Not every user, when choosing a phone, is looking for high performance and the latest camera. Many people are looking for a reliable and durable device that can withstand falls, moisture and dust. Such devices are especially valued by travelers, lovers of extreme sports, athletes and representatives of blue-collar professions, for example, builders or factory workers.
Today we’ll tell you about the best secure smartphones and how to choose them correctly.
How to choose the right secure smartphone
When choosing a durable smartphone, you need to consider several important criteria:
- Protection class. Depending on the impact the phone is resistant to, it is assigned a certain standard of protection. We recommend choosing phones with IP68 marking. Such devices are resistant to dust and can withstand immersion in water to a depth of two meters.
- Case materials. Before purchasing a gadget, carefully evaluate the design. It is important that it is made of durable materials. It is best when the screen is covered with impact-resistant glass, which will protect it if it falls, and the back has metal and rubber inserts. Good resistance to mechanical damage is indicated by the gadget's compliance with the military standard MIL-STD 810.
- Screen options. The larger the display, the more pleasant the experience of viewing content, communicating on social networks and playing games. On the other hand, large models are inconvenient to hold in one hand or carry in a trouser pocket. Set your priorities.
Before purchasing a gadget, make sure that its display does not glare in bright sunlight. In addition, if you are used to using a gadget with gloves, it should have sensitive sensors.
- Battery. The larger the battery capacity, the longer the device will work on one charge. It is advisable that the battery have at least 4,000 mAh (depending on the size of the gadget). Otherwise, it will quickly discharge.
We recommend that you treat high capacity values with caution. Often in models that claim more than 10,000 mAh, the actual battery parameters are much smaller.
Dust and water protection classes
Almost every protected device is certified according to the international IEC standard. As a result, he receives a specific alphanumeric code of the form IPxx. The first number in this case indicates the degree of protection against penetration of solid objects (for example, dust and sand). The second number indicates how protected the device is from water. Of course, not only smartphones, but also mobile phones, walkie-talkies and even some tablets undergo such certification.
The first number indicates how large solid objects can penetrate under the device:
- 0 — the device is not protected from dust and solid objects in any way;
- 1 — objects with a diameter of 50 mm or more are not able to penetrate inside the device;
- 2 — objects with a diameter of 12.5 mm or more cannot penetrate into the device;
- 3 — objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more cannot penetrate into the device;
- 4 — objects with a diameter of 1 mm cannot get under the device body;
- 5 - the device can be called dust-proof, although dust still has a chance to get inside - however, this will not affect the performance or safety of operation;
- 6 — penetration of dust into the device is completely excluded.
The second number concerns water:
- 0 — the device is not protected in any way;
- 1 — the device is protected from vertically falling drops of water;
- 2 — the device is protected from the same vertically falling drops, and it can be tilted up to 15°;
- 3 — the device is not afraid of water splashes sprayed at an angle of up to 60°;
- 4 — the device is not afraid of water splashes sprayed from any angle;
- 5 — even jets of water falling at any angle will not cause harmful effects;
- 6 — the device is protected even from strong jets of water falling on it from any angle;
- 7 — the device must withstand short-term immersion under water;
- 8 — the device can withstand prolonged immersion under water.
Do not forget that IP protection is far from an indicator of “indestructibility”. Many phones remain sensitive to shocks and falls. Therefore, some manufacturers are trying to obtain certification for their smartphones - MIL-STD 810G. This military-grade rating proves that the phone can truly withstand anything.
It is approved by NATO and the US Army. To pass certification, the device is subjected to more than 20 tests - drowned, beaten, dropped, frozen in ice, heated. If at least one test fails, then the device does not receive protected status according to the MIL-STD 810G standard.
Rugged smartphones from the budget price segment
The budget segment includes the best rugged smartphones costing up to 15,000 rubles. This is a good solution for undemanding users who do not plan to play complex games or take a lot of photographs.
OUKITEL WP12 Pro
The TOP budget shockproof smartphone OUKITEL WP12 Pro opens. Made from combined materials (plastic, metal and rubber), presented with IP68 and MIL-STD 810G protection. The phone is not afraid of falls from low heights, immersion in water and use in extreme conditions. Despite the reinforced armor, the gadget weighs only 234 g, fits comfortably in the hand and fits in a trouser pocket.
OUKITEL WP12 Pro is equipped with an NFC module that provides access to contactless payments. The 8-core Helio P22 processor coupled with 4 GB of RAM is responsible for performance. Thanks to this, the gadget runs modern games at medium graphics settings and works stably in multitasking mode.
