The best rugged smartphones of 2020: waterproof, shockproof, IP68

Caterpillar Cat S61

• smartphone with Android 8.0
• screen 5.2″, resolution 1920×1080
• 16 MP camera, autofocus
• memory 64 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• RAM capacity 4 GB
• battery 4500 mAh

The Cat S61 is the successor to the popular CAT S60 rugged smartphone, which was designed to withstand the harshest environments with sleek looks and rich functionality.

The updated model is equipped with a higher-quality thermal imager (one of the main attractive aspects of this device). The thermal image resolution has changed from VGA to HD. And the camera is now able to see heat spots at a distance of up to 30 meters.

In addition to the thermal imager, the CAT S61 has an air quality sensor and a laser measurement tool that provides distance and area information within a radius of up to 10 meters. Thanks to its capabilities, this device will become a useful assistant for construction workers, auto mechanics and representatives of other professions who work with potentially hazardous materials or need to scan the temperature of various areas.

Inside the case with IP68 dust and water resistance rating and MIL-STD-810G durability standard there is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor combined with an Adreno 508 video processor. Their capabilities are quite enough to play Black Desert Mobile, World of Tanks Blitz or another popular mobile game on medium settings.

Pros : you can make contactless payments, there is a 3.5 mm audio jack, there is fast charging, there is a programmable button.

Cons : the screen is difficult to break, but easy to scratch, outdated version of Android.

No. 7 - Doogee S60

Price: 16,700 rubles.

• Display: 5.2″, IPS, resolution 1920×1080 px;
• Processor: MediaTek Helio P25;
• Memory: 64/6 + microSD 128 GB;
• Camera: main 21 MP, front 8 MP;
• Battery: 5580 mAh;
• Dimensions: 81x164x15.5 mm, weight - 287 g.
• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G.

The Doogee company entered the Russian market as a manufacturer of ordinary ultra-budget phones, but in the end, shockproof smartphones with a powerful battery brought it popularity. The Doogee S60 is one of the best creations of the brand - a powerful device equipped with 6 gigabytes of RAM and a high-quality FHD display, a capacious battery and a full range of up-to-date wireless interfaces, including NFC. There is a relatively good camera with a resolution of 21 MP based on a Sony IMX230 sensor, as for devices of this class, as well as fast and stable GPS. The device works for a long time, up to 3 days on a single charge.

Users note tight plugs on the case, which they have to contend with when connecting the charging cable. The problem is partially solved by support for wireless charging, the presence of which indicates that the body of the Doogee S60 is made of plastic, although the manufacturer claims to use metal. Despite this, the weight of the device is an impressive 287 grams, take this into account if you choose a phone for everyday use. The device has no serious disadvantages, and the advantages are very tasty - you simply cannot find such hardware and protection for such a price.

OnePlus 8 Pro

• smartphone with Android 10
• screen 6.78″, resolution 3168×1440
• four cameras 48 MP/8 MP/48 MP/5 MP, autofocus
• memory 128 GB, without memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• RAM capacity 8 GB
• battery 4510 mAh

One of the most anticipated new Chinese smartphones of 2020, in addition to its impressive technical characteristics, is also distinguished by its complete moisture and dust protection of the case according to the IP68 standard. This means that with this gadget you can not only wash in the shower, but also immerse it in water to a depth of more than 1 meter and for up to half an hour.

But when it comes to the strength of the case, things are not as good as those of other participants in the rating. The back cover, although it looks beautiful, is made of glass and may not survive a drop from a human height.

The huge AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures a stunning movie and video viewing experience, while the incredibly powerful Snapdragon 865 processor will quickly tackle any work or gaming task you perform.

Thanks to proprietary charging technology WARP Charge 30T, the smartphone can be charged from zero to 100% in less than an hour. At the same time, unlike the OnePlus 7T, the G8 also supports wireless charging.

Pros : supports 5G networks, smooth and well-optimized shell, capacious battery.

Cons : no audio jack, high price.

Rating 2020

Those with an impenetrable body are not particularly popular, as they look brutal, weigh a lot and are huge in size. But for some people, such devices are the only option. However, we must not forget that security varies.

Now many flagships are available with IP68 water protection. But these devices will not survive a fall from a table onto a tile. But they look beautiful. However, to each his own. Some people don't need tanks protected on all sides. Simple moisture protection is enough. In general, here is a list of those devices that can be called protected (albeit with a stretch).

This list includes both fully protected monsters and waterproof smartphones that are aimed at the mass segment. In any case, it is worth considering all the models in more detail, as they contain a lot of interesting things.

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Apple iPhone Xs Max 256GB

Apple iPhone Xs Max 256GB Of course, the first on the list of protected devices is the iPhone Xs Max. However, it only has IP68 water protection. But it is not recommended to test it for strength. Most likely, he will not survive the fall from the table.

