From security to travel: special-purpose mobile devices

In this article, we will briefly review popular models of such devices, their features, and areas of application in various countries, as well as discuss why they are in demand in certain sectors.

When and who might need a phone without a camera and internet?

Devices without cameras, internet access, and even Bluetooth are used by workers at some restricted sites related to state secrets, as well as in certain organizations where commercial secrecy is established. Smartphones and tablets with the ability to take pictures, transmit information, determine geolocation, including via Bluetooth, can lead to the unwanted spread of important information.

State secret is information that must remain closed to avoid harming the country's security. Usually, this data is related to the military, intelligence, diplomacy, or economy. In Russia, for example, military units, strategic enterprises, and other important objects, where everything is maximally classified, are protected.

Smartphones and devices with the internet, cameras, or GPS at such sites are taboo. This does not apply to everyone, of course, but only to those directly involved in secret work, such as special transport drivers or military personnel in training. All this is designed to prevent the accidental (or not so accidental) leakage of important information, as technology can sometimes be too talkative.

Commercial secret is any information that can be valuable to competitors. The law does not prohibit the use of smartphones in workplaces, but the employer can introduce their own rules if they believe it will help protect important company data.

Usually, restrictions apply only to those who work with confidential information. For example, a smartphone can be used if it is necessary for work, but it cannot be used if there is a risk of data leakage. It's simple: the main thing is to follow the established rules so as not to put the company at risk.

Why is increased protection against shocks, dust, and moisture needed?

Smartphones and other devices with protection against shocks, dust, and moisture are most often chosen by travelers, builders, extreme sports enthusiasts, as well as those who live in hot countries or in the Far North. In such conditions, equipment faces dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, which ordinary devices can hardly withstand.

Protected gadgets are designed to withstand shocks, drops, water, and even harsh climatic conditions. With them, there is no need to panic if the phone falls into a puddle, slips out of your hands, or works in a dusty environment.

When choosing a phone, many people pay attention to its shock resistance and water resistance, because it is falls and water that most often cause breakdowns. This makes protected devices suitable not only for active people and professionals but also for everyone who wants their equipment to be durable.

Safety standards in different countries

Protected electronic devices are gadgets that can withstand extreme conditions thanks to compliance with established standards. They cope with dust, water, shocks, and temperature fluctuations. The international standard IEC 60529 is used to assess the level of protection. In Russia and a number of other countries, GOST 14254-2015 was developed based on it.

The level of protection is indicated by the IP (Ingress Protection) code, consisting of two digits. The first shows protection against solid particles, such as dust:

• 5 — dust protection: a small amount of dust can get inside, but it will not disrupt the operation of the device.

• 6 — dust tightness: dust does not get inside.

The second digit indicates protection against water:

• 6 — protection against strong jets of water (e.g., from a hose).

• 7 — possibility of temporary immersion to a depth of up to 1 meter.

• 8 — protection during prolonged immersion.

• 9 — resistance to hot water jets under high pressure.

These parameters are valid only for new devices tested under laboratory conditions. In real use, protection decreases over time due to:

• wear of membranes, gaskets, and coatings,

• temperature and pressure fluctuations,

• contact with chemicals or mechanical damage.

Many countries have adapted the international standard IEC 60529 to their needs. For example:

• China — GB/T 4208:2017 (translation of IEC 60529),

• South Korea — KS C IEC 60529:2006,

• Japan — JIS C 0920:2003,

• North America — NEMA 250:2014, which includes additional tests with oil contamination.

The USA also has a military standard MIL-STD 810, version MIL-STD-810H (2019). It tests devices for:

• vibration,

• extreme temperatures (-30…+55 °C),

• exposure to salt water,

• shocks and other adverse conditions.

Protected devices are suitable for an active lifestyle, professional use, and those who value reliability. However, even the most durable devices require careful handling, as their protection inevitably decreases over time.

Popular protected devices and their features

We found that when choosing protected electrical equipment, you cannot rely solely on the manufacturer's stated characteristics. The real capabilities of the devices are tested in practice, so we decided not to include models that have only recently appeared on the market in our review.

For the rating, we studied not only the description of protected phones and computers but also popular user reviews to offer an objective view. Thus, our review consists of two parts:

1. Top 5 rugged phones for active use, work in harsh conditions, and extreme climates.

2. Top 5 rugged computers suitable for fieldwork, harsh climate zones, or when data protection from hacking is required.

The feature of rugged computers is the presence of a powerful built-in security system that prevents virus infection and provides additional data protection. However, reviews of such devices are hard to find, probably due to their high cost and limited distribution. Therefore, the rating of these models was compiled solely based on the characteristics declared by the manufacturers.

Top 5 rugged phones

Blackview BV9300 Pro

• Manufacturer: Blackview, China.

• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810H.

• Display: main and secondary screens protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

• Temperature range: remains operational in frost down to -30 °C.