Pros:
- case reliability;
- current version of Android 11;
- 18W fast charging support;
- decent autonomy.
Minuses:
- not the best camera.
Blackview BV6300
A good shockproof, waterproof smartphone from a reliable Chinese one will boast a durable plastic case that can withstand extreme temperatures.
Blackview BV6300 is equipped with a fast 8-core MT6762V processor, which works stably in the interface and applications. A relatively recent version of Android 10.0 is installed on board. The built-in camera with a resolution of 13 MP allows you to create pictures and videos of good quality (of course, for its class). The front has a 5.7-inch display. It does not glare, and the brightness is enough for the image to remain readable in the sun. However, you should not count on high detail of the picture due to the low resolution - 1440x720.
Pros:
- ergonomic design;
- fast charging;
- there is an NFC sensor;
- long battery life;
- good memory reserve.
Minuses:
- Incorrect fingerprint scanner.
Ulefone Armor 8
The rating of secure smartphones continues with an inexpensive shockproof gadget from the Ulefone brand. The manufacturer has worked thoroughly on the design of the device, because the combination of the beautiful design of the triple camera, the brutal texture of the body and the side fingerprint scanner looks solid and practical. However, savings can be seen in the 6.1-inch OGS screen, which clearly lacks resolution - only 1600x720. On the other hand, this decision had a positive effect on the performance of the MT Helio P60 processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM.
The battery capacity is an impressive 5580 mAh, which is enough for up to two days of active use. 15W fast charging is supported, but even with it, it takes almost 3 hours to replenish power.
Pros:
- Compliance with IP68 standard;
- reasonable price;
- good triple camera;
- support for contactless payment.
Minuses:
- bulky body;
- quality of night photography.
| Options | OUKITEL WP12 Pro | Blackview BV6300 | Ulefone Armor 8 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Screen diagonal, inch | 5.5 | 5.7 | 6.1 |
| Permission | 1440x720 | 1440x720 | 1560x720 |
| Degree of protection | IP68 | IP68, IP69K | IP68, IP69K |
| Battery capacity, mAh | 4000 | 4380 | 5580 |
| Dimensions, mm | 81x174x14.3 | 78.2x159.6x12.8 | 81.8x166x15 |
| Weight, g | 237 | 230 | 282 |
| Housing material | Plastic, metal, rubber | Plastic | Metal, plastic |
AGM X3 6/64GB
Even though the AGM X3 appeared back in 2022, it still remains relevant due to several key characteristics. So, you are unlikely to find another rugged device powered by the flagship Snapdragon 845 chipset.
| Options | |
| Display | 6”, IPS (FullHD+) |
| Camera | 12MP + 24MP |
| CPU | Snapdragon 845 |
| Battery | 4100 mAh |
Before we talk in more detail about the filling, it is important to note several points that distinguish the AGM X3 from other devices of this class. The manufacturer equipped the smartphone with humidity, atmospheric pressure and temperature sensors. In addition, the device has JBL stereo speakers, and its body is protected according to a military standard and has IP68 moisture protection.
It should also be noted that the AGM X3 turned out to be quite thin, which was made possible due to the installation of a modest battery by modern standards. The display boasts a FullHD matrix with DLC coating that compensates for the effects of shock, and a dual camera with an additional sensor for night photography makes the AGM X3 a universal device for any occasion.
Pros:
- night camera;
- powerful processor;
- variety of sensors;
- rubberized design.
Minuses:
- autonomy;
- price.
DOOGEE S59 Pro
The selection opens with an indestructible device with a shock-resistant case, which attracts with loud speakers and a powerful 10050 mAh battery. The model will stay afloat for two days in talk mode. The manufacturer has provided protection from mechanical damage, moisture and negative environmental influences. The body is made of a combination of metal and plastic, the screen is protected by durable Gorilla Glass.
DOOGEE S59 Pro supports contactless payment technology, which is rare in budget phones. It is worth noting the presence of a fast Helio P22 processor and 4 GB of RAM. Support for fast charging with a power of 24 W has been implemented. It takes only 3 hours to fully recharge the battery, which is an excellent indicator for such a capacity.
Pros:
- balance of price and quality;
- nice design;
- support for modern communication standards;
- performance;
- Fingerprint's scanner.
Minuses:
- weak camera;
- Judging by the reviews, the actual battery capacity is lower than stated.