But the device is incredibly powerful, supports all modern technologies and has an incredible screen. It is also worth noting the excellent camera (one of the best in the premium segment).

Apple iPhone Xs Max is expensive. But this is a smartphone from a company from Cupertino. And this is more than just filling and OS. It's a brand and a cult. And it is customary to pay money for this. In any case, the smartphone turned out to be very decent.

PROS:

• Trendy design from Apple
• Excellent cameras
• Incredible performance
• Very good autonomy
• IP water protection

MINUSES:

• Very high price

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HUAWEI P30 Pro

HUAWEI P30 Pro A fresh flagship from a cult manufacturer from China. The smartphone features a superb design, an incredibly powerful hardware platform and an excellent camera, which was created in collaboration with Leica engineers.

It is thanks to this that the photographic capabilities of the device are amazing. The user also receives an incredible screen quality and support for the latest technologies. The manufacturer claims water protection class IP68. But the body is not reinforced.

But there is a very capacious battery that allows the flagship to easily work for 2 days. For a premium device, this is incredible autonomy. And the price tag for the device is much nicer than in the case of the iPhone.

PROS:

• Chic design
• Superb screen
• Great cameras
• Impressive autonomy
• IP68 water protection
• Powerful hardware platform

MINUSES:

• The price is high for the average user

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Caterpillar Cat S61

Caterpillar Cat S61 A real monster from the famous company CAT, which specializes in the production of construction equipment. This is a real secure device. It is IP68 water resistant and boasts a reinforced and rubberized metal body.

He is not afraid of falling from great heights. The device is equipped with a fairly powerful hardware platform, supports modern options and has Android 8.0 on board. There is also an excellent quality display and a dual main camera.

The battery capacity is such that the device can easily last 3 days in standard use. The device comes with a special carabiner. The user receives all this for a relatively adequate amount.

PROS:

• Brutal appearance
• Fully protected housing
• Relatively powerful hardware platform
• Good screen
• Supports all modern options
• Impressive battery life

MINUSES:

• Large size and weight

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AGM X3 8/128GB

AGM X3 8/128GB And this is a real tank with the characteristics of a flagship. The device has a reinforced shockproof case, a shock-absorbing mount under the screen and IP68 water protection. However, this is not the main thing.

Inside the gadget there is a powerful filling. The device has an excellent quality screen, a dual main camera with impressive characteristics and stereo speakers from the very famous company JBL.

At the same time, the device has excellent autonomy and has fairly miniature dimensions (compared to devices of the same class). That is why it has every chance of becoming a bestseller. Especially considering its price.

PROS:

• Shockproof housing
• Shock-absorbing screen mount
• Great display
• Good cameras
• Excellent autonomy
• Small dimensions and weight
• Good price

MINUSES:

• Was not noticed

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Samsung Galaxy S10 8/128GB

Samsung Galaxy S10 8/128GB The flagship from the Koreans got into this top for a reason. This device, with all its flagship characteristics, has IP68 water protection. He calmly tolerates immersion in water for half an hour.

At the same time, there is an incredibly powerful hardware platform, excellent cameras and an excellent AMOLED screen, which many call limitless. Don't forget about the attractive design.

But the autonomy is not as good as we would like. The device barely survives a full day of operation. However, this is the problem with all Samsung flagships. But the user receives support for all modern options and incredible power.

PROS:

• Very powerful hardware platform
• Excellent cameras
• Gorgeous display
• Trendy design
• IP water protection

MINUSES:

• Low battery life

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Blackview BV9500 Pro

Blackview BV9500 Pro Another Chinese device that can survive almost all adversities. It has an excellent protected housing and IP68 waterproof rating. In addition, the device has quite powerful hardware.

The smartphone has a dual camera, supports almost all modern technologies and can be equipped with an external antenna for more reliable signal reception. There is an option to use it as a walkie-talkie.

The autonomy of the device is impressive. He calmly survives 2 days of work. And in standby mode it can work for up to a month. This is an excellent result. And most importantly, the price of a smartphone does not bite.

PROS:

• Fully protected shockproof housing
• Productive hardware platform
• Great screen
• Dual main camera
• Decent autonomy
• External antenna connection option

MINUSES:

• Too heavy

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DOOGEE S90 6/128GB

DOOGEE S90 6/128GB Another Chinese tank, protected from all sides. It survives falls even from the third floor and has IP68 water protection. At the same time, the characteristics of the device are very impressive. It looks no worse than other devices.

The device has a large screen, a dual camera, a powerful processor, an impressive amount of RAM and large built-in storage. There is also support for all modern options (including LTE and A-GPS).

