6 phone features that will survive 2020
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6 phone features that will survive 2020
Jumping Trout, LLC
(CNET July 2, 2020) I hate putting a case on my phone. It makes it bulky and unsightly. Sure they have cute cases that you can change depending on your mood, but why put a $15 case on your $1000 phone? Shouldn't my phone be able to survive without it?
There are plenty of phones out there that can survive without a case. Rugged phones have always been around, but they've since evolved into a sleeker look. Here's some of the things you should look for in a phone if you're accident prone (like us) and the phones that you deserve.
Ruggedness & Water Resistance
Some people think they're phones are water resistant - like it shows in the ad. However, paying attention to the details could save you a phone. Not all rugged phones are created equal. Some are only water resistant for '30 min, up to 5 ft', etc. A phone's resistance to foreign matter is determined by it's IP code. IP68 means the phone is closed to dust, grit, and can be submergered (according to the manufacturers instruction and dependent on conditions). Of all the rugged phones out there, the Sonim XP8 and the Cat S61 receive an IP69 rating. So if you're looking for something that's better, go with these choices.
Push to Talk
Cellphones are detrimental to health and safety in a natural disaster. Without a phone, how will you call for help? There are now many apps that rely on radio-style communications or chat groups in order to stay in contact during these times. Push to Talk Over Cellular apps like Zello allow for communication this way. To take it a step further, the Unihertz AtomXL and Sonim XP8 is an actual radio phone, equipped with a radio anntena so it can communicate with other radios without a cell connection.
Dual SIMS
You know that SIM card in your phone that you never touch and may not even be able to get access to? Well the Samsung XCover Pro has two of them. Why? So you can have two carriers connected to your phone at one time. This could mean the difference between having service or not when you ned it most, like in times of crisis. With this feature, you can activate both AT&T and Verizon on the same phone. Not sure if you have to pay double for these services, but it might be worth looking into.
Front-Facing Speakers
Most speakers on phones are located on the side, bottom, or back of the device. There are some phones, like the Sonim XP8, that have front facing speakers so you can actually hear volumes from your phone! If you're in a hectic or louder location, this works great for speakerphone. But please, use sparingly.
Replaceable Batteries
It's been a while since our phones had these, but the investment is worth it. With your iPhone, your battery goes bad, it's time to get a new phone. The Samsung X Cover Pro and the Sonim XP8have spare batteries that you can pop in on the go - in case you find yourself without a charge.
Good Cameras, Good Screens
When you're picking a phone based on durability, other features like camera and screen size become secondary. Not many cameras or screens can compete with the iPhone 11 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S20, but they can still impress. The Cat S61 not only has a camera, but a heat sensor too.
Size & Weight
Who says that a rugged phone needs to be bulky? That's the reason we got rid of our cases right? The thickest of the phones we've mentioned is the Somin XP8. The thinnest, the Samsung XCover Pro - which is slimmer than your Galaxy S8 with a case on it.
So there you have it. A list of phone features you didn't even know you needed. If rugged phones are your thing, here's a list of all we mentioned with prices:
Unihertz AtomXL: $329
Cat S52: $485
Cat S61: $999
Sonim XP8: $648
Samsung XCover Pro: $500
Source: https://www.cnet.com/news/6-rugged-phones-that-will-survive-2020-and-beyond/
There are plenty of phones out there that can survive without a case. Rugged phones have always been around, but they've since evolved into a sleeker look. Here's some of the things you should look for in a phone if you're accident prone (like us) and the phones that you deserve.
Ruggedness & Water Resistance
Some people think they're phones are water resistant - like it shows in the ad. However, paying attention to the details could save you a phone. Not all rugged phones are created equal. Some are only water resistant for '30 min, up to 5 ft', etc. A phone's resistance to foreign matter is determined by it's IP code. IP68 means the phone is closed to dust, grit, and can be submergered (according to the manufacturers instruction and dependent on conditions). Of all the rugged phones out there, the Sonim XP8 and the Cat S61 receive an IP69 rating. So if you're looking for something that's better, go with these choices.
Push to Talk
Cellphones are detrimental to health and safety in a natural disaster. Without a phone, how will you call for help? There are now many apps that rely on radio-style communications or chat groups in order to stay in contact during these times. Push to Talk Over Cellular apps like Zello allow for communication this way. To take it a step further, the Unihertz AtomXL and Sonim XP8 is an actual radio phone, equipped with a radio anntena so it can communicate with other radios without a cell connection.
Dual SIMS
You know that SIM card in your phone that you never touch and may not even be able to get access to? Well the Samsung XCover Pro has two of them. Why? So you can have two carriers connected to your phone at one time. This could mean the difference between having service or not when you ned it most, like in times of crisis. With this feature, you can activate both AT&T and Verizon on the same phone. Not sure if you have to pay double for these services, but it might be worth looking into.
Front-Facing Speakers
Most speakers on phones are located on the side, bottom, or back of the device. There are some phones, like the Sonim XP8, that have front facing speakers so you can actually hear volumes from your phone! If you're in a hectic or louder location, this works great for speakerphone. But please, use sparingly.
Replaceable Batteries
It's been a while since our phones had these, but the investment is worth it. With your iPhone, your battery goes bad, it's time to get a new phone. The Samsung X Cover Pro and the Sonim XP8have spare batteries that you can pop in on the go - in case you find yourself without a charge.
Good Cameras, Good Screens
When you're picking a phone based on durability, other features like camera and screen size become secondary. Not many cameras or screens can compete with the iPhone 11 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S20, but they can still impress. The Cat S61 not only has a camera, but a heat sensor too.
Size & Weight
Who says that a rugged phone needs to be bulky? That's the reason we got rid of our cases right? The thickest of the phones we've mentioned is the Somin XP8. The thinnest, the Samsung XCover Pro - which is slimmer than your Galaxy S8 with a case on it.
So there you have it. A list of phone features you didn't even know you needed. If rugged phones are your thing, here's a list of all we mentioned with prices:
Unihertz AtomXL: $329
Cat S52: $485
Cat S61: $999
Sonim XP8: $648
Samsung XCover Pro: $500
Source: https://www.cnet.com/news/6-rugged-phones-that-will-survive-2020-and-beyond/
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