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IP67 housing rating, 2700 mAh battery, usability, flashlight, extra plugs included supplies, low-cost cost, carabiner with compass and screwdriver.
Raw firmware, Bluetooth module is unstable, no 3G support.

Texet TM-511R

The model from teXet is one of the popular phones with secure features. This model is useful for trips to the beach, fishing and hunting, hiking and winter sports. Its relatively compact body looks brutal, it is made of solid polycarbonate and rubber. Metal inserts, rather, perform a decorative role, complementing the overall design. And the impact resistance of the phone is given by plastic protrusions. They are tough and durable, and thanks to the textured and rough coating, they do not allow the phone to slip even in wet hands.

The teXet device has IP 67 protection. 30 minutes. To do this, the battery cover has a rubberized border and is tightly fixed with two bolts, and all connectors are tightly closed with rubber plugs. It is noteworthy that the phone comes with a spare set of plugs, if the user tears off the existing ones, and a carabiner with a miniature compass and a screwdriver for easy removal of the cover — especially for tourists.

In addition to the protected properties, the handset boasts excellent battery life indicator. The manufacturer used a removable battery with a capacity of 2700 mAh — a record value among similar phones. With moderate use, the device will easily work for several weeks without recharging. In talk mode, it will be discharged in 20 hours, so you can even forget where the charger is. At the same time, the phone supports work with two SIM-cards in 2G networks (and 3G, alas, is not supported).

The 2-inch screen will not impress with its size, but it will provide ease of control and use of the device. After all, this is a phone and such a small screen is enough to navigate through the menu. The keyboard turned out to be large and comfortable, so even with gloves it will not be difficult to type a message.

The gadget is not perfect and it has its drawbacks. Many users complain about the instability of the firmware and the incorrect operation of Bluetooth (there are complaints that sometimes the connection is interrupted). Most likely, the manufacturer is already working on improving the software. But with a camera with a resolution of 2 megapixels in teXet TM-511R, you have to put up with it. It is useful for taking photo notes, but for capturing beautiful views of nature, it is better to use protected camera.

Due to its low cost, durability design and long operating time, teXet TM-511R can be a great solution for a tourist or a child. After all, he is able to withstand any adversity and work without recharging not for several days, but for several weeks.

IP67 protection, rugged case, high battery life, sufficiently performant platform, dual SIM support.Rugged case, neat design, support SIM cards.
Not the best camera, low screen brightness.Poor camera quality, battery life could be better.

{ !!! block='price' type="big" idgood='343049' !!!}Qumo Quest Defender 4 GB / 0.5 GB

Sigma X rugged smartphone -treme PQ22 has everything you need to make it into this ranking. The first thing you notice is its stern appearance. Visually, the device is divided into 3 parts. The top and bottom are bolted, so that the device will not shatter when dropped. The case is made of hard plastic with wear-resistant rubber inserts. It is able to withstand drops from a height of 1.5 metres without serious damage. The screen is covered with a protective glass, which will not crack from shaking and will not be scratched when "getting acquainted" with the keys in your pocket.Shockproof smartphones have long been have become commonplace to frighten with their aggressive appearance and bulky dimensions. If most of these models are more suitable for men and teenagers, then the model from Qumo is more versatile. The smartphone does not look as brutal as, for example, CAT B15Q — the body has a streamlined shape and it looks nice. At the same time, it is protected no less than other similar devices.

The model turned out to be quite large, and for better ergonomics, the manufacturer supplemented the body with comfortable protrusions and a textured coating that prevent slipping in the hand . In addition, there is a set of hardware buttons, including keys to answer and start a call, shooting and a separate SOS button (to send a signal for help to loved ones). This device also features IP67 water and dust resistance, so bathing in the rain or in the washbasin is unbearable. It received a minimum of holes and connectors — the headphone slot and microUSB are securely covered with plugs.The smartphone is made of durable plastic with rubberized inserts to protect against drops and shock . However, the design does not provide additional screen protection, so that in the event of an unsuccessful fall “face down”, even tempered glass will not remain intact. Like other phones in this rating, Quest Defender has IP67 water and dust resistance. So he will survive a fall into water or snow. All technological openings are covered with plugs, and the design of the body and textured protrusions allows for wet hands control. The 2000 mAh battery, traditionally for this kind of devices, is hidden behind a solid cover, which is fixed with a pair of bolts. It is able to provide one day of battery life with the active use of all available features of the phone.