The smartphone supports the connection of external modules for a night vision device, an additional battery, and a digital walkie-talkie module. Autonomy is quite acceptable. And the price is reasonable.

PROS:

• Fully protected housing
• Great screen
• Not bad cameras
• Relatively productive platform
• Connecting external modules
• Excellent autonomy

MINUSES:

• The device is too heavy and bulky

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Ulefone Armor 6E

Ulefone Armor 6E Incredible power in an armored case. This is exactly how one could characterize this smartphone. The device can easily withstand any loads and falls, and also has IP68 water protection.

The smartphone has a powerful processor, an impressive amount of RAM and an excellent dual camera. The screen is also top notch. Not to mention support for all modern data transfer technologies.

The battery of the device allows it to work quietly for 2-2.5 days without recharging. This is an excellent result for a flagship (albeit Chinese). But the main thing is a very affordable price tag. Almost everyone can afford this device.

PROS:

• The housing is protected on all sides
• Productive filling
• Great screen
• Great cameras
• Impressive autonomy
• Small sizes
• Good price

MINUSES:

• Was not noticed

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DOOGEE S60

DOOGEE S60 Another DOOGIE in our rating. This device definitely looks like a real tank. It is clad in durable armor on almost all sides and easily survives almost any external influence. But it's also too big and incredibly heavy.

Under the hood of this tank lies a powerful processor, a huge amount of RAM, excellent cameras and wireless charging. A very advanced device for such a brutal look. There is also a fingerprint scanner and NFC support.

The battery is simply gigantic. It allows the device to work quietly for 2-2.5 days even with its power. But the device, of course, is not suitable for everyone. But the price tag is very tasty. The purchase will not make a hole in the family budget even for very thrifty buyers.

PROS:

• Very brutal appearance
• Fully protected housing
• Relatively productive platform
• Not bad cameras
• Great screen
• Wireless charging support
• Acceptable price

MINUSES:

• Too big and heavy

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Blackview BV6800 Pro

Blackview BV6800 Pro And our rating is rounded off by another tough guy from China. It also has a fully protected body, but its characteristics are a little more modest than those of our previous heroes. But the price tag is very appetizing.

The smartphone has a relatively powerful processor and decent amounts of RAM and ROM. There is a dual camera, a fingerprint scanner and support for all modern data transfer technologies.

The impressive battery capacity allows the device to work for up to 3 days. And this is almost a record. This smartphone even has a face unlock option. It is also not as heavy as its brothers.

PROS:

• The housing is completely protected from external influences
• Relatively productive filling
• Great cameras
• Good screen
• Impressive performance
• Relatively light weight and compact dimensions
• Appetizing price tag

MINUSES:

• Was not noticed

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KYOCERA DuraForce PRO 2

• smartphone with Android 8.0
• screen 5″, resolution 1920×1080
• 13 MP camera, autofocus
• memory 64 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• RAM capacity 4 GB
• battery 3240 mAh

This is the latest phone from the Japanese manufacturer to join the rugged smartphone market as the successor to the DuraForce Pro.

The new version has improved some key elements, including the amount of flash memory increased from 32 to 64 GB, the amount of RAM from 3 to 4 GB, and the Snapdragon 617 processor replaced the more powerful Snapdragon 630.

The body, made from a mixture of polycarbonate and rubber, has a curved back and soft rounded corners, making it very comfortable in the hand.

With Sapphire Shield protection, the DuraForce PRO 2 display is virtually scratch-resistant and a little harder to break than regular Corning Gorilla Glass screen protection. However, the sapphire crystal does not interfere with reading the screen in bright sunlight.

The most secure smartphone from Japan is certified Military Standard 810G, so it must withstand low pressure, temperature shock, any contamination by liquids, mechanical vibration, freezing rain, and other extreme conditions.

Pros : Has fast charging, IP68 rating, in good light the main camera can take good photos with accurate colors, low noise and overall good exposure.

Cons : no mechanical buttons, not complete Russification, difficult to find for sale in Russia, look on foreign sites like eBay.

Which brand of secure smartphone is best to choose?

Many brands create smartphones with additional protection, but not all of them offer truly high-quality products with the most durable properties. The ranking describes the manufacturers of the best rugged smartphones:

