Construction is a professional field that requires skills and unique equipment because, for the most part, the workplace is as rugged as it is dangerous. Contractors and construction workers already have it in their minds that choosing the right equipment, product, and device is one of the most important considerations they need to take into account when working in construction; a rugged phone with excellent phone durability is one such consideration.
Worksites create many challenges for phone operations. Along with the dust and dangerous equipment, noise, moisture, extremes in temperature, and exposure to other outdoor elements can play havoc with how phones function. All of these challenges are important to address when selecting a construction worker’s phone.
More Than Just a Rugged Phone
Contractors and construction workers understand their phones and tablets are more than just tools and devices to make and receive calls. It also provides vital emails, visual plans, and state-of-the-art applications that are crucial to their job.
Yet, at the same time, their phone needs other unique qualities to be used in a construction zone, such as durability, reliability, range, and exceptional application capabilities. With these qualities in mind, we have found the best construction phones on the market for contractors and construction workers.
1. The Brigadier by Kyocera
If durability is your most significant concern, the Brigadier by Kyocera should be near the top of your list. Built with military-grade 810G protection against dust, extremes in temperature, shock, vibration, and moisture, the Brigadier may be one of the best phones for construction workers.
The high-quality front speakers are loud enough to be heard over some of the noisiest equipment. The Smart Sonic Receiver can also turn sound into vibration, allowing the user to hold this durable cell phone near the ear and hear the conversation over any background noise. The screen is vibrant and clear and is glove-sensitive. However, its most unique feature is its touch-to-talk capability, allowing you to speak instantly with up to 250 people.
Brigadier by Kyocera, $264.99
- Front-facing powerful speakers
- Strong durability
- Push-to-talk capability
- Glove touchscreen
2. The Sonim XP7
The technicians at Sonim state that their mission was to create an ultra-rugged smartphone, and with the XP7, they accomplished that task. It provides a water-resistant screen that does not lose sensitivity when touched by wet fingers. Shock-resistant, dust-resistant, and moisture-proof, it is capable of handling the elements at almost any work site. The manufacturer is so confident in its durability that this construction cell phone comes with a three-year warranty.
Other features include extra loudspeakers, great for conversations that are challenged by power tools. It also provides enhanced screen brightness, which allows its users to see images clearly in direct sunlight. The battery life of this model guarantees you won’t run out of juice on-site. The Sonim XP7 also has access to vertical enterprise safety and productivity applications.
Sonim XP7: $251.99
- Best warranty
- Enhanced screen brightness
- Glove ready touchscreen
- Water-resistance
- Dust-resistance
3. The Sony Xperia Z3 Plus
No other contractor phone on the market offers the water-resistant qualities of the Sony Xperia Z3 Plus. You will have no worries if you drop this mobile phone in a bucket of water, as it can stay submerged for up to thirty minutes in three feet of water and still function. Its screen is sensitive to wet and gloved hands, making it ideal for inclement weather.
The Sony Xperia Z3 Plus also features extended external memory and full application running ability. It has a front-facing camera, and in those areas where reaching your favorite station is challenging, it has FM radio capabilities as well. The camera includes stabilizing technology, perfect for capturing those worksite pictures that are not in ideal locations.
Sony Xperia Z3 Plus: $169.99
- Waterproof
- Upgraded memory
- Front-facing camera
- Excellent price point
4. The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2
In keeping with the tradition of its line of durable phones, Kyocera launched its DuraForce Pro 2 model, featuring its exclusive Sapphire Shield screen protection. The state-of-the-art screen is scratch-resistant and provides diamond-hard protection. As with the Brigadier, the DuraForce Pro 2 offers military-grade durability along with a two-year warranty. Its long-lasting battery charges at lightning-fast speeds as well.
This rugged device features a set of strong speakers, allowing for more effortless hearing in noisy locations. The DuraForce Pro 2 is also compatible with Vibes accessory systems, and its extended battery life gives the user twenty-one hours of talk time on a single full charge. The manufacturer has also provided memory upgrades, allowing for greater document storage.
Kyocera DurForce Pro 2 with Sapphire Shield: $399.99
- Best available screen protection on the market
- Extended battery life
- Extended warranty package
- Expanded memory
5. The CAT S52 SMARTPHONE
The CAT S52 Smartphone was built with one purpose in mind, durability. Constructed with a Gorilla Glass screen, this construction phone is perfect for contractors and construction workers. Although the screen is the toughest on the market, it is sensitive enough to pick up touches from gloves and wet fingers, and the high-quality speakers are strong enough to be heard over the noisiest machinery.
The phone was built to military specifications and is dust- and shock-proof. It is also entirely functional even after being completely submerged in water. The battery is robust and provides a brightly lit screen for easy readability in direct sunlight. Its high-performance camera with dual-pixel technology offers highly detailed photos of any worksite.
CAT S52 Smartphone, $359
- Excellent screen durability
- Military standards
- High-quality speakers
- Waterproof
- A readable screen in direct sunlight
Choosing Your Rugged Phone
When deciding on the best phones for construction work, make sure you take all factors into account. Examine your typical work environment along with all possible substances and conditions, such as dust, temperature extremes, moisture, and noise levels. If you store your phone in an area where it can get scratched or damaged, make sure to consider this as well.
Also, take inventory of your storage and application usage. If your job requires you to examine documents, pictures, or other items, the screen size, brightness, and screen clarity are important factors. Once you determine and evaluate every facet, you will be in a position to make the best decision.
Saving Time and Money with Field Service Software
In addition to investing in a durable phone, utilizing field service software can also help contractors and construction workers save time and money. Field service software allows for better organization, communication, and efficiency on the job site.
Benefits of using Field Service Software
ServMan by WorkWave is a comprehensive tool designed specifically for general contractor businesses, offering a wide range of benefits that can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity.
FAQ
1. What features are necessary in a phone for construction workers?
A phone designed for construction workers should have durable features, such as water, dust, and drop resistance. The device should feature a durable battery, a sunlight-readable display, and effective communication capabilities for consistent contact during work hours.
2. Is battery life a key consideration for a construction phone?
Battery life is an important factor for construction workers who require a phone that can withstand long workdays without requiring frequent charging. It is recommended to consider phones with extended battery life, fast charging features, or the option of replaceable batteries to ensure continuous usage.
3. Are there phones available with specialized features designed to assist construction workers?
Certain rugged phones offer additional features such as thermal imaging, distance measuring, or air quality monitoring, which can be advantageous for certain tasks in construction work.
4. Do rugged phones have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures?
Rugged phones are designed to operate in different temperatures, so it is essential to verify the specific temperature range supported by the phone for your working environment.
Conclusion:
In the construction industry, a durable and reliable phone is essential for staying connected and withstanding the extreme conditions of the job. This is why, through research, this article identified phones that offer both durability and advanced technology for construction workers. Pairing these phones with top-rated field service software can provide a winning solution for general contractor businesses. This software allows easy access to job schedules, appointment details, customer information, service history, private notes, billing records, and more.
