The best rugged phones you can buy (including Samsung and Oukitel)
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Most top mainstream smartphones, like the iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel phones, offer vivid displays, powerful performance, and versatile cameras. While you can get dust and water resistance with IP-rated phones, they might not be enough if you're an adventurer. If you like going hiking or camping, you should consider buying one of the best rugged phones that's meant to withstand rough elements.
The top contenders on this list are tested for military-standard durability, so you don't have to worry about dropping them during outdoor activities. Given their price and utility, these phones are perfect for field work or outdoor adventures and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
What is the best rugged phone right now?
The Oukitel WP39 Prois one of the latest rugged smartphones and one of the best rugged phones on the market right now. Most of these phones severely compromise on performance, but this one carries a mid-range MediaTek chipset for a smooth performance. Another good option from a mainstream brand is the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7, which provides similar performance and excellent battery life. However, there are more options to consider according to your priorities.
Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025
The best rugged phones of 2025
The Oukitel WP39 Pro is one of the only rugged phones on this list released in 2025. It features an upgraded processor, more storage, a sharper screen, and decent cameras.
Why we like it: This Oukitel phone delivers a good balance of rugged form factor and features. It weighs 368 grams, which might seem heavy, but in comparison to other rugged phones, it is on the lighter side. The 11,000mAh battery will likely last you for days, and 33W charging will top up faster than usual.
Apart from a light design, big battery and good performance, the Oukitel WP39 Pro also offers a big and sharp screen at 2.4K resolution. Unlike most rugged phones, this display offers decent contrast and vibrancy. Plus, you get three cameras and a 32MP selfie shooter for optics. It is rated IP68 and IP69 for dust and water resistance as well as MIL-STD-810H certification for protection against knocks and drops.
Who it's for: The Oukitel WP39 Pro is for those who want an all-rounder rugged phone, without compromising on screen quality. It delivers a satisfactory video consumption experience. It is also for those who don't want a heavy, rugged phone.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want the best battery life on a rugged phone, this isn't for you. That's not to say the battery life is bad, but you can get more options with 22,000mAh and more battery capacity.
Oukitel WP39 Pro specs: Display: 6.6 inches (2.4K resolution), IPS | CPU: Dimensity 6300 | RAM: 12GB | Internal Storage: 512GB (up to 2TB with microSD card) | Rear cameras: 64MP main, 8MP night vision, 2MP macro | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 11,000 mAh | Weight: 368g
Doogee has established itself as one of the more popular options for a rugged phone. And their new Doogee V Max Pro offers everything you could ever want in a tough smartphone as well as an impressive, week-long battery life. It's also equipped with 33W fast-charging, letting you quickly top up your battery before heading out for off-site work or a long weekend camping trip.
Why we like it: The Doogee V Max Pro is packed with features like 512GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 2TB with a microSDXC card slot. ZDNET expert Jack Wallen got to check out the Plus model and was very impressed with the 1,500-hour standby life as well as the sheer durability of the phone chassis, which is capable of withstanding drops, bumps, and even water splashes.
Review: The most durable Android phone I've tested also has a week-long battery life
Who is it for: The Doogee V Max Pro is for those who want a big display and excellent battery life. If you don't mind the 500-gram+ weight, this is the phone to buy for its powerful performance, big battery, sharp screen, and versatile cameras.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a lightweight, rugged phone, this is not for you. It will last you for days on a single charge, but that comes at the expense of weight.
Doogee V Max Pro specs: Display: 6.58 inches (FHD+ resolution), IPS | CPU: Dimensity 7050 | RAM: 12GB | Internal Storage: 512GB (up to 2TB with microSDXD slot) | Rear cameras: 108MP, 20MP night vision, 8MP wide-angle/macro | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 22000 mAh | Weight: 536g
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is the closest a rugged phone can get to a regular smartphone. Coming from Samsung, this has the best user interface on a rugged phone, thanks to One UI 6. While Samsung has already announced the XCover 7 Pro, it is yet to go on sale, so at least till mid-May, this is the best rugged phone one can buy from a mainstream phone brand.
Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 offers a regular slab phone-like feel, so it doesn't feel like you're using a rough and tough phone. It is certified for MIL-STD-810H standards, but thanks to a slim design, the XCover 7 blends in well with the mainstream smartphone.
The Galaxy XCover 7 doesn't pack over-the-top RAM or storage capacity but it is workable and the MediaTek processor is powerful enough to deliver smooth performance. Plus, it features a replaceable battery for when you want to carry extra batteries in your pocket.
Who is it for: The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is for those who want the best parts of a rugged phone but don't want an uncomfortable in-hand feel or an underperforming user interface. It offers the best of both worlds.
Who should look elsewhere: This Samsung phone won't last you more than a day on a single charge. Its 4,050mAh isn't massive, so it isn't for those who want a long-lasting phone.
