For most of us, a mobile phone is a reliable assistant in any life situation. We take it on the road, to work, to the country house and even on a trip outside the city. Thus, the mobile is with us in a variety of conditions - both favorable and not so.
Earlier, the concept of “protected phone” was used to refer to “bricks” like the Siemens M65 and the like - covered with an aluminum plate, made of durable plastic that could withstand the most severe blows. In addition, such equipment, as a rule, was waterproof, due to which it was not afraid of moisture, dust and even sand.
Modern smartphones and their features
However times have changed. As we can see today, compact and easy-to-carry devices have gained popularity, with a thin body and a large display for enhanced multimedia experience. A typical smartphone today is a "plate" with a diagonal of 4-5 inches (on average), with a minimum thickness.
A logical question arises: how an elegant and miniature accessory with a large screen can perform the same functions as a rugged onetelephone? How can you compare devices that have completely different characteristics, according to one criterion: durability and reliability in daily use? Of course not.
So you have to put up with the fact that the most advanced models are multifunctional, powerful devices that are not able to show excellent behavior in more severe operating conditions. So, it is not uncommon for broken screens and a bent iPhone case after wearing jeans. Obviously, manufacturers do not care about such protection of gadgets, clearly giving the user market to sellers of various screen films, cases and bumpers. Of course, all these additions cannot protect the device from, say, immersion in water or strong physical impacts in most cases.
Mobile phone trends
At the same time, if we analyze the specifics of the direction in which electronics manufacturers are operating, then secure phones will be in last place in the ranking of priorities. Samsung only, perhaps, took care of sealing and protecting its flagship Galaxy S5, released last year. Probably, the same will apply to the new, sixth generation of the model.
This means that most smartphones today are becoming thinner, more stylish and more powerful, while manufacturers practically do not think about protection. Therefore, it is not surprising that more specialized models have entered the market over time - rugged phones. Reviews speak of their reliability. They're all geared towards resistingto many destructive external factors for a conventional apparatus. In particular, these are unfavorable conditions that may result from active sports, unusual hobbies (such as travel) and other activities when the phone runs the risk of being in sand, water or under the scorching rays of the sun. We will talk about them in this article.
Combination of different characteristics
Let's start by describing how manufacturers manage to protect seemingly fragile phones with a display diagonal of more than 4 inches from external influences. Agree, a large screen and a thin body - this is the most fragile design that you can imagine. And it, in spite of everything, is protected from dust, moisture and mechanical damage! The answer is simple: this happens due to the insulating materials used in the body of the device.
Take Land Rover rugged phones as an example. All of them work on the Android system, have a similar device and appearance. This is usually a thicker frame (when compared with other similar smartphones that do not have isolation). It, accordingly, uses a system of rubber bands and plugs that prevent moisture from penetrating inside and harming the device. In addition, the thickened case allows the phone to withstand heavy loads - this applies to both the plastic itself and the phone's screen, which is made from thicker, and therefore stronger glass.
And all these figures apply to a fairly strong Android device that is not inferior to its"unprotected" counterparts. This, in turn, means that rugged cell phones have the same advantages as simple smartphones - a powerful processor, user-friendly interface, good camera, and high-capacity battery. For this reason, perhaps, such devices are in demand.
Phones for 2 SIM cards
Another feature that can be noted separately is the presence of two slots for SIM-cards. It's no secret that cards from two operators at once are very convenient in terms of communication costs, and also taking into account the ability to stay online from two numbers using only one device. That is why some secure phones have the ability to work with two SIM cards at once.
For example, such as Ranger Fone, Sigma Mobile X-treme, Huadoo V3, Land Rover A9+, Mann Zug 3 and some CAT models have the function of supporting two SIM cards at once. As practice shows, this is convenient, and users are happy to buy such devices, use them in their daily tasks and at the same time do not worry about the security of the device.
Imagine! You can take a secure phone for 2 SIM cards without any fear with you on a hunt, on a trophy raid or on a trip, thus making your life much easier. For people involved in active sports, the presence of two SIM cards is especially important.
Smartphones with a powerful battery
If we talk about what qualities a secure phone simply must have, one cannot help but recall one more thing. It proceeds from the condition that a similar category of smartphones canuse where there are no amenities, for example, when traveling far from civilization, where there is simply no way to recharge your device. Of course, such places are not visited by people so often, but this is a vivid enough example to understand how secure phones with a powerful battery are relevant. And by the way, there are also those!
For example, Doogee DG700 worth 7500 rubles is one of them. With it, a 4000 mAh battery is sold in the kit, which is quite an acceptable solution for a smartphone of this class. Thanks to him, the device will be provided with work for several days (provided that the saving mode is turned on). In the case of active use, such a phone can work for 2-3 days on a single charge.