• Blackview is a Chinese manufacturer that has been offering the product for many years. The brand was created in 2013 and offers inexpensive smartphones with additional protective properties. Most of the goods are sold in the domestic market of China, some models are exported to countries using online stores.
• AGM is a European manufacturer that cooperates with NATO countries. The design and software for the phones is developed in Germany. The models are wide, heavy, and reminiscent of military style.
• Doogee is a Chinese brand that has been producing shockproof smartphones since 2013. It was founded in 2002, since then it has been actively creating equipment for telecommunications equipment. The headquarters is located in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
• Oukitel is a Chinese brand that was founded in 2015. It initially produced standard mobile phones, then moved to more advanced technology, offering rugged smartphones with rugged casings in the markets.
• Conquest – the brand offers powerful, practical, shock-resistant smartphones of various sizes and configurations. The product is supplied not only to China, it is actively used in Russia and the CIS countries.
• Caterpillar - the company offers equipment from the construction, communications and telephone fields, and has a large selection of products. The company operates through 480 divisions located in 50 countries around the world. The headquarters is located in America.
• Ulefone is a company established in 2006 in Hong Kong in the city of Shenzhen. In 2010, a reorganization took place, after which the company acquired a new name - Go-fly. In 2014, it was divided into 3 divisions, employing more than 300 engineers.
• Runbo is a company that produces various electronics, focusing mainly on smartphones. The Eastern brand supplies goods not only in Asia, but also in Europe, Africa, and America. In 2010, electronics appeared in Russia.
• Huawei is a Chinese brand founded in 1987. It produces telecommunications equipment in China and supplies it to different countries. Smartphones have been supplied to Russia only since 1996.

Land Rover M22

• smartphone with Android 6.0
• screen 2.45″, resolution 432×240
• 5 MP camera, autofocus
• memory 16 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• RAM capacity 2 GB
• battery 3500 mAh

Here is the smallest participant in the ranking of the best rugged smartphones of 2020. However, its tiny size is combined with the weight inherent in much larger mobile devices. And all because of the case made of plastic and rubber, which has a water and dust protection standard of IP68, as well as a super-capacity battery for such a tiny battery.

Land Rover M22 has support for 5V/2A fast charging, in addition, this smartphone supports charging via the original 24W docking station. However, you will have to purchase it separately.

The display itself, although small, is quite bright, is made using IPS technology and supports up to 5 simultaneous touches.

The ARM Cortex-A53 Quad Core 1300 MHz processor will not run most modern games at medium or even low settings, but you are unlikely to take the Land Rover M22 for mobile entertainment.

A small 5-megapixel camera with a slow-motion function will be enough to take photos and videos underwater, or take terrestrial pictures in good lighting.

Pros : miniature size, you can make contactless payments, there is a fingerprint scanner, there is a 3.5 audio jack.

Cons : low-power processor, low resolution of the main and front cameras, little RAM, outdated OS.

No. 4 - Doogee S80

Price: 27,000 rubles

• Display: 5.99″, IPS, resolution 2160×1080 px;
• Processor: MediaTek Helio P23;
• Memory: 64/6 + microSD 128 GB;
• Camera: main 12 + 5 MP, front 16 MP;
• Battery: 10080 mAh.
• Dimensions: 82.5x172x21.2 mm, weight - 396 g.
• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G, IP69K.

Another smartphone with a reinforced 10,000 mAh battery, which is enough for 4-5 days of active use. Unlike WP2, it is equipped with a modern Type-C port, but lacks a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which will have to be connected via an adapter. This is one of the most indestructible models in our rating, certified according to three security standards. Users praise the S80 for its high-quality display, very powerful speakers, support for wireless and fast charging (for a battery of this size, this is a real necessity), as well as the stable operation of all wireless interfaces, which include NFC. It is possible to use the phone as a walkie-talkie; the antenna required for this is supplied with the device.

Among the minuses, in addition to the lack of a minijack, we note the imperfect Russification of some menu sections and the absence of a notification indicator. The smartphone also has a hybrid slot for cards; it’s strange that in a case weighing 393 grams there was no room for a separate tray that would not force you to sacrifice one of the SIM cards to install a flash drive. By the way, in terms of size, this is an absolute record holder in our rating - the weight of the phone is almost 400 grams, and the thickness is 2.1 cm. The gadget is exclusively for men.

OUKITEL WP5

• smartphone with Android 9.0
• screen 5.5″, resolution 1440×720
• three cameras 13 MP/2 MP/2 MP, autofocus
• memory 32 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• RAM capacity 4 GB
• battery 8000 mAh

Among the best rugged smartphones of 2020, this is the top model in terms of battery capacity. Only the second place in the rating, DOOGEE S95 Pro, can compete with this thanks to its additional module.

Even if you listen to music non-stop, OUKITEL WP5 will not run out of charge within 43 hours. Agree, this is an ideal smartphone for those who often travel to sparsely populated places where there is no way to recharge gadgets.

The device body is protected from water and dust according to the IP68 standard. Inside there is a budget MediaTek Helio A22 chipset, so you can’t count on the gaming capabilities of the smartphone. However, navigation does not slow down, and you can open up to 5 non-heavy applications without fear that the phone will start to lag.

Pros : capacious battery, fast charging, fingerprint scanner, side programmable button.

