10 most secure smartphones 2021: top rating

Blackview BV9900

screen: 5.84″ (2280×1080)
RAM: 8 GB
memory: 256 GB, memory card slot
4 cameras: 48 MP, 16 MP, 5 MP, 2 MP
battery: 4380 mAh
processor: MediaTek Helio P90
SIM cards: 2 (nano SIM)
operating system: Android 9.0
wireless interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Internet: 4G LTE
degree of protection: IP68
weight: 264 g

Other rugged phone makers are a little more conservative when it comes to design, preferring to maintain a sense of consistency between the new and older models. But in the case of Blackview smartphones, this principle does not work.

The Blackview BV9900 moves away from the complex look of the BV9700 PRO and towards a simpler yet elegant look (much like the BV9600), focusing on creating a flat, minimalist body. However, this did not help much, and users still complain about the ergonomics of the device.

The body of the “indestructible” smartphone can withstand a half-hour immersion in water to a depth of one and a half meters, and complies with the military standard MIL-STD 810, that is, it is suitable for use in difficult conditions, such as extreme temperatures, immersion in mud, strong shaking, drops from a height of up to one and a half meters, etc. There is a button on the left side of the device that can be programmed for any action.

In addition to protecting the body, the developers paid special attention to the main camera, equipping it with a 48 MP Sony IMX582 lens, and complementing it with a 16 MP wide-angle camera with a 120° field of view, a 2 MP macro lens and a 5 MP depth sensor.

Photos taken by the Blackview BV9900 remain detailed and clear in all lighting conditions, and AI allows the camera to recognize various objects: animals, fruits, plants, etc. The smartphone also has a night mode, which copes very well with digital noise and brightening the picture.

You can also record video in 4K at 30 frames per second, but there is no stabilization, either in this mode or in FullHD mode.

A significant advantage of the Blackview BV9900 over its competitors is the presence of many functions that may be needed while traveling. These include, in particular:

Humidity and air temperature sensors.
Pulse measurement sensor.
Ultraviolet radiation sensor.
Pedometer.
Gravity sensor.
Magnetometer, and a number of others.

The MediaTek Helio P90 processor can easily handle fast switching between multiple applications or gaming at medium to high graphics settings.

Pros : LED event indicator, ability to make contactless payments, many sensors, excellent camera, good hardware, wireless charging, 18 W fast charging.

Cons : no 3.5 mm audio jack, a combined tray for SIM cards and memory cards, the rubberized back cover is just a dust collector, the battery lasts for a day and a half of intensive use.

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.

Caterpillar Cat S62 Pro

screen: 5.7″ (2160×1080)
RAM: 6 GB
memory: 128 GB, memory card slot
camera: 12 MP
battery: 4000 mAh
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
SIM cards: 2 (nano SIM)
operating system: Android 10
wireless interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Internet: 4G LTE
degree of protection: IP68
weight: 248 g

One of the main advantages of the S60 and 61 series was the thermal imager, and the CAT S62 Pro was the best option.

This model's thermal imaging camera, with a temperature range of -20 to +400, has a much better sensor (FLIR Lepton 3.5 instead of its predecessor's Lepton 2.5), it has four more thermal pixels (therefore a sharper image), and the new MyFLIR PRO app with additional features.

But while the smartphone won on one hand, it lost on the other, as the manufacturer decided to remove the indoor air quality sensor as well as the laser rangefinder.

The manufacturer claims that the Cat S62 Pro will withstand an hour of immersion in water and a drop onto concrete from a height of 1.8 meters, and also operates at very low (-25) and very high (+55) temperatures.

There's also a programmable key that, when pressed, can be set to send your location to a list of predefined contacts.

As for performance, the device will cope well with modern games (not at maximum graphics settings), and any heavy application.

But with the screen of the Cat S62 Pro, not everything is smooth. Users complain that it hurts the eyes when the brightness is increased, and when the brightness is decreased, the screen looks dim. You'll have to work hard to find the perfect balance.

The model’s camera is also “C-grade”. It does not have optical or even digital video stabilization, and the picture quality is satisfactory only in normal lighting.

Pros : excellent build, presence of a thermal imager, instant operation of a fingerprint scanner on the rear panel, Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 fast charging.

