Fool protection: choose the best secure phone

The content of the article:

• CAT S41
• Sigma mobile X-treme PQ39
• Blackview BV6000s
• Sigma mobile X-Treme DZ68
• Blackview BV1000
• Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018
  )

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Long time we did not raise the topic of choosing protectedphones and smartphones, and it's time to fix it. The theme of durable mobiles is most relevant during summer and winter holidays, although one cannot say that they are not bought at all “out of season”. There is always a certain demand due to tourists who go hiking, regardless of the season, people whose work is connected with difficult conditions (some kind of production) or just in case, so as not to drown and break the apparatus during the first accidental fall. for curves of hands or any other reasons. But everything has its price. Any "armored car" will cost several times more expensive than similar in filling models without protection. Apparently, therefore, the segment remains relatively small and does not cause much interest among the major market players. At the same time, A-brands decided that their flagship smartphones should be protected from dust and water. This applies to Samsung, Apple, LG, Sony (the first to begin this very pleasant tradition), and behind them Huawei and other Chinese manufacturers have already begun to catch up. Conventionally, modern secure phones can be divided into three large groups:

• A simple push-button telephone with a protected case, long working hours and a flashlight. Suitable for those who need a long-playing and surviving "dialer" without any frills;
• dustproof and waterproof smartphone without protection fromfalls It is also a good option if you are afraid to drown the phone in the pool or at sea, but do not plan to use it in more extreme conditions or drop it;
• dustproof and waterproof smartphone with"Armored" case - for lovers of more active recreation and dirty work. Usually large, heavy, rubberized devices with plugs on all connectors and openings. They are not afraid of water, dust and dirt, as well as falls (of course, within reasonable limits).

We now turn to the standards of protection thatboast makers. The degree of protection against the penetration of solid objects and liquids is indicated by an “IP” code with two digits. The first (from 0 to 6) means protection against the penetration of solid objects, the second (from 0 to 8) - the level of water protection. The decoding of all values ​​can be viewed at the end of the article, the main rule - the higher the number, the better the protection. In modern phone-tanks, there are two options. IP67 means that the dust will not get inside the case, and the device is able to survive a brief immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter. The IP68 class also guarantees full dust protection, but allows for a long dive to a depth of more than 1 meter (the limits are indicated by the manufacturer, usually one and a half to two meters and from 30 minutes to an hour of time).

An important point - the IP standard is only aboutfresh water. Protection against swimming in the sea and chemicals in the pool is not guaranteed. If you still decide to take a chance, when returning to land, you should immediately rinse the phone in fresh water, for example, from a bottle taken to the beach.

Sometimes the description mentions a military standard.MIL-STD-810G. It may include tests for resistance to shocks and falls, high and low temperatures, humidity, vibrations, solar radiation, and so on. The entire list consists of 30 tests, but often only a part is carried out. Compliance with the standard does not mean that the phone is automatically considered "unkillable". And even more so it is not necessary to tempt fate, especially checking the impact resistance. You should always look at what exactly the manufacturer promises.

At the end of this theory, and you can go toprotected phones. We tried to find interesting options from different price ranges and with different functionality (smartphones, push-button devices, models with Walkie-Talkie). We will not consider exotics like Panasonic, Kyocera, etc., which are not sold on the territory of Ukraine. The same applies to the narrow-minded Chinese brands Conquest and Runbo. They are trying to produce the most functional "SUVs", but ordering them on AliExpress is too expensive because of customs limits. In the process of working on the material, we often stumbled upon the same models under different names (OEM-production), in our selection there are also some.

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CAT S41

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Caterpillar smartphones are licensedby Bullitt Mobile, but this is not the case when only one name remains from a well-known brand. The partner can make durable devices, and the CAT S41 is no exception. This is the most expensive device in our collection, although not the oldest in the line. There is also a top CAT S61 with a thermal imager, but when (and if) it appears in the official retail, you will have to pay twice as much for the unique chip and slightly more advanced features. Unless a heat chamber is needed for operation, the S41 can be considered the most optimal choice.