The smartphone is built on the popular platform from MediaTek, which includes a quad-core processor with powerful enough graphics to provide good performance in programs and games. And the rest of the parameters of the model are typical for a middle-class smartphone: 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of permanent memory with the possibility of expansion, support for working with two SIM cards, a GPS module for navigation, as well as 8 megapixel main and 1.3 megapixel front cameras. The 4-inch display has a resolution of 480x854 pixels. It is made using IPS technology, so it has high image quality and maximum viewing angles. However the margin of brightness is not always enough for comfortable reading text and working in the menu in the sun. The operating system uses Android version 4.2.2 with a simple interface.The compact body, which, by the way, is much smaller than other rugged smartphones, is due to the use small — 3.5-inch display. The manufacturer used an IPS matrix with a resolution of 480x800 pixels. Therefore, the image is quite clear, however, not the same as that of premium smartphones. The device uses a platform from MediaTek with a dual-core processor, so the performance level is also modest. But there are no questions about equipment — there is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, which will not let you get lost in the wilderness or the city. All this is controlled by Android 4.4 with a set of applications from the manufacturer (office client, navigation and other usefulness). In addition, there is a 5-megapixel camera with flash. Given the purpose of the gadget, in most cases it will act as a flashlight.

This version of the smartphone has a removable 2800 mAh battery — the best indicator in our rating. In talk mode, it will work up to 9 hours. Additionally, you can purchase a more capacious 4500 mAh battery — with it, the smartphone is able to work for 3-4 days with active use. The Sigma X-treme PQ22 is a great solution for travelers looking for a modern rugged smartphone with good performance levels and water protection. In terms of the quality of materials, it falls short of the recognized leaders in the category, but it is also much cheaper. a hunter, as well as a fan of extreme sports, because she is not afraid of dirt and water, she is able to take a hit. And you can turn a blind eye to a few flaws in the form of a not the best camera or battery life, given the low cost of a smartphone.

Good looks, IP65/68 protection, ergonomics, workmanship, LTE support.
Poor performance, camera quality.

Sony Xperia M2 Aqua 8 GB / 1 GB

Sony smartphones and tablets of the last few years have optionally received cases protected from water and dust. Usually, top-end, flagship models are awarded such a privilege, but there are exceptions. M2 Aqua received Xperia signature design — straight edges, rectangular body, slightly rounded corners and edges of the circumferential sides. But for the sake of reducing the cost of a smartphone, the manufacturer uses plastic instead of metal and glass on the back panel. It turned out very well — the device does not look like many analogues, while the solution is practical, the model is not as slippery as the latest Xperia flagships, and at the same time it is resistant to scratches.

Unlike previous phones in In our ranking, the M2 Aqua does not have impact protection. But it has a compact body with the usual ergonomics, which is protected from water and dust according to the IP65/68 standard. This means that it can easily withstand swimming to the bottom of the pool, which, by the way, the name of the model hints at. At the same time, only slots for a memory card and SIM are covered with a stub. MicroUSB and the headphone slot are not afraid of moisture, provided that after bathing they shake out the remaining moisture. IPS-screen with a resolution of 540x960 pixels and a diagonal of 4.8" pleases not only with good colour reproduction. Its touch layer is configured in such a way that it is able to adequately respond to touches with wet hands — perfect for the beach season.

The smartphone is controlled by the Android 4.4.4 operating system with a proprietary shell from the manufacturer. It is functional, colorful and easy to use, it is a pleasure to manage such a smartphone. In addition, the manufacturer has planned to update the device to the latest version of Android this year. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor with integrated graphics, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage. The smartphone shows an acceptable average level of performance — it handles with everyday tasks and not too demanding toys. If you're not a geek, then you don't need more.

Built-in 2400 mAh battery provides a full day of active use, talking, gaming and surfing the web. If necessary, power-saving modes will help extend the operating time. Among other features, it is worth noting an 8 megapixel camera with f / 2.4 aperture, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS modules and support for fourth-generation mobile networks. If you are looking for a beautiful, ergonomic and waterproof smartphone, then the Sony Xperia M2 Aqua is your choice.

IP67 dust and moisture resistant, performance platform, compact, fingerprint reader, good battery life.
Premium price.