Cons : the camera unit and thermal imager protrude from the body, so be sure to buy a case, there is no wireless charging, there is no hybrid slot for a memory card.

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 2021, 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.

Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2

Screen: 5″ (1920×1080)
RAM: 4 GB
Memory: 64 GB, memory card slot
Camera: 13 MP
Battery: 3240 mAh
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630
SIM cards: 1 (nano SIM)
Operating system: Android 8.0
Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth -
Internet: 4G LTE
Weight: 235 g

In this smartphone from the Japanese manufacturer you will not find a combination of glass and metal (which is definitely attractive, but fragile); instead, a reliable “bundle” of polycarbonate and thick rubber is used.

The main attraction of this smartphone is the super secure IPS display that displays 16 million colors, with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 441 ppi. With Sapphire Shield protection, the screen is virtually scratch-resistant and harder to break than traditional screens. And even with a sapphire screen, the DuraForce Pro 2 is bright enough for you to read outdoors.

The DuraForce Pro 2 is Military Standard 810G certified and should withstand dirt, high humidity, mechanical vibration, freezing rain, and more, making the phone ideal for use in extreme environments.

In addition, the phone is protected from dust and can withstand immersion under water up to one and a half meters.

In good light, this model's camera can take really good pictures with low noise. In low light, noise increases greatly and grain appears in photos.

DuraForce Pro 2 is equipped with a mid-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset with an Adreno 508 video accelerator. These characteristics can be called gaming with a big stretch, but for fast operation of navigation applications and other work tasks, the smartphone’s capabilities are more than enough.

Pros : 3.5mm headphone jack, gorgeous sapphire screen, active noise cancellation with four microphones, wireless charging and fast charging support.

Cons : not the best performance for a price of 30+ thousand rubles, mediocre camera, not very capacious battery.

Apple

One of the most capricious smartphones in terms of temperature of use is the iPhone. The permissible operating temperature of an Apple gadget is from 0 to +35 degrees. At minus values, it is undesirable to talk on the iPhone - you will either quickly drain the battery, or the device will simply turn off. The permissible storage temperature is lower - up to minus 20 degrees, but in Russia this is clearly not enough. It turns out that during severe frosts you should not go outside with your phone at all.

Violating the conditions for storing and operating a gadget is a risky business. Stress on the battery can later be life-threatening. Have you heard about cases of iPhone explosions? So, all of them occurred due to problems with the battery caused by violation of the terms of use.

AGM X3 6/64GB

screen: 5.99″ (2160×1080)
RAM: 6 GB
memory: 64 GB, memory card slot
dual camera: 12 MP, 24 MP
battery: 4100 mAh
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
SIM cards: 2 (nano SIM)
operating system: Android 8.1
wireless interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
Internet: 4G LTE
weight: 216 g

This model is rated IP68 and meets the US military standard MIL-STD 810G, but at the same time is noticeably lighter and thinner than other rugged smartphones.

The AGM X3 is not only surprisingly durable, but also has good performance characteristics for its price range. Including on board there are a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip and 6 GB of RAM.

The IPS screen of the smartphone has good viewing angles, and the brightness of 558 nits is enough to comfortably read text in sunlight. And the oleophobic coating of the AGM X3 is good.

On the back of the smartphone there is a dual camera (Sony IMX386 + Sony IMX576) and on the front there is a 20-megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture. The quality of the images is far from what camera phones offer, but in daylight the photos come out detailed and with natural colors. But it’s better not to shoot at night, as the autofocus starts to get weird and constantly twitches. The smartphone can shoot video in FullHD resolution at 30 frames per second.

It will be difficult to get lost with the AGM X3, because this model supports navigation using GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo.

Pros : there is support for 15 W fast charging and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 wireless charging, you can install a memory card (however, the tray for it is combined with a SIM card).

Cons : no 3.5 mm audio jack, mediocre main camera.

The best secure smartphones under 10,000 rubles

In the category up to 10,000 rubles, one could include shockproof phones from the Texet brand, but the company mainly produces rugged push-button devices that are inferior in functionality to the smartphones presented below.

