Perhaps you often work in extreme weather conditions, love hunting or fishing, or are simply tired of fearing that something will spill onto your precious smartphone. In this case, a shockproof, protected from dust, and moisture ingress, the smartphone will be simply irreplaceable. The question is which of the many models to choose.
The best rugged smartphones of 2018 have one drawback. They will never win a "mobile beauty pageant" because they are targeting a different audience. And for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing model, it is better to pay attention to latest Samsung models Galaxy S9 or iPhone X.
10. Caterpillar Cat S41
It costs, on average, 29,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- 13 MP camera, autofocus
- memory 32 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM 3 GB
- battery 5000 mAh
- weight 218 g, WxHxT 75x152x12.85 mm
The top 10 shock-resistant and waterproof smartphones opens with a five-inch model in a solid-looking rubberized case. The phone is IP68 certified, which means it has been tested (not just designed) to be completely dust and sand resistant, and can work just fine even after spending half an hour underwater at over 1 meter.
The Cat S41 also resists high humidity, vibration and large temperature fluctuations. It also has “warm, tube” mechanical buttons.
Inside the smartphone are: a Mediatek MT6757 mid-range processor (better known as Helio P20), a Mali-T880 GPU, 32GB of ROM and 3GB of RAM.
Users will surely appreciate the 5000mAh capacious battery, which according to the manufacturer can support the phone for 44 days of standby time and 38 hours of talk time.
Pros:
- Bright Full HD screen with good color reproduction.
- There is a fast charging function.
- It is possible to expand the amount of internal storage.
- There is NFC.
- The main 13 MP camera takes good pictures in normal lighting.
Minuses:
- There is no fingerprint sensor.
- High price
9.BQ BQ-5003L Shark Pro
The average cost is 8,490 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5 ″, resolution 1280 × 720
- camera 8 MP
- memory 16 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
- RAM 2 GB
- weight 224 g, WxHxT 79x154x13.90 mm
New for 2018 is enclosed in a waterproof and shock-resistant rubberized case. It has extra lugs to absorb impact when dropped. In the hand, this five-inch device feels like a weighty bar thanks to the weight of 224 grams.
Under the rubberized "hood" there is a MediaTek MT6737 quad-core processor, designed for budget devices, as well as 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of ROM.
This is the only device in the rating of rugged smartphones that has an IP65 degree of protection - complete dustproof and protected from water currents or strong jets from any direction. It can be used in the rain, but it is better not to submerge it completely in water.
Pros:
- There is a slot for expanding memory.
- Long-lived 3200mAh battery.
- There is support for fourth generation networks.
- The front and rear 8MP cameras take good photos in clear weather.
- You can remove unnecessary programs without root access.
Minuses:
- There is no fingerprint sensor.
- No NFC.
8. HOMTOM HT20 Pro
The average price is 8,999 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 6.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 4.7 ″, resolution 1280 × 720
- camera 16 MP, autofocus
- memory 32 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
- RAM 3 GB
- battery 3500 mAh
- weight 222 g, WxHxT 76x152x13.60 mm
As with most models in the waterproof smartphone rating, the HT20 Pro is IP68 certified. That is, the device can withstand a half-hour "bath" at a depth of more than 1 meter.
This 4.7-inch smartphone features a fully removable rear panel. However, this means that every time you remove the 3500 mAh battery, replace SIM cards, insert a microSD card, you will need to remove 10 screws (using the supplied screwdriver), and also remove the translucent sealing gasket that protects the gadget's “stuffing”. Time consuming work.
Inside the device is a 1.3GHz Mediatek MTK6737 quad-core chip with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
Pros:
- The magnesium alloy frame makes the HT20 Pro impact resistant.
- There is an LED indicator for events.
- There is a slot for a memory card.
- There is a fingerprint scanner.
- Decent 16 MP main camera.
Minuses:
- Quiet sound.
- Dim screen.
- It is better not to play "heavy games" on this smartphone and do not open many programs at the same time. It will get very hot.
- The battery is quickly consumed (judging by the tests made by users, the real capacity is 3100 mAh).
- No NFC.
7. Blackview BV8000 Pro
You can buy it for 16,790 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- camera 16 MP, autofocus, F / 2
- memory 64 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM 6 GB
- battery 4180 mAh
- weight 233 g, WxHxT 79.20x153x12.60 mm
Chinese manufacturer Blackview is slowly building up a reputation in the market for good waterproof and shockproof phones with BV's solid lineup.
One of its representatives - BV8000 Pro - is equipped with a 5-inch Full HD display covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It is bright and contrasting enough for a display with an IPS matrix.
