10 Best Rugged Smartphones 2025 in the UK

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro is designed to withstand tough conditions, making it a great choice for adventurers or those working in challenging environments. It boasts high durability with IP68 water and dust protection, and MIL-STD 810H resistance, ensuring it can handle drops, shocks, and extreme weather. The phone's high touch sensitivity allows it to work even with wet hands or gloves, adding convenience for outdoor use.

A 6.6-inch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals, and the screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 ensures clarity. Performance-wise, it packs a Snapdragon processor and 6 GB of RAM, which should handle most applications and multitasking needs smoothly. The 128GB storage is ample for everyday usage and can likely be expanded with additional storage options.

The camera quality is reasonable for a rugged phone, with features like Knox Capture turning it into a barcode scanner for professional use. Connectivity options include 5G, enhancing communication speed and reliability. One potential downside is its weight of 235g, making it slightly heavier compared to regular smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro is robust and well-equipped for anyone needing a durable smartphone with decent performance and connectivity features.

The DOOGEE Blade20 Turbo 5G is a solid choice for anyone needing a tough smartphone that can handle rough environments. It carries strong durability certifications with IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H ratings, meaning it’s well protected against dust, water (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), and extreme temperatures, which is great if you work outdoors or enjoy adventurous activities. Its large 10300mAh battery promises exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day or more, and with 33W fast charging, you won't have to wait long to recharge.

The 6.6-inch HD+ screen is smooth thanks to a 90Hz refresh rate and supports glove use, but its HD resolution (720p) is on the lower side compared to sharper displays on some rugged phones. Performance is impressive for this category, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset and 32GB RAM, allowing smooth multitasking and quick app launches. Storage is generous at 256GB with expandability up to 2TB via a microSD card, so you can keep lots of files and apps. The camera setup includes a 50MP AI-enhanced main camera and a 16MP front camera, delivering clear photos suitable for everyday use, though it lacks more advanced features found in higher-end models.

Connectivity options are comprehensive with 5G, WiFi 6, NFC, triple card slots (dual SIM + microSD), and multiple GPS systems, making it versatile for travel and work. A couple of trade-offs are the relatively thick body (1.58 cm) and heavier weight (333g), which is normal for rugged phones but less comfortable for those used to slim devices. If you need a robust phone with excellent battery, solid performance, and versatile connectivity for tough conditions, this DOOGEE model is a great pick.

The Blackview BL9000 Pro Rugged Smartphone 5G is designed for those who need a highly durable phone capable of withstanding tough environments. It boasts top-level MIL-SPEC 810H certification and Corning Gorilla Glass 7, ensuring it is waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant – perfect for outdoor adventurers and industrial workers alike. The phone includes a powerful 8800mAh battery with fast 120W charging, so you won't be left without power during your adventures. Its battery can last up to 576 hours on standby, making frequent charging a thing of the past.

The FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal camera is a standout feature, useful for industrial maintenance and health monitoring, but might be more specialized than many users need. The 6.78-inch 2.4K FHD+ screen, complemented by a 120Hz refresh rate, provides a vibrant and smooth display, ideal for an immersive experience whether at work or play. Additionally, the phone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor and an impressive 36GB RAM (12GB + 24GB expansion), ensuring quick and efficient performance even when multitasking.

Storage is ample with 512GB ROM, allowing you to keep all your media and apps readily accessible. The dual 50MP cameras, with OIS anti-shake and multiple shooting modes, deliver high-quality photos and videos even in challenging conditions. Connectivity options are robust, with 5G, WiFi 6, and multiple satellite navigation systems ensuring you're always connected. However, the phone's weight (412g) and size (17.95 x 8.26 x 1.7 cm) might be cumbersome for some users. While it runs on the latest Android 14 with additional user-friendly features, guaranteed software update details are unclear, which might be a concern for long-term users. The specialized thermal camera, while excellent, may not be necessary for everyone, potentially making the phone's cost less attractive to the average user.