The first purchase most people make after copping a smartphone is a sturdy case to keep their handset safe. We understand. So does Samsung. The Korean company took a break from perfecting its Galaxy line of smartphones and developed what may be the most rugged smartphone on the market: the Rugby Smart.
You may recognize the Rugby name. Samsung used the moniker for its 2008 flip phone which sported a super-durable casing that protected it from drops, water, and even the occasional crushing. Teaming up once again with AT&T, Samsung brings Android to the Rugby line with the Smart (get it?).
Mixed in with the Samsung hallmarks—3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, 5MP camera with HD video recording—are features that can help those who actually need such a durable device, like a built-in flashlight. It also sports Android 2.3, 4GB of internal storage, and a 4G connection for high-speed Web surfing.
So how rugged is it? We haven’t had a chance to use it, but AT&T says it can survive being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It also meets the United States Military Standard (U.S. Mil-STD 810F) for dust, humidity, rain, shock, and temperature.
The Samsung Rugby drops on March 4 and will be available from AT&T for $99 with a two-year contract.