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 specs: Display: 6.6 inches (1080p resolution), IPS | CPU: Dimensity 6100+ | RAM: 128GB | Internal Storage: 6GB (expandable with microSD card) | Rear camera: 50MP | Front camera: 5MP | Battery: 4,050 mAh | Weight: 240 grams
Survival is the name of the game with the AGM H6, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating, IP69K dustproof rating, and 1.8m shock-resistant test certification. The frame around the display is raised 0.4mm above the screen to help protect it, while extra corner protection (with a lanyard opening in the top left) is provided for drops. The USB-C port and headset jack are sealed with covers, which is a thoughtful touch.
Why we like it: At a weight of just 240 grams and a thickness of just 10.75mm, you may not think this is a rugged phone designed to withstand fieldwork. However, I've dropped it, submerged it, and gone running in the rain with it, and the device looks just about the same as when it came out of the box.
Read the review: Finally, a rugged Android phone that doesn't look and feel like a brick
Who is it for: The AGM H6 is perfect for those who plan to ski, hike, fish, and explore the outdoors. It's especially sleek for the rugged phone that it is, and at the sub-$300 price, its durability features are totally worth it. Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and Walmart love the price and value of the AGM H6, but are mixed on the phone's fingerprint detection for unlocking the device.
Who should look elsewhere: The AGM H6 isn't for you if you want the best performance or battery life on your rugged phone. It offers average performance and battery backup.
AGM H6 specs: Display: 6.56 inches (1612 x 720-pixel resolution) | CPU: Unisoc T606 | RAM: 16GB | Internal Storage: 256GB with microSD | Rear cameras: 50MP main and 2MP macro | Front camera: 8MP | Battery: 4,900 mAh | Weight: 240g
The CAT S75 sports a 50MP main camera as well as an 8MP wide-angle lens and 2MP macro lens that also has an underwater mode that's great for both nature photography and taking pictures of industrial issues. It has an internal storage of 128GB that can be expanded with the microSD slot that also functions as a second SIM card slot for international calling.
Why we like it: ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes got to test out the Cat S75 for himself, and while he loved the slim and sleek design that still offered plenty of protection, he didn't care for the somewhat flimsy rubber port covers and finicky SIM card slot. Verified customer reviews from Amazon and Walmart love the compact and slim design as well as the moisture resistance and drop protection.
Read the review: This rugged satellite-enabled Android phone looks nearly as sleek as an iPhone
Who is it for: If you need a smartphone that can handle the outdoors and tough work sites but don't want something that weighs a ton and looks like a cinder block, the Caterpillar S75 is a great option. Weighing in at just 268 grams, the S75 sports a design reminiscent of an early iPhone with a thinner body and sleeker design that's easy to fit into a work pants or a safety vest pocket.
Who should look elsewhere: This phone isn't for those who want to play games on their phone or want long-lasting software support.
Caterpillar S75 specs: Display: 6.6 inches (2,160 x 1,080-pixel resolution), LCD | CPU: MediaTek Dimensity D930 octa-core 2.2GHz | RAM: 6GB | Internal Storage: 128GB with microSD slot | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro with underwater mode | Front camera: 8MP | Battery: 5000mAh | Weight: 268g
The Glory G1S also has some pretty awesome and highly specialized features for users who need them: a built-in laser pointer, which comes in handy for presentations, work-site inspections, and survey projects. It also has a 20MP night vision camera that uses both infrared and thermal imaging to help you capture clear images and a host of important information. It also has a 2MP macro lens for close-up photography and a 16MP front camera for video calls and selfies.
Why we like it: ZDNET's Matthew Miller was able to check out the AGM Glory G1S for himself, and while he loved the specialized features, he did note that the USB-C charging port may be too deep for some cables to properly connect with and that the 4-pin charging dock means you're stuck with a proprietary system; which can prove a nuisance in a sea of civilian iPhones and Android smartphones that use Lightning or USB-C cables or wireless charging pads.
Who is it for: The AGM Glory G1S is designed for just about any edge case (pun intended) you might need to put it through. The ruggedized phone chassis is IP68 and IP69K certified for water, dust, and shock/drop resistance, protecting your phone from up to a 4-ft drop and from being submerged in up to 5ft of water for 30 minutes.
Read the review: AGM Glory G1S review: Superhero powers in a rugged smartphone
Who should look elsewhere: If you are bothered by carrying a proprietary charger, this isn't the phone for you. It uses a specialized 4-pin charging dock, which could be troublesome.
AGM Glory G1S specs: Display: 6.53 inches (2,160 x 1,080-pixel resolution), LCD | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G | RAM: 8GB | Internal Storage: 128GB with microSD slot | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 20MP infrared night vision, 2MP macro | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 5500 mAh | Weight: 315g
What is the best rugged phone?
