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Last Updated on Oct-10-2022 – Added more answers in the FAQ section.
At a glance…
In our opinion, the Best Military-Grade Flip Phone is Sonim XP3. Besides that is military tested for shock, pressure, temperature, humidity, and rust resistance, this phone is also IP68 certified for full protection from dust and water. Then, the excellent loud and clear speaker, easy-to-use keypad, long-life battery, GPS capabilities, and 4G LTE – all these covered by a 3-year warranty.
- Perfect for: Those who are looking for an all-rounder rugged phone for unpredictable environments.
- Perfect for: Military personnel where consistent operation is an important consideration.
- Perfect for: The perfect backup phone for skiing trips, explorations, hikes, and other rugged adventures.
What is a flip phone?
Allow us to take you back to the 1990s, where phones were still primarily communication devices with simple, robust functionality and design.
If you looked around at a phone store in the late 90s [1], the chances are that the majority of the models would have ‘clamshell’ form-factors, or what you probably know as ‘flip phone’ designs.
This is where the display part of the phone was a separate component to the core phone with the majority of the computing parts reside, connected by a hinge that allowed the display to ‘flip’ up for use, and down when idle.
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Why use a flip phone?
There were a few key benefits to the clamshell, flip phone design style of cell phone, especially as it relates to our number one design priority – durability.
Primarily, the closed design protected the most vulnerable, damage-prone part of the phone, the screen.
When considering the huge displays that feature on the majority of modern phone models, the clamshell design feels like an enormous advantage. Imagine never having to buy a screen protector? With flip phones, you don’t have to.
The flip design makes the phones uniquely well-positioned for all types of active military service people, extreme activity enthusiasts, explorers, and adventurers.
Not to mention that, when flipping the phone down into a closed position, you effectively reduce its size by 50%, which will be a great asset in combat zones where provisions need to be compact and easily stored.
More so, the protected keyboard reduces the incidences of unintentional use. This might not seem that significant, but for work phones used strictly for professional purposes with only important and sensitive contacts, it’s ideal.
Do they still make flip phones?
You’ll be happy to know that, yes, they do indeed still make this style of phone.
And given their suitability to military situations, many modern-day flip phones are designed with extreme ruggedness and durability in mind, often built to military specifications.
Which will be the focus of today’s article. We have scoured the market and discovered the best military-grade flip phones available today in 2022 for your convenience.
We will compare and review the top 4 military flip phones from our research, paying special attention to the following features:
- Rugged: 50% weight of total score – Flip phones that are designed to withstand environmental hazards and compliant with military standards
- Repairable: 20% weight of total score – Flip phones with extended or lifetime warranties and advanced support services for part replacements
- Upgradable: 15% weight of total score – Flip phones with upgradable individual parts such as removable batteries or cameras
- Multipurpose: 15% weight of total score – Flip phones with features that suit a wide range of needs and use-cases
Let’s get right to it.
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Sonim XP3
Sonim’s mission is to create devices that support the heavy-duty activities of all types of key workers and critical personnel.
All their phones focus heavy on what they call ‘ultra-ruggedness’, meaning they can be bumped, dropped, submerged, washed, and disinfected without compromising functionality even a little bit.
The XP3 is a testament to that promise. This rugged flip phone has a tough, tactile design and has more rugged performance standard specifications than any on the list, so much so that we have to use bullet points:
- Class I, Div 2, Groups A, B, C, D
- Class II, Div 2, Groups F, G
- Class III
- MIL-STD-810G
- IP-68
The last two are particularly important, with the MIL-STD-810G spec meaning it’s suitable for military use for its shock, pressure, temperature, humidity, and rust resistance [1], as well as IP68 which offers full protection from dust and water.
Other features we loved include the 100dB+ speaker which allows for clear communication even underneath chopper blades or next to blaring sirens, and the glove-friendly tactile buttons.
It also has double GPS and GLONASS satellite system capability, offering twice the accuracy and reliability of the phone’s navigational abilities.
Sonim happily back up their rugged claims with a generous three-year comprehensive warranty [2].
- MIL-STD-810G and IP68 specification
- 100dB+ loud speaker for clear communication in any environment
- 4G-LTE cellular bands
PRICE: Around $300
PERFECT FOR: Those who are looking for an all-rounder rugged phone for unpredictable environments.
- The Sonim XP3 is an ultra-rugged1 flip phone built to communicate and thrive in extreme conditions. Its...
- The Sonim XP3 is an ultra-rugged1 flip phone built to communicate and thrive in extreme conditions. Its...
- 100 dB+ speaker and noise cancelation ensure your communication is loud and clear, even over helicopters,...