Cons : heavy, Bluetooth does not always work the first time.

The best budget rugged smartphones of 2020

Smartphone Ginzzu RS9602

CPU:

MediaTek MT6739
RAM:
2 GB
Main memory:
16 GB
Screen size:
5.7 inches
Main camera:
8 MP
Front camera:
8 MP
Battery:
5000 mAh

The budget model is a shockproof and waterproof smartphone from Ginzzu. The device body can easily withstand accidental drops. Out of the box, the model runs on the Android 8.1 OREO operating system; it is well optimized and can please you with the fast operation of the system. In addition, Ginzzu RS9602 has been certified by Google, which guarantees stable support for the company's applications.

The smartphone is equipped with a 5.7-inch HD+ display with an aspect ratio of 18:9. It is protected by Corning Gorilla 3 glass. The main camera received a sensor from SONY, and for its parameters it takes pretty cool photos. There is a fingerprint scanner on the back of the case, which allows you to quickly unlock the device with one touch.

The MediaTek MT6739 processor and 2 GB of RAM will allow you to comfortably work with undemanding applications. The model is equipped with an NFC module, so it can easily be used even in urban areas. One battery charge will last for several days of use.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Satellite navigation
• Impact resistance
• NFC
• Fingerprint scanner

Minuses:

• Performance
• Weight

Ginzzu RS9602 smartphone review

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Smartphone Blackview BV8000 Pro

CPU:

MediaTek MT6739
RAM:
6 GB
Main memory:
64 GB
Screen size:
5 inches
Main camera:
16 MP
Front camera:
8 MP
Battery:
4180 mAh

A budget smartphone with protection from falls and moisture, it has powerful hardware and a low cost. The model is protected according to the IP68 standard, so you don’t have to worry about getting into water or dust. It does not have plugs, but it is not afraid of dirt.

Blackview BV8000 Pro has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, it is protected by tempered Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It has a rare IGZO matrix, its quality is superior to IPS and has incredible viewing angles.

The MediaTek MT6739 processor and 6 GB of RAM are responsible for the speed; you can easily work with several tasks at the same time. The cameras take good pictures. The 4180 mAh battery provides up to several days of battery life.

Pros:

• Impact resistance
• Connection
• Sound
• RAM
• Fast charging support

Minuses:

• Heats up in the heat
• Charging wire

Review of the Blackview BV8000 Pro smartphone

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Samsung Galaxy S10+

• smartphone with Android 9.0
• screen 6.4″
• three cameras 16 MP/12 MP/12 MP, autofocus
• memory 128 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• RAM capacity 8 GB
• battery 4100 mAh

The top 5 rugged smartphones are opened by the ex-flagship version from Samsung, which is included in the list of the best smartphones of 2020 in terms of price and quality.

In addition to a frameless screen with high resolution and excellent color reproduction, this model is distinguished by a body that is water- and dust-proof according to the IP68 standard. That is, if you wish, you can take your mobile phone with you into the shower or pool, and post photos on social networks without getting out of the water. Thanks to the dual 10+8 MP front camera, selfies will be highly detailed and bright, but not oversaturated.

One of the important elements of a reliable smartphone is battery life, and the Samsung Galaxy S10+ does not disappoint. This model is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 4100 mAh, with fast and wireless charging functions.

The Samsung Exynos 9820 processor can easily handle any game at maximum settings. Therefore, we can safely recommend the Samsung Galaxy S10+ to those who need not only complete moisture protection from their smartphone, but also powerful hardware.

Pros : performance, screen brightness reserve, excellent main camera.

Cons : price.

No. 3 – Blackview BV9500

Price: 18,000 rubles

• Display: 5.7″, IPS, resolution 2160×1080 px;
• Processor: MediaTek Helio P23;
• Memory: 64/4 + microSD up to 128 GB;
• Camera: main 16 + 0.3 MP, front 13 MP;
• Battery: 10000 mAh;
• Dimensions: 81.8x165x18.7 mm, weight - 365 g.
• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G, IP69K.

The Blackview BV9500 is very similar to the Doogee S80 in terms of specifications and security, but costs significantly less. The device looks more restrained, although in size it is still the same weighty brick. The gigantic size battery allows you to remember about the outlet 1-2 times a week and, if necessary, charge other devices from your phone. The device is powered by Helio P23, which has established itself as one of the best MediaTek processors. Paired with 4 GB of RAM, it provides comfortable system performance for most tasks. There is wireless charging, NFC and a walkie-talkie function (antenna included in the package). Compared to the S80, this model benefits from the presence of a 3.5 mm jack and a separate slot for a flash drive and two SIM cards; there is also a loop on the case for attaching a strap.

