5 Best Rugged Phones for Your Getaways in 2016

Heading out for a winter getaway or planning a weekend in the great outdoors?

Make sure you make the most out of your time in the wild without damaging your expensive phone. Here you have 5 great rugged phones that will let you stay in touch while offering lots of functionality. 

MFOX A7 Pro Rugged Smartphone $730

If you are looking for the crème de la crème, the MFOX A7 is a top-of-the-line rigged device with all the functionality and sturdiness you may ever need. With a 5.5 inch screen, great resolution, waterproof and dust tight rating and great connectivity – MFOX’s A7 is the ultimate outdoor companion.

Key features:

• IP68 rating: dust tight and protected against prolonged effects of immersion under pressure.
• 5 inch screen with great 1920×1080 resolution.
• Powerful Octa Core processor is perfect for multitasking.
• 4G connectivity and 2 SIM cards for staying in touch no matter where you are.
• 332GB of internal memory + 32GB externally – plenty of space for all your media
• Android 4.4 intuitive interface and access to all the goodies at the Play Store

Conquest S8 Pro Rugged Smartphone $499

The Conquest S8 comes with a lighter price tag than the previous option, but has almost as much to offer. The S8 is a smartphone made for adventurers and features quite a few functions necessary in the outdoors that a lot of other models don’t offer. In addition to the 5 inch screen, waterproof and dust tight rating and 4G connectivity, you will also have the walkie talkie function, compass, GPS and more.

Key features:

• Meant for outdoor adventures with GPS, Walkie Talkie, Compass, Altimeter, Barometer and more
• Doubles as a power bank for charging other gadgets
• Android 5.1 operating system with Smart Wake and Gesture Sensing for easy navigation
• 4G Dual SIM connectivity – stay in touch in any part of the globe
• Quad core processor for smooth and lag-less operation

Blackview BV5000 Smartphone $154

If you are looking for a phone that comes with rugged functionality but doesn’t give its toughness away with typically rigged looks – here comes the Blackview BV5000.

The phone comes with high-end good looks while storing some nice outdoor functionality: 5000mAh battery, waterproof rating and reliability.

Key features:

• 5 Inch HD screen with thin bezels – for the perfect media experience
• Great continuous usage and standby time with the 5000mAh removable battery
• IP67 rating: totally dust tight and protected against the effect of water immersion (between 15cm and 1m)
• Powerful quad core processor with 4G connectivity

MANN ZUG 3 $124

For a mid-range option (pricewise), but a high level of reliability, portability and functionality, you won’t go wrong with the MANN ZUG 3. Coming from a long line of successful rugged smartphone models, this sturdy device features a 4 inch display, shock and dust protection, Android OS and more.

Key features:

• Convenient and clear 4 inch display and Android OS
• 3G connectivity on 2 SIM cards
• Shockproof and dustproof
• Snapdragon quad core processor, rear camera, 2930mAh battery

NO.1 A9 GSM Phone $34

If you value simplicity, don’t want to splash out on a device you are not planning to use every day and are just looking for a sturdy alternative to your fragile smartphone for outdoor getaways – why not take a look at the NO.1 A9 GSM phone.

With a compact 2 inch screen, dual SIM GSM connectivity, large battery and a torch function, it’s a simple sturdy device meant for the outdoors.

Key features:

• Compact and well-protected 2 inch display
• Sturdy built and portable size
• 4800mAh battery – can double as a power bank
• Flashlight function to guide your way after dark
• IP67 rating: P67 rating: dust tight and protected against immersion
• Dual SIM GSM connectivity

For more rugged smartphone options, check out our full collection here.