Going on adventures can be harsh on smartphones. Your device dropping and shattering on the rocks while you are out mountain climbing. Or, your cellphone falling into the ocean while you are island hopping. Either way, breaking a phone would surely cause a heartache. Thankfully, there is a whole line of rugged smartphones on the market that are perfect for your outdoor escapades. Here are some of the best options you can buy today, in no particular order:
Caterpillar CAT S60
Okay, you might be wondering what the brand known for bulldozers is doing in the smartphone market. But considering that they are producing tough phones, this actually makes sense. Who best to create a rugged smartphone than people who understand what it’s like to face the various challenges of outdoor environments?
The CAT S60 is packed with features: 4.7” screen, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable), 13MP camera, 3800mAh battery, and a Qualcomm octo-core processor. It also runs on Android Marshmallow. Everything is housed in a ridiculously strong body that can last for one hour being submerged in water, up to 16 feet deep. Also, the phone will have no trouble taking the impact of a fall from 6 feet up. Plus, the battery can be trusted to last 12 to 24 hours depending on usage.
This outdoors smartphone even comes with an SOS button, which is protected by a waterproof flap. Pressing that will signal your emergency contacts that you need assistance, and they will be informed of your location. Although pricey (it costs about $683), the CAT S60 is a device you will be glad to take with you during your travels and extreme sports activities.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Active
Yes, Samsung is capable of producing highly durable smartphones, as proven by the Galaxy S7 Active. This is a high-performing rugged smartphone that provides dependable toughness. It is also water-resistant and is shock-and-dust-proof. It can stay underwater, up to 5 feet deep, for 30 minutes. Battery life isn’t bad at all since it can last for 10 hours even when constantly used. With 32GB storage, 5.1 inch screen, 12MP camera, and 4GB of RAM – this phone obviously does not skimp on the important features.
Motorola Droid Turbo 2
The best thing about this recent-generation Droid Turbo is that it has a really sturdy screen. It underwent numerous torture tests, including being run over by a car, but the screen remained intact! So whether you are rappelling down a cave, skating through the street, or in the middle of a bouldering adventure – you do not have to worry about accidentally dropping this rugged smartphone. It is basically shatter-proof!
Performance and battery-wise, it does not lag behind the other devices on this list. It has 3GB of RAM, 5.4 inch AMOLED display, and 32GB of internal storage. Its processor is the high-quality Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, and its quick-charging 3,760mAh battery promises long hours of active use.
Blackview BV600
Now, most of the phones on this list are on the pricey side, so far. But what if you do not want to spend an arm and a leg for a rugged smartphone? Does that mean you are out of options? Not quite. The Blackview BV600 is a more pocket-friendly choice and still provides great features.
You can submerge it in water for up to five feet deep for as long as 30 minutes. It will also survive a drop from a height of five feet. As for battery life, it holds up well too. In fact, its manufacturers promise that this smartphone can remain powered on for a whole day of regular use. Although it has a smaller display (4.7-inch screen), it still sports 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage. It has dual SIM capability to boot.
Sony Xperia Z5
The Sony Xperia Z5 is waterproofed but not to the extent that you can take it with you on a dive. Still, it is a rugged smartphone that is pleasing to look at and excels in the photography department with its 23 MP camera. It has a full-HD display, 3GB of RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor. It is still a good rough-and-tumble phone overall, and will certainly make for a great gadget companion during your travels.
Kyocera DuraForce
Another rugged smartphone built for outdoor adventures is the Kyocera DuraForce, which is complete with expected waterproof and shockproof capabilities. It can last underwater for 30 minutes and will not be shattered when dropped down a flight of stairs. The nice part is that this phone is also wallet-friendly. You can easily get it at a competitive price from popular carriers like AT&T.
The DuraForce also has a push-to-talk functionality, which is highly convenient when you are quite busy with your activities. Other features include an 8MP camera, 4.5-inch HD display, 2GB RAM, and a Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset.
There are certainly more tough smartphones out there, but if pressed for time, the above choices are definitely worth looking into. They are durable and flexible, and they can definitely keep up with you from summit to sea!