- 4G-LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 41, and 66
- Built to industry-leading Rugged Performance Standards, including MIL-810G, and Non-Incendive Class I, II...
Last update on 2021-06-12 at 05:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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- Form-Fit Protective Case Made Specifically for Sonim XP3 (XP3800)
- Plastic Vinyl Layer Offers Protection for Screen and Keypad
- Metal Clip Allows You to Clip the Case to Belt or Waistband
- Your Phone Remains Fully Functional in the Case with Access to All Ports; Vegan Leather Material with...
- [PLEASE READ] This is for the standard XP3 (model XP3800). This will NOT fit the XP3plus (will not fit...
- Rugged Canvas Pouch Case with Tough Nylon Trim Keeps Phone Protected and Concealed
- ACCESS: Free Your Pockets and Carry Your Phone in Comfort at Your Side with Quick Access - Like an Old...
- STRONG CLIP: Fixed Metal Clip with Low Profile Secures to Belt or Waistband
- HARNESS: Rear Sleeve/Loop to Thread Belt for Extreme Stability
- SECURE: Hidden/Quiet Magnetic Closure Keeps Case Closed Shut and Secure. Also Features Elastic Side Slot...
- MILITARY GRADE AGOZ Heavy Duty Rugged Vertical Canvas Case with Belt Clip and Loops For Sonim XP3 XP3800...
- DOUBLE STITCHED two belt loops, vertical and horizontal ( To use vertically and horizontally).
- STURDY METAL CLIP. It has a strong metal belt clip and two belt loops
- EXCELLENT PROTECTION from the elements and protects your tool/device from dirt and scratches.
- STRONG CLOSURE. The fastener will keep your case closed in both vertical or horizontal position.
Last update on 2022-11-09 at 22:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme
Competing head-to-head, the DuraXV Extreme matches many of the rugged specifications of the Sonim XP3, with a few possible advantages depending on your budgetary preferences.
Firstly, the DuraXV Extreme is built to MIL-STD-810G spec with the same IP68 standard of dust and water resistance as the XP3, making it a perfect military phone. You can take it to a combat zone in any weather condition and it will thrive.
It’s also independently tested as drop-proof up to 5 feet (or 1.5m) onto concrete. So don’t worry about phone cases or ‘being careful’, the rubberized housing protects the phone’s exterior very capably.
We love the large, tactile keypad with enhanced readability in the number font, the raised buttons will ensure you won’t be making many typing mistakes when operating the phone.
Another note on buttons, this model features a programmable SOS key on its side. You can instruct the phone to send a custom alert during emergency situations simply by pressing the button, which could be a life-saver down the road. So the large keypad along with the SOS key also makes this phone very suitable for senior citizens.
What truly sets the Kyocera DuraXV apart from the rest though is its battery life, which is a hefty 1770mAh and removable. This will allow you to perform a quick-swap in situations where you can’t afford any significant downtime.
It’s important to note though that many of the features of the DuraXV Extreme like the custom SOS button and data hotspot capability, are subscription-based and come at an additional, regular cost, which is not so consumer-friendly in our opinion.
- MIL-STD-810G and IP68 specification
- Removable battery
- Programmable SOS button (subscription only) [3]
PRICE: Around $250
PERFECT FOR: Military personnel where consistent operation is an important consideration.
- 100% functional item backed by Cellular Professor's 60-day warranty
- Network: AT&T branded + GSM Unlocked + T-Mobile (just insert your SIM Card) - Not compatible with Verizon...
- SIM Size: Nano
- Storage: 8GB
- Color: Black
Last update on 2021-07-05 at 19:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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- Premium Vegan Leather Pouch Case with Rugged Nylon Trim Keeps Phone Protected and Concealed
- Free Your Pockets and Carry Your Phone in Comfort at Your Side with Quick Access
- Fixed Metal Clip with Low Profile Secures to Belt or Waistband
- Rear Sleeve/Loop to Thread Belt for Extra Stability
- Magnetic Closure Keeps Case Closed Shut and Secure - Universal Design for Thick/Rugged Flip Phones
- This BELTRON Genuine Leather Fitted Case is designed and engineered to be compatible with the Kyocera...
- Two-piece design with snap closure for secure fit. Premium leather bonded with polymers for dirt...
- User-friendly and comfortable design allows access to buttons and ports including charging port. Built-in...
- The 180-degree cowhide leather-wrapped belt clip allows for comfortable positioning, easy access and...
- The BELTRON belt clip holster & case combo features a super slim profile, rubberized grip finish and open...
- Custom fit slim protective case designed to fit your DuraXV Extreme like a glove. Premium rubberized...
