The best smartphones include the likes of Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. They have sharp displays, powerful performance, and versatile cameras, alongside an IP rating for dust and water resistance. However, they aren’t made for outdoorsy people who want phones that can withstand rough elements. In that case, you’d need a rugged phone.
Our Picks
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Great all rounder
- Good display
- Not the heaviest
- 8,800mAh battery might be less for some
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Brilliant battery life
- Dual SIM support
- Night vision video support
- Very heavy
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- One UI 6 is good
- Decent performance
- Lightweight
- Small battery
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Low price
- Rugged build and certifications
- Large capacity battery
- Slim form factor
- No 5G support
- Single rear camera
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- IP68 rated for dust and water resistance
- Clean user interface
- Some handy AI features
- Regular Pixel updates
- Not the most durable phone on this list
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
We’ve tested several models. The top contenders on this list are tested for military-standard durability, so you don’t have to worry about dropping them. These phones are perfect for outdoor adventures and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
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What is the best rugged phone right now?
The Oukitel WP210 is one of the latest and 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 smooth performance. Another good option from a mainstream brand is the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, which provides smooth performance and good battery life. However, there are more options to consider according to your priorities.
Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2026
In our July update, we removed some top picks from our list due to availability.
The best rugged phones of 2026
The Oukitel WP210 might feel heavy, but it outperforms its size and looks. / Amazon
Best rugged phone overall
Oukitel WP210
Pros & Cons
- Great all rounder
- Good display
- Not the heaviest
- 8,800mAh battery might be less for some
Get it now
Expert Take
The Oukitel WP210 is one of the recent rugged phones 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 311 grams, which might seem heavy, but in comparison to other rugged phones, it is on the lighter side. The 8,800mAh battery will likely last you for days, and 45W charging will top up faster than usual.
Apart from a light design, big battery and good performance, the Oukitel WP210 also has a big and sharp AMOLED screen. Unlike most rugged phones, this display offers decent contrast and vibrancy. Plus, you get two cameras alongside a 0.3MP depth sensor for optics. It is rated IP68 and IP69K for dust and water resistance as well as MIL-STD-810H certification for protection against knocks and drops.
Review: Oukitel WP210
Who it’s for: The Oukitel WP210 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: 6.7 inches (FHD+ resolution), AMOLED | CPU: Dimensity 8200 | RAM: 12GB | Internal Storage: 512GB (up to 2TB with microSD card) | Rear cameras: 108MP main, 2MP macro, 0.3MP depth | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 8,800 mAh | Weight: 311g
This is one beefy phone. / Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Best performance on a rugged phone
Doogee V Max Pro
Pros & Cons
- Brilliant battery life
- Dual SIM support
- Night vision video support
- Very heavy
Get it now
Expert Take
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
Amazon
Best rugged phone from a mainstream brand
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
Pros & Cons
- One UI 6 is good
- Decent performance
- Lightweight
- Small battery
Get it now
Expert Take
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro 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. ZDNET’s Matthew Miller recently reviewed it and was surprised by the excellent in-hand feel on offer.
“Rugged phones are typically thick and chunky, so the sleek look of the XCover7 Pro is a compelling design choice,” Miller wrote in the review.
Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro provides 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, it blends in well with the mainstream smartphone.
The Samsung rugged phone has a XCover button that can be customized to launch your two most used apps with single-press and long-press actions.
Review: Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro 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 without 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 4,350mAh isn’t massive, so it isn’t for those who want a long-lasting phone.
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro specs: Display: 6.6 inches (1080p resolution), IPS | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 | RAM: 6GB | Internal Storage: 128GB (expandable with microSD card) | Rear camera: 50MP main and 8MP ultrawide | Front camera: 13MP | Battery: 4,350 mAh | Weight: 240 grams
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Best affordable rugged phone
AGM H6
Pros & Cons
- Low price
- Rugged build and certifications
- Large capacity battery
- Slim form factor
- No 5G support
- Single rear camera
Get it now
Expert Take
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. In addition, the 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. Customers are divided over 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
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Best durability on a foldable phone
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Pros & Cons
- IP68 rated for dust and water resistance
- Clean user interface
- Some handy AI features
- Regular Pixel updates
- Not the most durable phone on this list
Get it now
Expert Take
If you want a mainstream foldable phone with the best IP rating for dust and water resistance, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is your best bet.
Why we like it: While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is my favorite foldable phone of 2025, Google took the lead with Pixel 10 Pro Fold to design the most durable folding phone yet. It is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance. In comparison, the Samsung foldable has an IP48 rating, which isn’t a proper dust-resistant rating. The “6” in IP68 ensures that small dust particles like pocket lint won’t penetrate Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s hinge and damage its motherboard.
Also: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
While this Google foldable doesn’t match its Pixel Pro sibling spec-for-spec, it makes up for the “inferior” camera system in long exposure shots and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature. I like the user-friendly UI and some AI features like Magic Cue, which automatically populates information based on screen context, such as flight information when calling an airline.
Who it’s for: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the ideal choice for foldable phone enthusiasts who want a durable phone. As a bonus, you also get Google’s cleaner approach to software and regular updates.
Who should look elsewhere: While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the latest foldable phone on the market, it’s not the best pick for a rugged phone. If you are an adventurer, it is better to opt for another phone on this list.
Google Pixel 10 Fold tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G5 | Display sizes: 6.3-inch exterior and 8-inch interior | RAM/Storage: 16GB with 256GB or 512GB | Battery: 5,015mAh | Camera: 48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP front
What is the best rugged phone?
Our choice for the best rugged phone is the Oukitel WP210 for its incredibly impressive all-around feature set for an unbeatable value. The sub-$400 smartphone offers a solid performance, an 108MP main camera, 8,800mAh battery, and many more features without feeling uncomfortable in the hand.
| Best rugged phone | Price | Display size | Storage |
| Oukitel WP210 | $450 | 6.70 inches | 512GB |
| Doogee V Max Pro | $570 | 6.58 inches | 512GB |
| Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 | $557 | 6.60 inches | 128GB |
| AGM H6 | $150 | 6.56 inches | 256GB |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold | $1,499 | 6.30 inches and 8-inch | 256GB |
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.
| Choose this rugged phone… | If you want… |
| Oukitel WP210 | 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 want to spend more than $200 |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold | The most durable foldable phone |
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.
FAQs on rugged phones
What is a rugged phone?
A rugged phone is a tougher version of a typical smartphone or flip phone. These devices 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 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. OtterBox and Urban 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.
Latest updates
- In our July 2026 update, we removed the OnePlus 15 and AGM G1 Glory phones as top picks since they are no longer available. We also updated purchase links and prices for the available products.
- In our December 2025 update, we replaced the Oukitel WP39 Pro with the Oukitel WP210 as our pick for the best rugged phone. We also added two mainstream phones (OnePlus 15 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold) for their durability and removed the Cat S75 because it isn’t available to purchase anymore.
- 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.
More rugged phones to consider
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Best Doogee alternative
Doogee S200 X
Get it now
Expert Take
The Doogee S200 X is one of the latest launches that’s available for under $400. While we haven’t gone hands-on with the phone yet, we plan on doing so soon.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Best specialty camera in a rugged phone
Ulefone Armor 25T Pro
Get it now
Expert Take
ZDNET expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes got to check out the thermal and night vision cameras in the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro. He was impressed with the accuracy of heat signature readings as well as the high level of detail for both thermal and night vision imaging.
