No matter the rigors of your days and nights, chances are that your phone stays by your side come rain or shine like a faithful ally. When things go south, though, it’s the phone that gets the short end of the stick all too often. Sometimes all it takes is one wrong move, and the phone starts trying its hand at skydiving or marine exploration. After all, some moments in our world can get just as dynamic as some ofthe top open-world gameswhere many of us love to find refuge.

Naturally, many active phone users have gone through the agony of the screen cracking or the buttons no longer responding. Opting for a decent case, like theSpigen Tough Armor MagFit iPhone Case, seems to be a go-to solution, and there are manysturdy and elegant phone casesthat offer reasonable protection from occasional mishandling. Nevertheless, when it comes to more serious exposure to impact, wear and tear, and the elements, a phone case alone won’t safeguard the integrity of the device in the long run.

Choosing a phone with a rugged build can address the root of the problem. Only a phone devised with challenging conditions in mind can withstand them over the long haul. In case this peace of mind is something you could use in your life, the world of smartphones comes with its own breed of the fittest.

Let’s see if any one of these tough guys can be a good companion for your journey.

6Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

From feature-loaded smartphones to many other cutting-edge gadgets, Samsung’s assortment is renowned around the world for its tasteful diversity. As a case in point, some ofthe top Samsung smartphones this yearcater to a variety of needs and budgets alike. Despite the abundance of eye-catching models in the company’s product range, one rugged gem from this brand is particularly hard to overlook.

SamsungGalaxy XCover Pro boasts an IP68-rated military-grade design that is built to stand a fighting chance at hostile interactions with the world. This rugged phone can fend off the elements as well as nasty dust and dirt particles in the environment. It has also been tested to survive occasional drops from heights of up to 5 feet and can resist immersion in water depths of up to 5 feet for up to half an hour. In fact, it would likely be fine even if it were thrown into the tactical grinder reality ofthe newRainbow Six SiegeevolutionSiege X.

This good soldier for a phone has a few more pleasant surprises in stock. Tech-savvy phone users are bound to appreciate the phone’sremovable and replaceable batteryandhandy push-to-talk buttons. The device also features readily available support for the mPOS and NFC fast payment systems. The only nuance is limited compatibility with phone carriers – the phoneworks exclusively with AT&T and Verizon.

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5DOOGEE Fire 6

Let’s face it. Not every manufacturer gets to nail the concept of a rugged phone. It’s not an easy task to pack a decent functionality into a device that won’t fail you at the slightest drop or contact with dust or water particles. DOOGEE is among the brands that understand this intricate balance with enough smartphones to keep many passionate gaming enthusiasts happy. While rich functionality allowsusing the smartphone for gaming, a rugged design keeps the device safe in case gaming sessions become heated.

Besides its sturdy build, the company’s Fire 6 model has what it takes to be a productive companion.Available in Black and Blue, the smartphone comes with ahigh-resolution 8 MP thermal camera, a50 MP rear-facing camera, biometric authentication, and other powerful tools.

4OSCAL Pilot 1

From design to durability, the OSCAL brand has its own selection of high-performing smartphones to offer that seem to check a lot of boxes for active phone users. Erring on the side of toughness, the brand’s Pilot 1 model is definitely a good contender for tech users looking for peace of mind that they can afford.

Perhaps you contemplateturning your smartphone into a gamepadfrom time to time. You might also want your smartphone to have the guts to handle some harsh conditions along with you. Whichever the intended use, this model’s military-grade design is ready for all things not delicate. Adhering to the IP68 and IP69K certification ratings, this rugged phone boasts top-notch protection against regular exposure to not only dusty environments but also water immersion.

The model comes with its own fair share of nice-haves as well, includingdual flashlights, a138 dB stereo speaker, a32 MP front-facing camera, and a50 MP rear-facing camera. The gadget also features fast charging anddoubles as a power bank, even though nothing beats a dedicated charging device likethe recent power bank from CUKTECH.

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3DOOGEE S41T

The S41T model is another rugged gem in the choice of smartphones from DOOGEE. As anIP68-rated and IP69K-certified device, this tough fellow makes for a great little helper with exploring the great outdoors and other challenging pursuits. It makes for a smooth companion in the social world as well, thanks in no small part to itsNFC and Google Pay support.

The phone also comes with a decent battery that lasts upwards of560 hours in standby mode. It packs enough capacity toserve as a power bank for smaller devicessuch as wireless earbuds and smartwatches. This is plenty to dive into lengthy calls, music, and videos.

2Unihertz 8849 Tank 3 Pro

A lot more goes intoincreasing a smartphone’s lifespanthan most people realize. Even the toughest phone build is no replacement for thorough and timely device maintenance. A robust phone design, however, does secure all the care that you put into your gadget. Like many durable smartphones out there, thisIP68-certified modelcan handle dusty and humid environments as well as occasional impact.

With its capacity forfast charging, this model can act asa backup power bankfor less power-hungry gadgets. The phone alsofunctions as a projector, which might be a fun feature to have should one face a need for a bigger screen while camping or gaming. In addition, as is the case with other rugged smartphones, this model is conducive to the idea ofusing a smartphone as a game controllerin certain video games.

1DOOGEE S200 X

The capacity to take amazing photos and a durable design don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and this rugged smartphone is here to prove it. This model packs a100 MP main camera, a20 MP night vision camera, and a2 MP macro camerain the rear, as well as a20 MP camera in the front.

Like many of its counterparts from the list, the phone boasts a military-grade design that keeps it safe from the elements, dust, and dropping.Available in Yellow, Black, and Green,this model alsodoubles as a power bankand has enough juice to share with smaller gadgets if needed.

One drawback is the phone’s limited compatibility with U.S. cell phone carrier frequency bands – be sure to verify this with your service provider of choice.