Our choice for the best rugged phone is the Oukitel WP39 Pro for its incredibly impressive all-around feature set for an unbeatable value. The sub-$300 smartphone offers a night vision camera, 11,000mAh battery, and many more features without feeling uncomfortable in the hand.
| Best rugged phone | Price | Display size | Storage |
| Oukitel WP39 Pro | $295 | 6.60 inches | 512GB |
| Doogee V Max Pro | $470 | 6.58 inches | 512GB |
| Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 | $399 | 6.60 inches | 128GB |
| AGM H6 | $220 | 6.56 inches | 256GB |
| Cat S75 | $488 | 6.58 inches | 128GB |
| AGM Glory G1S | $700 | 6.53 inches | 128GB |
Which rugged phone is right for you?
All of these phones are powered by Android OS, so there's no choice on the operating system. If you are reading this list, you are probably interested in a rugged phone that can survive drops and water damage when you're working outside.
The first thing to look for is a unique element that may be specific to your work. For example, do you need a FLIR thermal imaging camera, a night vision camera, a large capacity battery that can be used to charge other devices, or a phone with a removable battery? Check out the unique features and see if any apply to your needs.
The next thing is to check the price, since these rugged phones range from $220 to $700.
| Choose this rugged phone... | If you want... |
| Oukitel WP39 Pro | An all rounder that doesn't compromise on display, battery or other features |
| Doogee V Max Pro | The best performance on a rugged phone |
| Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 | The most intuitive experience on your new rugged phone |
| AGM H6 | You don't wantto spend more than $250 |
| Cat S75 | The most stylish-looking rugged phone |
| AGM Glory G1S | A rugged phone full of extras |
Factors to consider when choosing a rugged phone
To determine the best rugged phone for your needs, you should consider the following:
- Price: The price range can vary wildly for these rugged phones with major brands charging a premium price for rugged features while minor brands offer rugged phones at very low prices. Rugged phones are great for your disaster recovery kit with long battery life and features that ensure the phone will handle any extreme conditions.
- Size: Most of these rugged phones are large and heavy compared to standard smartphones. Sleeker models tend to be more expensive, but that is a trade-off you need to make as you choose the best one for you.
- Uses: All of these rugged phones are built to survive the elements, but some have very special features. For example, the Cat S62 Pro provides a thermal imaging camera that is perfect for some trades. Identify your needs before you dive into the option that fits you.
How did we choose these rugged phones?
To determine our picks for the best rugged phones, we did weeks-long real-world testing and research, and consulted colleagues who have hands-on experience with the phones. We considered the following aspects when creating this list:
- Durability: Perhaps the most important element of a rugged phone is its design and durability under harsh conditions. Most of the rugged phones we chose for this list are MIL-STD 810G-certified.
- Battery: Rugged phones often have larger batteries than traditional phones, and can last you longer in the field. Many also have removable batteries so you can swap to a new one without having to charge up.
- Features: While rugged phones lack some of the bells and whistles of your typical iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone, they often still have impressive cameras and other features worth noting.
- Price: Rugged phones often cost less than flagship phones, but are still an investment. We want to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
For a more comprehensive look at how we test phones, view our in-depth evaluation.
Latest information on these phones in 2025
What are the tariffs in the US?
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Smartphones are among the most affected by the new US tariffs, with devices imported from China and Vietnam facing steep duties that could raise retail prices by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, which rely heavily on Asian manufacturing, may either pass these costs on to consumers or absorb them at the expense of profit margins.
The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long
FAQs on rugged phones
What is a rugged phone?
A rugged phone is a toughened version of a typical smart or flip phone. Rugged phones have undergone a rigorous design process to make them more resistant to liquids, dirt, dust, drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures.
They're often tested against military standards for durability, so you can rest assured that your new phone can handle just about anything you'll encounter on an outdoor adventure.
Are rugged phones worth it?
If you're someone who is rough on a typical smartphone, perhaps due to your job or your hobbies, a rugged phone is a worthwhile investment. Rugged phones are designed to last through harsh conditions, with high IP ratings for dust and water resistance, and military-standard testing for durability. Most have extra battery capacity, or the ability to swap out batteries, so you don't have to spend time charging.
Is it better to just buy a rugged case?
If you're an Apple brand loyalist and must use an iPhone, a rugged case is your best option to protect your phone, since the company has yet to make a toughened version of the iPhone.
There are lots of options out there for weatherized and ruggedized cases, and OtterBoxUrban Armor Gear (UAG) are two of our favorites. Cases are available with multiple layers of protection against drops and shocks, as well as port covers that are designed to keep water and dirt out of buttons and charging ports. Some case models have kickstands to prop your phone up for hands-free use too.
More rugged phones to consider
Latest updates
- In our April 2025 update, we picked new phones for the best overall and best-performing rugged phones. We also added the Galaxy XCover 7 as the best rugged phone from a mainstream brand.
- In our Jan. 2025 update, we refreshed our best picks.