If you are in the market for a rugged phone, you have more significant needs and requirements than the vast majority of people looking for the latest smartphone. There is nothing wrong with being on the lookout for the brightest or glitteriest phone, but if the roughest terrain you encounter is your bed after a long night out, you don’t need to worry about whether your phone is capable of withstanding shocks.

Of course, not everyone has such a simple life. Whether your work or leisure activities see you spending a considerable amount of time in challenging conditions, you need a phone that stands up to these challenges.

All rugged phones need to be able to communicate with the rest of the world

No matter what terrain or conditions you experience, you need your phone to operate as a phone. When it is vital you can communicate with others or send messages; your phone needs to be up to the task. There is no point in having a rugged phone that can withstand mortar attacks if you cannot phone or send messages.

The ability to communicate with others should always be a top priority, but beyond that, you need a rugged phone to be:

• Water-proof
• Dust-proof
• Having the ability to withstand shocks, knocks and drops
• Capable of holding a lengthy charge

If you are in the jungle, up a mountain, in the desert or far out at sea, you may not have access to a charging point anytime soon. Therefore, one of the most understated critical features of a rugged phone is having a long-lasting battery. When you are confident your phone will last for as long as you do, you have the belief to push on and take on whatever challenges you face.

Finding a phone that stands up to the harshest tests and closest scrutiny

When it comes to finding a phone that can be relied on in challenging conditions, IP68 test results are worth considering. Using military-specified standards is a good starting point in assessing whether your phone is suitable for the limits you will push it to and beyond.

If your phone is capable of withstanding dust and water to the extent that it is suitable for armies on manoeuvres, it is likely to be ideal for your activities. If you are a keen hiker, cyclist, off-road racer or you like getting off the beaten track, this level of sturdiness will more than deliver peace of mind your phone is up to the task.

When you are facing trying conditions, you don’t have the time to worry about whether your phone is keeping pace with you. You need to focus on what is directly in front of you, which means having a rugged telephone provides you with peace of mind to ensure your attention isn’t diverted from what matters.

Of course, even when you are in wild or challenging terrains, you’ll have some downtime. When you need your rugged phone to act like a normal phone, allowing you to communicate with others, enjoy social media or while away the time by playing some games, you can. The best rugged phones offer the same entertainment and utility as the standard phone, but they offer dependability and reliability along with it.

When you have a phone that allows you to focus your time and energy on your terrain, you know you have a rugged phone that can be trusted.