Doogee s40

Price: from 7990₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

A durable budget device is the best option in terms of price/quality ratio. The case with rubber and metal inserts is not afraid of water, dust and shock. There is a design with bright orange inserts that will not allow the phone to get lost. The phone operates at temperatures from -30C to +60C. The screen is protected by Gorilla glass and is scratch-resistant. The 4650 mAh battery is enough for two to three days of active use of the phone. The smartphone is equipped with a 4G chip and an NFC contactless payment system. The dual wide-angle main camera allows you to take pictures of satisfactory quality. To identify the owner, you can use a fingerprint scanner or a built-in facial recognition system. Specifications are at an average level and are standard for this price segment.

Pros:

Good phone design
Fingerprint scanner and facial recognition system
Availability of a contactless payment system
Protected case and screen
Large battery

Minuses:

Slow CPU performance
Mediocre camera performance
Small internal memory size

Blackview BV 5500 pro

Cost: from 6990₽

Rating:4.0 / 5

The shock-resistant device is an improved version of the BV 5500 smartphone. The engineers retained the rubberized body and added a chip for contactless payments (NFC), 4G communication and a larger battery. A fingerprint scanner never appeared on the model; the 2MP front camera with face recognition function is responsible for user identification. The phone will not let the user down outdoors and in harsh weather conditions. The relief on the back cover will prevent the smartphone from slipping out of your hand. The screen with an IPS matrix shows the picture equally well on a sunny day and under artificial lighting. The performance is driven by the MediaTek MT 6739 processor, which is supported by the PowerVR GE81000 video adapter and 3 GB of RAM. The power is not enough for games, but the “filling” will cope with most applications perfectly. At the same time, the manufacturer managed to keep the price of the device at 120 USD.

Pros:

Low cost
Large battery
Bright screen
Overall smartphone performance

Minuses:

Case thickness 14 mm
Insufficient internal memory
Low quality of photos from both the main camera and the front one

Blackview BV 5800

Cost: from 8600₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

The model is a shockproof phone with acceptable characteristics at a reasonable price. The case is made of high-quality plastic with metal and rubber linings that protect the inside of the device in case of falls. Orange inserts dilute the brutal design of the smartphone and make it more noticeable. The device turned out to be large and heavy. The 5580 mAh battery is to blame for this. The device can work without recharging for three to four days. Standby time is calculated in weeks. The phone's hardware is standard for this price category. The phone's camera deserves special attention. The main module consists of two cameras of 13 MP and 5 MP, allowing you to take high-quality photos and videos at any time of the day.

Pros:

Low price
Robust housing
Screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3
Chip for contactless payment
Camera capabilities
Fast charging

Minuses:

Wide case thickness – 15 mm
Heavy weight – 253 g
Small amount of internal memory

Ulefone Armor X6

Cost: from 6990₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

The model is designed for those who need a secure phone for little money. You shouldn’t expect beyond the capabilities of a device that costs up to 100 USD. At the same time, the smartphone is equipped with a contactless payment system, a large battery and a bright screen with Gorilla Glass 4. The MediaTek MT 6580 processor and Mali 400 MT2 video adapter allow you to play “light” games and cope well with everyday tasks. It is worth noting that the processor does not support 4G communications. The 8 MP main camera takes good pictures in the daytime. If there is insufficient lighting, a lot of noise will appear in the photos.

Pros:

Low cost
NFC availability
High quality build
Loud speaker

Minuses:

Lack of 4G standard
Poor performance
Small screen

Land Rover XP 9800

Price: from 9990₽

Rating:4.0 / 5

The new model from the Land Rover brand in a configuration with 16 GB memory falls into the price category of up to 10,000 rubles. The company's other smartphones are more expensive. For its price, the device offers the owner a huge 6500 mAh battery, two SIM card slots and one for microSD, an 8MP main camera and a fingerprint scanner. All the contents are placed in a shockproof case, the screen is covered with GorillaGlass 1 mm thick. The device is not afraid of falls, impacts and scratches. The performance of the smartphone is ensured by the MT 6739 processor with reduced power consumption and the VRM Cortex video accelerator. In combination with 2GB of RAM, the technical characteristics are enough to run most applications and play games at a minimum resolution.

