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Phones Reasonably priced RUGGED Android?

jnpy!$4g3cwk

jnpy!$4g3cwk

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 11, 2010
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I really do prefer iOS, but, I have a requirement for a compact-ish semi-smart (should be able to display maps and do full GPS, but, video and high-speed page rendering are not needed), rugged, (unlocked of course) GSM phone. If there was a reasonably priced rugged iPhone 3GS that would be perfect. GSM is required, I don't need CDMA; T-Mobile/AT&T SIM portability.

I see some mysterious rugged Android GSM phones listed in on Amazon, but, all the inexpensive ones seem to be unsupported, grey-market phones.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking for something that could be used by crews on (e.g. construction) sites, where people tend to be kind of rough for ordinary consumer electronics.
 
Hace you checked out the Casio G'zone commando or the Kyocera Torque? They're a bit old so they should be fairly inexpensive.

Although what I would do is just grab up a bunch of old iPhone 3Gs or 4s and wrap em up in a Otterbox Defender case or Survivor series case. Problem solved
 
A Moto G with a rugged case would be my choice

The phone itself is solidly built and is resistant to dust and water ingress and is a pleasant experience to use and is only $179 sim free. With a decent case and screen protector i think it would stand up to most things.
 
Dontazemebro said:
Hace you checked out the Casio G'zone commando or the Kyocera Torque? They're a bit old so they should be fairly inexpensive.
Click to expand...

Those seem to be CDMA only.

Although what I would do is just grab up a bunch of old iPhone 3Gs or 4s and wrap em up in a Otterbox Defender case or Survivor series case. Problem solved
Click to expand...

I am thinking about the 3GS option in some kind of super-rugged skin. I've never used one of the cases you describe-- that might be just the ticket.

IFRIT said:
A Moto G with a rugged case would be my choice

The phone itself is solidly built and is resistant to dust and water ingress and is a pleasant experience to use and is only $179 sim free. With a decent case and screen protector i think it would stand up to most things.
Click to expand...

Thanks for reminding me of the Moto G, although it doesn't sound quite as rugged as I would like. I'm going to be checking out these cases next, with either the Motorola G or an iPhone 3GS.
 
jnpy!$4g3cwk said:
I really do prefer iOS, but, I have a requirement for a compact-ish semi-smart (should be able to display maps and do full GPS, but, video and high-speed page rendering are not needed), rugged, (unlocked of course) GSM phone. If there was a reasonably priced rugged iPhone 3GS that would be perfect. GSM is required, I don't need CDMA; T-Mobile/AT&T SIM portability.

I see some mysterious rugged Android GSM phones listed in on Amazon, but, all the inexpensive ones seem to be unsupported, grey-market phones.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking for something that could be used by crews on (e.g. construction) sites, where people tend to be kind of rough for ordinary consumer electronics.
Click to expand...

My .02. I have a Samsung Rugby® III (AT&T) Flip Phone that I bought on ebay for $45 including shipping. It's in flawless shape. Here's the blurb description: "Certified to Military Standard 810G, the Samsung Rugby III SGH-A997 cell phone handles almost anything from drops and vibrations, to rain and dust, when you need it for your onsite job. This Samsung Rugby features aGPS functionality, which provides you turn-by-turn directions and proactive traffic alerts with the help of AT&T Navigator. Moreover, the Samsung Rugby III SGH-A997 cell phone has call restriction features that allow you to limit phone numbers to only those on the SIM card or in the device’s contact list. This Samsung Rugby sports a 3 MP camera with 2x digital optical zoom, which allows you to view your latest uploads on its 2.4-inch screen with more clarity. A powerful external speaker coupled with noise suppression in this water, dust, shock proof cell phone gives you clearer communications. What's more, available in a sleek black design, this Samsung Rugby III cell phone helps save precious time as with just a push of a button, you can make/receive a call."

I can attest to the waterproof-ness when I went to the beach. No worries. Left the fragile Samsung S4 back in the motel room.

Good luck in your search!
 
go buy a on contract s4 active from att, then unlock and have tmobile pay your ETF. Done, and done.
 
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