In addition to the above, there are other secure phones with a powerful battery. For example, these are Sigma X-Treme PQ15 (about 10 thousand rubles) with a 3600 mAh battery, X-Treme PQ 22 (4500 mAh), as well as Mann Zug (3000 mAh, 24 thousand rubles) and many others. As already noted, the need for a large battery reserve is due to the fact that there is a need for various additional functions of such a device (for example, a GPS navigator or a powerful flashlight can be useful on a hike). Accordingly, such a powerful rugged phone should last as long as possible.
Protection on smartphones
There is a whole classification system that mobile devices have with increased protection. It is determined by marking - this is the IP class. It looks, for example, like this: IP68 (this is the maximum level). Both of these numbers arethese are different types of protection that are used on such devices. So, the first digit means the accessibility to the penetration of certain objects inside the device (the minimum level is large objects, from 50 millimeters; and the maximum refers to dust). The second is the designation of the possibility of moisture entering the apparatus. The lowest degree - respectively, the absence of any protection; while the highest is the complete isolation of the smartphone.
Therefore, if we talk about which secure phones will be protected more, we recommend paying attention to this index. As a rule, most of the most common devices with protection have the highest level. If we talk about simple smartphones, then even they have a certain level. They will be discussed in the next article.
Protected Flagships
It's not just large smartphones covered with rubber plates and bolted together that are waterproof and dustproof. There are so-called flagship models that have a regular, stylish look; can be used in everyday life, but are able to withstand the effects of external factors. The most striking example is the Samsung Galaxy S5 (priced at 30 thousand rubles), which was discussed above.
This smartphone has a removable back cover, which does not prevent it from having a high degree of water resistance. This result is achieved due to rubber gaskets between the cover and the body of the device. In addition, some elements of the Galaxy S5 case (such as the connection pointswith a USB cable or a headphone jack) are closed with special seals. Due to this, one can say, the effect of complete isolation is achieved.
An example of a device of this class, which is successfully able to resist moisture and dirt, indicates that if you want a rugged phone, you do not have to buy a huge model of a truly "armored" (judging by its appearance) device. You can also take the stylish and feature-packed S5 and basically get the same thing. True, it looks better and costs more.
Protected Model Review
In addition to the general information that we have already shared with you, I would also like to shed light on what rugged mobile phones are by simply reviewing one of the models. We chose the Ranger Fone S19 / 15 smartphone (worth 18 thousand rubles) as a "guinea pig".
So, first of all, let's look at a brief description of the model. According to it, we can say that the device is classified as IP67. This means that it does not allow dust (including small particles) to pass through, and can also be immersed to a depth of up to 1 meter for a short time without harm. Accordingly, if you want to take this handset with you on a trip involving overcoming water obstacles, it will most likely work fine.
Let's move on. As already noted, an important indicator is the capacity of the battery. In Ranger Fone S19 / 15, it is equal to 2600 mAh (and, accordingly, lags behind the indicators of the most advanced in thismodel segment). However, it can also be called quite high, given that with a more careful charge, the phone will last for 10 hours of active use and 3-5 days of passive mode. The “smart” format means using only those services and functions that are needed at a particular moment (temporarily turning on mobile data, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi).
Another interesting parameter for us for a superficial acquaintance with the device is the number of supported SIM cards. So, Fone of this version has 2 SIM slots, which means the ability to connect the passive mode of both cards. This can be described as follows: both cards are in standby mode at the same time, while during a conversation the device switches to one of them.
Finally, after describing the most common, most significant points, we can move on to the parameters common to all smartphones. And this is the processor, graphics and camera. Regarding the first, it can be noted that the device is equipped with a quad-core processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, due to which it can be attributed to the "middle" segment of the smartphone market. True, the rating of secure phones has its own characteristics, so in it this model can be called one that has fairly good parameters. The operating system with which the device is sold is Android 4.2. There are no plans to upgrade to later versions for Fone yet.
From the point of view of the next component - graphical parameters, the Ranger Fone S19 is slightly losing ground. Equipped with apparatussmall screen (only 4 inches diagonal) powered by IPS technology, which has a resolution of 854 by 480 pixels. True, given that we have a gadget that belongs to the category of "secure mobile phones", we can say that this will be enough for its intended use. Of course, no one will watch FullHD movies while hiking.
The Fone S19's camera is not strong either - rather, it is a stable mid-range camera in the budget smartphone market: the main one has a resolution of 8 megapixels and a powerful enough flash for shooting in the dark, and the front camera of the device has a resolution of 5 megapixels.