Pros:

Long battery life
Separate memory card slot
Reliable case and protected screen
Fingerprint scanner

Minuses:

No NFC
Low photo quality

Cubot King Kong 5 Pro

screen: 6.1″ (1560 x 720)
RAM: 4 GB
memory: 64 GB, memory card slot
3 cameras: 48 MP, 8 MP, 2 MP
battery: 8000 mAh
processor: Helio P60
SIM cards: 2 (nano SIM)
operating system: Android 11.0
wireless interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Internet: 4G LTE
degree of protection: IP68 / IP69K / MIL-STD-810G

The new rugged smartphones of 2021 are so far sold not in Russian stores, but on Aliexpress, at a price of just under 20,000 rubles. What sets it apart from its competitors is dual stereo speakers, which (theoretically) will provide unrivaled clear and loud sound.

And you can enjoy it for a long time, because the battery of the new Cubot is as much as 8000 mAh. True, you can’t dream of wireless charging, but at least there is fast charging.

Another advantage of this model is its good (for a budget phone) camera characteristics. The front camera resolution is 25 MP, and the main rear camera has three lenses: 48 MP (and AI support), 8 MP and 2 MP. So when traveling, KingKong 5 Pro owners will probably be able to take good photos.

The GPS + GLONASS + BEIDOU combination is responsible for precise positioning.

Pros : event indicator, powerful stereo sound, you can make contactless payments, reasonable price compared to competitors.

Cons : no 3.5 mm audio jack, not the most powerful processor, low screen resolution.

The best secure smartphones under 20,000 rubles

Phones of this target group differ from the previous segment in improved technical features.
1

Cubot Quest

Price: from 11990₽

Rating:4.0 / 5

The model has a thin 8.8 mm body, which is not typical for shockproof phones. The rubberized inserts are neatly mounted into the sides and do not stand out in the overall design of the smartphone. Manufacturers managed to fit a 4000 mAh battery into a thin body, which is quite enough for one day of active use. The quad-core Helio P22 processor, together with the Mali G71 graphics accelerator and 4 GB of RAM, provide decent performance. The internal memory of 64 GB is enough to install applications and save photos. The quality of photos and videos is ensured by a dual main camera of 13 and 2 megapixels with Sony optics.

Pros:

Compact size
High quality photos
Powerful sound that doesn't distort as volume increases
NFC wireless payment module
Fingerprint scanner
Standard 4G dual SIM cards
Availability of fast charging

Minuses:

No 3.5mm audio jack
Screen is not bright enough

Doogee S55

Price: from 12590₽

Rating:4.0 / 5

The model turned out to have a brutal design and excellent filling. The device is quite large, which is affected by the presence of a large 5500 mAh battery. At the same time, the protective pads are made well and do not interfere with holding the smartphone in your hand. Plastic with imitation leather will not allow you to drop even a wet phone. The eight-core MT 6750T processor, Mali T860 graphics accelerator and 4GB of RAM are responsible for performance. The configuration is sufficient for most applications and games. A 5.5-inch IPS screen with Gorilla 3 glass is standard for this price category. The multimedia picture is complemented by excellent sound and a dual main camera with a Samsung matrix. A complex of several systems is responsible for positioning on the ground, which includes:

GPS.
GLONASS.
Compass.
Magnetic field sensor.
Gyroscope

Pros:

High performance
Large battery
Good camera
Large amount of RAM and internal memory
4G communication for two SIM cards

Minuses:

No NFC
Large body thickness

Blackview BV6800 Pro

Price: from 13590₽

Rating:4.0 / 5

The model features a screen enlarged to 5.7 inches with minimal frames around the edges, the matrix of which is made using IPS technology and has a resolution of 2160x1080. It’s a pleasure to watch movies and read books on the display; in addition, the screen does not glare or fade in bright light. The smartphone has a 6580 mAh battery, which allows the device to operate for up to two to three days. The fast charging function will restore the battery charge in 2 hours. The dual main camera does not take good pictures. A fingerprint scanner and a facial recognition system are used to identify the user.

