Top 5 BEST Rugged Phones in 2025
Need a phone that’s near-indestructible? We reveal the best rugged phone for your needs
The top tough smartphones are made to handle everyday danger, take chances, and endure extensive outside use. They usually have high levels of dust and water resistance, as well as designs that are shock and drop proof.
You may choose the ideal rugged phone for yourself with the help of our guide. You can rest easy knowing that your phone is durable enough to withstand a few falls, regardless of whether you work in dangerous situations or are an explorer and thrill-seeker who climbs mountains and camps out every week.
Here is our list of the top tough cellphones available right now to assist you in making the best choice. However, if any seem excessively expensive, see if they have a capability you don’t require, like thermal imaging.
Best AI camera
1. Doogee S200
Best budget
2. Motorola Defy
Best for extremes
3. AGM Glory G1 Pro phone
Best thermal camera
4. Ulefone Armor 11T 5G
Best night vision
5. Doogee S98 Pro phone
1. Doogee S200
A tough phone that strives to be the kind that can deliver and sustain you throughout the day. To do that, neither the screen nor the camera quality are compromised. With unique accessories like the circular rear display that you can customize for a variety of purposes, including our use as a watch face, it even goes a step further.
Ironically, this actually takes away from the toughness a little bit because it is, after all, just another screen and hence a little weaker. Even so, it easily meets military requirements and can withstand strict water and dust ingress protection regulations. Actually, if you’d want, you can record video underwater.
Although not everyone will appreciate the aggressive style, this phone is reasonably priced and has a luxury feel and an unmistakable “Wow factor.” That includes the minor increase in bulk required by its larger battery and protective design, but the focus isn’t entirely negative.
A compass, sound meter, picture hanging tool, and all the standard (as well as a torch) apps are included in the “Toolbag,” which is ideal for tradespeople and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Thanks in part to its AI, the camera isn’t too bad either (though, curiously, it doesn’t default to its full 100MP resolution).
In the end, it’s not the best phone, but it’s a pretty excellent one that will withstand a lot of abuse, so you can have a tough phone without feeling too far behind the flagship crowd.
2. Motorola Defy
This phone’s thermoplastic frame allows it to withstand a lot of damage while yet managing to have a somewhat hybrid appearance. The display has a higher drop test than any on the list because it is covered by the newest Victus Gorilla Glass. The Snapdragon 622 CPU is undoubtedly nothing exceptional, and it is a little odd to see “Android 10” in the specs for such a modern phone—an upgrade is promised.
Photographers won’t be impressed by the 48-megapixel camera that powers the primary array, but it will undoubtedly do the job and is protected by a recessed housing. Although we like this phone and it was developed in collaboration with Bullitt, who also builds CAT phones, we will feel much more secure once the promised Android 11 update is available.
The most effective budget model
This phone, which has a 48MP camera and a thermoplastic frame, is made to withstand a lot of wear and tear while still managing to have a somewhat hybrid appearance.
3. AGM Glory G1 Pro phone
With a 48MP thermal-imaging camera that has an exceptionally high quality and frame rate (25 fps) and the capacity to withstand Arctic temperatures (we tested one in the freezer), this 5G phone is designed to withstand temperature extremes and report back. With a 33mm diameter, 3.5-watt, 110db speaker housed in a 23mm thick protective frame, the G1 Pro’s design makes no effort to conceal its ruggedness.
The 8-core system isn’t particularly noteworthy, but it’s quick enough on the pristine Android 11 that comes with it. Other helpful features include fingerprint ID, NFC, Bluetooth 5, 18W wireless charging, and a configurable side key. Additionally, ruggedization hasn’t prevented the use of 3.5mm headphones or microSD cards when necessary.
The AGM Glory G1 Pro has several important characteristics, such as a 20MP infrared night vision camera, a booming loudspeaker with a 109dB loud sound, a dual torch design, a cold-resistant battery, and tests for water, dust, and drop resistance. Read our comprehensive AGM Glory Pro review for more information.
4. Ulefone Armor 11T 5G
This durable 5G phone is not only a well-equipped modern phone, but it also eliminates the need to carry a thermal imaging camera to work. The camera array has a macro lens for close-up inspection of visible light defects, thus it’s not only helpful for evaluating heat-related problems.
You do get high-end features like fingerprint ID, face unlock, and wireless charging because the slim design, 7nm process, and specifications are still within touching distance of flagship phones. You can take 48-megapixel photos and 4K videos, but you’ll need a case to outperform some of the other devices on this list in terms of the drop test.
The best thermal camera
This durable 5G phone is not only a well-equipped modern phone, but it also eliminates the need to carry a thermal imaging camera to work.
5. Doogee S98 Pro phone
The Doogee S98 Pro is the ideal phone if you want to reduce your wintertime electricity costs. You should never need to have it fixed because it is almost unbreakable, has a great battery life, and night vision and thermal imaging cameras to help you see in the dark.
This device’s other incredible features include an amazing 8GB LPDDR4x RAM that supports multitasking when paired with the incredibly powerful Helio G96 processor for seamless mobile gaming.
The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU ensures both exceptional performance and incredibly extended battery life. The Doogee’s other features are excellent, especially for tradespeople, if you don’t care too much about 5G and having the best primary camera. See our comprehensive review of the Doogee S98 Pro for further information.
A tough phone: what is it?
A smartphone designed to survive harsher environments than a typical phone is called a rugged phone. Generally speaking, they are more resilient to shocks, drops, dust, water, and extremely high or low temperatures.
Why should I get a phone that is rugged?
For those who labor in demanding fields like construction, trades, or outdoor occupations, rugged phones are perfect. They’re also excellent for people who spend a lot of time outside in the weather or are awkward with their phones.
What is covered by military specifications for tough phones?
Devices are tested in suitable and severe weather conditions according to a set of standards created by the US military. Acceleration, temperature (including abrupt fluctuations), shock, sunlight, rain, fungus, vibration, and more are covered by these. Released in 2014, MIL-STD-810H is a more contemporary version of the same set of requirements; nevertheless, it is not inherently superior to 810G.