Ulefone Armor 7
One of the most interesting rugged smartphones of 2022. Armor 7 meets IP68 and MIL-STD-810G standards. The phone is not afraid of moisture and dust, and can also withstand drops onto concrete from a height of up to 1.2 meters.
Ulefone Armor 7 has 8GB of RAM inside, which is a rarity among shockproof models. The phone easily copes with increased loads and does not slow down even when working in several programs simultaneously.
Among other features, we highlight support for NFC and a large 6.3-inch screen with an aspect ratio of 19:5.9. This is a great option for watching videos and playing games. The device is powered by a powerful 5500 mAh battery. Reviews note that under moderate loads, Armor 7 works reliably for one and a half to two days.
Pros:
- brutal design;
- decent performance;
- bright and contrasting screen;
- fast charging support;
- advanced 48 MP camera.
Minuses:
- proximity sensor;
- Incorrect operation of the screen rotation sensor.
Doogee S96 Pro
The highlight of this shockproof and waterproof smartphone is its excellent night camera. Doogee S96 Pro takes excellent pictures in complete darkness at a distance of up to 20 meters. In addition, the lens is able to “see through” thin plastic, which is useful for builders and repairmen.
The body consists of metal and polycarbonate. This protects internal elements from damage due to falls, hard impacts and rolling. In addition, the device is not afraid of low temperatures. It is equipped with a capacious 6350 mAh battery, the charge of which is enough for 30 hours of talk time.
The disadvantages of the model include a weak camera. Despite the presence of four modules, it does not take the best photographs. But the macro lens does not cope with its tasks at all.
Pros:
- build quality;
- stable filling;
- good screen brightness;
- Headphones and display protection included.
Minuses:
- Calibration of the horizontal position of the screen does not work correctly;
- Low speaker volume.
| Options | DOOGEE S59 Pro | Ulefone Armor 7 | Doogee S96 Pro |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 | Android 10 |
| Screen diagonal, inch | 5.71 | 6.3 | 6.22 |
| Permission | 1520x720 | 2340x1080 | 1520x720 |
| Degree of protection | IP68, IP69K | IP68 | IP68, IP69K |
| Battery capacity, mAh | 10050 | 5500 | 6350 |
| Dimensions, mm | 85.5x171.6x18.7 | 81x165.85x13.55 | 81.4x167x15.5 |
| Weight, g | 372 | 267 | 310 |
| Housing material | Metal, plastic | Plastic, glass, rubber | Metal, plastic |
AGM A9 4/32GB
Despite the fact that this model came out a year before the A10, it is superior to its successor in some aspects. Thus, the AGM A9 is equipped with a screen with FullHD resolution, and the battery capacity has been increased by 1000 mAh, which guarantees a significant increase in autonomy.
| Options | |
| Display | 5.99”, IPS (FullHD+) |
| Camera | 12MP |
| CPU | Snapdragon 450 |
| Battery | 5400 mAh |
Otherwise, the indestructible phone has modest hardware, especially the outdated Snapdragon 450 processor. In combination with a screen that requires serious resources for image processing, the picture slows down when performing simple tasks like launching applications or scrolling through pages. In addition, the price cannot be called budget. The smartphone is sold for a far from budget 20 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- FullHD screen;
- autonomy;
- strength.
Minuses:
- performance.
Flagship devices
This category presents four of the best indestructible smartphones that not only offer reliable protection, but also have enormous functionality.
Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5
One of the best rugged smartphones among flagships. Released in 2021. Galaxy Xcover 5 complies with IP68 and MIL-STD-810 standards and at the same time has a neat, strict design. Thanks to this, the model is suitable for both fans of extreme sports and ordinary users who plan to carry the gadget with them every day. The case itself has a corrugated back that prevents the phone from slipping.
The model has a compact 5.3-inch screen with HD+ resolution, an Exynos 850 processor and 4 GB of RAM for smooth operation. The built-in memory is 64 GB, but if desired, it can be expanded with a card up to 1 TB.
Pros:
- versatility in application;
- adequate cost;
- fast charging support;
- NFC sensor and 3.5 mm audio output;
- good volume reserve.
Minuses:
- slight play in the back cover;
- Xcover button is overly sensitive (accidental presses often occur).
Blackview BV9900 Pro
The TOP protected smartphone with a waterproof case continues. This is a reliable device that is not afraid of dust, moisture and falls from a small height. Moreover, the gadget remains operational even at temperatures below -30 degrees. Blackview BV9900 Pro has a thermal imaging FLIR camera with a 48 MP main module, which can be used to create detailed pictures and videos.