Pros:

High-quality screen protected by Gorilla glass 3
Availability of a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition
There is an NFC contactless payment system
Fast charging function via USB type-C

Minuses:

No 3.5mm audio jack
Charging ports are too deep, third party cables may not work

Blackview BV 9500 plus

Cost: from 18500₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

The new model of the Chinese company features a huge 10,000 mAh battery. With such batteries you can go on long trips and not think that the phone may run out of charge; in addition, the device can be used as a power bank. As a result, the phone turned out to be large and heavy. The smartphone charges in three and a half hours, thanks to the Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging function, there is a module for wireless charging. The 5.7-inch screen does not seem large; wide bezels around the edges hide its true size. The display is made on the basis of an IPS matrix with FullHD+ resolution, so it displays colors perfectly and does not glare or fade in sunlight. The multimedia capabilities are complemented by a camera with Sony optics. The dual main camera takes pictures with a resolution of 16 megapixels, the front camera takes pictures with a quality of 13 megapixels and contains a face recognition function.

Pros:

Huge battery
High quality screen
High performance
Identification using a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition system
NFC availability

Minuses:

Thick body – 18 mm
Heavy weight – 365 g

LG Q7

Cost: from 16500₽

Rating:4.0 / 5

The Korean cell phone manufacturer's Q line features waterproof and shockproof smartphones. At the same time, LG Q models are distinguished by a classic body shape without rubber inserts, extra protrusions and special coatings. The dimensions and weight of the model also do not differ from ordinary smartphones, so the q7 is suitable for those who do not want to show others their status as an adventurer or extreme athlete. The hardware, screen and multimedia are standard for phones in this price segment. Technical parameters are sufficient for running applications and games. The camera takes good pictures during the day, but noise appears in the evening.

Pros:

Compact size and weight compared to other rugged phones
Classic design
Availability of a fingerprint scanner
NFC availability

Minuses:

Poor performance
Insufficient battery capacity for long trips

Unihertz Atom XL

Screen diagonal: 4″, 1136 x 640
Memory:128 GB
RAM: 6 GB
Rear camera: 48 MP
Front camera: 8 MP
Processor: MediaTek Helio P60
Battery capacity: 4300 mAh
NFC: yes
4G LTE: yes
2 SIM cards: yes
Memory card slot: yes
Phone weight: 243 g.

This small but weighty smartphone is positioned as the smallest rugged smartphone with a DMR radio.

DMR is a “limited open digital mobile radio standard” first proposed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).” The radio module operates in the ranges of 400-470 MHz (UHF), the range is up to 8 km (line of sight) and up to 4 km out of sight.

Most of the best rugged smartphones follow the same template, and the Atom XL is no exception. It features classic rounded corners, metal sides, a rubberized frame, and a textured back for better grip. But this device also has a couple of surprises - an infrared port and an audio jack.

Neither the latter nor the Type-C connector at the bottom of the device is protected from water and dust by a plug. In theory, this shouldn't be a problem since the device is certified to both MIL-STD-810G and IP68. There is also a connector for the antenna on the top end of the phone.

The main drawback that the owner of the Unihertz Atom XL can complain about is the slightly outdated processor. But if you are not buying this smartphone to play mobile games at high graphics settings, then you will not feel a lack of performance.

The model has many sensors, including a pedometer, magnetic field sensor, barometer, gravity sensor and compass.

The 48MP main camera takes surprisingly good photos in natural light.

Pros : FM radio, 3.5 mm audio jack, notification light, fast charging support, programmable Push-to-Talk button.

Cons : small and not very bright screen, which is difficult to read in direct sunlight, not the most powerful hardware, hybrid memory card slot.

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.

OUKITEL WP10 5G

Screen diagonal: 6.53 ", 2340×1080
Number of main cameras: 3
Memory:128 GB
RAM:8 GB
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 800
Battery capacity: 8000 mAh
NFC: yes
4G LTE: yes
5G: yes
2 SIM cards: yes

So far, the best rugged smartphones of 2021 rarely boast 5G support. However, OUKITEL WP10 is an exception to the rule. And even if what you value in a smartphone above all is a large battery, a bright screen and a powerful processor, then this model will not disappoint you.

The gadget is equipped with an 8000 mAh battery that provides up to 48 hours of active use and a 6.67-inch FHD+ display with scratch-resistant glass.