In addition to these characteristics, you should also pay attention to such a category as additional functions. Agree, for a "marching" device, this is important. We are talking about a walkie-talkie that allows you to connect with similar phones at a distance of 3 to 5 kilometers, as well as a motion sensor, a compass, a barometer (measuring pressure) and a thermometer that measures the temperature in the environment where the phone is located. Whether all these additions are useful or not in real life is hard to say. Probably, one should start from who and for what purpose, as well as how intensively the phone will be used.
On the example of the characteristics of this gadget, other secure phones can also be described. All manufacturers compose their descriptions according to a similar principle, due to which it is quite simple to do this. Plus, of course, do not forget to read reviews about the build quality and the further functioning of phones of a particular brand.
How to choose the best secure phone?
The selection of a device that will serve you in more difficult conditions than those you are used to must be approached with all responsibility. You can’t tell a person: take those devices that support the ability to work with 2 SIM cards. Rugged phones are actually a complete solution. If you buy such a device, you know why.
Let's say there is a category of buyers who want to buy a phone with protection just so as not to worry about its safety due to active wearing and constant use. Of course, a device with a low or medium level of protection is quite suitable for this purpose, because it is unlikely that it will dive to a depth of 1 meter in normal life.
Another example is completely opposite - these are some special requirements for the phone. If, say, a person is going to go on a trip to some exotic country, where he may encounter sandstorms or water crossings, obviously, he will need one of the most reliable devices. If you choose them according to these parameters, first you need to look at as many models of the “secure phones” category as possible. All manufacturers, as a rule, call them attractive names, but you should pay attention to the quality and equipment of the device, as well as its price.
And, of course, do not forget about the most elementary criteria for choosing a phone, such as dimensions. The device must not be toocumbersome, otherwise it may be difficult to use it in everyday life. In addition to the design, which, of course, you should like (and rugged phones, this is Samsung or CAT, have a rather attractive appearance), you should also pay attention to whether the model fits comfortably in your hand; how comfortable it is to conduct a conversation with her help, and so on. If you order a device on the Internet, we recommend that you first go to a real store and twist a sample of the model you like in your hands to understand more about it.
About prices for secure phones (for 2 SIM cards, all manufacturers and models)
Even within the framework of this article, I would like to mention a little about the prices that have formed for certain models. If you analyze the overall price picture in online stores, you will notice that the cost of phones varies. At the same time, interestingly, it does not always increase or decrease based on some technical parameters of the device or its functional characteristics. Quite often, the buyer overpays exclusively for the loud sound of the brand, the logo of which will be printed on his phone.
Let's say names like CAT or Land Rover cost the owner much more than Sigma and Doogee. The last companies (if you do not take into account the popularity of Sigma in this area) can be safely called those that do not have loud fame, unlike the first two brands. Therefore, of course, you need to pay for such a "bonus".
An alternative to expensive and massive devices
Of course, to make anya smartphone is cheaper (even if it is a secure phone for 2 SIM cards), all manufacturers on the market should cut their functionality and release them at a more affordable price. So, in fact, marketers do it, offering phones like the AGM Stone. The phone can be really good; it will have the necessary characteristics that protected models are endowed with. However, in fact, this is not a smartphone, but simply a phone with advanced functionality. But it is not affected by dust and moisture, which may also be useful to some buyers of this kind of equipment. As a rule, such devices have buttons, not a touch panel, due to which they differ from more expensive counterparts. In addition, it is, of course, the operating system and the capabilities that it has.
You can also buy a cheaper phone, while maintaining its advantages in the form of protection, with the help of brands that are less known to us.
You can preview the assortment of goods in several online stores at once, due to which your choice will be more motivated and successful than if you go around 3-4 stores live. Take at least the characteristics that may not be fully indicated in electronics supermarkets. The only plus of such stores is the ability to hold the thing in your hands (and so, after comparing prices for 2-SIM protected phones, we can say that they are still lower online).
So, we have looked at some of the characteristics of phones that are called "secure". Of course, is it necessaryyou need such a device, or you will get by with a different, cheaper and simpler analogue, which is not a pity, it's up to you. True, of course, looking at the number of sales of such phones, we can conclude that this category of devices is successful. Apparently, people buy such smartphones for an active lifestyle, or maybe just so that a child who receives such a device does not break it on the first day. In fact, the goal is not as important as the result. Ultimately, choosing the right phone, you will get a reliable assistant in extreme situations, which you can rely on. Perhaps this will help you make a new discovery for yourself, overcome your fears and overcome the fear that something will not work out. With phones like this one wants to do something interesting.
Let's hope that you share this point of view if you buy yourself one. Good luck with your choice!
