It seems that the major cell phone manufacturers are constantly coming out with new and improved options for their phones. While it is true the modern smartphones are more durable than the earlier models, they are also still a far cry from being truly rugged and durable, particularly if dropped, banged or hit.
There are some cell phone manufacturers that have created a truly shock resistant phone. These are often marketed as “rugged” or “military grade” phones because they are designed to be used in extreme types of conditions. This can include wet, damp or humid conditions as well as when submerged up to a specific depth in water for a specified amount of time.
Ratings
It is important not to just take a phone manufacturer’s word that the phone is actually shock resistant. Instead, make sure that the phone has an IP68 rating.
The IP68 rating actually stands for “Ingress Protection”, which means that the phone has been tested to protect the phone against both water, dust and pressure. This is done by exposing the phone to dust and water under pressure up to specific standards. The 6 is the highest possible score for dust, while the 8 is the highest score for water.
Case
The top shock resistant phone will have the IP68 rating, which is only possible through the use of a well-designed and sealed case. These phones don’t have the same design as a standard smartphone, but rather they have a rubberized and plastic case that absorbs shock and protects the phone.
While there are additional cases that can be purchased to protect a standard cell phone, they don’t offer the dust and water proofing rating. The only way to get all three in one phone is to choose a phone designed specifically with the protection of the equipment as a central design factor.
What to Expect
While a shock resistant phone will be slightly thicker than a standard smartphone, they are lightweight and designed to offer the features of any smartphone. Depending on the model and design there may be a full touchscreen or a half screen and buttons, which is often the best option for dialing when the phone is used in demanding environments.
These phones have cameras, up to 32G of memory and a micro-SD card for an additional 32G of memory as well as dual SIM capability to allow you to keep your work and personal communication separate and organized.