{"id":10264,"date":"2023-07-19T14:50:05","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T21:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gazelle.com\/thehorn\/?p=10264"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:49:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:49:25","slug":"rugged-phones-that-can-survive-any-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gazelle.com\/thehorn\/2023\/07\/19\/rugged-phones-that-can-survive-any-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugged Phones That Can Survive Any Vacation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are some factors that go into making a rugged phone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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<\/a> and is projected to reach USD $1.229 billion by 2032.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Modern rugged phones are typically evaluated against two key standards: IP68 water and dust resistance ratings<\/a>, and MIL-STD-810H certification – a U.S. Department of Defense standard<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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<\/a> before deciding whether to upgrade.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the toughest cell phones on the market?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2014and it’s a fair point worth considering before going that route.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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<\/a>, driven in part by outdoor and active lifestyles\u2014outdoor 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<\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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<\/a> 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\u2014the Plus and Ultra lines for Samsung and the Pro and Pro Max lines for Apple\u2014that 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<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Samsung Phone Durability<\/span><\/h2>\n

At first glance, there isn’t much to distinguish different Galaxy models except for their size. However, premium models<\/a> 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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