As a processor for this smartphone, the manufacturer chose the eight-core MediaTek P25 Helio with a clock speed of up to 2.6 GHz and with ARM Mali T-880 MP2 graphics. The pride of the BV8000 Pro is the large amount of both RAM and ROM memory - 6 GB and 64 GB respectively. The front and back of the smartphone have 8MP and 16MP cameras.
Pros:
- The smartphone is equipped with a very capacious 4180 mAh battery.
- Loud and clear sound.
- It is possible to expand the memory up to 256 GB. Moreover, the slot is not combined with one of the SIM cards.
- There is a fast charging function.
- There is a fingerprint scanner.
- There is NFC.
- There is a dedicated PTT (push-to-talk) button.
Minuses:
- The screen has no oleophobic coating.
- This rugged, IP68-rated smartphone lacks protective valves for its connectors - both the USB Type-C port (top) and audio jack (bottom). Therefore, special care must be taken to ensure that no liquid gets into the connector when connecting external peripherals such as a charger or headphones.
6. Archos Sense 50X
The average price is 14,255 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- 13 MP camera, autofocus
- memory 32 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
- RAM 3 GB
- battery 3500 mAh
- weight 223 g, WxHxT 78.90x153x12.60 mm
This five-inch gadget is a solid middling in all respects, from battery capacity - 3500 mAh and operating temperature range (-20C ° to + 55C °) and ending with the amount of internal and RAM - 32 GB and 3 GB, respectively. But the manufacturer installed a budget chipset - MediaTek MT6737T, so you can not count on the fast work of "heavy" games and applications. However, most rugged smartphones do not focus on performance at all.
The smartphone complies with the IP68 water and dust protection class and can withstand drops from a height of up to 1.2 meters and immersion in water for up to half an hour.
Pros:
- There is a modern USB Type-C connector.
- There is a slot for expanding memory up to 64 GB.
- There is a fingerprint sensor.
Minuses:
- No NFC.
- The main 13 MP camera often "lathers" pictures.
- You will have to buy wireless headphones, since the jack 3.5 is longer than that of regular phones due to the protected case.
5. OUKITEL K10000 Max
The average cost is 16 250 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5.5 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- 13 MP camera, autofocus
- memory 32 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM 3 GB
- battery 10000 mAh
- weight 330 g, WxHxT 86.50 × 168.80 × 15.90 mm
This 5.5-inch device may not be the most secure smartphone in the world, but it is one of the heaviest. It weighs as much as 330 grams. And the thing is that it is equipped with a fantastically capacious 10,000 mAh battery. Ideal if you are going to a place where you cannot often charge your smartphone.
Inside the K10000 Max is the MediaTek MT6753 chip, a common solution for mid-range devices. The built-in storage is 32 GB and can be expanded by another 128 GB using a memory card. The amount of RAM is 3 GB.
The device is protected against penetration of water and small particles according to the IP68 standard.
Pros:
- There is a fingerprint scanner.
- There is a modern USB Type-C connector.
- In terms of battery capacity, the smartphone has no competitors in the ranking.
- The charging and headphone jacks are well protected, but not recessed into the case.
- Good rear 13MP camera.
Minuses:
- Not a very bright flashlight.
- No NFC.
4. Runbo F1 Plus
Possible to buy for 26,900 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5.5 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- camera 16 MP, autofocus
- memory 64 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM 6 GB
- battery 5000 mAh
- weight 313 g, WxHxT 91x171x15.50 mm
If you are looking for a large, durable, yet elegant enough smartphone, take a look at the Runbo F1 Plus. This 5.5-inch device is housed in a beautiful and shock-resistant case.
Protection of the gadget meets IP67 and MIL-810G standards. This means that he does not care for short-term bathing at a depth of 1 meter and has successfully passed the shock and vibration tests.
For its price, the characteristics of the smartphone are quite decent. The MediaTek Helio P20 processor with Mali-T880 MP2 graphics is responsible for fast work, and not all smartphones without dust and water protection have 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory.
Pros:
- Capacious 5000 mAh battery.
- There is a fast charging function.
- It is possible to expand the memory up to 256 GB.
- The 16MP main camera takes great pictures in normal lighting.
- Perfectly catches satellites even in the city even in the forest.
- The set includes a magnetic USB cable - protection against accidental damage to the phone (it is important for forgetful people and those who like to pull the cable hard).
Minuses:
- The sound from the speaker, although loud, is not very clear.
- No NFC.