CAT S41 is IP68 compliant against dust and water,he is able to withstand a dive to a depth of two meters for an hour. The smartphone is certified according to the MIL-STD 810G standard and survives falling onto concrete from a height of up to 1.8 meters. Operating temperature range is from -25 ° C to + 55 ° C. The screen is covered with Gorilla Glass 5 glass with increased resistance to impact. For greater reliability, the manufacturer could increase the plastic side around the perimeter, but as it is.

The smartphone is equipped with a bright 5-inch FullHD display with input support with wet fingers and gloves. Responsible for the performance of a middle-aged eight-core processor MediaTek Helio P20. In games with it, you will not particularly overclock, but for simple arcades and applications this is quite enough. RAM 3 GB, built-in - 32 GB with the possibility of expansion card microSD (separate slot).

The weak point of the CAT S41 was the camera. The main 13 megapixel module only reliably removes during the day, and the HDR mode in a standard application is useless a little more than completely. The 8 megapixel selfie camera also doesn’t stand out. But with the autonomy, everything is good - a full battery charge with a capacity of 5000 mAh is enough for two or three days of active use.

For the smartphone has already been updated to Android 8.0 Oreo. There is an NFC chip for contactless payment. About the fingerprint scanner manufacturer did not think. Issue price - 13 000 hryvnia. In most stores, the model is already sold out, and it is not yet clear whether there will be new supplies.

pros
Minuses

• best classroom protection
• bright screen
• good autonomy

• quality of shooting
• no fingerprint scanner
• specifications

CAT S41

Reliable Caterpillar

CAT S41 is not easy to break or drown. The device will withstand severe frosts and heat, and thanks to the 5000 mAh battery, it will not have to be charged every day. The only serious miscalculation of the manufacturer is weak cameras. The rest is a solid neubivaemy smartphone.

Buy in Eldorado

Buy in the Connected

optimal choice

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Sigma mobile X-treme PQ39

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Most gadgets from China have novery clear prospects for warranty service. The situation is better with local brands, working on the OEM-scheme. In Ukraine, the release of branded versions of protected "Chinese" is engaged in the company Sigma mobile, which has its own service center in Kiev. In the line of the brand there was an option for fans of long-playing models - Sigma mobile X-treme PQ39 with a battery capacity of 9000 mAh and a price tag of 8000 hryvnia. The device is IP68 protected and withstands30-minute immersion in water to a depth of one and a half meters. A titanium plate is used to strengthen the structure inside the case; you only need to protect the front glass of Gorilla Glass 4 from impacts.

The smartphone has a 5.5-inch Full HD display. Responsible for the performance of eight MediaTek MT6753 processor with a frequency of 1.3 GHz. Also quite old chip, for modern games with complex 3D graphics it is not designed. RAM 3 GB, built-in - 32 GB. In the presence of a hybrid slot for a microSD card or a second SIM card. The main 13 megapixel camera shoots well in good light, and the flash can replace a flashlight with four LEDs. Front-facing 5-megapixel module.

A full battery lasts three to four days.battery life, although if you watch a lot of videos or play games, the smartphone will have to be recharged more often. Included is an OTG adapter to power up other devices. The power port is a symmetrical USB Type-C, and the 3.5-mm audio connector is still available. This smartphone is not for every hand. Sigma X-treme PQ39 dimensions are 169x86x16 mm, and it weighs as much as 307 grams. Contactless payment lovers out of luck, NFC is not here.

pros
Minuses

• long working
• have a fingerprint scanner
• can work as powerbank

• big and heavy
• microSD / SIM hybrid slot
• no nfc

Sigma mobile X-treme PQ39

Solid smartphone without fear of water

This model has two chips: IP68 protection and 9000 mAh battery. For lovers of hours to flip through the tapes of social networks Sigma X-treme PQ39 is too heavy, but it is great for work and leisure away from civilization.

Buy at Rozetka

Buy in F.ua

Buy at TTT

Buy in Foxtrot

long-liver

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Blackview BV6000s

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The budget protected smartphone featuresthe most primitive ones are rather “dialers” with access to instant messengers and social networks. Here is the territory of third-tier manufacturers, which produce models of different design with practically the same “iron”. Surprisingly, the old Blackview BV6000s is still sold, albeit in a slightly updated form. Its owners have long described all the pitfalls, and the probability of unpleasant surprises is at least lower than that of new products. Of the known features - with a sharp temperature drops at the speakers can significantly drop the volume. It is treated by opening the next stub, although the solution is not universal. Near the water tightness of the case is better not to break.

