The best rugged phones in 2025 (including Samsung and Oukitel) | ZDNET

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The best mainstream smartphones like the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones offer sharp displays, powerful performance, and versatile cameras. They are IP-rated for dust and water resistance, but most of them won't be enough if you're an adventurer. If you like hiking or camping, you should consider buying one of the top rugged phones. They are 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.

The Oukitel WP39 Pro 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Review: The most durable Android phone I've tested also has a week-long battery life

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.

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," he 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.

"Rugged phones are typically thick and chunky, so the sleek look of the XCover7 Pro is a compelling design choice," he wrote in the review.

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

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.

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.

Read the review: Finally, a rugged Android phone that doesn't look and feel like a brick

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.

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.

Read the review: This rugged satellite-enabled Android phone looks nearly as sleek as an iPhone

Who should look elsewhere: This phone isn't for those who want to play games on their phone or want long-lasting software support.

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-foot drop and from being submerged in up to five feet 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.

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.

The recent U.S. 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 U.S. 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

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.

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.

To determine the best rugged phone for your needs, you should consider the following:

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:

For a more comprehensive look at how we test phones, view our in-depth evaluation.

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.

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.

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.

The Doogee S200 X is one of the latest launches that's available with a $100 discount for a final price of $400. While we haven't gone hands-on with the phone yet, we plan on doing so soon.

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.

Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025Why we like itWho it's for:Who should look elsewhereOukitel WP39 Prospecs: Display: CPU: RAM: Internal Storage: Rear cameras: Front camera: Battery: Weight: Why we like itWho it's for:Who should look elsewhereOukitel WP39 Prospecs: Display: CPU: RAM: Internal Storage: Rear cameras: Front camera: Battery: Weight: Why we like itReview: The most durable Android phone I've tested also has a week-long battery lifeWho is it forWho should look elsewhereDoogee V Max Pro specs: Display: CPU: RAM: Internal Storage: Rear cameras: Front camera: Battery: Weight: Why we like itReview: The most durable Android phone I've tested also has a week-long battery lifeWho is it forWho should look elsewhereDoogee V Max Pro specs: Display: CPU: RAM: Internal Storage: Rear cameras: Front camera: Battery: Weight: Why we like itReview: Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 ProWho is it forWho should look elsewhereSamsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro specs: Display: CPU: RAM:Internal Storage:Rear camera: Front camera: 13Battery: Weight: Why we like itReview: Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 ProWho is it forWho should look elsewhereSamsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro specs: Display: CPU: RAM:Internal Storage:Rear camera: Front camera: 13Battery: Weight: Why we like it:Read the review: Finally, a rugged Android phone that doesn't look and feel like a brickWho is it forWho should look elsewhereAGM H6 specs: Display: CPU: RAM: Internal Storage: Rear cameras: Front camera: Battery: Weight: Why we like it:Read the review: Finally, a rugged Android phone that doesn't look and feel like a brickWho is it forWho should look elsewhereAGM H6 specs: Display: CPU: RAM: Internal Storage: Rear cameras: Front camera: Battery: Weight: Why we like it: Read the review: This rugged satellite-enabled Android phone looks nearly as sleek as an iPhone Who is it for:Who should look elsewhereCaterpillar S75 specs: Display:CPU:RAM:Internal Storage:Rear cameras:Front camera:Battery:Weight:Why we like it: Read the review: This rugged satellite-enabled Android phone looks nearly as sleek as an iPhone Who is it for:Who should look elsewhereCaterpillar S75 specs: Display:CPU:RAM:Internal Storage:Rear cameras:Front camera:Battery:Weight:Why we like it:Who is it for:Read the review: AGM Glory G1S review: Superhero powers in a rugged smartphoneWho should look elsewhereAGM Glory G1S specs: Display:CPU:RAM:Internal Storage:Rear cameras:Front camera:Battery:Weight:Why we like it:Who is it for:Read the review: AGM Glory G1S review: Superhero powers in a rugged smartphoneWho should look elsewhereAGM Glory G1S specs: Display:CPU:RAM:Internal Storage:Rear cameras:Front camera:Battery:Weight:Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for longBest rugged phonePriceDisplay sizeStoragePriceSizeUsesDurability:Battery:Features:Price:ZDNET