Top 5 Best Rugged Phones for 2025
From drop tests and battery life to performance benchmarking, we tested the best rugged phones for durability and work
We tested the finest rugged phones, and here are my top choices for every purpose and price range, from cellphones that will withstand your next camping and hiking trip to ones that are durable on construction sites.
I suggest the Oukitel WP30 Pro for the majority of folks. This tough Android phone has a MIL-STD-810G certification and an IP68/IP69K rating. It offers the best overall robust features for everyday usage, according to our review. I enjoy what the Fossibot F102 has to offer if you’re looking for a less expensive option. Although I can’t claim that it’s the most robust smartphone, the price is fair given the features.
We conduct our own set of shock and drop tests on every ruggedized phone, as well as investigate dust and water resistance to guarantee overall durability, much like we do with our testing of the finest rugged laptops and tablets. In addition, we examine the MIL-STD and IP ratings, as well as other features and designs, such as cameras and networking, where we want to see covered ports for further security.
Table of Contents
best overall
1. Oukitel WP30 Pro
best budget
2. Fossibot F102
best cameras
3. Ulefone Armor 22
best everyday carry
4. Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro
best everyday carry alternative
5. ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola
1. Oukitel WP30 Pro
With a second screen, quick charging, a long-lasting battery, excellent cameras, durability, and a few more features, the Oukitel WP30 Pro robust Smartphone is a powerful and robust phone that is our top choice for the majority of users. There is a significant difference between a phone that is slightly more durable and one that is designed for durability, even though we are aware that many phones are receiving stronger glass screens or more robust frames. Even in harsh environments or situations, the Oukitel WP30 Pro is made to last.
For intensive all-day use, the WP30 Pro variant has a sizable 11,000mAh battery. The well-known iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example, has a 4685mAh battery. With up to 120W fast charging, this tough smartphone is also among the fastest-charging rugged phones we have seen. This means that, even with that enormous battery, you won’t need to charge for very long when the time comes.
The 120Hz FHD+ display, powerful performance, night vision camera, IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certified durability, dual SIM, 5G, integrated thermal imaging, fingerprint scanner, and facial recognition are among of the WP30’s other outstanding features.
2. Fossibot F102
Our pick for the greatest affordable rugged phone is the Fossibot F102. The Fossibot F102 rugged smartphone is a good example of how sturdy smartphones may occasionally be somewhat pricey. Its lower price point than the majority of tough phones makes it more accessible to the general public, particularly those who are just starting out in the rugged smartphone market.
However, this smartphone is not a slouch. A MediaTek Helio G99 CPU, a 6.58-inch FHD+ display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a 256GB SSD that can be expanded using a microSD card, 12GB of RAM, and a sizable 16,500mAh battery for prolonged use give it a strong overall performance.
The Fossibot F102 boasts a powerful 108MP Samsung primary camera, a 20MP night vision camera, all of the IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G classifications, USB-C, and an integrated camping light in addition to those fantastic features. Although its lack of 5G, wireless charging, a headphone jack, and a substantial 500g weight is regrettable, it is no longer a deal breaker.
This device is quite excellent for a low-cost or entry-level rugged smartphone, and since it runs Android 13, all of your apps will be current.
3. Ulefone Armor 22
For people who require a dependable camera configuration, we recommend the Ulefone Armor 22. The 64MP Sony primary camera on the back of this tough Android device helps you take professional-quality pictures wherever you are. In addition, there is an 8MP Omnivision OV8856 front-facing camera and a 64MP Omnivision OV64B night vision camera for low light levels.
The Armor 22 features a dedicated camera button for capturing fast photos and a 6.58-inch FHD+ LCD screen with a sharp 120Hz refresh rate for seeing your photos while on the road.
Unfortunately, this phone only has a MediaTek Helio G86 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, while having good cameras. Nevertheless, you may use a microSD card to increase your storage capacity and keep all of the pictures you might shoot with it.
In addition, this phone lacks 5G and wireless charging, although it does include a 3.5mm headphone port, which is becoming uncommon on contemporary smartphones.
4. Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro
Our choice for a tough phone that is suitable for daily use is the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro.
With a screen size of only 4.6 inches, it has the smallest screen in our guide. With IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, this phone is lightweight and incredibly sturdy despite its small size. It also has sturdy side grips for improved durability and handling in the case of a drop. It also has a 3.5mm headphone connector, which is uncommon these days, and a 50MP rear camera.
The Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro is also a performance powerhouse. This tiny phone runs Android 14 and features a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 6,200mAh battery for all-day use. Although it doesn’t have 5G and doesn’t fast or wireless charge, this is still a fantastic choice if those features aren’t a deal breaker.
To put it briefly, it’s a rugged smartphone that is really small, incredibly durable, and suitable for business people.
5. ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola
The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 ought to be on your radar if you’re looking for a tough phone that feels and looks more like a conventional smartphone. The major drawback is that it’s not very accessible in the US. For a substitute, see our evaluation of the similarly designed Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro, which is likewise excellent for daily use.
One of the most useful and durable smartphones we’ve ever had the opportunity to review is the ThinkPhone 25. It is a very stylish and professional choice for everyday carry (EDC) because it is only 8.1mm thick at its thickest point and has MIL-STD-810H and IP68 standards.
There are four cameras in total: a 32MP camera on the front, a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C on the back, a 13MP Ultrawide angle, and a 10MP Telephoto. It has a great display and wireless charging is supported.
It’s not the most affordable tough phone available. Although we would have preferred a MicroSD card connector, Motorola hasn’t cut any corners on functionality here. Although the power is undoubtedly a step back from the previous model, we thought the prior SoC was a little too powerful for a tough, daily phone, so all things considered, the trade-off seems reasonable. The ThinkPhone 25 is the superior phone in nearly every other aspect.