Blackview BV6000s equipped with 4.7-inch HD-display, the new shipments come with a quad-core MediaTek MT6737T chip with a frequency of 1.5 GHz. RAM 2 GB, and in addition to the drive with a capacity of 16 GB, there is a slot for a microSD card. The main 8-megapixel camera shoots mediocre, which is not surprising - the model was released in 2016. The front module of 2 megapixels is suitable only for video calls. Battery capacity is 4200 mAh. With intensive use, the smartphone will be asked for charging in the evening. Bonus comes support for NFC-payment via Google Pay.

The body is made of rubberized plastic withmetal inserts on the sides, it is protected from dust and water according to the standard IP68. In addition to black, there are not so boring versions with orange and green accents. In Ukrainian stores there were only remnants of Blackview BV6000s from old batches with a different processor. The current version is on AliExpress, it will cost about 3400 hryvnia (with repair warranty option).

pros
Minuses

• inexpensive
• NFC module

• simple stuffing
• features of the speakers
• no official manufacturer support

Blackview BV6000s

Waterproof smartphone for little money

This summer will be three years since the releaseBlackview BV6000s, and it is still for sale, despite the existence of a newer BV7000. Apparently, the manufacturer really got a good budget "armored car". Although as a smartphone, it is very simple.

Buy on AliExpress

From another seller

time tested

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Sigma mobile X-Treme DZ68

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So we got to the unkillable phones. For locations with poor cellular network reception, the Sigma mobile X-Treme DZ68 with walkie-talkie walkie talkie is well suited. This model can be found under other names, but only the Sigma mobile version has full support for the Ukrainian language, including keyboard engraving. IP68 protection is declared - the device is dustproof and can withstand immersion in water to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Inside is a powerful battery with a capacity of 4500 mAh. It is enough for 25 hours of talk time. In addition, the phone can charge other user gadgets (under the bottom cap there is a full-sized USB port for connecting the cable).

Sigma mobile X-Treme DZ68 got the screen at 2.4 inches with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. The 0.3 megapixel camera is more like a tick here, but the flashlight is very bright. I did not forget about the manufacturer and about the MP3 player, only the music will have to be stored on a microSD memory card (up to 32 GB). The built-in memory here is only 32 megabytes. When you connect headphones, you can listen to FM radio. Java and no access to the Internet.

The radio works in two civiliansThe frequency ranges are 446-446.1 MHz (PMR) with a power of 0.5 W and 433.05-434.79 MHz (LPD) with a power of 0.01 W. The external antenna does not hide inside. The list of characteristics also shows Bluetooth, but without A2DP. It is only suitable for transferring files and working in headset mode with one active headset.

The handset is large enough (142.3 × 68.5 × 25 mm) and weighs a good 245 grams without an antenna. Worth 2000 hryvnia.

pros
Minuses

• long-playing
• radio function
• bright flashlight
• can charge other devices

• the phone is big enough
• I would like the price a little lower

Sigma mobile X-Treme DZ68

The phone with the walkie-talkie you are looking for

Over the past few years, phones withThe walkie-talkie was noticeably reduced. Apparently, the function is not very popular, but it may be useful to someone. In addition, Sigma mobile X-Treme DZ68 is interesting not only for this. A 4500 mAh battery allows you to do without a power outlet for a long time, and the phone itself can be turned into a power bank.

Buy on Rozetka

Buy at TTT

Buy in Eldorado

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Blackview BV1000

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Durable "no frills" models differ inmainly design. If you are concerned about the support of the Ukrainian language, again, you need to look in the direction of Sigma mobile devices. And for those who are looking for the cheapest “non nonim” with AliExpress, the Blackview BV1000 will be a good option. In addition to IP68 protection, the phone is resistant to falls from a height of up to 1.8 meters. Then everything is standard: a 2.4-inch screen (320 × 240 pixels), a flashlight on the top, a delightful, almost useless 0.3 MP camera, a music player from a memory card, and the same trimmed Bluetooth 3.0 without A2DP. FM radio works without headphones.