- Securely slide in/slide out design for convenient daily use, and durable rotating clip adjusts 180° for...
- Our belt clip has a built-in kickstand to easily position the clip on your table/desk, giving you the...
Last update on 2022-11-09 at 22:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Plum Ram8 4G
You might have been a little put off by some of the prices of the previous models for a phone that isn’t packed to the brim with hundreds of smart features and specifications like other contemporary smartphones.
Well, the Plum Ram8 might be the answer to your fears, possessing all the rugged features and specifications you would expect from a durability-centric phone, with a price that matches its slim form-factor.
Whilst the phone is advertised as ‘military graded’, they do not mention an exact specification, so we’ll have to take their word on that one.
They do however mention its IP68 dust and water-resistance, and for proof of its toughness, you can look no further than that this video [4] of it being thrown off the walls and into puddles of a construction site, without so much as a scratch to show for it.
As with the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme, the Plum Ram8 comes with a programmable SOS button for emergency services or whoever else you might desire, this time at no additional cost.
Uniquely, the Plum Ram8 comes with a built-in FM radio receiver that can play through the loudspeaker, which is a feature you might not consider essential, but certainly is neat.
The most attractive part of the phone? Probably its price. Whilst it falls short of the high benchmarks of other rugged flip phones, you can’t disagree that it offers a hell of a lot for under $100, and would be perfect as a temporary phone for an adventure.
- IP68 waterproof specification
- SOS button
- FM radio receiver
PRICE: Around $70
PERFECT FOR: The perfect backup phone for skiing trips, explorations, hikes, and other rugged adventures.
- Flip Phone 4G GSM Unlocked Rugged Water Proof Shock Proof IP68 Certified. Military Grade
- 5MP Camera with Flash, 2. 4" Display, Big and Easy to use Keypad, Dual SIM (means you can have 2 phone...
- Bluetooth, FM Radio, Loudspeaker, (radio, music or calls could be played on speaker) 1200 mash battery...
- Whats's IN THE box? Phone, Charger, Cable, Desk top Charger, headphones, Quick Guide, battery, 1 YEAR US...
- Compatible T-Mobile, metro, simple Mobile, Straight Talk(tmobile sim), Lyca, Mint, Walmart Mobile,...
Last update on 2021-06-12 at 05:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Samsung Rugby III
Not known for their durability, Samsung mostly focuses their phone production on competing with the latest smartphone trends and technology. The Rugby is a notable exception.
The Rugby III bumps up the specs from the prior entries of Samsung’s military graded flip phones, offering a larger display and enhanced camera. Those features are at the bottom of the list for durability purposes, but it’s still nice to see.
Its toughness is what we really care about, and the Rugby III performs excellently in that demanding category. Featuring MIL-STD-810G specification for all-round toughness in high-shock, vibration, temperature, and humidity situations, this rugged phone can even be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.
The 4G-enabled phone is equipped with quadband GSM and WCDMA modes, meaning it can be used for communication internationally. We also love the Push-to-talk (PTT) communication mode, a walkie-talkie style of communication that works with up to 250 users.
- MIL-STD-810G specification
- PTT technology
- Quandband GSM and WCDMA modes for international use
PRICE: Around $190
PERFECT FOR: Construction or corporate use where the PTT technology will come in handy.
- Cell phone ready to activate on your AT&T Account
- This is not a smartphone and will not require a data plan
- This phone will not extend or renew your AT&T contract
- You number and plan stays the same
- Comes with a home wall charger
Last update on 2021-08-15 at 03:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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- SOUND THAT ROCKS: The AKG-tuned 12mm speaker and enhanced bass tone play everything in studio-quality...
- NEW STYLE, NEW SOUND: Equal parts earbuds and ear bling, Galaxy Buds Live come in 3 colors you’ll want...
- TURN DOWN DISTRACTIONS: Turn on Active noise cancellation to block out background noise on an airplane,...
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Long-lasting battery life with a case that doubles as a wireless charger.
- ALWAYS-ON ASSISTANCE: Use your always-on voice Assistant to order coffee, send a message or search music,...
- Tag it: Need to keep tabs on something, Attach a Galaxy SmartTag to those precious things in life.
- Find it: If you lost your stuff, just launch the app, and see where it’s been last. Retracing your...
- Take it easy: There it is. Thanks to Galaxy SmartTags, finding lost items is smart and simple.
- Use with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8.0 or higher and RAM 2.0GB above. SmartThings app required.
- Exterior dimensions: 9.06 x 7.87 x 4.49 inches; Interior dimensions: 8.7 x 7.52 x 3.94 inches
- The interior elastic strap keeps the headset secure during mobility,mesh pocket can store other...