Disadvantages: although the dust-proof case is resistant to fatal damage, it is scratched with a bang; also, reviews from some users indicate that an unsuccessful fall may damage the glass covering the main camera. Otherwise, it is a well-deserved third place among the best waterproof and shockproof smartphones due to its optimal ratio prices and quality.

Samsung XCover 4S

• smartphone with Android 9.0
• screen 5″, resolution 720 x 1280
• 16 MP camera, autofocus
• memory 32 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• RAM capacity 3 GB
• battery 2800 mAh

Rugged Chinese-made smartphones have long ruled the mobile device market, but Samsung doesn't seem to be losing hope of snatching its piece of the pie. And proof of this is the revival of the XCover series.

The new device, 4S, has an IP68 rating, so it is completely protected from dust and can withstand being submerged under water up to a depth of one and a half meters for 30 minutes. It also meets the MIL-STD-810G standard and will survive drops from approximately 1.2 meters.

On the front, in addition to three physical keys, the Samsung XCover 4S features a 5.0-inch PLS TFT capacitive display, which is slightly inferior in color rendering to an AMOLED screen, but should still be better than most IPS panels.

Inside the XCover 4S is an Exynos 7885 chipset paired with a Mali-G71 MP2 graphics accelerator.

In terms of cameras, the Samsung XCover 4S features a 16MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture, while on the front there is a 5MP secondary camera with f/2.2 aperture. While the front camera remains unchanged from the previous generation, the rear camera seems to have improved and it does a good job shooting outdoors during the daytime. In low light, digital noise is noticeable in photos and colors are slightly washed out.

Pros : removable battery, contactless payments.

Cons : difficult to find for sale in Russia, you can order on eBay or another online platform.

No. 6 – Oukitel WP2

Price: 22,000 rubles.

• Display: 6″, IPS, resolution 2160×1080 px;
• Processor: MediaTek MT6750;
• Memory: 64/4 + microSD up to 128 GB;
• Camera: main 16 + 2 MP, front 8 MP;
• Battery: 10000 mA;
• Dimensions: 85.30×176.6×16.5 mm, weight - 366 g.
• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G.

When developing Oukitel WP2, the manufacturer focused on two tasks - maximum autonomy and security of the gadget. The company's engineers handled both with confidence - a powerful 10,000 mAh battery allows the device to go without charging for up to 5 days! The strength is also in perfect order - the protection level is IP68, on the front there is tempered Gorilla Glass 5, which can protect the display from scratches and damage from falls. The hardware is a little simpler than that of Doogee, but quite up-to-date. NFC, a loud speaker and stable GPS are in place, and the flash is represented by a full-fledged flashlight of four LEDs.

The main criticism comes from the camera - although it has a dual camera, it takes frankly mediocre pictures even in bright natural light. Another nuance is that the body of the device slides in your hands, since it is not rubberized on the sides, but has flat metal linings. For extreme sports enthusiasts, this is a completely unsuitable characteristic of a shock-resistant smartphone, and the weight of 366 does not add to the ease of use. WP2 failed to break into the top five, but if the flaws are eliminated in the next generation of the model, everything is possible.

Land Rover EXPLORE

• smartphone with Android 8.0
• screen 5″, resolution 1920 x 1080
• 16 MP camera, autofocus
• memory 64 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• RAM capacity 4 GB
• battery 4000 mAh

If the Cat S61 is a reliable phone for construction workers, security guards and other similar professions, then the Land Rover Explore is the ideal phone for exploring the great outdoors. It is very durable, with IP68 water resistance, Gorilla Glass 5 protection and a protective film on the 5-inch display.

The display operates with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and has a large reserve of brightness, so it is easy to read even in bright sunlight.

The real charm of the Land Rover Explore lies in the details. While it boasts a decent 4,000mAh battery, you can optionally add a number of modules, including an optional battery that adds another 3,600mAh, and a Ceramic Patch GPS antenna. This accessory enhances your smartphone's GPS capabilities, ensuring you always know where you are.

Pros : Plug-in support.

Cons : difficult to find for sale in Russia, you can order on eBay or another online platform.

No. 5 - AGM A9

Price: 25,000 rubles

• Display: screen 5.99″, IPS, resolution 2160×1080 px;
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450;
• Memory: 32/3 or 64/4 + microSD 128 GB;
• Camera: main 12 MP, front 16 MP;
• Battery: 5400 mAh;
• Dimensions: 81.4x168x12.6 mm, weight - 216 g.
• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G.

The AGM company has long proven to everyone that when it comes to security, its devices have practically no competitors. The manufacturer makes expensive devices, but unlike the Chinese, they do not look like a transformer and have dimensions that are comfortable for everyday use. The AGM A9 has a very decent camera that can compete with the best representatives of the mid-price segment. All the necessary modules are in place - GPS, NFC, dual-frequency Wi-Fi. The smartphone runs a pure version of Android - no Chinese shells, but its main pride is 4 powerful speakers from JBL, thanks to which the device can replace a small portable speaker.

