Rugged Smartphone Review: Testing the Latest Tough Devices

Rugged smartphones are built to withstand the harshest conditions—drops, dust, water, and extreme temperatures. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a construction worker, or just prone to accidents, these tough devices promise durability without sacrificing modern functionality. In this review, we put the latest rugged smartphones to the test, evaluating their build quality, performance, and features to help you find the best one for your needs.

What Makes a Smartphone Rugged?

Rugged smartphones are designed with durability at their core. Key features include:

• IP68/IP69K Ratings: Protection against dust and water immersion, often surviving submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes or high-pressure water jets.
• MIL-STD-810G/H Certification: Military-grade standards for surviving drops, shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
• Reinforced Build: Frames made from materials like metal or high-strength polycarbonate, with Gorilla Glass or similar for screen protection.
• Specialized Features: Thermal imaging, long battery life, and programmable buttons for tough environments.

We tested three of the latest rugged smartphones released in 2025: the Cat S75, Ulefone Armor 24, and Doogee V Max Plus. Here’s how they stack up.

1. Cat S75: The Reliable Workhorse

The Cat S75, built by Caterpillar, is a favorite for construction workers and adventurers. It boasts a sleek design for a rugged phone, with a focus on reliability.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ (1080x2400), Gorilla Glass Victus
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 930
• Durability: IP68/IP69K, MIL-STD-810H, drop-proof up to 1.8m
• Battery: 5000mAh, 15W charging
• Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
• Price: ~$499

Testing Notes

• Durability: Survived multiple 1.8-meter drops onto concrete without a scratch. Submersion in muddy water for 30 minutes posed no issues.
• Performance: The Dimensity 930 handles multitasking and light gaming well, though it lags slightly in graphics-heavy apps.
• Camera: Decent daylight shots with good color accuracy, but low-light performance is average.
• Battery: Lasted 1.5 days with heavy use, including GPS navigation and video streaming.
• Unique Feature: Satellite connectivity for off-grid communication, a game-changer for remote workers.

Pros

• Robust build with premium materials
• Satellite messaging for emergencies
• Smooth software experience with Android 14

Cons

• Camera struggles in low light
• Charging speed is slow compared to competitors

2. Ulefone Armor 24: The Battery Beast

The Ulefone Armor 24 is a beast of a phone, prioritizing battery life and versatility for extreme conditions.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ (1080x2460), 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G96
• Durability: IP68/IP69K, MIL-STD-810H, drop-proof up to 1.5m
• Battery: 22000mAh, 66W fast charging
• Camera: 64MP main, 64MP night vision, 8MP ultrawide
• Price: ~$399

Testing Notes

• Durability: Withstood drops and prolonged exposure to sand and water. The bulky design, however, makes it less pocket-friendly.
• Performance: The Helio G96 is adequate for daily tasks but stutters with intensive gaming.
• Camera: Impressive night vision camera captures usable shots in near-darkness, though daytime images lack sharpness.
• Battery: Lasted over three days with heavy use, including thermal imaging and flashlight features.
• Unique Feature: Built-in LED camping light and thermal imaging for industrial use.

Pros

• Massive battery life
• Unique features like night vision and thermal imaging
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Heavy and bulky (650g)
• Mediocre processor for the price

3. Doogee V Max Plus: The All-Rounder

The Doogee V Max Plus aims to balance ruggedness with modern smartphone features, appealing to a broader audience.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ (1080x2408), 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050
• Durability: IP68/IP69K, MIL-STD-810H, drop-proof up to 1.8m
• Battery: 20000mAh, 33W fast charging
• Camera: 108MP main, 20MP night vision, 8MP ultrawide
• Price: ~$449

Testing Notes

• Durability: Handled drops, water submersion, and extreme temperatures (tested in -10°C and 40°C environments) with ease.
• Performance: The Dimensity 7050 offers smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, outpacing the Ulefone.
• Camera: The 108MP sensor delivers sharp, vibrant photos in daylight, and the night vision camera performs well in low light.
• Battery: Lasted two days with heavy use, though charging is slower than the Ulefone.
• Unique Feature: Customizable side button for quick access to tools like the flashlight or SOS.

Pros

• Excellent camera for a rugged phone
• Strong performance for gaming and multitasking
• Comfortable grip despite rugged design

Cons

• Slightly slower charging than competitors
• Software updates may be inconsistent

Comparison and Verdict

Feature	Cat S75	Ulefone Armor 24	Doogee V Max Plus
Durability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Performance	Good	Average	Very Good
Battery Life	Good	Outstanding	Excellent
Camera	Average	Good	Very Good
Unique Features	Satellite	Thermal, Light	Night Vision, SOS
Price	$499	$399	$449

Who Should Buy What?

• Cat S75: Ideal for professionals needing satellite connectivity and a reliable, no-frills rugged phone.
• Ulefone Armor 24: Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or workers needing long battery life and specialized tools like thermal imaging.
• Doogee V Max Plus: Best for those wanting a rugged phone with strong performance and camera quality for everyday use.

The latest rugged smartphones prove you don’t have to sacrifice modern features for durability. The Cat S75 excels in reliability and off-grid communication, the Ulefone Armor 24 is unmatched in battery life and niche features, and the Doogee V Max Plus offers the best balance of performance and photography. Choose based on your specific needs—whether it’s surviving a construction site, a mountain hike, or just your own clumsiness.

Have you used a rugged smartphone? Share your experiences in the comments below!