Whether you’re a professional or an adventurer, rugged smartphones are essential if you find yourself in hazardous environments on a regular basis. In these circumstances, you need a phone which is waterproof and durable with a tough screen. We have compiled a list of the best rugged smartphones currently on the market to help you to make an informed decision when choosing a certain model.
CAT S60
With the S60 model, Caterpillar has introduced its first rugged smartphone with a thermal imaging camera. This feature provides a host of applications for use within professions, such as those allowing the monitoring of machinery or to find gaps in insulation. In addition, the S60 has a military rating of 810G and it can be dropped from a height of 1.8 meters. Comprising a 4.7″ (1280×720) anti-shock screen, the latest generation of Gorilla Glass 4 technology and an IP68 rating, the S60 truly is one of the most exciting yet durable options on the market today.
Why you’ll love it:
- Thermal imaging camera
- Anti-shock screen
- IP68 rating
- 3800mAh battery
- Built-in 32GB storage
Crosscall Trekker M1
The Crosscall Trekker M1 is a highly waterproof and dust-resistant smartphone, with an IP67 rating; it is ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. No matter the terrain, a 13MP (rear) and 5MP (front) camera ensure that you will never miss an exciting photo opportunity. It has a 4.5 inch screen with Gorilla Glass 3 technology for wet touch function and ease of use. It comes with a dual sim card function to separate business and personal calls. The M1 also allows you to transfer files through NFC or OTG USB.
Why you’ll love it:
- IP67 rating
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system
- Dual SIM
- 4.5 screen with Gorilla Glass 3
CAT S40
The CAT S40 Rugged Smartphone is a highly waterproof and dust-resistant smartphone with an IP68 rating. It has been tested to withstand water up to one metre for 60 minutes and withstand 6ft drops. The S40 is a fully HD screen with Gorilla Glass 4 technology for the most testing environments. The S40 also provides GPS capability alongside other Android applications for ease of navigation.
Why you’ll love it:
- IP68 rating
- Fully HD screen
- Gorilla Glass 4 technology
- 3G and 4G enabled
Crosscall Trekker X2
The Crosscall Trekker X2 supports 4G internet connectivity, ensuring that you can stay connected at higher speeds on-the-go. The Trekker X2 has a 13MP rear camera and 2MP front camera, ideal for capturing high quality photos. Its 5-inch Dragontail Wet Touch HD display and IP67 rating provides protection even in harsh weather environments. Additionally, it has a long battery life of 10 hours (talk time) and 12 days (standby).
Why you’ll love it:
- IP67 rating
- Long battery life
- 4G internet
- 13MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
- Dragontail Wet Touch HD display
CAT S30 
The CAT S30 is a highly durable smartphone that can withstand water and dust, with an IP68 rating. It is MIL-SPEC 810g certified and the touchscreen is designed with Corning Gorilla Glass for complete protection. The S30 is designed to minimize damage; with its rugged exterior combined with Caterpillar’s trademark non-slip design, the S30 is a tough phone in every sense of the expression.
Why you’ll love it:
- IP68 rating
- Military spec 810g
- 8GB internal memory
- 4G network compatible
Defender Tough Android Phone
The Defender Tough Android Phone is a rugged smartphone with Dual SIM functionality, ideal for juggling your professional and personal lives. It has an IP68 rating and a robust casing to protect against drops and shocks. The Defender has an impressive internal memory of 4GB (expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD card). In addition, it also provides a built in PMR two-way radio, Bluetooth compatibility and 3G connectivity to ensure that you stay connected.
Why you’ll love it:
- IP68 rating
- PMR two-way radio
- Dual SIM functionality
- 4GB internal memory
- 8MP (rear) and 0.3MP (front) cameras
If you are looking for a rugged smartphone, click on the link below to view the current models on the market.