• Durability: withstands drops onto concrete from heights up to 2 meters without damage.

• Battery: capacity of 15,000 mAh, providing up to 3-5 days of moderate use.

• Camera: main 50 MP and secondary 8 MP.

• Size and weight: 179.8 × 84.4 × 18.8 mm, weight 520 g.

• Features: supports memory cards up to 1 TB, programmable side button for quick access to functions.

The phone is suitable for those looking for a device that can withstand frost, impacts, and long battery life. However, due to its significant weight (520 g), the model may be inconvenient for everyday use.

Ulefone Armor X5 Pro

• Manufacturer: Ulefone, China.

• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810H.

• Display: 5.5-inch HD+ (1440 × 720 pixels), protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.

• Temperature range: operates in the range from -20 °C to +60 °C, but may shut down in extreme heat.

• Durability: withstands drops, immersion in mud under rain (up to 3 days), and full immersion in water.

• Camera: main 13 MP + auxiliary 2 MP; suitable for underwater shooting.

• Battery: capacity 5000 mAh, provides up to 2 days of active use.

• Size and weight: 158.2 × 76.7 × 14 mm, weight 235 g.

• Features: programmable button for quick access to functions, NFC support, dual SIM capability.

The smartphone stands out for its ability to withstand prolonged exposure to water and dirt, making it an ideal choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it is recommended to dry the speaker after immersion, and check its operation in extreme heat in advance.

TeXet TM-513R

• Manufacturer: teXet, Russia.

• Protection: IP68, aluminum and plastic body.

• Display: 2.4-inch, resolution 320 × 240 pixels.

• Functionality: no camera, Bluetooth, or internet.

• Battery: capacity 2570 mAh, providing up to 7 days of battery life.

• Durability: shock resistance, dust and water protection, suitable for working in harsh conditions.

• Size and weight: 126 × 58 × 24 mm, weight 160 g.

The model has been discontinued, but it can still be found for sale on online platforms. Users note the durability of the phone (5–10 years of service for previous models) and high reliability.

The phone is suitable for workers in restricted areas and those who do not need modern features like the internet or Bluetooth. The device provides stable operation and protection in harsh conditions, but the limited functionality may be a drawback for a wider audience.

Doogee V Max

• Manufacturer: Doogee, China.

• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810H, Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

• Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ (2408 × 1080 pixels).

• Temperature range: maintains functionality at temperatures from -20 °C to +60 °C.

• Durability: waterproof, allows underwater shooting (up to 1.5 meters).

• Camera: main 108 MP, night 20 MP, and ultra-wide 16 MP; front 32 MP.

• Battery: capacity 22,000 mAh, providing up to 6–10 days of battery life.

• Size and weight: 178 × 83 × 27.3 mm, weight 546 g.

• Features: supports 5G, has a side programmable button, NFC, and a memory card slot up to 2 TB.

The smartphone is designed for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its durability, waterproofing, and long battery life. The trade-off for the powerful battery is its substantial weight and size.

AGM A9

• Manufacturer: AGM, China.

• Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810H.

• Display: 5.99-inch FHD+ (2160 × 1080 pixels), protected glass.

• Durability: withstands full immersion in water and repeated drops on hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. External scratches and scuffs are possible, but functionality is maintained.

• Camera: main 12 MP; front 16 MP.

• Battery: capacity 5400 mAh, providing up to 2–3 days of battery life with active use.

• Size and weight: 168 × 81.4 × 12.6 mm, weight 250 g.

• Features: powerful stereo speakers for loud sound, NFC support, and expandable memory up to 128 GB.

The AGM A9 is suitable for users who need a reliable smartphone for harsh conditions, such as construction sites or expeditions. However, due to possible dust accumulation, the device may require periodic cleaning. An excellent choice for those who value protection and functionality but are willing to accept cosmetic damage to the body.

Top 5 Rugged Computers

Panasonic Toughbook 40

• Manufacturer: Panasonic, Japan.

• Protection: IP66 rating, complies with the American military standard MIL-STD-810H.

• Case: made of magnesium alloy, which effectively absorbs vibrations and provides resistance to extreme weather conditions.

• Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen with anti-glare coating, adapted for work in sunny weather.

• Processor and memory: Intel Core i5/i7, up to 64 GB RAM, up to 2 TB SSD storage.

• Autonomy: battery provides up to 18 hours of operation, with hot-swap capability for extended use.

• Features: equipped with face recognition function, optional fingerprint reader, support for 4G/5G and modules for working with memory cards.

• Size and weight: 329 × 292 × 48 mm, weight 3.35 kg.

Panasonic Toughbook 40 is actively used by military, police, and rescue services. It can be found in the American army, where such laptops are used for fieldwork, operation coordination, and communication. The model is also suitable for specialists in heavy industry, where reliable equipment is required to withstand water, dust, icing, and solar heating.