If the question of a couple of thousand rubles is not too pressing for you, we recommend choosing a version with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory, which will have enough performance reserve for the next few years. By and large, there are no complaints about the A9 - the device looks very strong in absolutely all respects. By the way, you can buy a float case for your smartphone so that it won’t drown if it falls into the water—it will come in handy for fishermen.

DOOGEE S95 Pro

• smartphone with Android 9.0
• screen 6.3″, resolution 2160×1080
• three cameras 48 MP/8 MP/8 MP, autofocus
• memory 128 GB, memory card slot
• 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• RAM capacity 8 GB
• battery 5150 mAh

We give second place in the ranking of the best waterproof smartphones to a new product from the Chinese company DOOGEE, which has been producing durable and inexpensive gadgets with good characteristics for a long time.

According to the manufacturer, this smartphone is capable of being at a depth of up to 3 meters for four hours or falling on concrete a thousand times without damaging itself.

Depending on the configuration, the S95 Pro comes with two main accessories: a battery module that adds 3500 mAh to the already impressive 5150 mAh battery, and a HI-FI speaker that can turn your smartphone into a mini boom box.

Let's add to this a powerful eight-core Helio P90 processor, 8 GB of built-in RAM, NFC for cashless payments, and the presence of a wireless charger and we get a smartphone that is good both externally and internally.

Pros : Lasts 3-4 days on a single charge, excellent rear camera with Sony IMX582 primary sensor that takes stunning photos in a variety of lighting conditions.

Cons : The microphones are located on the back, presumably for waterproofing. You will have to increase the volume settings, otherwise the other person may have difficulty hearing you during a conversation.

The best waterproof rugged smartphone of 2020

Smartphone Caterpillar Cat S41

CPU:

MediaTek Helio P20
RAM:
3 GB
Main memory:
32 GB
Screen size:
5 inches
Main camera:
13 MP
Front camera:
8 MP
Battery:
5000 mAh

Another model from the American brand, Cat S41 is designed for outdoor activities and use in extreme conditions. It can be submerged to a depth of 2 meters and dropped onto concrete from a height of 1.5 meters. The smartphone tolerates temperature changes well and can be used in conditions from -25°C to +55°C.

The 5-inch IPS display is protected by durable Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and the screen responds even to the touch of wet hands. The system performance is ensured by the MediaTek Helio P20 processor and 3 GB of RAM; this hardware is enough to work with various applications and undemanding games.

The phone has a built-in FM receiver and MP3 player. The 13 MP camera is equipped with an LED flash, with its help you can capture important moments. One battery charge is enough for 38 hours of talk time and 1056 hours of standby time.

Pros:

• Military standard protection
• Performance
• Connection
• Battery
• Screen

Minuses:

• Software part
• Some lags

Caterpillar Cat S41 smartphone review

View on Aliexpress

Module for gamers

The modules are fastened using point magnetic contacts. The connection to the phone is carried out via a Bluetooth interface, and there is no signal delay at all. The trigger and control buttons turn the smartphone almost into a game console.

Walkie-talkie module

Sometimes situations arise when mobile communications do not work or are unstable. Far from populated areas, at construction sites, in underground structures, communication will always be necessary. The plug-in module turns the DOOGEE S90 smartphone into a walkie-talkie. Reliable reception is provided in the range of 6-10 kilometers. High quality signal transmission and sound reproduction, superior to conventional walkie-talkies. Transmission can be carried out on open and closed frequency ranges from 400 to 480 MHz, with a sensitivity of 120 dBm.

PRICE: 19,980 rubles

An excellent smartphone for those who work outside of the office. My work involves repair work, and to put it mildly, my hands are sometimes not very clean (oil, gasoline, diesel fuel). This smartphone is really not afraid of dirt, which helps me. I dropped it to the floor a couple of times from a height of 1.5 meters... a couple of small scratches on the case and that’s it. In general, I'm pleased.

Mikhail S.

IP68 protection - characteristics

IP is a security standard that stands for Ingress Protection Rating. After the abbreviation there are two numbers indicating the degree of protection against dust and water.

The most secure smartphones currently come with IP68 protection, where six is ​​dust protection and eight is water protection.

Six means complete protection against solid objects, in which the case is maximally protected from dust. Eight means that the device can be immersed in water of more than 1 meter for several hours. Shock resistance is not specified by this standard, however, all smartphones on the list have special inserts and protective elements so as not to break if dropped. The only thing left defenseless is the display. It, like the others, is easily scratched and cracked when exposed to impacts. But rubber inserts are made around it, which is why when it falls on a flat surface, the glass often remains intact. Modern rugged smartphones do not provide complete protection, but in most cases you can rely on them.