It also boasts a Sony IMX582 48MP quad camera that can record 4K videos at 30fps and a 16MP selfie camera that can capture bright and clear pictures.

Oukitel WP10 runs on one of the best MediaTek chipsets - Dimensity 800, which supports Two Carrier Aggregation technology and is compatible with SA and NSA network modes.

When installing two SIM cards, you can specify one card as the main one, capable of supporting 5G, and the other card will work in 4G / 3G / 2G networks.

With 128GB UFS 2.1 flash storage and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, the OUKITEL WP10 can act as a powerful gaming smartphone.

The most interesting feature of the new product is the docking station for modules on the rear panel. Probably, interesting modules await us, such as a powerful LED flashlight, a UV sterilizer and others.

Other features of this model include the ability to make contactless payments, a function that allows you to use the phone with gloves, and compliance with IP68 and IP69k ratings. This means that the smartphone is protected from falling; from a height of 1.5 m, fully protected from dust and waterproof to a depth of 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes. This amazing smartphone is also STD-MIL-810G certified.

Pros : LED notification indicator, there are many sensors including heart rate sensor, pedometer, pressure and gravity sensors, you can install a memory card, support for GPS / GLONASS / GALILEO / Beidou, excellent camera.

Cons : price, no wireless charging, although there is fast 18 W charging.

INOI 7i - frost-resistant case

The most vulnerable part of a smartphone in the cold is the battery. At temperatures below 0 ° C, the electrochemical reaction in the battery slows down, and the phone quickly “sits down”. The only protection of the battery from the cold is the case. Smartphones in a plastic case are least susceptible to temperature changes, since plastic has the lowest level of thermal conductivity. The best type of plastic is polycarbonate. It has increased strength, plasticity, lightness and durability. In addition, polycarbonate products can be recycled multiple times, which is a big plus from an environmental point of view.

For example, the body of the INOI 7i is made of polycarbonate. It has a matte soft-touch finish that makes dirt, fingerprints and scratches less noticeable. The matte finish protects the smartphone from sliding on a smooth surface and feels very pleasant in the hand.

INOI 7i is equipped with a capacious 4000 mAh battery and a large 6.2-inch screen, which is easy to operate even with touch-sensitive gloves. Thanks to the elongated body shape with an aspect ratio of 19:9, the smartphone fits comfortably in the hand and does not cause discomfort when used. It supports the simultaneous use of two SIM cards and a memory card up to 128 GB, has an external and front camera for amateur photography, and works in 4G networks.

DOOGEE S86

screen: 6.1″ (1560×720)
RAM: 6 GB
memory: 128 GB
4 cameras: 16 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP
battery: 8500 mAh
processor: Helio P60
SIM cards: 2 (nano SIM)
operating system: Android 10
wireless interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1
Internet: 4G LTE
weight: 323 g

The top 3 rugged smartphones of 2021 opens with a device equipped with a 12nm eight-core Helio P60 processor. It boasts smooth multitasking, seamless graphics and comfortable gameplay without any FPS drops, at least on medium graphics settings.

Like most rugged smartphones, the S86 has incredibly long battery life, with its 8,500mAh battery offering a standby time of 27 days, talk time of 39 hours, and normal use time of 2 to 4 days. It supports 24W Type-C fast charging but does not support wireless charging.

As a super-rugged smartphone, the S86 can withstand water submersion, drops, shocks, shaking, and temperature changes, making it a great option for those who love to travel or work in harsh weather conditions.

The waterproof housing allows immersion to a depth of up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes, and has IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810G certifications. The S86 also has improved touch capabilities for use with gloves and in wet conditions.

Available applications include: compass, sound level meter, altitude meter, magnifying glass, protractor and plumb line.

DOOGEE S86 features a quad camera with a 16MP main camera with 80° field of view and F/2.0 aperture. With four high-brightness LED lights on the back, it can take impressive pictures even in low-light conditions.

Pros : assembly, battery capacity, large set of useful applications, fast and reliable positioning thanks to support for GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.

Cons : screen resolution, lack of wireless charging.

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.