Samsung Galaxy S5 mini 16 GB / 1.5 GB

Here is a smaller copy of last year's Samsung flagship. In technical terms, smartphones are noticeably different, but outwardly it completely copies the Galaxy S5. There is a signature edging of the case, designed in chrome, and a back panel with a pleasant to the touch coating that mimics the skin. However, the smartphone is not as bulky as its predecessor. Therefore, it has better ergonomics — you don’t have to use your second hand to control the device, it’s easy to reach anywhere with the fingers of one hand.

Despite the removable cover, the smartphone has IP67 water protection. To protect the internal elements, the lid received a rubber gasket that prevents moisture from seeping inside. However, the wired connectors are not covered with plugs, so it is better not to dip the device into water on purpose, it can only withstand occasional “immersions” like spilled juice or rain. By the way, there is no fall protection here, so if carelessly handled, you can get a modern smartphone with a broken screen or camera lens.

A 4.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels is made using technology Super AMOLED, which provides not only high image quality, but also moderate battery consumption. Therefore, the manufacturer managed to implement unusual power-saving modes that switch the smartphone to display only shades of grey or even turn it into a regular “tube” for maximum battery conservation. So, with a removable 2100 mAh battery, the device will last a couple of days if you make an hour of calls, listen to music, read and watch YouTube videos, or more if you limit yourself to communication and SMS.

The model is built on the Qualcomm platform Snapdragon 400, 1.5 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of data storage is expandable. It shows a fairly high level of performance, which will provide high speed even for complex games. The operating system uses Android 4.4.2 with a proprietary shell from the manufacturer. It provides a high level of interface customization and many additional features. In addition, an 8 megapixel camera is installed here, which provides a little blurry, but, in general, pictures and videos of good quality.

The S Health app is worth attention, which allows you to use branded heart rate sensors. This will be appreciated by those who use gadgets to control sports activities, etc. There is also a fingerprint sensor that will protect your information from intruders.

Despite the high cost, the Samsung Galaxy S5 mini is a balanced and compact solution for users who are afraid to drown their smartphone. It seems that the price does not match the name mini, but this model refers to mini flagships and this is their price.

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Interesting design, high security performance, relatively powerful platform, Dual SIM support.
Weak camera, not the best battery life, high price.

CATerpillar B15Q 4 GB / 1 GB

The B15Q model from Caterpillar Inc. became the most secure in our rating. (a company known as a manufacturer of construction and industrial equipment). In one review, it was ironically described as "plows, but not a tractor." Unlike other devices in this collection, the smartphone is certified to the military standard 810G. Therefore, it is protected from drops from a height of up to 1.8 metres, vibrations and critical temperature indicators. In addition, its body is IP67 certified, so the device is not afraid of being submerged in water.

The manufacturer has given the device an aggressive design — you can't confuse it with many faceless phones. The hard plastic body with rubberized and metal inserts looks solid. All connectors are covered with plugs, and to remove the cover you will have to use a screwdriver. It is made of flexible plastic that absorbs impacts. The smartphone lies perfectly in the hand, does not slip, and its matte body is resistant to scratches. Otherwise, you have a classic smartphone running Android 4.4 with a simple and user-friendly interface. In addition to wireless interfaces Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there is also GPS. It can easily turn the device into a compass or a car navigator. The B15Q uses a performant Mediatek MT6582 platform that can handle common tasks (despite the small amount of 1 GB of RAM). But with some new games, difficulties may arise in the form of slowdowns or long loading levels. The manufacturer used a removable battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh, which can provide less than two days of battery life with a moderate use of available resources. So you can think about buying an extra battery or PowerBank.

The 4-inch screen is made using TFT technology, which has a good effect on colour reproduction and contrast, but negatively — at viewing angles that leave much to be desired. The display is protected by tempered Gorilla Glass, which is scratch resistant and not as fragile as competing solutions. It seems that manufacturers do not want to release secure camera phones. And a model from Caterpillar Inc. also does not shine with the quality of the 5-megapixel camera. It's good that there is a flash that can serve as a flashlight.

CAT B15Q withstands ruthless durability tests, so you should not worry about its safety. It will suit those who want a smartphone “not like everyone else”, as well as tourists, fishermen and extreme sportsmen who need a reliable smartphone that can withstand almost any adversity. Of course, it doesn't have the excellent battery life of the teXet TM-511R, or the display quality of the Samsung Galaxy S5 mini, but it does have a style of its own and a powerful body that withstands tests that would be lethal for conventional phones.

See also:
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Both types of devices are actively developing, both evolutionarily and revolutionary.
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