The phone runs smoothly in the interface and apps thanks to the combination of MT Helio G90 processor and 8GB RAM. On the front of the device is a 5.84-inch screen with a resolution of 2280x1080 and Gorilla Glass 5 protective coating.
Pros:
- build quality;
- compact dimensions;
- NFC support;
- loud speaker;
- long working time.
Minuses:
- the body is a bit heavy;
- complex settings.
Oukitel WP15
The best phone in terms of autonomy, a new product on the market for rugged models. Oukitel WP15 received a battery with a record capacity of 15600 mAh. This is several times more than is installed in similar devices. You can expect four days of battery life on a single charge, making this phone ideal for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those on frequent business trips.
The large 6.52-inch screen will not let you get bored on the road while watching your favorite movie or YouTube video. True, users are a little upset by the low display resolution - only 1600x720. If you hold the screen close to your eyes, you can see individual pixels.
Pros:
- brutal design;
- good performance;
- 8 GB RAM;
- fast charging support;
- NFC sensor;
- side fingerprint scanner.
Minuses:
- heavy body (almost 500 g);
- no 3.5mm headphone jack.
CATerpillar S62 Pro
The rating is completed by a rugged smartphone with a good level of protection. The device was produced by CATerpillar, which specializes in the production of equipment for use in construction. The phone is ideally suited for use in a professional environment. It is not afraid of heat or cold: it remains operational at temperatures from -25 to +55 degrees. The case has the maximum level of protection: IP69K, MIL-STD-810G and Gorilla Glass 6.
The CATerpillar S62 Pro is equipped with a built-in thermal imager from FLIR, capable of measuring temperatures in the range of -20 to +400 degrees. We also note the presence of a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, which will ensure smooth operation of the gadget under everyday loads and even allow you to run some games.
Pros:
- compact size and low weight;
- support for 2 SIM cards;
- fast charging Quick Charge 4;
- excellent thermal camera.
Minuses:
- overpriced (more than 50,000 rubles at the time of writing).
| Options | Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 | Blackview BV9900 Pro | Oukitel WP15 | CATerpillar S62 Pro |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Screen diagonal, inch | 5.3 | 5.84 | 6.52 | 5.7 |
| Permission | 1480x720 | 2280x1080 | 1600x720 | 2160x1080 |
| Degree of protection | IP68 | IP68, IP69K | IP68 | IP68, IP69K |
| Battery capacity, mAh | 3000 | 4380 | 15600 | 4000 |
| Dimensions, mm | 71.6x147.1x9.2 | 78.3x156.5x14.2 | 86.2x178.2x23.8 | 76.7x158.5x11.9 |
| Weight, g | 172 | 264 | 485 | 248 |
| Housing material | Metal, plastic, rubber | Metal, plastic | Metal, plastic, rubber | Aluminum |
comparison table
| MODEL | PROTECTION | BATTERY, MACHINE | WEIGHT, G | SCREEN SIZE, INCH | PERMISSION | PRICE, RUB. |
| Oukitel WP5 | IP68 | 8000 | 285 | 5.5 | 1440x720 | 10 900 |
| Doogee S88 Plus | IP69 | 10000 | 372 | 6.3 | 2340x1080 | 19 500 |
| Blackview BV9900E | IP68 | 4380 | 273 | 5.84 | 2280x1080 | 24 000 |
| Oukitel WP7 | IP68 | 8000 | 301 | 6.53 | 2340x1080 | 21 990 |
| Nokia 800 Tough | IP68 | 2100 | 161 | 2.4 | 320x240 | 8 990 |
| Doogee S59 Pro | IP68 | 10050 | 284 | 5.71 | 1520x720 | 16 000 |
| Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 | IP68 | 3000 | 172 | 5.3 | 1480x720 | 26 950 |
| CATerpillar S62 Pro | IP68 | 4000 | 248 | 5.7 | 2160x1080 | 52 000 |
| Texet TM-530R | IP68 | 3500 | 172 | 2.4 | 320x240 | 3 500 |
| UleFone Armor X5 Pro | IP69 | 5000 | 235 | 5.5 | 1440x720 | 10 000 |
| Blackview BV6300 | IP68 | 4380 | 230 | 5.7 | 1440x720 | 10 600 |
| UleFone Armor 8 | IP68 | 5580 | 282 | 6.1 | 1560x720 | 12 000 |
| Doogee S40 Pro | IP69 | 4650 | 238 | 5.45 | 1440x720 | 14 300 |
| Vertex K208 | IP68 | 2000 | 100 | 2.4 | 320x240 | 2 500 |
| AGM A9 Pro | IP68 | 5400 | 243 | 5.99 | 2160x1080 | 20 000 |
| Texet TM-D429 | IP67 | 1500 | 112 | 1.77 | 160x128 | 1 500 |
| CATerpillar S42 | IP68 | 4200 | 220 | 5.5 | 1440x720 | 24 900 |
| Doogee S80 | IP68 | 10080 | 398 | 5.99 | 2160x1080 | 16 500 |
| Texet TM-519R | IP68 | 1700 | 126 | 2.4 | 320x240 | 1 990 |
| AGM A9 | IP68 | 5400 | 243 | 5.99 | 2160x1080 | 20 950 |
Which secure phone to choose
We've looked at the best shock-resistant phones on the market, from inexpensive rugged models to flagship SUVs. What to choose is up to the reader to decide. We can highlight several of the most interesting devices.