3. LG X venture M710DS
On average, it costs 22,700 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.0
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5.2 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- camera 16 MP, autofocus, F / 2.2
- memory 32 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM 2 GB
- battery 4100 mAh
- weight 166 g, WxHxT 75.80x154x9.29 mm
If you are dreaming of a shockproof and water-resistant smartphone with mechanical buttons, then this is in front of you. And let them say that hardware buttons are out of fashion long ago, they evoke nostalgic thoughts. There is a fingerprint sensor under the central button. An additional key launches a special application for those who like outdoor activities. But you can also reassign it.
This "indestructible" 5.2-inch smartphone with IP67 protection, unfortunately, has budget functionality: an eight-core Snapdragon 435 chip, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM. But it is possible to expand the internal storage up to 2 TB.
The 4100 mAh battery will last for two to three days in average mode.
Pros:
- There is an LED indicator for events.
- There is fast charging.
- There is NFC.
- Good rear 16MP camera that takes detailed photos with good color reproduction.
Minuses:
- The buttons are pressed softly enough, and when not necessary.
- High price.
2. AGM X2
Offered for 34,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.1
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5.5 ″, resolution 1920 × 1080
- dual camera 12/12 MP, autofocus
- memory 64 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM 6 GB
- battery 6000 mAh
- weight 250 g, WxHxT 83.40 × 168.50 × 14 mm
Some may not like the poor screen-to-body ratio of this 5.5-inch device. However, the benefit of this approach is that in return you get more material around fragile parts (like a screen). And this will soften the fall.
On the back, you'll find two 12MP camera sensors, a large LED flash, AGM logo, a square fingerprint sensor, and a small speaker. And the annoying factor is the presence of the glass panel, which is not only a fingerprint magnet, but can also break or scratch.
The advantages of AGM X2 include IP68 protection, a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 653 processor, 6GB of RAM and 64GB of flash memory, as well as the presence of a VOC air quality sensor and ambient temperature and relative humidity sensors.
Pros:
- A 6000 mAh battery of excellent capacity.
- There is a slot for expanding memory.
- There is fast charging.
- There is NFC.
- The front camera has a 16MP sensor and takes great selfies.
- The AMOLED screen is very bright, rich and with excellent color reproduction.
Minuses:
- The screen has no oleophobic coating.
- High price compared to most competitors.
- Obsolete type of micro-USB connector.
- The memory card or SIM card can sometimes "fall off".
1. Blackview BV9000 Pro
Can be purchased for 18,090 rubles.
Characteristics:
- smartphone with Android 7.1
- support for two SIM-cards
- screen 5.7 ″, resolution 1440 × 720
- dual camera 13/5 MP, autofocus, f / 2
- memory 128 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS
- RAM 6 GB
- battery 4180 mAh
This brutal looking rugged smartphone is a novelty in 2018, optimal in terms of price and features.
The BV9000 Pro is a design evolution of the BV8000 Pro. The manufacturer ditched the bright IP68 logo, returned the fingerprint reader to the rear panel, and added more strict black.
While the new Blackview flagship phone is larger than its predecessor, it doesn't look mainstream despite having a much larger 5.7-inch display (compared to the BV8000 Pro's 5-inch). The screen has an aspect ratio of 18: 9, which reflects the current trend in the smartphone market.
BV9000 Pro is powered by Mediatek MT6757 octa-core chipset (Helio P25). It has a slightly higher clock speed compared to the MT6757 that is built into the BV8000 Pro. There is also more flash memory - 128 GB, but the amount of RAM compared to the BV8000 Pro has not changed - 6 GB.
The rear camera has become double - 13/5 MP and has not only a macro mode, but also an optical Zoom 2x. But the battery capacity has not changed - 4180 mAh.
Pros:
- Excellent color rendering and brightness, large display protected by Corning gorilla glass 5.
- You can install a microSD card.
- There is a fast charging function.
- There is a fingerprint scanner.
- There is NFC.
Minuses:
- It is inconvenient to hold in a small palm.
- There is no headphone jack, but the bundle includes the required adapter.
- There is a face unlock function, but for now it works only formally. Perhaps this will be fixed in new updates.
Summing up
Our favorites in terms of features and value are the Blackview BV9000 Pro and Blackview BV8000 Pro.
And if you need a smartphone with an extremely capacious battery, then choose OUKITEL K10000 Max or AGM X2 - you can't go wrong.
For those looking for a budget rugged smartphone, the BQ BQ-5003L Shark Pro, Archos Sense 50X or HOMTOM HT20 Pro are perfect.
If you want your smartphone to have mechanical buttons, then there is no alternative to the LG X venture M710DS and Caterpillar Cat S41.
Some of the highest performing rugged smartphones include the Runbo F1 Plus, Blackview BV9000 Pro, AGM X2, and Blackview BV8000 Pro.