Blackview BV6000s (IP68)

The younger version of the BV6000, which received the prefix s in its name. What are the differences between them?

First of all, the camera resolution here is lower, both rear and front. Another important difference is the platform: it uses a MediaTek MT6735 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. The BV6000 is more powerful, but also more expensive.

• Screen diagonal: 4.7 inches

• Screen resolution: 1280×720

• Weight: 247 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek MT6735

• Memory capacity: 16 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 4500 mAh

• Rear camera: 8 MP

• Front camera: 2 MP

• Memory card support: yes

• Support for 4G networks: yes

The best rugged smartphone with walkie-talkie 2020

Smartphone Blackview BV9500 Pro

CPU:

MediaTek Helio P26
RAM:
6 GB
Main memory:
128 GB
Screen size:
5.7 inches
Main camera:
16 + 16 MP
Front camera:
8 MP
Battery:
10000 mAh

This is an incredibly powerful and secure smartphone with a walkie-talkie and a huge battery. The smartphone has an IP68 protection standard and is not afraid of water and dust and can withstand falls on different surfaces.

The BV9500 Pro has a 5.7-inch IPS screen with FullHD+ resolution. It is reliably protected from breakage and scratches by Coring Gorilla Glass 5. The performance is driven by the MediaTek Helio P26 processor and 6 GB of RAM; this is quite powerful hardware for such a device.

The model has an NFC module and can perform the function of a walkie-talkie. The battery has an incredible capacity of 10,000 mAh, its resource will last for 60 hours of talk time and 1200 hours of standby time. Charging from 0 to 100% will take you only 3.5 hours. But you have to pay for such a battery, forget about lightness, the model weighs 385 grams.

Pros:

• Screen
• Performance
• Battery

Minuses:

• Dimensions

Review of the Blackview BV9500 Pro smartphone

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LG Q7

Not everyone likes heavy, rugged smartphones that are designed exclusively for extreme situations. If someone prefers typical models with all the IP68 capabilities, then you will certainly appreciate the mid-range Q7. The model is additionally certified to the military standard MIL-STD-810 and has a thin body with a thickness of 8.3 millimeters and a light weight of 145 grams.

The smartphone has a budget 8-core MediaTek MT6750 processor, 3 gigabytes of RAM, 32 gigabytes of storage, a 3000 mAh battery and a 5.5-inch IPS screen with 2160 x 1080 pixels. The device is built well, like all devices from this manufacturer, and takes good photos and videos with 13 megapixel and 8 megapixel cameras. Plus it has all the additional functionality.

Price: from 16,000 rub.

Pros:

• IP68 and MIL-STD-810 protection;
• High quality screen;
• NFC and 4G interfaces;
• Speakers and DTS:X 3D Surround.

Minuses:

• High price;
• Poor performance;
• Small battery.

The most impact resistant

Blackview BV9700 Pro

pros

• Futuristic design
• Build quality
• Ergonomics
• Battery

Minuses

• Weak camera

From 24,900 ₽

The top rugged smartphones of 2020 include a device with a modern operating system that can support the latest programs at a high level. The high security class affects the weight of the device, which is 283 g. The scratch- and shock-resistant glass can even withstand falls on sharp objects or stones.

DOOGEE S90 Pro

pros

• Impact resistance
• Multifunctionality
• Dual SIM support
• Built-in memory capacity

Minuses

• Perceptible weight

From 24,000 ₽

A good device weighing 300 g, which is comfortable to hold in your hand. There are all the necessary modules and options for everyday use. The large high-resolution screen perfectly conveys the image while preserving all colors. The model is equipped with a 16 MP camera, with which you can take beautiful pictures.

Ulefone Armor 3 is a powerful, protected smartphone for extreme conditions!

For the most extreme conditions, the smartphone has a case protected from falls and shocks according to the IP68/IP69K standard. The device is capable of operating in a temperature range from -20 to +60 °C, can withstand immersion in water to a depth of two meters for two hours and is not afraid of washing under high-pressure hot water.

Another feature of the protected Ulefone Armor 3 is a powerful 10,300 mAh battery with support for fast charging. They promise up to 4 days of battery life, which is doubtful, but the smartphone will definitely last a day or two on one charge. Users will also be interested in such smartphone capabilities as the presence of an NFC contactless payment module and front-facing stereo speakers that provide surround sound.

The disadvantage of the smartphone is its large dimensions and considerable weight (373 grams). Such a brick will not fit into every pocket.

Now on AliExpress in the official online store of the manufacturing company, Ulefone Armor 3 can be purchased for $253, with an average price in other stores of about $320.