There are no reviews for this particular model yet, but its predecessors have proven to be equipment capable of withstanding water spraying, drops, extreme temperatures, and severe vibrations.

Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme Laptop

• Manufacturer: Dell, USA.

• Protection: complies with IP65 class and American military standard MIL-STD-810H.

• Temperature range: operates in the range from -29 to +63 °C.

• Durability: withstands drops from a height of up to 180 cm. The screen supports touch control even in the rain or when working with gloves.

• Display: 13.3-inch Full HD, anti-glare touch screen.

• Processor and memory: Intel Core i5/i7, RAM up to 32 GB, storage up to 2 TB SSD.

• Battery: autonomy up to 25 hours with two replaceable batteries.

• Features: fingerprint scanner on the power button for user identification, support for 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6.

• Size and weight: 316 × 233 × 44 mm, weight 2.93 kg.

Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme is suitable for working in extreme conditions, including construction sites, emergency services, and field expeditions. Its rugged case and protection from external factors allow the device to be used in the rain, at high or low temperatures. Thanks to the Dell SafeScreen feature, the screen is protected from prying eyes, which is especially useful when working with confidential data.

CYBERBOOK R1174

• Manufacturer: Cyberbook, China.

• Protection: complies with IP65 class. The device is resistant to drops from a height of up to 180 cm, exposure to salt fog, pathogenic microflora, vibrations, rain, and dust.

• Temperature range: operating range from -20 to +60 °C.

• Display: 14-inch screen with anti-glare coating and privacy protection option.

• Processor and memory: Intel Core i5/i7, RAM up to 16 GB, SSD up to 1 TB.

• Autonomy: up to 10 hours of operation on a single charge.

• Features: rugged case, screen privacy protection function, resistance to microbiological contamination.

• Size and weight: 340 × 280 × 30 mm, weight 2.5 kg.

CYBERBOOK R1174 is designed to operate in harsh conditions, including industrial and laboratory environments, where the combination of durability and resistance to external factors is important. The privacy protection option (similar to Dell's protection) adds convenience when working with confidential information, especially in public places or during frequent movements.

Durabook S15 Rugged Laptop

• Manufacturer: Durabook, Taiwan.

• Protection: certified to MIL-STD-810H and IP5X standards, partially dustproof. Withstands drops from heights up to 120 cm.

• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD with improved color reproduction, suitable for graphic work and CAD applications.

• Processor and memory: Intel Core i5/i7, up to 64 GB RAM, up to 2 TB SSD storage.

• Battery life: up to 8 hours on a single charge.

• Features: built-in GPS module for location tracking and geolocation services.

• Size and weight: 376 × 256 × 35 mm, weight 2.6 kg.

Durabook S15 is suitable for professional work requiring a durable device capable of withstanding moderate loads in challenging conditions. The high-quality display makes the laptop convenient for engineers, architects, and graphic designers, especially when using CAD programs. The built-in GPS makes it useful for managing remote employees or working in the field.

Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2

• Manufacturer: Panasonic, Japan.

• Protection: meets MIL-STD-810H and IEC 60529 standards. The IP53 code means that the device is partially protected from dust (dust ingress does not interfere with operation) and from water spray or rain falling at an angle of up to 60° to the vertical.

• Temperature range: operating range from -29°C to +60°C.

• Case: made of magnesium alloy, which helps absorb vibrations and increases the strength of the device.

• Display: 14-inch Full HD with optional touch input, anti-glare coating for working in bright light.

• Processor and memory: Intel Core i5/i7, up to 64GB RAM, up to 2TB SSD storage.

• Battery life: up to 20 hours of operation with an additional battery.

• Features: modular design allows easy replacement and addition of components such as memory, drives, optical drives, and additional ports. The device is equipped with security features including TPM 2.0 and optional biometric authentication support.

• Size and weight: 345 × 272 × 32.8 mm, weight about 2.08 kg.

Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 is designed for professionals who need a reliable laptop for working in various conditions. The modular design allows you to customize the device for specific tasks, and the rugged case and protection against dust and rain make it suitable for use in the field, in production, or in transport. Additional security features help protect data from cyber threats, which is important when working with confidential information.

Conclusion

Rugged devices are a choice for those who work or play in harsh conditions. They are needed not only by builders, rescuers, or employees of sensitive facilities, but also by outdoor enthusiasts who need equipment that can withstand shocks, water, and dirt. But you should approach the choice wisely. The stated characteristics such as "immersion up to 3 meters" are best perceived as the upper limit and not tested for strength without unnecessary need.

Also, do not forget that protection wears out over time: gaskets lose their tightness, and the screen is no longer as resistant to scratches. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and careful handling will help extend the service life.

If you use protected equipment yourself, share your experience in the comments, which models have you already tested for durability (do not suggest Nokia 3310)...