According to the manufacturer, the battery is 3000 mAhprovides up to a month of work in standby mode or 25 hours of calls. The case dimensions are 130.8x61x17 mm with a weight of 160 grams. You can choose from three design options: black and with inserts in green or orange. Cyrillic versions are available on buttons and menus in Russian (although high-quality translation is not guaranteed). They will cost about 850 hryvnia.

pros
Minuses

• inexpensive phone with IP68 protection

• not very bright flashlight
• may be difficult to repair or return during marriage

Blackview BV1000

Available secure "dialer"

An excellent candidate for the role of the second apparatus fortravel and difficult working conditions. The phone rings, plays music, works for a long time on a single charge and is inexpensive. The manufacturer has completed the minimum program, and we did not count on more.

Buy on AliExpress

From another seller

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Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and other “just smartphones”

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If you're just afraid to drown the smartphone insink or toilet, walk with a heavy "tank" is not necessary. Today, almost all the flagships of A-brands correspond to IP68 or IP67 protection class, among them are Samsung Galaxy S9 +, Galaxy Note 9, Sony Xperia XZ3, LG G7 ThinQ, Google Pixel 3, iPhone XS Max and others. In the more affordable A-series, Samsung also has waterproof models, for example, Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8 + (2018). They are not so pathetic to break, and according to the characteristics of the Korean middling will be more interesting than protected counterparts for the same money. A shockproof covers and films will help the device to survive the accidental fall.

Use Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) case with caseIt will be more convenient due to more compact dimensions. The smartphone is equipped with an elongated 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of Full HD +. The eight-core Exynos 7885 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory plus a separate microSD slot are not the best set in the middle segment, but only the A8 has IP68 dust and water protection.

16 megapixel main camera, selfie cameradouble, at 16 + 8 MP. The quality of shooting the Galaxy A8 is a cut above the protected models, but with the autonomy the situation is opposite. In the typical mode, the battery capacity of 3000 mAh is enough for one day of operation without recharging. There is NFC. The "usual" waterproof smartphones have no plugs at the power connector and mini-jack. Sometimes it is convenient, but after getting wet it is necessary to dry everything before charging. Issue price - 11 000 hryvnia.

pros
Minuses

• high-quality AMOLED display
• IP68 water and dust protection
• separate SIM card slot

• not resistant to shocks (need accessories)
• at night the camera shoots itself

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018)

Waterproof smartphone with flagship chips

In terms of technology, specialized protecteddevices for several generations behind the usual models. Not everyone will decide to downgrade, but you can do without it. Most premium-class smartphones already have water protection, and accessories manufacturers will take care of the rest. Do not want to put at risk an expensive flagship? Then here is another interesting option - Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) with a price tag two times lower.

Buy in the Connected

Buy in Euroset

Buy in M.Video

not afraid of water

By the way, the most risky guys can rummage in the appropriate section on Aliexpress and find there a lot of inexpensive and little-known "armored cars" that are not mentioned in this material.

IP Standard (International Protection Marking) -the degree of protection of the electrical equipment shell against the penetration of solid objects and liquids. The first number is the level of protection against the ingress of solid objects, the second is water:

Protection against the entry of foreign objects

Index
Protection against items with a diameter, mm

0
without any case protection

1
protection against large foreign bodies, more than 50 mm

2
protection against foreign bodies of medium size, more than 12 mm

3
protection against foreign bodies of small size, more than 2.5 mm

4
protection against granular foreign bodies, more than 1 mm

5
protection against settling dust (protection against internal damage due to dust)

6
protection against dust penetration (dust is completely excluded)

Degrees of protection against liquid penetration:

Liquid penetration protection

Index
Liquid protection

0
Lack of moisture protection

1
protection from vertical water droplets

2
protection against droplets falling at an angle of up to 15 °

3
protection against drops falling at an angle of up to 60 °

4
protection from flowing water from all directions

5
protection from water jets under pressure from all directions

6
protection against short-term flooding (anti-storm protection)

7
protection against condensation, protection during partial or short-term immersion to a depth of 1 m

8
Protection against water under pressure (prolonged immersion to a depth of more than 1 m)