Ulefone Armor 10 5G

screen: 6.67″ (2400×1080)
RAM: 8 GB
memory: 128 GB, memory card slot
4 cameras: 64 MP, 8 MP, 5 MP, 2 MP
battery: 5800 mAh
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 800
SIM cards: 2 (nano SIM)
operating system: Android 10
wireless interfaces: NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Internet: 4G LTE, 5G
degree of protection: IP68
weight: 328 g

The second and last model with 5G support in the top rugged smartphones of 2021. With its 6.7-inch display, the Ulefone Armor 10 5G is considered a phablet, offering almost the same display size as a tablet.

The size and weight of the device make it a solid behemoth, which is not surprising given the large battery and additional case protection required to achieve MIL-STD-810G / IP69K certifications.

The screen of this model has a very high pixel density - 480 ppi - high resolution and excellent color rendition. Plus, it's protected by GORILLA GLASS 5.0, which is scratch-resistant.

Like many entry-level 5G smartphones, Armor 10 is powered by the powerful Mediatek Dimensity 800 processor and Arm Mali-G57 GPU. So “Tanks”, Fortnite and other popular mobile games at maximum speed are an easy task for him.

This smartphone has several free apps that will appeal to both outdoor enthusiasts and DIY enthusiasts; A sound level meter and barometer will probably be the most useful of all.

Another reason to buy Ulefone Armor 10 5G is the excellent rear camera with AI, which can record video in 4K at 30 fps. The main Samsung GW1 sensor has a resolution of 64 MP and an f/1.89 aperture, the second module with a resolution of 8 MP has a viewing angle of 118 degrees, the third and fourth modules with a resolution of 5 MP and 2 MP are used for macro photography and bokeh effects.

Pros : fast 15 W charging, FM radio, notification light, high-quality screen protection, practically does not heat up under load, loud sound.

Cons : hybrid memory card slot, no wireless charging, no 3.5 mm audio jack.

Nokia 220 - buttons against the cold

As prosaic as it may seem, simple push-button telephones withstand frosts best. They have a small screen that uses battery power as economically as possible and a mostly plastic case that protects against rapid freezing.

Nokia 220 is an excellent example of a reliable push-button device with a capacious battery and excellent call quality. The phone works on 4G networks. This function allowed to significantly increase the data transfer speed and improve the quality of communication.

Otherwise, the functions of the Nokia 220 are not much different from a regular feature phone. The device is equipped with a 1299 mAh battery, which allows you to go for a couple of weeks without recharging in standby mode. The phone supports the simultaneous use of two SIM cards and is available in two colors: black and blue.

Samsung Galaxy S10 8/128GB (IP68)

The flagship from the Korean company of the previous generation, which is presented in three different versions. This, if you like, is “average” - it has a 6.1-inch display, and a single front camera (the older version uses a double module).

Interestingly, the Note 10+ has an even more powerful chipset, although the power reserves of the Exynos 9820, which is used in the Galaxy S10, are simply enormous. A triple camera is installed - a wide-angle module, an ultra-wide-angle and a telephoto lens. It shoots just great, at the level of the same Note 10+. Here you will also find fast and wireless charging, a fingerprint sensor in the display, a large amount of memory - 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory.

At the same time, the Galaxy S10 differs from the Note 10+ in its design and significantly lower cost.

Screen diagonal: 6.1 inches

Screen resolution: 3040×1440

Weight: 157 g

Number of SIM cards: 2

Processor: Exynos 9820

Memory capacity: 128 GB

RAM capacity: 8 GB

Battery capacity: 3400 mAh

Rear camera: triple 16/12/12 MP

Front camera: 10 MP

Memory card support: yes

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 8/256GB (IP68)

From now on, the flagship version of the Note model received the Ultra prefix. Has it changed much compared to the previous generation phone?

This is an evolutionary device, which in many respects has become slightly better than its predecessor. For example, the speed of the stylus has increased significantly, the screen diagonal has grown to 6.9 inches, support for the screen frequency of 120 Hz (automatic mode) has appeared, and the processor is the new flagship Samsung Exynos 990. The cameras have also become a little better, although they previously showed excellent results.

Water protection, fast and wireless charging, a fast on-screen fingerprint sensor, and cool stereo speakers are still there.

