Rugged Phones That Can Survive Any Vacation

Whether you’re getting ready for the road trip of a lifetime and you’d rather not break another smartphone, or you’re investing in a new device for the first time in a few years and want something that’s built to last, you’ve probably considered a rugged smartphone before.

 

The good news is you don’t necessarily need to purchase the toughest cell phones on the market to get the benefits of high-quality materials, shock resistance, and waterproofing. Even base models of the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone lines have enough features to make them more damage-resistant than older smartphones. That said, the rugged smartphone market has grown significantly – valued at USD $907 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD $1.229 billion by 2032 – which means there are more purpose-built options than ever before.

 

Over 90% of new rugged phone models released in 2024 feature both IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, meaning they’re built to withstand drops, dust, extreme temperatures, and submersion in water. It’s worth noting, however, that over 42% of consumers cite high upfront costs as a deterrent compared to standard smartphones – so knowing what you actually need before you buy is important.

 

When you’re ready to invest in an upgrade or treat yourself to a smartphone built to take a beating, there are a few things you should know about what makes a phone truly rugged, and which are the toughest ones on the market right now.

What are some factors that go into making a rugged phone? 

Between drop tests and water resistance tests, manufacturers put a lot of time, energy, and research into ensuring even their flagship devices can withstand wear, tear, and the occasional splash. It’s a growing market too – the global rugged and waterproof smartphone industry was valued at USD $907 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD $1.229 billion by 2032.

 

Modern rugged phones are typically evaluated against two key standards: IP68 water and dust resistance ratings, and MIL-STD-810H certification – a U.S. Department of Defense standard that tests devices against extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and drops. As of 2024, over 90% of new rugged phone models carry both certifications, making them the benchmark for what a truly rugged device should offer.

 

Many devices rely on materials like stainless steel, reinforced aluminum, and Gorilla Glass to create tough smartphones capable of handling everyday wear alongside serious impacts. Some devices also feature built-in bumpers or rubber housings for added protection. A strong recent example is the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro, released in April 2025, which combines MIL-STD-810H and IP68 certifications with a user-replaceable 4,350mAh battery – a feature increasingly rare in mainstream smartphones.

 

That said, rugged phones do come with trade-offs. Over 42% of consumers cite high upfront costs as a deterrent compared to standard smartphones, and some specialized rugged devices still sacrifice certain premium features in favor of durability. Balancing toughness with everyday usability remains one of the key challenges for manufacturers in this space. If water damage is a concern with your current device, it’s worth understanding what it costs to repair a water damaged phone before deciding whether to upgrade.

What are the toughest cell phones on the market? 

There are entire lines of rugged phones, satellite phones, and tough smartphones on the market that sacrifice vital device features, style, and form to prioritize durability and functionality. While these are suitable devices for many demanding physical jobs and high-risk professions, the average smartphone user won’t necessarily need a device classified as “rugged.” In fact, over 42% of consumers cite high upfront costs compared to standard smartphones as a purchasing deterrent—and it’s a fair point worth considering before going that route.

 

That said, the rugged smartphone market is growing fast. Valued at USD $907 million in 2024, it’s projected to reach USD $1.229 billion by 2032, driven in part by outdoor and active lifestyles—outdoor exercise alone accounted for 25% of global rugged phone usage in 2024. Over 90% of new rugged models released in 2024 carry both IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, reflecting how seriously manufacturers are taking durability standards. A notable recent example is Samsung’s Galaxy XCover7 Pro, released in April 2025, which features a removable 4,350mAh battery, MIL-STD-810H certification, and an IP68 rating.

 

So, outside of dedicated rugged smartphones, what are the toughest phones out there? Most often, they boil down to the two major manufacturers, Samsung and Apple. Modern iterations of both Samsung’s Galaxy line and Apple’s iPhone include added features and quality materials that help withstand drops, scratches, and water exposure. Each manufacturer also offers premium flagship editions—the Plus and Ultra lines for Samsung and the Pro and Pro Max lines for Apple—that push durability even further with stronger builds and higher-grade materials. As always, premium materials typically come with premium pricing, so it’s worth factoring that into your budget when shopping for a new smartphone.

Samsung Phone Durability

At first glance, there isn’t much to distinguish different Galaxy models except for their size. However, premium models often incorporate premium materials, design features, and add-ons that can impact durability and drive up costs. Here are some of the differences between the existing Galaxy models.

 

• Galaxy S22: The Galaxy S22 is a durable phone with an Armor aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ housing for a bright, crisp screen. It has an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. The S22 holds up well in drop tests and should be able to withstand everyday bumps and falls.

• Galaxy S23: The Galaxy S23 is a durable phone made with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back. It also carries an IP68 water resistance rating. The Galaxy S23 typically holds up well in drop tests, though it’s still possible to crack the screen or damage the housing on a particularly hard fall.

• Galaxy S24: The Galaxy S24 steps things up further with a titanium frame on the Ultra model and Gorilla Glass Armor on the front display, offering improved scratch and drop resistance over its predecessors. It maintains the IP68 water resistance rating standard across the lineup and performs strongly in real-world durability testing.

• Galaxy XCover7 Pro: Released in April 2025, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro is Samsung’s most rugged offering to date. It features both an IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810H certification, making it resistant to dust, water, drops, vibration, and extreme temperatures. It also includes a removable 4,350mAh battery — a rare feature in modern smartphones — making it an excellent option for users who need reliable durability in demanding environments.