- This VR Case Compatible With Oculus Go, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2 and Samsung Gear VR headset. (Please...
- Shockproof and waterproof EVA material provides adequate protection from bumps, scratches and splashes
- ATTENTION: This case is fit for Oculus Quest 2 VR headset,but the Elite Strap can not put into the case.
Last update on 2022-11-09 at 22:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
That’s a lot of toughness.
To make your selection a whole lot easier, we’ve thrown all the key specifications in a table so you can compare each model side-by-side:
| Product | Features | RUGGED RATINGS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick |
| 8.7 | Check Latest Price |
Best Battery Life |
| 8.3 | Check Latest Price |
 |
| 6.6 | Check Latest Price |
Best Value |
| 6.3 | Check Latest Price |
It’s a disappointing but still true fact that the niche of ‘extremely rugged flip phones built for military environments’ are something of a dying breed.
With the system of replacing your phone every two or perhaps even one year becoming so deep-rooted, not to mention highly profitable, phone companies have less and less incentive to focus their attention on making phones that truly last.
There has been some contemporary buzz around the folding mechanism with ‘smart flip phone’ models like the Galaxy Z Fold [5], but people are rightly concerned about the longevity of a screen that will be subject to thousands of folds over a year or two. This isn’t the case with mechanical clamshell flip phones.
You can still turn your attention to traditionally designed phones with rugged features like the incredible CAT S62 Pro. But to scratch that nostalgic flip phone itch, fortunately, you still have a line-up of great value brands and models to go to.
If budget is of no concern, look no further than the Sonim XP3. With both the military MIL-STD-810G and IP68 spec, you don’t have to worry about, well, any kind of stress you’ll be putting your phone through.
It’ll be able to keep up with tactical excursions of all kinds, intense ski trips, mountainous hikes, aquatic adventures, and much more while maintaining perfect operation. The 3-year warranty supports all the claims Sonim makes about the phone, too.
But, if you’ve got a single trip, festival, mission, or expedition in mind and need to keep communications alive without risking your smartphone, save some money with the Plum Ram 8 4G. For around 70 bucks, you’ll get a phone that you can bounce off of walls and drop into puddles without breaking a sweat, also with list-topping 4G connectivity.
FAQ
What is the most durable flip phone?
The Sonim XP3 meets military MIL-STD-810G and IP68 specifications, making you worry less and stress-free when going to a tough place. The 3-year warranty is also a plus point for long-lasting use.
Who makes the toughest flip phone?
Kyocera, Sonim, and Samsung are always famous for producing the most durable flip phones.
What is the Unbreakable Flip Phone?
The Kyocera Ultra-Rugged DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone, with an IP68 rating and a rugged build, is drop-proof up to 1.5m (5 ft.). Kyocera DuraXV is synonymous with this title due to the phone’s rugged build and MIL-STD-810G standard that guards against dust, shock, and other external agents.
What is the best flip phone on the market?
A sleek minimal design with modern hardware is the word when we talk about Sonim XP3. This phone offer:
+ Minimal design
+ 4G LTE support
+ Loud 100dB+ speaker
+ ‘Ultra-ruggedness’ build
+ Great battery capacity 1500mAh
Are flip phones being phased out?
Yes, but only with the older-style Flip phones. Manufacturers continue to produce and available generally the modern ones compatible with 4G above.
How long will flip phones be supported?
It depends on the network of the flip phone. For example, in 2022, the US is not going to support 3G flip phones anymore.
Will any flip phones work in 2022?
Wireless carriers will stop supporting 3G devices in 2022. Older style 3G models will be eliminated. The good news is flip phones work perfectly on next-generation networks still available.
What is a burner flip phone?
A burner phone is an inexpensive, disposable cell phone designed for temporary use, usually to prevent tracking from others.
Why use a flip phone?
People still choose flip phones over those cool phones out there because of the Long-Lasting Battery and easy-to-use function. Also, use a flip phone if you’re trying to curb your social media addiction and become more productive overall.
Smartphone or flip phone? Which is better?
If you don’t need a full HD camera or a big screen, a flip phone is your best choice. That way, you don’t have to pay for the features you’ll never use.
What to check next…The Most Durable Android Phone. Especially now in a time of such economic calamity, people are rightly wondering whether it’s really worth it to spend $800+ to upgrade their smartphone each year for marginally updated hardware, and a few exclusive but minimally impactful software features.
What do you think? Do you have a different opinion on the Best Military Grade Flip Phones? Be sure to share this article with anyone and everyone in the market for #BIFL durable phones. We regularly post guides similar to this one all about products that aim to last a lifetime, so stay posted if you agree with the Buy It For Life golden rule as much as we do.
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