Screen diagonal: 6.9 inches

Screen resolution: 3088×1440

Weight: 208 g

Number of SIM cards: 2

Processor: Samsung Exynos 990

Memory capacity: 256 GB

RAM capacity: 8 GB

Battery capacity: 4500 mAh

Rear camera: triple 108/12/12 MP

Front camera: 10 MP

Memory card support: yes

Apple iPhone 8 64GB (IP67)

Do you want a compact flagship smartphone, but not too expensive? It’s worth looking towards the iPhone 8. Yes, we are aware that this model went on sale back in 2021, but it is still relevant.

The buyer receives an excellent 4.7-inch display, a stylish and recognizable body, a powerful Apple A11 Bionic processor and fast operation of the iOS operating system, and excellent cameras. And don’t be confused by the single main camera - in terms of photo quality, it can give odds to many much more modern flagships.

This model features wireless charging (fast, of course, is available by default).

Screen diagonal: 4.7 inches

Screen resolution: 1334×750

Weight: 148 g

Number of SIM cards: 1

Processor: Apple A11 Bionic

Memory capacity: 64 GB

RAM capacity: 2 GB

Battery capacity: 1,821 mAh

Rear camera: 12 MP

Front camera: 7 MP

Memory card support: no

Huawei P30 (IP53)

The younger version of the P30 Pro has lost the letters Pro in its name. This model is a little simpler, but it costs much less.

The level of protection against water is much lower here - IP53, but at least it is there. The screen diagonal is much smaller (6.1 inches), the memory capacity is 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of built-in. The rear camera is a little simpler: the main module, wide-angle and telephoto - it still shoots at a very high level. The battery capacity can be called quite good - 3650 mAh. Although fast charging is available, wireless charging was abandoned in this version, apparently in order to reduce the cost of the smartphone.

Screen diagonal: 6.1 inches

Screen resolution: 2340×1080

Weight: 165 g

Number of SIM cards: 2

Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 980

Memory capacity: 128 GB

RAM capacity: 6 GB

Battery capacity: 3650 mAh

Rear camera: triple 40/16/8 MP

Front camera: 32 MP

Memory card support: yes

Factors to consider when choosing a rugged smartphone:

Strength

The first and foremost factor that you should consider is the reliability of the smartphone. water adventures , we recommend phones with IP68 and even IP69K certification. IP69K is the highest possible rating as it also provides protection against high pressure water.

Military-certified smartphones are designed for those who are into adventure sports like mountaineering or sports including mountain biking, skiing , etc. Overall, you should look for a rugged smartphone that offers durability in the harshest conditions.

Service Guarantee

Imagine that you accidentally dropped your smartphone, and what's worse is that it is not covered by any warranty. There are several categories of smartphones in the market that do not mention the service warranty on the smartphone at all. For example, some smartphone warranties do not cover water damage. Therefore, before purchasing, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the terms of warranty and phone replacement .

Always check the quality of customer service by checking the user reviews on the product page

Battery life

Battery life remains another important factor to consider when purchasing a rugged smartphone, especially for navigation. Nowadays, most rugged smartphones come with a pretty good battery capacity of 7000-8000 mAh, sometimes more than 10000 mAh. Ultimately, this is a treat for those who want to go camping or take part in outdoor adventures where there is no source of electricity. Rugged smartphones allow you to use your phone the way you want without worrying about the battery running out at the worst possible time.

Power and safety

Since rugged smartphones have multiple features, they require powerful processors to perform flawlessly. Nowadays, you can find most rugged smartphones running on Mediatek processors . So, it is best to choose a rugged smartphone with the latest and powerful processor. This makes them promising, since a modern processor ensures longevity of the equipment.

In terms of security, many rugged smartphones also come with anti-theft features, no rooting and no disk encryption

Camera

Outdoor recreation is not complete without photos and videos. To capture these moments and keep them in your memory, you will need a rugged smartphone with a camera system that captures flawless media. Modern smartphones have multiple cameras with different zooms. They ensure that you can capture all your adventures in all their beauty. Most of these waterproof smartphones have rear camera sensors that capture high-resolution images, so you can leave your bulky digital camera behind.

Now that you know the factors to consider when purchasing a rugged smartphone, it's time to explore the features of some of the best-selling smartphones on the market.