 

As you can see, Samsung uses high-quality materials across its flagship and rugged lineups. It’s worth noting that over 90% of new rugged phone models released in 2024 feature both IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, reflecting an industry-wide push toward more durable devices. Regardless of which Samsung model you choose, pairing it with a quality case and screen protector remains one of the best ways to protect your investment. But how do Samsung devices stack up against Apple’s iPhone family of competitors?

iPhone Durability

While many of Apple’s flagship devices rely on similar builds and materials, there are notable differences between the iPhone models.

 

• iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 water resistance rating, allowing it to handle submersion in up to six meters of water for up to 30 minutes. In drop tests, the iPhone 13 performs well and can survive drops of up to six feet onto concrete, though significant drops can still cause damage.

• iPhone 14: The iPhone 14 is a durable phone constructed from glass and aluminum, complemented by a Ceramic Shield front cover designed to be more resistant to scratches and cracks than earlier iPhone models. It also carries an IP68 water resistance rating. That said, it is not indestructible – using a case and screen protector is still recommended to keep it in good shape.

• iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 continues Apple’s durability tradition with a Ceramic Shield front cover and IP68 water resistance rated to six meters for up to 30 minutes. It introduced a titanium frame on the Pro models, offering a stronger yet lighter build compared to the stainless steel used in prior generations.

• iPhone 16: Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup maintains the Ceramic Shield front cover and IP68 water resistance rating. Pro models again feature a titanium frame, reinforcing their reputation for premium durability and a refined in-hand feel compared to the standard aluminum models.

 

If you end up purchasing an Apple device, you’ll benefit from high-end materials across the lineup. Pro and Pro Max models carry the added advantage of a titanium frame, providing extra structural strength along with a premium feel – making them a solid choice if durability is a top priority.

Samsung Phone Water Resistance

Samsung Galaxy phones are water resistant, but it’s important to understand what that actually means before putting your device to the test. Most modern Samsung Galaxy flagship models carry an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes under controlled conditions. However, real-world conditions vary, and water resistance is not the same as being fully waterproof. Here are some tips to keep your Samsung Galaxy phone protected around water:

• Do not expose your phone to high-pressure water jets, such as from a hose or a waterfall. IP68 ratings are tested under still, controlled water conditions, not forceful water pressure. While a waterfall selfie may sound like the perfect photo-op, a broken phone can quickly spoil a trip.
• Avoid submerging your phone in saltwater, chlorinated pools, or other liquids. IP68 testing is conducted in fresh water, and exposure to other liquids can degrade seals over time and void your warranty coverage.
• Do not clean your phone with water or any other liquid. If you need to clean your phone, use a soft, dry cloth with gentle motions.
• If your phone gets wet, immediately dry it with a microfiber cloth or another soft fabric. Avoid rougher materials like a regular t-shirt, which can scratch your screen or housing.
• Keep in mind that water resistance can degrade over time. Drops, wear, and aging seals can reduce your phone’s ability to repel water, even if it passed IP68 testing when it was brand new.

If you need a Samsung device built for tougher conditions, it’s worth looking at the rugged end of their lineup. In April 2025, Samsung released the Galaxy XCover7 Pro, which combines an IP68 rating with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability certification, making it better suited for outdoor use, active lifestyles, or work environments where the phone regularly takes a beating. It also features a removable 4,350mAh battery, which is increasingly rare in mainstream smartphones — especially if battery life is a priority for you.

For older Samsung Galaxy models that predate IP68 ratings, it’s best not to risk any water exposure at all. If you are unsure of your specific model’s rating, check Samsung’s official specs page before assuming your device can handle moisture.

iPhone Water Resistance

iPhone water resistance is a feature that has been available on iPhones since the iPhone 7. However, water resistance ratings have improved significantly across generations. Early models like the iPhone 7 and 8 were rated IP67, meaning they could withstand submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. More recent models have raised the bar considerably – the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, for example, carry an IP68 rating with resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the standard iPhone 15 models are rated to 6 meters as well. The iPhone 16 lineup, released in late 2024, continues this trend with IP68 certification across all models.

That said, it is important to understand that water resistance is not the same as waterproof. These IP ratings are tested under controlled laboratory conditions, which means real-world exposure – such as ocean waves, pool chemicals, or high-pressure water – can still cause damage. Salt water in particular poses a risk, as it can corrode the aluminum or titanium housing on newer models over time, even if the device survives the initial exposure. Apple also notes that liquid damage is not covered under the standard warranty, regardless of the device’s IP rating.

It is also worth noting that water resistance can degrade over time. As your iPhone ages and experiences normal wear and tear, the seals that protect against water intrusion may weaken, making older devices more vulnerable than their original IP rating might suggest.

If you need a higher level of protection – for example, for outdoor activities, water sports, or job site use – a waterproof case remains a worthwhile investment. These cases can provide additional protection beyond what Apple’s built-in water resistance offers, and can safeguard against drops, dust, and prolonged submersion in situations where an IP68 rating alone may not be sufficient.

Pick out the strongest smartphone at Gazelle. 

While there may not be such a thing as an unbreakable phone, you can still find a strong phone when you shop the certified pre-owned lineup at Gazelle. We use a 30-point inspection to ensure all of our devices pass our incredibly high standards. With over 90% of new rugged phone models now carrying both IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, today’s durable smartphones are more capable than ever — and shopping pre-owned means you can save money without the high upfront cost that deters over 42% of buyers from purchasing new.

 

When you’re ready to upgrade your device to one that’s ready for the beach, a road trip, or a camping excursion, we’re here to help. Contact Gazelle to learn more about the rugged phones available in our inventory or to get a fresh smartphone today.

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