At Crosscall, we made a simple observation: as smartphones become thinner, more fragile, and more expensive, they move away from their primary function, communicate in all circumstances.
In the field, in the cold, in the rain, amid noise or dust, it’s neither slimness nor gimmicky features that matter, but the ability to last and function, no matter what.
The Rugged Smartphones are aimed at those for whom the phone is a true everyday tool: field professionals, security forces, craftsmen, technicians, but also outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports lovers operating in demanding environments.
These rugged smartphones are therefore specifically designed based on their users' expectations and needs, which for many can be summed up in a few words:
- reliability
- durability
- and ease of use.
Here are the four essential features that define what a true Rugged Smartphone is in 2026.
1) Resistance to repeated drops and IP68 / IP69K waterproofing
Resistance:
Resistance to repeated drops is the essential prerequisite of a rugged smartphone, a rugged smartphone. That is why all our ultra-resistant devices exceed the requirements of the MIL-STD 810, based on military standards, which assesses resistance to extreme conditions: high or low temperatures, humidity, thermal and mechanical shocks.
Waterproofing:
Waterproofing is just as crucial. A rugged smartphone must not only withstand rain but also prolonged and deep immersion in various types of liquids (saltwater, chlorinated water, oils, fuels), not to mention dust. It is under these conditions that our rugged smartphones earn the IP68.
Some of our rugged smartphones go even further with an IP69K. They remain fully operational even under high-pressure sprays, ideal for cleaning with a high-pressure washer in the most dirty environments.
The real Crosscall difference lies in our testing methods. The resistance and waterproofing of our smartphones are proven in our own laboratory, the X-LAB, through combined and repeated tests. This approach ensures that our smartphones remain waterproof and functional over time, even after repeated drops.
2) Ultra-long battery life and durability over time
A smartphone that doesn't last the day is not a reliable tool. A smartphone whose performance drops after a few months isn't either.
That is why “rugged smartphones” must be equipped with high-capacity batteries, combined with intelligent energy consumption management.
The goal is clear: guarantee a long battery life, suited for long days in the field, far from a power outlet.
But beyond autonomy, the rugged smartphone can demonstrate exceptional endurance by maintaining a high level of performance over time, even after many charge cycles.
It is this durability logic that guides the design of our rugged smartphones and allows us to offer a 5-year manufacturer warranty, battery included.
3) Field features: prioritize theuses reals
A rugged smartphone is not designed to be used in ideal conditions. It must remain operational with gloves, in the rain, on the move, sometimes in emergencies.
That is why we design our rugged smartphones to be as ergonomic as possible in the field :
- programmable physical buttons
- easily accessible without taking eyes off the action
- and screens usable even when wet.
These design choices, often absent from consumer smartphones, are nevertheless decisive in a professional context.
Rugged smartphones are also compatible with essential business applications, such as Push-To-Talk which can replace a radio or the Lone Worker Protection (PTI), meeting the security requirements of many sectors.
4) Connectivity and reliability: communicate everywhere, especially when it counts
In the field, being reachable is not enough. You have to be understood, clearly and immediately.
Rugged smartphones are designed to offer excellent network grip, in 4G and 5G networks , as well as advanced compatibility with Wi-Fi 6, public and private. They thus meet the requirements of PMR (Private Mobile Radio) environments and the challenges of critical and emergency communications.
The acoustic chain is also given special attention in rugged smartphones: high-performance microphones, powerful speakers over 100db and noise reduction by artificial intelligence.
This demand for reliability explains why our rugged smartphones are now used by players for whom failure is not an option:
- law enforcement
- army
- rescue services
- but also many field professionals.
And why not for you too?
