that’s a slightly larger scale of 1-9. In both cases, the higher the number, the more protected a device is.
All the phones in this guide are at least IP68 rated, with some achieving IP69K status, reserved for only the most durable devices. While we’re seeing more and more regular smartphones get high IP ratings, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, for example, it’s rare to see a non-rugged phone achieve IP69K status.