Among the indestructible phones that are not afraid of use in difficult conditions, the best is Ulefone Armor 7.
Well, if the user needs a secure smartphone with a powerful battery, then the Oukitel WP15 is ideal for this purpose. With it you can forget about recharging for several days.
Nokia XR20 6/128GB
Nokia devices, despite the legendary status of the 3310 model, are rarely included in the selection of shock-resistant smartphones. However, the armored Nokia XR20 meets the class of protected devices by all standards, and its characteristics do not allow us to doubt the quality of the product.
| Options | |
| Display | 6.67”, IPS (FullHD+) |
| Camera | 48MP + 13MP |
| CPU | Snapdragon 480 |
| Battery | 4630 mAh |
An excellent camera, fast hardware and a large screen with FullHD resolution are the obvious advantages of the new 2022 product. It’s just not clear why for such characteristics the company asks not the conventional 25 thousand rubles, but as much as 45 thousand. The price tag looks clearly inflated.
Pros:
- optimized shell;
- quality of mobile photography;
- army protection.
Minuses:
- inadequate price.
Ulefone Armor 11 5G 8/256GB
The next generation of Ulefone Armor smartphones turned out to be controversial. The manufacturer decided to increase the amount of built-in memory, but at the same time lowered the screen resolution. The price has remained the same, which is why Ulefone Armor 11 5G is often criticized.
| Options | |
| Display | 6.1”, IPS (HD+) |
| Camera | 48MP + 13MP + 20MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| CPU | Dimensity 800 |
| Battery | 5200 mAh |
If we forget about the shortcomings of the smartphone, we will have to admit that Ulefone Armor 11 5G comes with a good camera and battery. The camera, by the way, is represented by five modules, one of which is specifically designed for night photography.
Pros:
- waterproof case;
- photo quality;
- night camera;
- fast processor.
Minuses:
- display.
Ulefone Armor 9
A little earlier, Armor 9 appeared in the Ulefone product line. This is a rugged smartphone with a 64-megapixel camera, good hardware and a capacious battery for long trips and work in extreme conditions.
| Options | |
| Display | 6.3”, IPS (FullHD+) |
| Camera | 64MP + 2MP |
| CPU | Helio P90 |
| Battery | 6600 mAh |
The price of the gadget remains at approximately the same level as in the case of the successors Armor 10 and Armor 11. Except that there is no 5G support, which is unlikely to be regretted by many. The phone has a thermal imager and connectors for connecting additional modules, so the device should be considered multifunctional and worthy of attention.
Pros:
- presence of a thermal imager;
- 64 megapixel camera;
- working hours;
- possibility of connecting additional modules.
Minuses:
- price.
OUKITEL WP10 5G
If you have money for the Nokia XR20, but want to get not only a durable, but also an extremely productive device, then you should take a closer look at the OUKITEL WP10. The smartphone is based on a powerful Dimensity 800 processor and is equipped with a large battery for 3-4 days without recharging.
| Options | |
| Display | 6.67”, IPS (FullHD+) |
| Camera | 48MP + 13MP |
| CPU | Dimensity 800 |
| Battery | 8000 mAh |
Neither the screen nor the camera of the smartphone can be faulted. Let’s add here contacts for connecting additional modules, and OUKITEL WP10 5G will appear as perhaps the most optimal purchase option. However, the price in the case of the model in question is also far from ideal. For OUKITEL WP10 you will have to pay at least 35 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- performance;
- camera;
- battery.
Minuses:
- price.
